Category Archives: Blog

Ladder Safety

November 18, 2020 contentadmin - Blog, General Information

As we start to put up our holiday decorations, it’s important to remember that safety comes first.
We’ve collected a few tips on proper ladder safety usage to help you stay safe this holiday season!

If you feel tired or dizzy or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not ideal for ladder use as they are not considered sufficiently slip-resistant.
When the ladder is set-up for use, it should be placed on firm level ground and without any type of slippery condition present at either the base or top support points.
Ladders should not be placed in front of closed doors that can open toward the ladder. The door should be blocked open, locked, or guarded.
Before using a ladder, inspect it to confirm it is in good working condition.
Ladders with loose or missing parts should not be used.
Rickety ladders that sway or lean to the side should not be used.
Make sure you’re using the right size ladder for the job.
The length of the ladder should be sufficient so that the climber does not have to stand on the top rung or step.
Only one person at a time should be on a ladder unless the ladder is specifically designed for more than one climber (such as a Trestle Ladder).
Never jump or slide down from a ladder or climb more than one rung/step at a time.

Ladders can be extremely hazardous when they aren’t used properly, so please take advantage of the safety precautions above. If you find yourself in pain, please come see us. We can help get rid of your pain and back to the holiday traditions and events that you look forward to. It’s our job to make sure you feel great and ready to celebrate!

Looking for a physical therapist to help you recover from a ladder injury?

More information about ladder safety can be found in our Newsletter

Looking for more holiday survival tips? We have them here for you!

Avoid Back Pain with These 8 Lifting Safety Tips

November 11, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog

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During the holidays, back injuries become more prevalent as people maneuver themselves up and down ladders and stairways while carrying or lifting heavy objects. A little bit of lifting safety can go a long way to keeping your holiday season bright.

1. SIZE UP THE LOAD

Check to ensure the load is stable and balanced.

2. PLAN THE JOB

Consider all possibilities. Is the path clear? What is the weight of the load? How much stress will be placed on your back? Is there traffic, a tripping hazard, a doorway to go through, or a stairway to go up or down? Avoid carrying an object that requires two hands to hold, either up or especially down, a flight of stairs.

3. ESTABLISH A BASE OF SUPPORT

Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot in front of the other. Make sure you have firm footing and that your feet are a shoulder-width apart. This staggered stance gives you the stability of not falling over and being able to secure the load.

4. BEND YOUR KNEES, KEEP YOUR HEELS OFF OF THE FLOOR AND GET AS CLOSE TO THE OBJECT AS POSSIBLE.

Always lift with your legs and not your back.

5. BE CERTAIN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A HOLD ON THE OBJECT WITHOUT HAVING TO ADJUST YOUR GRIP LATER.

You can use gloves to help maintain an adequate grip, but don’t rely on gloves because they can de-sensitize the fingers making you unable to feel the object.

6. LIFT GRADUALLY

Lift gradually with your legs without using jerky motions.

7. KEEP THE LOAD CLOSE TO PREVENT ARCHING YOUR LOWER BACK.

As you begin the lift, tighten your stomach muscles, and keep your head and shoulders up. The closer the load is to your spine, the less force will be placed on your back.

8. PIVOT

Don’t twist. Move your feet in the direction of the lift. This will eliminate the need to twist at the waist.

Whether at home or at work safe lifting practices can keep your back healthy and safe. Before lifting heavy objects decide how you will lift carry & place the item before you pick it up. If you are experiencing persistent pain, please contact us. We want to help you to be at your best this holiday season.

PT News November 2020

November 4, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Cancer Related Care, General Information, PT News, Sports and Fitness

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This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout October & November 2020. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. 15 Minute Holiday Home Exercise Program

Created by Mishock Physical Therapy with 7 Convenient locations throughout Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Counties.

The goal of the Mishock Physical Therapy Holiday Home Exercise program is to promote the development of the individual’s ability to become strong in fundamental movement patterns (relative maximum strength) that are critical to improving function and preventing injury. The scientifically based program trains the body’s major muscle groups by focusing on the core, upper, and lower body strength through fundamental movement patterns. Read more

2. 9 Ways Stretching Can Improve your Health and Wellness

Written by Cornerstone Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy practice with multiple locations throughout Ohio.

