Category Archives: Blog

Exercise May Reduce Risk of Low Back Pain

May 12, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog

Low back pain is a common complaint that can last a few days or weeks or become a chronic condition with significant impact on well being. Treatments can vary depending on the cause.Chronic back pain can be difficult to successfully treat and it may take some time to find what treatment works best for each person. Since treatment is not guaranteed to work, prevention is the best option. Back pain is often the result of long term stress on the back such as poor posture, sedentary behavior, or regular strain on the back. Prevention will likely involve a number of different steps to reduce these stresses. However, existing studies have not found clear recommendations for the best methods to go about it.

Researchers wanted to investigate the effectiveness of a number of interventions for the prevention of low back pain. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that exercise alone or in combination with education was most effective for preventing low back pain.

About the Study
The systematic review of 21 randomized controlled trials included 30,850 men and women without low back pain. The participants were randomized to 6 different prevention strategies, including exercise, education, exercise plus education, back belt, and shoe insoles. The control groups received no intervention, minimal interventions, or placebo.

When compared to the control group exercise was associated with:
• Fewer low back pain episodes in the first 12 months (in 4 trials with 898 people)
• Fewer sick days due to back pain in follow up 12 months or longer (in 2 trials with 128 people)
• Reduction in short-term (4 trials with 422 people) and long-term low-back pain episodes (2 trials with 138 people) when combined with education

Education alone, back belts, and shoe insoles did not appear to have any benefit during the trials.

How Does This Affect You?
A systematic review combines the results of several smaller studies to arrive at one result. The benefit of this type of review is that it increases the number of participants which increase reliability of results. However the review is only as reliable as the studies that are included and the method used to combine the results. There were some flaws in every trial that were included in this analysis. For example, many of the included trials had a high dropout rate during the trial which decreases the reliability of their results.

Low back pain is often associated with an imbalance or weakness of certain back muscles. An exercise program will improve your physical fitness, strengthen your back muscles, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Regular physical activity may also help maintain a healthy weight which can also put strain on your back. Choose exercises or activities that you enjoy and will make a regular part of your day. For most people, this could include 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per day.

Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedics
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

SOURCES:
Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated March 2, 2016. Accessed March 22, 2016.

Steffens D, Maher CG, et al. Prevention of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016 Feb 1;176(2):199-208.

Last reviewed April 2016 by Michael Woods, MD

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

PT News

May 10, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

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

1. What does RICE and MEAT have to do with Physical Therapy?
Written by the Therapy Team at Cornerstone Physical Therapy. located in Canal Winchester, OH

When you hear the words rice and meat, we won’t blame you for thinking about food! In the physical therapy world, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) has long been the recommended treatment for sports injuries. Read more

2. Slow and Steady Still Wins the Race
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy – Middleburg, VA

As the days get longer and warmer, we’re more apt to engage in outdoor activities like walking and running. Spring also begins the season for charity 5k races and half marathons―great inspirations for starting a new exercise program. Read more

3. Staying Active During Pregnancy
Written by Jennifer Ryskamp, PTA at the Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Grand Rapids, MI

I wanted to take this opportunity to connect with my fellow women who are currently pregnant, and let you know that you are not alone. I am speaking specifically to those who have historically always been very active and are now finding themselves forced to slow down due to the immensely wonderful and yet altogether difficult task of growing another human being. Read more

Starting a Workout Program

May 5, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Yes, we get it, exercise is important, but that alone isn’t enough to make all of us get off of the couch. If you are having trouble starting a workout program that works for you and your schedule, get creative and start small. For most of us, we need someone or something to give us a small push in the right direction – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. You don’t have to go to a gym with a lot of intimidating machinery, and weights – you can go to a physical therapy clinic. A physical therapist can work with you to develop a functional exercise routine that works for you and your goals… and if you need an exercise or wellness coach – they may just be able to make a recommendation. Okay, you’ve heard the sales pitch, but here are the basics you need to know. Whether you go to a gym, PT, or are starting a program on your own there are a few things you should take into consideration.

Benefits of Exercise

Improved circulation and cholesterol
Weight control
Assists with smoking cessation and addiction
Prevents/manages high blood pressure
Prevents bone loss
Boosts energy level and happy brain chemicals
Improves sleep, strength, and self confidence
Reduces risk of CHD/CVD, stroke
Delays/prevents chronic diseases
Reduces stress and anxiety while increasing relaxation
Prevents cognitive decline
Sharpens memory and boosts brainpower

Is Exercise Safe for Me?

