Tag Archives: Physical Therapy

What to Expect from Physical Therapy

October 11, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

PHYSICAL THERAPY IS INTENDED TO MAKE CHANGES WITHIN YOUR BODY

We will accomplish this in several different ways. First, through the use of manual therapies, such as massage and mobilization of the joints. The goals of change are to:

Stretch short tissues to make them longer.
Strengthen weak tissues to make them stronger.
Improve and correct bad/abnormal biomechanics and asymmetries to alleviate pain and take the stress off the body.

THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS THAT WE EXPECT DURING THE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROCESS, ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PT

You can expect that you will be sore after the first visit, and most likely the first 2 – 3 weeks until their body gets adapted to PT. Your body is just not used to doing the things that we are going to ask it to do, so there will be a period of adjustment.
The pain WILL move. As we make changes to your tissues and mechanics, the stresses on your body will change, thus altering where you will feel the pain or your symptoms.
The pain WILL change in terms of intensity, meaning that your pain is expected to fluctuate along the 10 point scale, starting between your high and low levels and changing based on your position, activity, and stress on the body.
The pain may also change in terms of the quality of pain. The pain may be: sharp, dull, achy, throbbing, burning, tingling, numbing.
It is important to know that all of the aforementioned statements are completely normal. There is nothing that you will experience that will surprise us. Everything that you experience will be normal. Even if what you feel is not normal to you, it is normal for your condition and what your body is experiencing.
Physical therapy is not an overnight miracle. Improvement takes time. It is important to understand that no one gets better every day from day one until they leave. Everyone will have good and bad days. In the beginning, you will have more bad days than good. As time progresses, this ratio should flip-flop and you should be having more good days than bad.

If you are looking for a physical therapist, we have you covered with over 500 locations nationwide!

This article was written by Life Fitness Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with fourteen locations in the surrounding Baltimore, Maryland area. Life Fitness Physical Therapy is focused on improving the quality of life for their patients. They strive to provide individualized, evidence-based care that meets every patient’s unique needs. Their objective for each patient is to restore their function, achieve their goals and have them resume an active lifestyle as quickly as possible. For more information click here.

Physical Therapy: Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms of Pain

October 4, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

This PT Month, instead of using prescribed pain killers, try physical therapy first.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY OVER PRESCRIPTION PAIN KILLERS
Physical therapy treats the cause of pain, more often than not leaving patients stronger and more able to enjoy life and function fully. In stark contrast, pain relievers treat only the symptoms – and can leave patients dependent or addicted.

PHYSICAL THERAPY IS THE SMART ALTERNATIVE TO OPIOIDS
More than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. At least half of opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.

Wishing everyone a wonderful PT Month!

Information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. To learn more about the CDC click here.

October 2016 Events

September 22, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

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 October 2016!

GEORGIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

FOLKSTON, GA
DATE: October 21st 2016, 5:00PM – 7:00PM
20 Year Anniversary Cookout
CLINIC: Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy – Folkston
Advance Rehab is celebrating its 20 year anniversary in Folkston, Georgia with a cookout and live music by local artist Justen Harden
For more information about Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://www.advancerehab.com.

IDAHO PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BOISE, ID
DATE: October 18th – 15th 2016
2016 NPI Annual Fall Conference
CLINIC: Intermountain Physical Therapy & Hand Rehabilitation – Boise
Intermountain will have a booth at this year’s event. Stop on by and see how physical therapy brings patients back to their full potential! For more information about Intermountain Physical Therapy & Hand Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.intermountainpt.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

MONROE, MI
DATE: October 4th 2016, 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Monroe Open House
CLINIC: Advanced Physical Therapy – Monroe
Advanced Physical Therapy’s Monroe clinic is celebrating their relocation with an open house! Join us for snacks, drinks and check out the new digs. We’d love to have you as we get to know our new neighbors and friends! First 100 guests will receive a free gift. For more information about Advanced Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://advphysicaltherapy.com.

NEW JERSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BORDENTOWN, NJ
DATE: October 17th 2016, 4:30PM – 8:00PM
Work Comp Seminar at Villa Mannino Restaurant
CLINIC: Hamilton Physical Therapy Services, L.P.
Attention all work comp case managers and adjusters! Join Hamilton Physical Therapy and Princeton Brain & Spine Care as they talk about the Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Concussions in the injured workers.