Is stretching part of your daily life? If not, it should be. Stretching is a great way to start your day and it comes with a wide range of benefits. Don’t know where to start? Don’t fret! Our licensed physical therapists can help you create a stretching plan that will work best for you. To find out more about how daily stretches and improve your quality of life! Read more

3. Recovery During and After Cancer Treatment: A Therapist’s Role

Written by Rebound Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group in Bend, OR, and surrounding areas.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it also is National Physical Therapy Month. As a physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, I am very passionate about working with patients during their journey with breast cancer. Physical therapists (and occupational therapists) play an important role in the recovery after breast cancer treatments. These treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients can experience side effects from treatments that can impact their daily lives. Read more

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Your Health is Our Top Priority

October 28, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

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Updated 6/24/2020

Preventing the Spread of Illness

Due to the emergence of COVID-19 we are taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this virus and encouraging everyone to take action to stay healthy. While we are all changing our daily routines during this global health crisis, we want to let you know that our doors are still open, and will remain open unless we are told otherwise by our governmental leaders.

We have considered the question of whether or not to stay open from an ethical perspective. The question pertains to whether or not we, as private practice business owners, are contributing to the rise of the infection curve, versus supporting the flattening of it, by remaining open to see our patients.

We want to share that a memorandum was issued on March 19, 2020 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security which states:

“If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.”

The guidance goes on to further define the “essential infrastructure workers” to include “physical and occupational therapists and assistants”. Their advice to our industry is to strive to stay open and treat the patient population during this pandemic. Therefore, we believe that it is our duty to try to meet this guidance and continue to care for our patients’ physical and occupational therapy needs during this time of crisis.

Since our clinics and its staff are included in the specific definition of “essential” healthcare businesses that should strive to stay open and care for patients, we intend to do just that. We are able to practice within the recommended CDC guidelines and we are following local government mandates. We are here to assist in keeping people healthy; physical and occupational therapists are essential in flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. We play a key role in keeping people we can help out of physician offices and hospitals. This will not only free up the medical teams to treat those impacted by COVID-19, but also limit the exposure of those seeking care for treatment that a physical or occupational therapist can provide. For those patients who do not need surgery at this time, or if surgery has been delayed, we are here and ready to help get you better.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Here are the steps we are taking to help to prevent infection and the spread of the virus.

Daily screens of all patients, visitors, and employees for COVID-19 symptoms.
All employees are wearing face coverings.
After each patient encounter, we are washing our hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
We are routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces such as mats, treatment tables, exercise equipment, computer keyboards and mouse, pens, phones, light switches, door handles, faucets, etc.
We are requiring a minimum of a 6-foot space between all patients and employees whenever possible, except to the extent necessary to provide services

Face Coverings:

All patients, employees, and visitors are expected to wear a face-covering at all times when in our clinics and offices unless a reasonable exception applies.
For those persons that are unable to wear a face-covering due to health, safety, security risk, or personal reasons, please contact your therapist to discuss Telehealth.
Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for maintaining 6-feet social distancing and hand washing, as these working together remain important steps to slowing the spread of the virus.

How you can help us maintain a safe environment for yourself and our patients.

Please take a minute to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you first walk inside.
It is allergies season. When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
If you have symptoms of any respiratory infection with no fever (e.g., cough, runny nose) please call ahead to reschedule your appointment or a telehealth visit, if appropriate.
If you have a fever, please refrain from coming to the clinic until you have been fever-free for 3 days.

More information about the coronavirus can be found on the CDC’s website. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us directly, please don’t hesitate to call any of our locations.

Many of our locations are now offering a Telehealth option for patients who are not able to make it in the clinic. More information about Online Physical Therapy Sessions.

Physical Therapy for Post Intensive Care Syndrome

October 21, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

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In regards to COVID, as a country, we have been uniquely focused on infection and survival rates. States and school districts have set up dashboards to help keep everyone informed as much as possible. News sources are still providing regular updates. Very little, however, is said about the quality of life that COVID patients have if they spent prolonged periods in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Did you know that around 70% of ICU patients that are released suffer from neuromuscular deficits and weakness? These are all symptoms of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). PICS is described by the Cleveland Clinic, as a collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that continue to persist after a patient leaves the ICU.

