Tag Archives: OR

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PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. No Equipment Outdoor Workouts
Written by the Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy – San Antonio, TX

We have an idea you might not hear often- take a break from the gym. How? Well, instead of being inside, take your work out ‘out’ and sweat outdoors without any equipment at all. Read more

2. Sensitive Pain
Written by the Ryan Beck, MPT at Oregon Spine and Physical Therapy – Eugene, OR

One of my favorite analogies!! I have used this on several patients and I’ll never forget a few years ago working with a particular patient when this analogy popped into my mind and I’ve used it so many times to help people who are having a lot of pain. Read more

3. Certified Hand Therapists: Helping People Live Their Lives
Written by Jan Taylor, OT Fellowship Director and OT Resource Coordinator at ARC Physical Therapy Plus – Overland Park, KS

The hand is so critical to every minute of our daily lives that when you lose function of it your world is turned upside down. Read more

chronic back pain

Effective Chronic Back Pain Treatment

Effective Chronic Back Pain treatment_FBsize Physical therapy for back pain

For chronic back pain, exercise, physical therapy, manual therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have the best evidence for effectiveness.

Chronic back pain is one of the most frequent reasons people visit the doctor — it’s estimated that 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. Yet doctors are finding drugs should actually often be the last line of treatment for it. A new guideline out Feb 14th 2017, from the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests doctors recommend exercise and treatments like heat wraps, yoga, and mindfulness meditation to their patients before turning to medications like opioids or even over-the-counter painkillers. “That marks a big departure from previous guidelines,” Roger Chou, a professor at Oregon Health and Science University, told Vox1. (Chou’s evidence review can be found at: https://goo.gl/MWzWvK)

Why Send Patients to Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain?

It is the long term benefits of physical therapy interventions such as multifidus, transversus abdominus and pelvic floor neuromuscular reeducation that benefits your patients.
• Multifidus muscle recovery requires specific, localized, retraining.3
• PT + meds 30% recurrence versus 84% meds only (1 year follow-up).4
• PT + meds 35% recurrence versus 75% meds only (2-3 year follow-up).4
• Less likely to have further healthcare costs.4

Back Pain Conditions Commonly Seen by physical therapists include:
• Low Back Pain (LBP)
• Arthritis Pain
• Strains & Sprains
• Muscle Spasm
• Herniated Discs
• Degenerative Discs
• Radiculopathy/Sciatica
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
• Scoliosis
• Spondylosis
• Stenosis

In physical therapy our goals are to Improve:
Mobility — Knowledge of Safe Positions — Movement Awareness — Functional Strength — Coordination

“Exercise or alternative therapies, the ACP noted, can work as well as or better than medications, but don’t come with the side effects.1” Physical Therapy is a safe, proven way to treat patients experiencing back pain.

Evidence showed that acetaminophen was not effective at improving pain outcomes versus placebo. Low-quality evidence showed that systemic steroids were not effective in treating acute or subacute low back pain2. (ACP Newsroom)

back pain 3

Treatment
We offer a comprehensive approach incorporating manual therapy, prescriptive therapeutic exercise and modalities. Our programs improve the patient’s physical condition and symptoms. We also provide the patient with movement awareness, knowledge of safe positions, functional strength, and coordination. All of this promotes the management of low back pain (LBP).

Treatments offered include:
• Comprehensive Evaluation with an emphasis on determining the source of the problem.
• Individualized & Specific Exercise Programs
• Manual Therapy (hands-on treatment)
• Modalities as Needed
• Progressive Home Program to help restore independence and self-management

Information provided by North Lake Physical Therapy – Portland, OR
To learn more about North Lake Physical Therapy click here.

References:
1. http://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/2/14/14609508/doctors-admit-drugs-cant-fix-back-pain
2. https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/american-college-of-physicians-issues-guideline-for-treating-nonradicular-low-back-pain
3. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1996 Dec 1;21(23):2763-9. Hides JA, Richardson CA, Jull GA.
4. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001 Jun 1;26(11):E243-8. Hides JA, Jull GA, Richardson CA.