AGENDA:
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — Registration & Vendor Exhibit
5:30 pm – 5:45 pm — Opening Remarks
5:45 pm – 7:30 pm — Clinical Presentation
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm — Q&A Session

For more information contact Jaime Caceres at Hamilton Physical Therapy Services in Hamilton, New Jersey at (609) 585-2333. Also, visit Hamilton Physical Therapy Services online at http://www.hamiltonphysicaltherapy.org.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

NASHVILLE, TN
DATE: October 15th 2016, 8:00AM – 11:00PM
2016 – 2017 Heart Walk at Vanderbilt University Sport Field
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy
Help STAR Physical Therapy reach their goal to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association. You can help us by donating to our team ($20 donations receive a custom t-shirt) or join the STAR Physical Therapy Heart Walk Team and join us at the event! For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

CLEVELAND, TX
DATE: October 15th 2016, 9:00AM
Walk with a Doc for Hardhats & Little Heads
CLINIC: Cleveland Physical & Occupational Therapy
Cleveland Physical & Occupational Therapy is participating in this year’s Walk With A Doc at the Cleveland High School Track! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of fun! Participants will walk on the track with national award winning doctor Dr. Sulaiman, explore vendor booths, receive health and community information as well as meet local fireman and police officers all while getting healthy! Special appearances by Reggie Airman Dixon, Maurice Termite Watkins, and Reggie Johnson. Children will be provided with free bikes, helmets, t-shirts, water bottles, goodie bags and more as part of the Hard Helmets for Little Heads initiative while supplies last. All materials will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact Kimberly Hughes at (281) 592.2224 – ext. 206 or at khughes@hcset.com. You can also visit the official event website here: http://walkwithadoc.org/our-locations/cleveland-texas/. For more information about Cleveland Physical & Occupational Therapy, visit them online at http://www.clevelandpt.com.

WISCONSIN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

JEFFERSON, WI
DATE: October 10th 2016, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
JUMP: Great Apple Crunch Fun Run
CLINIC: Sport & Spine Physical Therapy – Jefferson
Sport & Spine Physical Therapy in Jefferson, Wisconsin invites Jefferson community members of all ages to join us in our 4th annual one mile FUN RUN/WALK! Participation ribbons for all children
There will also be refreshments. In the event of inclement weather, it will be canceled with no make-up date. For more information contact Jo Christianson at christiansonj@tds.net. Also, please visit Sport & Spine Physical Therapy online at http://sportandspineclinic.com.

MERRILL, WI
DATE: October 8th 2016, 8:00AM – 1:00PM
2016 Leaf Pile Run 6th Annual 5k Run/Walk & 1k Kids Run
CLINICS: Sport & Spine Physical Therapy & Merrill Physical Therapy
Please join Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, Merrill Physical Therapy and other WVAM members for a fun and festive fall run, to help support Wisconsin Valley Athletic Medicine by participating in the 2016 Leaf Pile Annual Event. All 5k and 1k participants receive a complimentary wristband for same day entry to Helene’s Hilltop Orchard to enjoy a hayride, corn maze, cow train, and the play area. Complimentary beverages from Red Eye Brewing Co. and root beer from Central Beer Distributors. Need more info? Contact Andy at Sport & Spine Clinic at adavis@usphclinic.com or call (715) 693-7727. For more information about Merrill Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://www.merrillpt.com.

At the Gym: Exercising Do’s and Don’ts

September 15, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In this new monthly series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

SCAPULAR STRENGTHENING

START POSITION
• Lay face down on the edge of the bench with arm hanging downward
• Rolled towel under forehead for support

ENDING POSITION
Arm raised straight to your side no higher than the torso with palms facing down

DON’T
• Arch your back when lifting dumbbell
• Lay with face turned sideways
• Raise the dumbbell too high

EXTERNAL ROTATION – SIDE LYING

START POSITION
• Side lying with elbow at 90⁰ bend
• Support the head and rolled towel under arm holding dumbbell

ENDING POSITION
Side lying with external rotation at the shoulder until you feel an anatomical stop at the shoulder (about 45⁰); keep elbow bent

DON’T
• Create rotation at the torso
• Don’t raise the arm from the towel

EXTERNAL ROTATION – PRONE

START POSITION
• Lay face down with head facing to the side
• Forearm hanging off table with elbow bent to 90⁰
• Bicep is on the bench and supported by a towel

ENDING POSITION
About 45⁰ of external rotation

DON’T
• Externally rotate past 45⁰
• Raise arm from the towel

D2 FLEXION

START POSITION
• Standing with feet shoulder width apart
• Hold handle with arm crossing body to opposite side
• Palm facing body.