Physical complications include impairments in:

Muscle strength
Mobility
Pulmonary function
Pain
Gait speed
Balance
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

As physical and occupational therapists, we are uniquely prepared to help patients who have required a hospital stay, admission to the ICU, and often ventilation during their COVID-19 treatment.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy for Post Intensive Care Syndrome

Patient interview screening questions for COVID will help your team identify yellow flags, which may indicate the patient is at risk for additional physical limitations, cognitive deficits, and biopsychosocial aftermath. Physical and occupational therapists can combat these issues by providing individualized treatments programs that may include:

A progressive strengthening exercise program
Functional activities/ADL training
ROM, flexibility exercises, manual therapy techniques
A graded aerobic conditioning program
Gait training program
Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) including relaxation training, ADL pacing, sleep hygiene
Neuromuscular re-education/proprioceptive training
Patient education & aftercare wellness programs

Physical Therapy for Post Intensive Care Syndrome can help post-COVID patients get back into their daily routines and activities. Patients that have trouble or feel uncomfortable going into the clinic have the option to receive care virtually through Telehealth. As caregivers, the main goal is to help patients recover in the setting that best suits their needs. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our licensed physical therapists.

Top 8 Signs You Can Benefit from Outpatient Physical Therapy

October 14, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information, Uncategorized

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We are so excited to celebrate Physical Therapy Month with you! Every October we get the opportunity to share what we’re all about. Without further ado, let’s get started on our Top 8 signs you could benefit from outpatient physical therapy. Some of these may be surprising…

#1 You Require Pain Medications

Physical Therapy is a safe, non-invasive form of treatment for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain or injuries. Instead of masking symptoms, we get right to the source and help you heal. Manage pain safely with physical therapy instead of relying solely on opioids or other pain medications.

#2 You’re In Pain

If you are experiencing pain, we can help you treat the cause and not just the symptoms. In fact, physical therapists spend most of their careers working with patients to help them get rid of their pain so that they can do the things they enjoy most. If you have consistent pain and have been nursing an injury for weeks before seeking help from a medical professional, your body may have already begun to heal; and not always the way we would like it to. By going to physical therapy first, you can help cut down the time off work, off of sports, and promote healing much faster.

#3 Pre & Post Operative Recovery

Pre & Post-surgical rehabilitation helps patients regain their mobility after going through an operation. A post-op recovery plan typically includes:

Pain reduction
Exercises and stretches to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance
Balance and/or gait training
Patient education and self-care training

#4 Nagging Symptoms

Untreated, a nagging pain can become chronic pain. Overuse and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) from work or sports can potentially lead to injury and sometimes surgery. These nagging pains are a warning from your body that you need help. Physical therapists can work with you to reduce your pain and prevent injuries from happening. By going through movement training, learning to take breaks when necessary, and developing stretch and exercise routines, we can get rid of that pain and keep you in your sport or workplace.

#5 Balance Issues

You may recall from Falls Prevention Week last month, that fall death rates have increased by 30% since 2007. For the most part, falls are preventable, and physical therapists are uniquely poised on the front lines in the battle against falls.

Have you fallen in the past year?
Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
Are you worried about falling?

If you answered yes to any of the above you could benefit from a fall prevention program to improve your strength, balance, & gait.

#6 Have Trouble Sleeping

Who knew physical therapists had so many skills up their sleeves? Sleeping is one of the most important things that we can do for our bodies. Our bodies utilize this time for recovery and sleeping in a position that causes pain can prevent the body from recovering. Therefore, finding an appropriate sleeping position that results in your body feeling at ease is very important. In fact, part of rehabilitation is educating patients on how to sleep in a position that won’t aggravate the injury as they heal.

#7 Uncontrolled Descent

As physical therapists, we spend a good bit of time working with patients that suffer from muscle weakness. Whether it be from old age, prolonged bed-rest, or a neurological disorder, we can help. If you or someone you know has trouble remaining upright or is unable to control their descent from a standing to a sitting position we can create a strengthening program designed specifically for their needs and ability levels.

#8 Limited Activities of Daily Living

Last but certainly not least, we help people achieve their movement goals! If you find yourself unable to carry the laundry basket down the hall, wash the car, or basically any of the activities that you do on a daily basis, we’re here for that. Helping people reach their goals is our passion and nothing makes us happier than seeing you get back to the lifestyle you love most.