If you have major health issues, consult your doctor before doing any exercise
Medical conditions can benefit from exercise even if you have a health issue or injury

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Set short term and long term goals THAT ARE OBTAINABLE!
Daily Reminders: schedule workouts on your calendar or set the alarm on your phone
Reward yourself for obtaining your goals (with something other than food)
Invest in a good pair of workout shoes
Workout with others
Start slowly
Do things you like and don’t focus on activities that you don’t like

How Often Should I Exercise?

Start small and build for success
American Heart Association recommends 30 min per day, most days of the week
SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN NOTHING!

How Hard Should I Work Out?

During cardio take the talk test: Can you speak in sentences while exercising?
Resistance training: You should be able to perform 10-15 reps with proper form

Stay Safe When You Exercise

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a workout
Warm up, stretch, and cool down to help prevent injury
Wear good shoes that are appropriate for your foot type

This information about starting a workout program was written by Advance Rehabilitation, a physical therapy group with 15 locations throughout North and South GA, and 2 locations in North FL. Advance Rehabilitation is an outpatient physical therapy group that focuses on providing the highest quality rehabilitation services. They specialize in physical therapy, sports medicine, industrial rehabilitation and athletic training. For more information click here.

Baseball Video Throwing Analysis

May 3, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Slow motion 2-D video throwing analysis for baseball players of all skill levels. The purpose of a baseball video throwing analysis is to break down the act of throwing to screen for abnormalities and deviations that may cause potential damage to the shoulder or elbow. Goals are injury prevention and optimizing performance by instructing players on the most efficient and effective mechanics of throwing. Includes evidence-based strengthening exercises and stretches from a certified strength & conditioning specialist. Provides player with proper arm care techniques, systematic warm-ups, cool-downs, throwing protocols, bullpen guidance and much more.

VIDEO ANALYSIS PROGRAMS TYPICALLY INCLUDE:
• Private Evaluation with a Physical Therapist
• Videography
• Biomechanical Analysis and Grading
• Recommendations on Areas for Improvement

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A VIDEO ANAYLSIS AS A PITCHER:
• Physical Therapy has proven to be immediately valuable in the rehabilitation of injuries and prevention of further damage to the shoulder or elbow
• Video analysis is the only technology available to view each phase of the throwing motion from all possible angles to screen and detect mechanical flaws that are causing injury
• Objective data obtained from the analysis is put through a rigorous grading process (The 8 Cylinders of Pitching) which determines the biomechanical efficiency of the throwing motion
• A structured rehabilitation and prevention program that incorporates the latest evidence-based interventions proven to be effective specifically to baseball players
• A baseball program will rehabilitate and optimize a player’s performance in a safe, scientifically sound manner and maintain good health through their careers.

May 2016 Events

April 26, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

Check out our new 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 May 2016!

GEORGIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

JEKYLL ISLAND
DATE: May 13th, 2016 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2016 Turtle Crawl
CLINIC: Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy – Brunswick / St. Simons
Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy is proud to be a sponsor for the 2016 Turtle Crawl in Jekyll Island. What could be more fun or more worthwhile than running to save endangered sea turtles? Between the triathlon and 5K & 10K races, the new Beach Village will play host to Turtle Crawl Festival. Join GSTC for a celebration of the start of the sea turtle nesting season. Play in field day-style games hosted by the Center, dance with the GSTC mascot Scute during one of several live music performances on the Village Green, and grab a bite from a regional food truck. Enjoy the evening’s festivities while learning about what small changes you can do to make a huge difference in the life of a sea turtle. For event information click here. For more information about Advance Physical Therapy in Brunswick and St. Simons click here.

IDAHO PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BOISE, ID
DATE: May 7th, 2016
Boise Walk for the Cure
CLINIC: Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation – Boise
Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is proud to be a sponsor for the 2016 Boise Walk for the Cure. For more information about Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation click here.

HOMEDALE, ID
DATE: May 11th, 2016
Boise-Cascade Annual Safety Fair
CLINIC: Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation – Boise
Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is a proud participant in the 2016 Boise-Cascade Annual Safety Fair. For more information about Intermountain Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation click here.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

ARMADA, MI
DATE: May 16th, 2016
New Clinic Opening
CLINIC: Plymouth Physical Therapy – Armada
Plymouth Physical Therapy is excited to announce the opening of its 15th location in Armada, MI. The Armada Center is scheduled to open its doors and accept new patients on Monday, May 16th. For more information about Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists you can visit them online by clicking here.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
DATE: May 13th, 2016
Sport and Fitness Expo
CLINIC: The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Grand Rapids
Sports & Fitness Expo is a 1 day event being held on May 13th, 2016 at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI. This event showcases product from medical, pharmaceutical, sporting goods, toys and game industries. Free admission, open to public, 100+ vendors, food samples, discounted apparel and prize drawings. For more information about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation click here.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI
DATE: May 12th, 2016
Ford/Sterling Heights Plant Health Fair
CLINIC: Fit2WRK Therapy Partners of Michigan
Fit2WRK provides an integrated approach to ensuring overall client satisfaction. Our industrial specialists will review your own needs and co-develop programs designed to expedite return to work as well as positively impact future injury costs. For more information on Fit2WRK please visit their website here.