ENDING POSITION
• Arm raised slightly above the shoulder (about 120⁰ which is slightly higher than shown) with thumb facing upward
• Creating a “disco” motion

DON’T
• Let thumb face sideways or downward at end of exercise
• Lean backwards or sideways to assist in exercise
• Shrug shoulders

This information about how to exercise at the gym was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

World Physical Therapy Day

September 8, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

World Physical Therapy Day is on September 8th. The day is an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution the profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent. This year the focus is on adding years to your life by being physically active! See how a little bit of movement can go a long way!

To learn more about World Physical Therapy Day click here.

September 2016 Events

August 25, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

FLORIDA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

JUPITER, FL
DATE: September 22nd 2016, 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Healthfair Event for G4S Employees
CLINIC: Comprehensive Hand and Physical Therapy – Jupiter
Comprehensive Hand and Physical Therapy will be participating in this year’s Healthfair for GS4 Employees. Stop by our booth and meet our talented therapists and ask us questions about any aches or pains that you may be experiencing. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about Comprehensive Hand and Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://www.comprehensivehandandpt.com.

MARYLAND PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

OCEAN CITY, MD
DATE: September 18th – 21st 2016, 9:00AM – 12:00PM
MWCEA 2016 Workers’ Compensation Conference
CLINIC: Agape Physical Therapy
Agape Physical Therapy will be exhibiting at the MWCEA 2016 WC Conference. Make sure to stop by their booth to see what great services Agape Physical Therapy provides to local businesses and workers’ compensation professionals. For more information about Agape Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://www.agapept.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
DATE: September 22nd 2016, 4:00PM – 8:00PM
CPR Downtown Open House During Artprize!
CLINIC: The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Downtown Grand Rapids
The Center for Physical Rehabilitation’s Downtown Clinic is hosting an open house during Artprize! Join us for food and fun. Come see our newest location and meet our talented staff. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.pt-cpr.com.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

MANCHESTER, TN
DATE: September 3rd 2016, 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Manchester STAR Physical Therapy Triathlon
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – Manchester
Join STAR Physical Therapy Manchester for their annual Manchester STAR Physical Therapy Triathlon. It includes a 200 Yard Swim, 14 Mile Bike and 5K Run

Packet pick up: Friday, September 2nd, 6:00AM – 7:30PM
Saturday, September 3rd, 6:00AM – 7:30AM
Pre race meeting: Saturday, September 3rd, 7:30AM

A portion of this years proceeds will be donated to Coffee County school back pack program for underprivileged children who are not getting adequate food after school. Tickets available at http://www.startriathlon.com. For more info about STAR Physical Therapy you can visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

IRVING, TX
DATE: September 16th – 17th 2016, 6:00AM – 6:00PM
Irving Main Street Event
CLINIC: Green Oaks Physical Therapy
Celebrating Irving’s ‘Hometown’ Feel.
This annual street festival in the heart of the Irving Heritage District celebrates the hometown feel of Irving with attractions for all ages. Each year thousands of people attend this family affair, which offers live music, the Manifolds on Main Street Car Show, free rides and activities for children, great food and shopping. Green Oaks Physical Therapy will have a booth set up with info about all of our clinics and the services we provide. We will also have fun giveaways! For more info about Green Oaks Lake Physical Therapy you can visit them online at http://www.greenoakspt.com.

VIRGINIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA
DATE: September 14th 2016, 12:00PM – 4:00PM
AARP – VCOM Health and Wellness Fair
CLINIC: University Physical Therapy – Christiansburg
University Physical Therapy will be exhibiting at the 2016 Health and Wellness Fair! Please stop by our clinic to see how physical therapy can make a difference in your life! For more info about University Physical Therapy you can visit them online at http://www.universityptonline.com.

PT News

August 23, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

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

1. How Does an NBA Player Overcome Career Limiting Ankle Injury?
Written by Nick Mezyk, DPT, Clinic Director at ProCare Physical Therapy – Johnstown, PA

If you have played sports long enough, you have most likely experienced the following… You’re running down the field, court or track, and you go to make a quick cut. Except you end up crumbling to the ground because you rolled your ankle causing a popping sensation on the outside portion of that ankle. Read more

3. Top Equipment Free Exercises You Should Be Doing
Written by the Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy – San Antonio, TX

The idea of exercising always conjures up visions of personal trainers, expensive gyms, high-end equipment, and lots of grunting, groaning, and personal torture. That’s never the case when we use the term exercise. Read more

Physical Therapist Tips on Avoiding Injury to Your Throwing Arm & What to Do in Case You Do

August 18, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Shoulder, Sports and Fitness

Throwing a baseball or softball is one of the most demanding motions on the human body in sports. For each throw, the athlete generates high levels of energy in the arm and body to accelerate the baseball and softball to a high velocity. Just as it is important to understand proper biomechanics to improve performance, it is important to understand the stresses placed on the throwing shoulder and elbow by the throwing process.