From infants to seniors, physical therapists are working hard each day to help the people of their communities be at their best. We hope you enjoyed our Top 08 signs that could benefit from outpatient physical therapy. Maybe you have already been treated for one of them. If you believe that you need physical therapy you can easily find a physical therapist near you and get started today. With in-person and virtual options available through Telehealth, there has never been a better time to get started on your care.

Post-Mastectomy Physical Therapy

October 7, 2020 contentadmin - Blog, Women's Health

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The word cancer is a scary one. Even though we all hope that it never becomes part of our lifetime of trials, more often than not, we know someone that has had, or is currently dealing with cancer. It is a testament to the medical community that so many women are able to wear the pink ribbon as a sign of triumph and pride, but we still mourn with those that wear it as a sign of remembrance and loss. More than once, while talking with women that have begun treatment for breast cancer, the topic of whether or not to have a mastectomy has come up. It’s not a decision taken lightly, often one with multiple concerns about what happens after surgery. Will the cancer be gone for good? Will it hurt? How long will it take to recover? A physical therapy post mastectomy program can help address these issues.

Physical Therapy can’t answer all of those questions, but one thing a physical therapy post mastectomy program can do is aid in the overall recovery process by focusing on regaining strength and increasing the range of motion in your shoulder and arm. Early intervention by a physical therapist can help women regain full function following mastectomy surgery, regardless of whether or not a woman has had reconstruction. Rehabilitation is always tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Not every patient experiences the same recovery, and as such physical therapists are prepared to help patients experiencing a multitude of symptoms – some have been highlighted below.

Size, location and the type of mastectomy are important considerations when choosing a type of treatment. Exercises to maintain shoulder range of motion and arm mobility may be prescribed as early as 24 hours after surgery. These exercises are important in restoring strength and promoting good circulation. As rehabilitation progresses these exercises may be modified to meet new goals.

After mastectomy surgery, patients may experience tightness around the surgical site. This is caused by scar tissue formation. The result can be very dense tissue under the incision, which is painful and can restrict range of motion. The restricted range of motion puts a woman at risk for a painful condition known as frozen shoulder. Early treatment by a physical therapist can help reduce the pain and help regain functional range of motion and strength.

Numbness and/or nerve sensitivity at the surgical site can develop post-mastectomy. Manual therapy can help restore sensation and relieve nerve pain. In severe cases, a chronic condition known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome may develop. This is caused by scar tissue impinging on nerves. Physical therapy can be very effective at releasing scar tissue and reducing this nerve related pain.

Axillary node dissection can lead to a condition known as cording or axillary web syndrome. Cording presents as a moderate to painful tightening, which appears as “cords” emanating from the armpit and extending down the arm. Cording significantly restricts range of motion and arm function. Manual therapy and therapeutic stretching helps to resolve this condition quickly.

Radiation treatment after mastectomy surgery can exacerbate posture and range of motion problems, causing fibrosis and skin tightness. Manual therapy can remediate these issues and may prevent them from ever becoming a problem.

The Benefits of Exercise and Physical Therapy post mastectomy treatment programs can differ greatly as seen above, but there are a few benefits that all patients can benefit from:

Improved shoulder range of motion
Improved shoulder strength
Improved functional mobility
Improved posture
Decreased pain at the surgical site
Decreased edema on the affected side
Improved sensation at the surgical site

Meeting with a physical therapist before surgery can help you feel more at ease and more confident in your overall recovery goals. It’s never too early to ask questions! To find a physical therapy clinic near you click here.

For more information on cancer related physical therapy programs click here:

PT News September 2020

September 30, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information, Hand, Head, PT News

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This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout September 2020. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Virtual Total Body Fitness Workout

Created by The Center for Physical Rehabilitation with locations throughout Greater Grand Rapids, MI.

This bodyweight-only class is sure to get your heart rate up and muscles burning! With modifications available to increase or decrease the intensity, this exercise circuit is great for everyone! Not ready to resume in-person classes? No problem! Check out this Virtual Fitness Class options here! Read more

2. Excercise Improves Learning

Written by The Jackson Clinics, an outpatient physical therapy practice with multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning platforms have quickly become how many children will learn this Fall. As a result, our kids will experience a sharp jump in their screen time. Now, more than ever, we need to help to counteract this rise in sedentary time with some good old fashioned exercise and playtime! Read more

3. Minimizing Opioid Use Through Physical Therapy

Written by Wright Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical and hand therapy practice with locations throughout Southern, ID.