 

For more information about back pain physical therapy click the links below.

Low Back Pain Physical Therapy  beware bed rest for back pain  low back pain relief

PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Exercise after Knee Replacement Surgery
Written by the Therapy Team at Cornerstone Physical Therapy – Gahanna, OH

If you’ve been undergoing treatment for knee arthritis and haven’t gotten any pain relief yet, your doctor may recommend a total knee replacement surgery. Read more

2. Low Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop
Written by the Therapy Team at Oregon Spine & Physical Therapy – Eugene, OR

If you are suffering with chronic back pain or sciatica and you’re looking for some help… why don’t you start by attending one of our Educational Workshops so you can make a better, more educated and more informed decision about your options to ease it. Read more

3. Inflammation and Your Diet
Written by Cheryl Schwieters, Physical Therapist Assistant at the Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Grand Rapids, MI

Throughout the day the body is constantly being bombarded with substances that can trigger inflammation. Read more

bike fit

Does Your Bike Fit?

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There is a misconception that only competitive cyclists benefit from bike fittings. The truth is that anyone that rides a bike on a consistent basis should ride a bike that fits them properly. Granted, competitive cyclists are looking for every advantage with respect to power and performance. However, fitness and recreational riders can gain the same benefits while also improving comfort and reducing the risk of on-the-bike injuries. Often, a few basic changes to a bike can make a significant difference with respect to comfort, power, endurance and overall performance. In this blog we briefly examine some of the key areas that must be considered to ensure a proper bike fit.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

Frame Size
Obviously, not all frames are created equal. Frame geometry can vary dramatically depending on material, the manufacturer and overall design. Head tube angles, seat tube angles, top tube length, wheel base, etc. are all factors which contribute to how a bike handles and rides. This is where test riding a bike will pay dividends. For example, having a steep head angle may sound like a good idea to achieve a responsive ride. However, you may find it a bit unnerving on a steep, fast descent or even when you try to take your hands off the bar to eat or drink. With regard to mountain bikes, different suspension and wheel size options also affect the way a bike handles and rides. All are personal preferences that should match your intended use.

For general fit, most manufacturers will have measurements that you can take on yourself to help you decide which frame size will likely be best for you. However, you may also fall within the acceptable range for two different frame sizes. In that case, there is no substitute for going to a shop that carries the bikes and riding them both. In all likelihood, you will quickly feel the difference and easily decide which will work best for you. If you are leaning toward the larger of the two sizes, make sure to check the stand over height before laying your cash on the counter. Keep in mind that your primary concern with respect to frame size is the fit from the waist down. Reach is obviously important as well. However, most upper body adjustment can be achieved by varying bars or stem length/angle assuming the length of the top tube is appropriate.

Crank Arm Length
This is one area where people seem to be content to accept a length simply because that particular crank arm is what they have been told is standard or best. The truth is that many bikes come equipped with crank arms that are too long for the prospective rider. Even when told they should have a shorter crank arm, some feel that if they can push it, they will be a stronger, more powerful rider. This can be a foolish mindset as this can result in knee and/or back problems. Of course, there are also occasions where the crank arms may not be long enough. In this instance, the rider is likely giving away potential power and performance. When deciding on an appropriate crank arm length, we are usually talking about millimeters of difference. However, there are specifications for crank arm length typically based on inseam length and/or seat height.

Cleat Alignment
Pedal choice as well as cleat adjustment are vital components of bike fit. Proper cleat alignment is the starting point for overall fit and essentially aligns the position of the foot in relation to the spindle of the pedal and the crank arm. It can also be one of the most difficult aspects of fit to get accurately established. This is true primarily because it is hard to align your cleat when it is mounted to your shoe which is on your foot and clipped into the pedal. Furthermore, most modern pedal/cleat combinations allow for considerable adjustment with respect to float, rotation, fore and aft, and side-to-side. Equally important is the shoe. People often buy soft cycling shoes that are comfortable on and off the bike. Although these shoes may be more comfortable for walking, you are giving up considerable force production and performance on the bike. Furthermore, on long bike rides, these softer shoes can result in “hot spots” and foot fatigue. Cycling shoes don’t need to be uncomfortable. However, when you are riding a bike, wear the shoe that is made for the job.