Physical Therapist Tips on how to avoid pitching injuries

• Teach young athletes to be mindful of how their bodies feel. Pain is the first sign of a problem, and athletes of all ages need to pay close attention to any type of muscle twinge, tightening, or burning sensation.

• Coaches should carefully observe their pitchers’ techniques. Success on the field may be fleeting if the pitches ultimately are damaging a young player’s shoulder.

• Conditioning and strengthening exercises are most effective after mechanics are learned and put into action. If possible, begin a conditioning program at least a month before the season begins. A basic stretching regimen should be used before a player ever picks up a baseball.

• Players should start with short tosses and gradually work up to throwing the ball a greater distance. Increasing the velocity should be the final step.

• If the arm region is sore or tight, apply ice to the area for 10-15 minutes to help diminish the amount of blood that might otherwise leak into the muscle. When there is microscopic tearing of the muscle tissue, blood is leaking into the surrounding muscular tissue, causing pain and muscle spasms. Using ice will help reduce the pain, spasms, and inflammation associated with this condition.

• Before age 10, only fast ball and change-up should be permitted.

This information about how to avoid pitching injuries was written by University Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with eight locations in New River Valley, Virginia. University PT is THE choice for outstanding sports rehabilitation, physical therapy and occupational therapy services. For more information click here.

Self-Care: Safe Positions & Movement After Knee Surgery

August 11, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Knee

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
Recovering from knee surgery does not have to prevent you from moving or taking care of yourself. Listed below are guidelines on how to do some common movements and activities without hindering the healing process.

SLEEP & POSITIONING
• It is very important that when recovering from knee surgery you get enough rest following your surgery. If you cannot get comfortable in your bed, please talk to your therapist.
• Sleep on a bed with a firm mattress. Ideally, the bed should come up to your mid-thigh while you stand.
• Sleep flat on your back and position your leg so your toes and kneecaps point at the ceiling.
• Do not place pillows under your operative leg. If you wish to elevate your leg, support the whole leg with pillows while keeping the knee straight.

Sitting Up In Bed:
• If possible, get out of bed toward non-operated side so that the operated leg is supported as much as possible.

From Sitting on the Side of the Bed to Standing with the Walker:
• Straighten the operated leg in front of you before standing.
• Ensure you have good sitting balance with the walker close in front of you.
• Push up from the bed with both hands and keep weight on the non-operative leg.

From Standing to Getting Into Bed:
• Sit down on the edge of the bed; place at least one hand on the bed as you lower yourself. Remember to keep the operated leg further ahead to avoid straining it.
• Enter your bed leading with the operated side if possible.
• Bring your legs onto the bed while lowering your upper body with your hands then elbows.

BATHING/SHOWERING:
You may shower in a bathtub or shower stall only after your doctor has given their permission.

Getting Into the Tub to Take a Shower:
• Have the tub bench or tub chair placed in the direction facing your shower faucets.
• Using your walker, back up to the bench.
• Reach back with one hand to the bench and sit down with your legs outside of the tub.
• Place one leg at a time into the tub.

Getting Out of the Tub:
• While seated on the tub bench/chair turn your body and place your legs one at a time outside of the tub.
• Push up from the tub bench and stand using both hands on the walker.

TOILET TRANSFERS:
When recovering from knee surgery the low surface may cause excessive painful bending at the knee. If this is the case, your therapist may help you with getting a raised toilet seat or a three-in-one commode that can be used over your toilet.

Getting Up and Down From a Toilet:
• Back up to the toilet.
• Reach back for the armrests/raised toilet seat/seat.
• Slide your operated leg slightly forward and lower yourself slowly onto the toilet.
• To stand, use a grab bar or place your hand at the middle of the center bar of the walker.
• Stand up and get your balance before placing both hands on the walker.

DRESSING:
• Put on your top or shirt as you normally would while seated.
• Do not twist the knee too much when dressing or putting on shoes.
• Your therapist may recommend a sock aid, dressing stick, reacher or long-handled shoe horn to help with dressing.

STAIRS:
You should only try to go up or down stairs when your doctor or therapist says it is okay. Do not try to use stairs while using a walker.
• When going up the steps, first step up with your non-operative leg, followed by the operative leg.
• When going down steps, first step down with your operative leg, followed by the non-operative leg.
• Complete only one step at a time and always have help.