Chronic pain affects nearly one-third of the American population and is, more often than not, disabling. The assurance of repose can sound promising no matter which pain relief option is presented, even if the option is the introduction of habit-forming prescription medications. Despite the daunting stats, there is great news! Physical therapy (PT) is powerful as a highly recommended alternative to the use of dangerous and addictive pain medications. Read more

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Improve Your Posture at Work

September 16, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Industrial Rehab

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Postural muscles are used to prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us forward, help us maintain balance, and allow us to move effectively and efficiently. Poor posture, which can be caused by tight or weak muscles, stress, incorrect body positioning, obesity, and wearing uncomfortable shoes, puts a strain on the body and can lead to adverse health effects.

Given the potential risks of poor posture, it’s critical to understand how to improve your posture. Improved posture has been shown to improve mood, boost productivity, and reduce the risk of injury. By learning how to correctly position your body and working on strengthening relevant muscle groups, you can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

The infographic below from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences highlights how to improve posture at work, whether you spend the majority of your day sitting, standing, driving, or lifting objects, and offers exercises and stretches to help strengthen postural muscles and relieve pain.

Created by the team at usa.edu

Tips to Prevent Sports Shoulder Injuries

September 9, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Shoulder, Sports and Fitness

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If you have injured your shoulder with a fracture, strain, or a sprain, you need to rehab safely to take care of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. We usually injure our shoulders through either overuse, wear and tear of joints, trauma, or a false movement.

Common shoulder injuries include:

Bursitis
Frozen shoulder
Torn rotator cuff
Fracture
Dislocation
Impingement
Arthritis

Strengthening the Shoulder Muscles

The best way to avoid shoulder pain is to reduce the risk of an injury from happening. This can be done by working with your shoulder muscles to increase range-of-motion while building joint strength. As you work to strengthen your shoulder start slow and make sure to rest between practices.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, speak to a health care professional for modified exercises.

Here are some exercises that can help get lessen mild shoulder pain and prevent an injury from occurring.

1. External rotation with retraction
This exercise uses a gentle resistance band arm workout to help your shoulder.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Take a long resistance band in both hands.
Have your elbows at your side (bent about 90 degrees) with your palms facing up.
Now gently move your forearms out to the side, about 6 to 8 inches.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together as best you can. Your forearms will move out a little bit further.
Hold in this position for a short pause, then return to your starting position.

2. Side-lying external rotation

Lie down on your side on a mat, with your weight on your elbow if you wish.
Place a rolled-up towel underneath your top arm (bent) to rest between your arm and your hip.
Hold a small weight (1/2kg – 2 kg depending on your size and strength) in your hand.
Start with the weight on the floor in front of your body, and rotate your arm slowly from the elbow.
Your hand should come up so that your lower arm is almost perpendicular to your body. Don’t go too far, as that will put stress on your shoulder.
Gently bring your hand back down, and repeat. Do this exercise slowly.

3. Shoulder abduction with anchored resistance
This exercise uses a resistance band anchored under your feet

Hold the band in your hand, thumb facing up
Lift your arm straight out to the side to shoulder height, and lower it back down.
Slowly return to the starting position and repeat for up to 10 reps
Switch arms and repeat

4. Bilateral shoulder extension
For this exercise, grab your long resistance band and stand with your feet hip-distance apart.

Pass the resistance band around the net post, or if you’re doing this at home, around a pillar or another stationary object at hip height.
Position yourself far enough away from the anchor point that there is tension in the band.
Hold one end the resistance band in your hands with your palms facing up, and your thumbs rotated outward.
Keeping a tight hold of the resistance band, bring your arms back (keep them straight) until it is against your side.
Bring your shoulder back and squeeze your shoulder blades together.

When is it time to get help?

Shortly after an injury or pain, you should start with the first steps of recovery rest, ice, and protection. If your shoulder pain doesn’t subside, a physical therapist can help guide you through a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. If you experience pain while doing an exercise program, stop immediately, and consult your healthcare provider.