MISSISSIPPI PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

CLINTON, MS
DATE: May 19th, 2016 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Business Block Party
CLINIC: Arrowhead Physical Therapy – Clinton
Arrowhead Physical Therapy and the other tenants of the Parkway Center are getting together to show off their services to the community. Stop on by the Arrowhead Physical Therapy Clinic to meet the staff, see the clinic and have a great time! For more information about Arrowhead Physical Therapy in Clinton, MS click here.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BOLIVAR, TN
DATE: May 13th, 2016
Physical Therapy Open House
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – Bolivar
STAR Physical Therapy is celebrating 10 years in the Bolivar community. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with an Open House! Join for food and fun, meet our therapists and see the clinic. For more information about STAR Physical Therapy – Bolivar visit their website by clicking here.

NASHVILLE, TN
DATE: May 13th, 2016 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Free Run Well Event
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – East Nashville
Join health and wellness experts discussing and demonstrating ways to enhance your exercise routine and running technique to improve ease, comfort and performance. This free event will provide several approaches including a specific assessment of your running biomechanics through video analysis. For more information about STAR Physical Therapy visit their website by clicking here.

OOLTEWAH, TN
DATE: May 15th, 2016 12:30PM – 3:00PM
Taste of Ooltewah and Harrison
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – Ooltewah
The 2nd ANNUAL TASTE OF OOLTEWAH AND HARRISON that was rained out last weekend will now take place on Sunday, May 15th! Join us and Ooltewah Harrison Education Foundation from 12:30-3:00 at Cambridge Square in Ooltewah for this great event! James Gose, Ooltewah Clinic Director, will be on hand providing free balance assessments and answering any physical therapy questions that you may have. https://www.facebook.com/events/1724699561149707/

TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

ARLINGTON, TX
DATE: May 12th, 2016 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Physician Mixer Networking Event!
CLINIC: Green Oaks Physical Therapy – Mansfield, North and South Arlington
Please join us for our Physician Mixer at Bar Louie, Arlington Highlands. A fun evening of networking with your peers from the Arlington/Mansfield area. There will be complimentary drinks and appetizers. Door prizes include: Fit Bit, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, golf accessories and more! For more information about Green Oaks Physical Therapy click here.

FORT WORTH, TX
DATE: May 6th, 2016 11:30am – 1:00pm
Green Oaks Physical Therapy 5th Annual Cookout!
CLINIC: Green Oaks Physical Therapy – Fort Worth
Come and experience some Green Oaks Hospitality. Stop by for brisket, ribs & sides. Check out the clinic & meet the staff!! Please RSVP to 817-335-7946 and enjoy some great food and fun. Located at 160 W. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 2, Fort Worth, TX 76104. For more information about Green Oaks Physical Therapy in Fort Worth click here.

FORT WORTH, TX
DATE: May 12th, 2016 1:00pm – 4:00pm
GE Manufacturing Solutions 2016 Health Ahead Day
CLINIC: Physical Therapy of Trophy Club – Trophy Club
Physical Therapy of Trophy Club will be available to GE Employees at the GE Manufacturing Solutions 2016 Health Ahead Day. Along with others we will go over ways to live a safe healthy and stress free life. For more information about Physical Therapy of Trophy Club click here.

HOUSTON, TX
DATE: May 25th, 2016
National Senior Health & Fitness Day 10:00am – 12:00pm
CLINIC: Action Physical Therapy – Houston
Action Physical Therapy, in Houston, TX is proud to be participating in the 23rd Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day! Join us in Houston’s First Baptist Church – Harbor Room for hearing tests, bone density scans and to meet our fitness trainers! A healthy lunch will be provided for the first 50 attendees. For more information about Action Physical Therapy in Houston, click here.

LAS COLINAS, TX
DATE: May 14th, 2016
Habitat for Humanity Build with Green Oaks Physical Therapy
CLINIC: Green Oaks Physical Therapy – Las Colinas
The Green Oaks Physical Therapy team members from Las Colinas, Fort Worth, and South Arlington are participating in a Habitat for Humanity build. If you happen to be out there come see us and help us with a great cause! For more info on the Dallas area Habitat for Humanity click here. For more information on Green Oaks Physical Therapy, click here.