Seat Adjustment
This is another area that results in much debate. Do you go higher for better force generation or lower for better control on descents? Once again, improper seat height can result in pain or injury. It can also significantly limit your performance. For most riders, seat height and saddle setback (fore/aft positioning) is crucial for comfort and performance. This is the area where the biggest abuse of the law of averages has befallen bike fit. Seat adjustment is often based on averages and equations. Unfortunately, this is rarely the correct position. Much better than averages are measured angles with the rider on the bike which results in a more exacting fit.

Stem Length/Bar Height
Fitting stem length and bar height should be based on alignment, posture, comfort and performance. These factors can have a great effect on your back, neck, shoulders and wrists.

You may be saying to yourself, “Then tell me how my bike should be set up.” The fact is that an accurate fit cannot be done without looking at the individual on their bike. Many bike fits are based on measurements such as inseam, reach, trunk length, etc. which are then plugged into a variety of equations. Adjustments to the bike are then made according to the resulting numbers. The problem is that these equations often vary and are based on averages. Most of us aren’t average. We all have differing body composition and physique. Strength, flexibility, experience and orthopedic issues all play into proper bike fit. Proper fit must be done with the rider on the bike looking at specific measures and alignments.

Ultimately, a good bike fit is well worth the money and can go a long way toward improving comfort on the bike, improving your performance, and reducing the risk of injury. There are obviously many approaches and “schools of thought” when it comes to bike fit. The point here is that the most accurate fits are accomplished by evaluating you on your bike. Remember, depending on your effort and ability, cycling can be a very intense form of exercise. However, that doesn’t mean you have to hurt. If you have pain on the bike, something is typically wrong. More often than not, the problem can be addressed by improving fit. The bottom line is that you want to be sure the bike you ride is fit specifically to you. You should never be forced to fit yourself to the bike.

Written by Michael Choate, MSPT, USA Cycling Certified Coach at North Lake Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon.

North Lake Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation clinics use progressive techniques and technologies to stay on the forefront in their field. OTheir staff is committed to providing patients with advanced healing techniques. To learn more about them click here.

PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

old man tennis

1. Tennis and Golf: Keep Swinging as You Age
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy – Middleburg, VA

It’s a hard fact to swallow: Age eventually catches up with all of us, no matter how active we may be. Unless we work to maintain strength and flexibility, we slowly lose both as we age. Read more

track girl

2. Bridging the Gap
Written by Jess VandenBerg MS, AT, ATC, CSCS at the Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Grand Rapids, MI

If you have ever rehabilitated an athletic injury, you know there is a big difference between completing your rehab, and returning to competition. You are pain free, have full range of motion, and are completely functional, but are you prepared for the true demands of your sport, both mentally and physically? Read more

spine

3. Is There an Association Between Radiological Severity of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Disability, Pain, or Surgical Outcome?
Written by the Therapy Team at Oregon Spine and Physical Therapy – Eugene, OR

Last week I wrote a blog about a new research article about the shoulder and MRI. It helps us better understand the role of an MRI when trying to figure out the best plan to deal with a painful or injured body part. The old belief that an MRI is the “gold standard” is rapidly dying when it comes to understanding what to do with muscle and joint pain. Read more

August 2016 Events

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Check out our Physical Therapy Monthly Events Calendar! Focusing on events from PTandMe.com participating physical and occupational therapy clinics. Read more to find out what’s happening in your community in August 2016!

