Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist.

I Got A “Stitch” In My Side

on Wednesday, 04 July 2012. Posted in Athletic Training, Sports Injuries, Strength and Conditioning, Physical Therapy

I think we have all witnessed the scene in which an athlete slows down tremendously during a marathon, stating they have a stitch in their side.  They are usually bent over or leaning to one side as they start to dig their fingers around and under their right rib cage.  They are trying anything in order to offer some relief to this unknown pain.  Many doctors, physiotherapists, athletic trainers and athletes alike have seen this scenario before, while others may..

Frozen Shoulder

on Friday, 25 May 2012. Posted in Physical Therapy

Adhesive Capsulitis is one of the most frustrating diagnosis’ to deal with from an orthopedic physical therapy standpoint.  Throughout my twenty years in practice, when I see this prescription, I know that the patient and I are in for a truly hard rehab process that may wind up down so many paths….

PT's & PINS

on Friday, 23 March 2012. Posted in Physical Therapy

A diagnosis often missed by physical therapists and often slides under the radar is Posterior Interosseous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (PINS). Often the physical therapist (PT) receives a script from a specialist or primary care physician (PCP) and follows those directions to a "T". It is important for the...

How should I fit on my bike ?

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Riding with comfort and efficiency requires a properly fitted bike. While everyone is different, and these recommendations only represent the norms, these are the best estimates from experts who have done countless experiments involving thousands of people, so give the standard settings a good long trial before changing them.

5 Pillars Of Manual Therapy

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

BODHIFORCE™

BODHIFORCE™ training was created at the onset of the new millennium in order to fill a void with comprehensive exercise and overall wellness. After studying numerous fitness training methods, as well as various martial arts styles of the world, Scott has isolated key training principles that provide an excellent foundation for successful participation in any sport or physical endeavor.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Computer By;Scott Weiss MS PT ATC CSCS & Jamie Bernal SPT

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a means of rehabilitation for neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and poliomyelitis. The PNF method is a holistic approach; elements of motor development, anatomy, neuro-physiology and kinesiology are used.

Carpal Tunnel

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Computer users, cashiers, assembly-line workers, meatpackers, sewing machine operators and musicians often get the same injury. What they all have in common are jobs that involve using their hands in repetitive motions that put a strain on the tendons of the wrist. The result is a debilitating disorder called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which affects hundreds of thousands of Americans and costs employers billions of dollars a year.

Tips for Preventing Falls

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Indoor Lighting

Make sure stairways and hallways have a bright light. Always try to use the highest wattage allowed. Night-lights can be crucial for that middle of the night trip to the bathroom.

Backpacks

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

The While a backpack is still one of the best ways to carry a heavy load, a back pack which is too heavy or improperly-worn may cause harm to our joints or muscles. Properly worn, a backpack is supported by the strongest muscles in the body: the back and abdominal muscles, which work together to stabilize the trunk and hold the body in its correct alignment.

Combination Use of Triptans and NSAIDs for Migraine

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

The variety of patient symptoms and lack of universally effective treatment options makes the management of migraines challenging and very patient-specific. Currently available therapies can generally be divided into migraine-specific (ergots or triptans) or nonspecific analgesics.

Swimmer’s Shoulder: An Overview

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Shoulder pain is a typical problem that up to 75% of swimmer?s have had at some point throughout their career. Usually classified broadly as swimmer?s shoulder, it is often an overuse injury related to the repetitiveness of stroking that occurs with competitive swimming. A common problem in swimmers is impingement.

Cranial Nerve & Eye Exam

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

CRANIAL NERVE & EYE EXAM

I: Olfactory II: Optic III-IV-VI: extraocculars V: Trigeminal VII: Facial VIII: Vestibulocochlear IX-X: Glossopharyngeal, Vagus XI: Accessory XII: Hypoglossal

Osteoarthritis

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary example of degenerative arthritis. It affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. The condition affects both men and women the same and occurs primarily in individuals over 40 years of age. OA predominantly affects joint cartilage. This is the smooth surface that covers the end of bones. The purpose of this cartilage is to provide shock absorbency and to reduce friction as movement occurs.

Osteoporosis

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 28 million Americans, 80% of whom are women.

• In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease.

Differential Diagnsosis of Hip Pain in Athletes

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OR HIP PAIN IN ATHLETES

• Apohyseal Avulsions

• Arthritis

• Athletic Pubalgia

• Avascular Necrosis

I Tore My Meniscus

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Introduction

This information will help you understand your choices, whether you choose to share in the decision-making process or to rely on your Physical Therapist or Physicians recommendation.

Drugs & Taste Disturbance

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Drugs and Taste Disturbances

An estimated two million Americans may have altered taste sensations.1 Unfortunately, altered taste sensations can adversely affect a patient’s food choices and nutritional intake. In some cases, this can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, or the inappropriate use of food additives such as salt and sugar.

The Common Cold

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

General Common Cold Information

Catching Colds , Viruses, Symptoms, Useful references

Common cold is the most common disease

Common cold infections are so widespread that there can be very few humans who escape infection each year and most will suffer multiple infections. It has been estimated that adults suffer 2 to 5 colds per year, and school children may suffer 7 to 10 colds per year1.

Runner’s Knee

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)

Runners, jumpers and other athletes such as skiers, cyclists and soccer players put heavy stress on their knees. “Runner’s knee” is a term some people use to refer to a number of medical conditions that can cause pain around the front of the knee (patellofemoral pain).

A Patients Guide to Thoracic Outlet

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Introduction

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can cause pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Testing for TOS is difficult. There is no one test to accurately diagnose TOS, and other conditions can have similar symptoms. You will need to go through several tests to find out if TOS is actually the cause of your pain. Making the right diagnosis often takes time and can be a cause of frustration, both for you and your doctor.

Plantar Fascitis

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

What is Plantar Fasciitis? (Heel Spurs)

Although some experts distinguish between the terms plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, others do not, and the distinction is difficult to make, especially for a non-specialist. We will use the terms interchangeably.

Pilates in the Rehab Setting

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Uses of Pilates in Rehabilitation

History and Background of Pilates

Pilates, a method of exercise focusing on the body’s core consisting of the abdominal and back muscles is named after its creator, Joseph Pilates. Born in Germany in 1880, he was an ill child whose life was limited by rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever.

Weightlifter’s Shoulder

on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. Posted in Physical Therapy

Weightlifter’s soulder is basically a wearing away of the bones that comprise the shoulder joint. The bones of the shoulder consitis of the scapula, clavicle and the humerus. The acromion portion of the scapula meets the distal clavicle and forms what is known as the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.