CAR TRANSFERS:
While you are recovering from knee surgery you will need someone to help you with getting in and out of the car for both your safety and comfort. The seat would ideally be at the height of your mid thigh. Avoid cars with low or bucket seats.
• Have someone slide the seat back as far as possible prior to entering the car, preferably on the front passenger side.
• Slightly recline the seat back if possible.

Common Football Injuries

August 9, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Football is one of the most popular sports played by young athletes, and it leads all other sports in the number of injuries sustained. In 2007, more than 920,000 athletes under the age of 18 were treated in emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, and clinics for football-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Physical therapy can provide specific treatment to a number of specific football injuries. Here are a few injuries that can happen during a football game or practice:

KNEE INJURIES
Knee injuries in football are the most common, especially those to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) and to the menisci (cartilage of the knee). These knee injuries can adversely affect a player’s long-term involvement in the sport. Football players also have a higher chance of ankle sprains due to the surfaces played on and cutting motions.

Physical therapy treatment for knee injuries may include:
• Exercises to help promote recovery. Specifically, therapists will design a program to strengthen the whole leg as well improve its range of motion.
• Balance exercises to allow the return to daily activities (including work and sports) while decreasing the risk of falls and reinjury
• Hands-on treatment to keep the knee joint from becoming stiff
• Ice and vasopneumatic pressure to reduce swelling and pain

SHOULDER INJURIES
Shoulder injuries are also common. The labrum (cartilage bumper surrounding the socket part of the shoulder) is particularly susceptible to injury, especially in offensive and defensive linemen. In addition, injuries to the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) or shoulder are commonly seen in football players.

Physical therapy treatment for shoulder injuries may include:
NON-SURGICAL
Most labral tears will respond well to non-surgical treatment and may be just one component of a multi-factored pathology of the aging shoulder. Physical therapy will typically address a labral tear from the biomechanical approach of improving the motion and reducing the repetitive injury. If the inflammation and mechanical stress on the structures can be reduced then the tissue has a chance to heal.
SURGICAL
If the athlete has had surgery to the shoulder, the therapist will follow a specific protocol to apply just the right amount of strain on the shoulder to keep it safe after surgery. A sling may be recommended in the early stages but the therapist will get the arm moving with assistance within a relatively short period of time. Physical therapists will give instructions on how to provide varying levels of assistance to the arm for motion in safe planes in front of the body, and eventually throughout the entire range of motion. Once the tissues are healed, the therapist will begin to put resistance on the support structures in order to improve the mechanics of motion and reduce the risk of another injury.

CONCUSSIONS
Football players are very susceptible to concussions. A concussion is a change in mental state due to a traumatic impact. Not all those who suffer a concussion will lose consciousness. Some signs that a concussion has been sustained are headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, drowsiness, numbness/tingling, difficulty concentrating, and blurry vision. The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional. It is recommended that players go though a concussion baseline test before the start of the season. Results from baseline tests (or pre-injury tests) can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a healthcare professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion. More information here.

Physical therapy treatment for concussions may include:
EVALUATION: The physical therapist will take time to talk with you and perform a thorough examination of your condition.
THERAPY: The physical therapist will plan a treatment program suited to your individual condition, which will involve exercises for your balance, vision, inner ear and more in order to restore brain function.
TEACHING: Physical therapists will spend time reviewing information with you regarding your diagnosis and progress as well as answering your questions. This empowers the patient to make a lifelong impact on their health.
RETURN TO SPORT: Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to guide you towards a safe return to sport. A therapist can guide recovering athletes through a stepwise protocol to keep patients symptom free, and to prevent serious, life-threatening conditions associated with a second head injury due to early return to football.

OVERUSE INJURIES
Low-back pain, or back pain in general, is a fairly common complaint in football players due to overuse. Overuse can also lead to overtraining syndrome, when a player trains beyond the ability for the body to recover.

Physical therapy treatment for overuse injuries may include:
Pain-relieving techniques (such as ice) and decreasing or modifying painful activities. This diagnosis often occurs from muscular tightness or weakness which causes posture to get out of alignment. A physical therapist will educate and assist in proper stretching and strengthening exercises for the back. They may perform hands on, manual therapy techniques to further increase joint flexibility. The final phase of rehab will involve strengthening during functional activities and education to prevent the injury from recurring.

RESOURCES:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov

Stop Sports Injuries
www.stopsportsinjuries.org

REFERENCES:
Preventing Football Injuries. http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/Prevent_Injuries/Football_Skating_Injury_Prevention.aspx