DELAWARE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

MIDDLETOWN, DE
DATE: August 20th, 2016 8:00AM
Peach Festival 5K/Kiddie K
CLINIC: Premier Physical Therapy – Middletown
Premier Physical Therapy in Delaware is sponsoring the Peach Festival 5K/Kiddie K on August 20th at Silver Lake Park in Middletown, DE starting at 8:00AM! The Premier team can’t wait to see you there! For more information about Premier Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.premierptsp.com.

 

KANSAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

OVERLAND PARK, KS
DATE: August 2nd, 2016 5:30PM-7:30PM
Open House
CLINIC: Pinnacle Therapy Services – Overland Park
Join Pinnacle Therapy Services and Carondelet Orthopaedic! Mingle with other healthcare providers, enjoy appetizers, beverages and/or a zumba and core workout taught by our exceptional physical therapy team! For more information about Pinnacle Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.pinnacletherapyservices.com.

 

NEVADA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

SPARKS, NV
DATE: August 12th, 2016 12:30PM-1:30PM
Workers’ Compensation Lunch & Learn – Symptom Magnification (FREE) – Worth 1 CEU
CLINIC: Custom Physical Therapy – Sparks
As clinicians we are aware of the influence that symptom magnification can have on the client’s perception of his or her job readiness. Therefore, in order to thoroughly assess an individual’s abilities in relation to the field of work, it is important to gather both objective and subjective findings during physical effort testing. Space is limited so please RSVP by Monday, August 8th, 2016 by phone: 775-331-1199 For more information about Custom Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.custom-pt.com.

 

OREGON PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GLADSTONE, OR
DATE: August 6th 2016, 6:30AM
2016 Shoc Walk & Run Event
CLINIC: North Lake Physical Therapy
North Lake Physical Therapy is proud to be sponsoring the 2016 Shoc Walk & Run Event Details. They can’t wait to see everyone on race day! For more info about North Lake Physical Therapy you can visit them online at www.northlakept.com.

CANBY, OR
DATE: August 27th, 2016 9:00AM
6th Annual Canby Dahlia Run
CLINIC: North Lake Physical Therapy
North Lake Physical Therapy is a proud sponsor of the Canby Dahlia Run. They can’t wait to see you in the half marathon and the 10K! For more info about North Lake Physical Therapy you can visit them online at www.northlakept.com.

PORTLAND, OR
DATE: August 3rd, 2016 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Balance Screenings and Fall Prevention
CLINIC: North Lake Physical Therapy – Portland North Williams
Balance Screening + Fall Prevention – presented by Jean Villagrana-Gutierrez, DPT. Do you have a fear of falling? Have you experienced a recent fall? You are not alone! Join North Lake Physical Therapy to learn more about the risks associated with loss of balance and ways to prevent future falls. Appropriate for all ages. For more info about North Lake Physical Therapy you can visit them online at www.northlakept.com.

 

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BOLIVAR, HENDERSON & SELMER, TN
DATE: Now through August 12th, 2016  6:30PM
Have a Heart Raffle to Support the American Heart Association
CLINIC: Star Physical Therapy – Bolivar, Henderson & Selmer
STAR Physical Therapy is raffling off a 50qt Bison Cooler as well as other great prizes in an effort to raise money for The American Heart Association.  The drawing will be on August 12th at the 10 Annual Football Jamboree! Raffle tickets are available at the Bolivar, Henderson and Selmer, TN locations, or at the Jamboree at the STAR Physiscal Therapy tent. The festivities will take place at the Chester County Eagle Football Stadium. For more information about STAR Physical Therapy visit them online at www.STARpt.com

HENDERSON, TN
DATE: August 12th, 2016  6:30PM
10th Annual Football Jamboree
CLINIC: Star Physical Therapy – Henderson
Join STAR Physical Therapy at the official start of the High School Football Season for the 2016-17 School Year! Tickets are available at all participating high schools or at STAR Physical Therapy – Henderson (361 East Main Street). The festivities will take place at the Chester County Eagle Football Stadium. For more information about STAR Physical Therapy visit them online at www.STARpt.com

NASHVILLE, TN
DATE: August 18th, 2016 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Scoliosis Workshop with Erin Myer – Cost is $55 per attendee.
CLINIC: Star Physical Therapy – East Nashville
STAR Physical Therapy – East Nashville is hosting a Scoliosis Workshop in the clinic. Whether you’re an instructor with scoliosis clients, a parent of a child with scoliosis or have scoliosis yourself, this unique two-hour, hands-on workshop is for you. Led by Spiral Spine founder, pilates instructor and and teacher trainer, GYROTONIC* instructor, long-time yoga and former Radio City Rockette Erin Myers, this workshop will teach you how to diagram a scoliotic body and assess pelvic and spinal alignment. For more information about this workshop, what to wear, bring etc. contact STAR Physical Therapy at (615) 277-3431.

PULASKI, TN
DATE: August 6th, 2016 8:00AM
STAR 2nd Annual Golf Scramble
CLINIC: Star Physical Therapy – Pulaski
STAR Physical Therapy – Pulaski is raising money for The American Heart Association through a fun golf tournament. The event will be held August 6th at the Hillcrest Country Club. For more information call STAR Physical Therapy at: (931) 292-6311.

 

TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GARLAND, TX
DATE: August 4th, 2016
New Clinic Opening
CLINIC: Achieve Physical Therapy & Performance – Garland
Achieve Physical Therapy & Performance is opening it’s second clinic – located in Garland, TX. Stop on by and see our staff and new location! We can’t meet the Garland Community. For more information about Achieve Physical Therapy & Performance visit them online at www.achieve-therapy.net.

HOUSTON, TX
DATE: August 5th, 2016 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Omega Power Ministries Health Fair
CLINIC: Action Physical Therapy – Houston
The purpose of the Health Fair is to increase health awareness through education and prevention. Action Physical Therapy will be participating – make sure to stop by their booth! For more information about Action Physical Therapy visit them online at
www.action-pt.net.

 

VIRGINIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

CLIFTON, VA
DATE: August 6th, 2016 9:00AM
NVSL All Star LRR Stingrays Swim Team
CLINIC: The Jackson Clinics
The Jackson Clinics are a proud sponsor of the LRR Stingrays and can’t wait to cheer them on at the NVSL All Star Event! For more information about The Jackson Clinics, visit them online at www.thejacksonclinics.com.

 

WISCONSIN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

SAUK CITY, WI
DATE: August 1st, 2016 6:30PM
Injury Prevention for Fitness Seminar (FREE)
CLINIC: Sport & Spine Clinic – Sauk City
Join Sport & Spine at the Sauk City Public Library for a discussion about the tips and tools needed to help you along your path toward improved fitness and wellness. For more information about Sport & Spine Clinic, visit them online at www.sportandspineclinic.com.

Click here to print a downloadable events flyer.

kids with arthritis

Can Physical Therapy Help Kids with Arthritis?

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Did you know that physical therapy can help kids with arthritis? Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), also called Stills disease, is the most common form of arthritis seen in children and young adults.Children commonly complain of joint pain and stiffness, along with an occasional fever.

JRA can impact fine movements and overall mobility if left untreated. While medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential to restoring full movement and quality of life.

superhero_girl

How does physical therapy help?
Physical therapists are trained experts at delivering a variety of treatments to help reduce pain and improve joint movement. A child experiencing pain and dysfunction can feel isolated and left out, unable to participate in group activities with other children. A physical therapist can help the child to improve muscle tone, strength and reduce joint inflammation. This helps children regain the quality of life they deserve; allowing them to live with less pain and enjoy the benefits of unrestricted movement.

This information was written by Oregon Spine and Physical Therapy, a physical therapy group located in Eugene, Oregon. At Oregon Spine & Physical Therapy, your care begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition by your physical therapist. This initial assessment will allow the physical therapist to accurately reach a diagnosis and then prepare your appropriate, personal treatment plan. For more information click here.