WISCONSIN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

WAUSAU, WI
DATE: May 03rd, 2016, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Worker’s Compensation Symposium
CLINIC: Sport & Spine Physical Therapy
No cost to attend! This event is designed to be of interest to anyone who works for or cares for, Wisconsin’s workforce. Employers, HR directors, safety directors, case managers, nurses, physicians and physician’s assistants. Hosted by Sport & Spine Physical Therapy of Weston. Click here for more information or visit their website here.

Click here to print a downloadable events flyer.

Long Work Hours May Increase Risk of Stroke

April 14, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Neurological Rehab

Stroke is a brain injury caused by an interruption in blood flow. It is a leading cause of death in the US, and can also cause disability, decreased quality of life and increased healthcare expenses. There are many lifestyle factors that affect you risk of stroke including diet, exercise, smoking and stress. Other lifestyle habits like long periods of standing or long work hours are also being reviewed for their impact on stroke risk.

Earlier research has suggested that long working hours may be linked to stroke, but the evidence is limited. Researchers wanted to determine if there was a possible connection between long work hours and the risk of stroke. The study, published in Lancet, found that employees who work long hours have a higher risk of stroke than those who do not.

About the Study
The systematic review of observational studies included 528,908 men and women from Europe, the U.S. and Australia who were free from history of stroke at the beginning of the study. The participants volunteered their work hours and were tracked for the development of stroke. During an average 7.2 year follow up there were 1,722 stroke-related events.

Compared to those who worked standard hours (35-40 hours/week), participants who worked 49-54 and more than 55 hours a week had an increased risk of stroke.

The effects remained apparent even when other stroke factors like age, sex and health history were accounted for.

How Does This Affect You?
A systematic review pools a large number of trials to create a larger pool of data. The larger the pool of data, the more reliable outcomes are. However, the review is only as reliable as the trials that are included. The included studies were all observational studies which means a direct cause and effect link could not be established and the studies can only show a potential link between factors.

There is a reasonable link between extra work hours and stroke since longer hours are often associated with extra stress and less relaxation time. If you have long work hours, you may want to talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors for stroke and follow other stroke prevention methods such as:
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting dietary salt and fat
• If you smoke, talking to your doctor about way to quit
• Increasing your consumption of fish
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Managing chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

Rehabilitation doesn’t reverse the effects of a stroke. Its goals are to build your strength, capability and confidence so you can continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

• A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

What are the Effects of Stroke?
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can’t reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won’t work as it should. Rehabilitation is probably one of the most important phases of recovery for many stroke survivors. The effects of stroke may mean that you must change, relearn or redefine how you live. Stroke rehabilitation helps you return to independent living.

Rehabilitation doesn’t reverse the effects of a stroke. Its goals are to build your strength, capability and confidence so you can continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

What Will I Do in Rehabilitation?
What you do in rehabilitation depends on what you need to become independent. You may work to improve your independence in many areas. These include:
• Self-care skills such as feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting and dressing
• Mobility skills such as transferring, walking or self-propelling a wheelchair
• Communication skills in speech and language
• Cognitive skills such as memory or problem solving
• Social skills for interacting with other people

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

American Stroke Association
http://www.strokeassociation.org

Kivimäki M, Jokela M, et al. Long working hours and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished data for 603,838 individuals. Lancet. 2015 Oct 31;386(10005):1739-1746. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2815%2960295-1/fulltext. Accessed January 19, 2016.

Risk factors for stroke or transient ischemic attack. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated December 28, 2015. Accessed January 19, 2016.

Last reviewed January 2016 by Michael Woods, MD

PT News

April 12, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

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

1. The Rapid Recovery Blueprint
Written by the Therapy Team at Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Exercise tends to break down muscle fibers while rest allows muscles to recuperate and emerge stronger. The appropriate amount of exercise, followed by recovery leads to an ongoing cycle of improvement over time. Strength and endurance improve, creating a foundation for long-term health. Read more

2. Can We Get Stronger as We Age?
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy

The answer to that question is – absolutely! After age 40 or so, we all begin to lose muscle strength and bone density, and our hormone production slows. Read more

3. Overtraining Doesn’t Help, It Hurts
Written by the Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy

Working to achieve a sports or fitness goal can drive many people to overtrain in an effort to get stronger, better, faster. Our PT’s have seen many injuries related to overtraining. Read more

April is Occupational Therapy Month

April 7, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

This month we celebrate occupational therapy, which helps individuals get back to doing all the things they love on a daily basis. Occupational therapy enables people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability. It is a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience and “best practices” that have been developed and proven over time.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing” whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. It is occupational therapy’s purpose to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure living life to its fullest. These solutions may be adaptations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings or helping individuals to alter their own behaviors.

When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function and support everyday living activities. The goal is to maximize potential. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust their environments (ex: home, school or work) and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.

By taking the full picture into account a person’s psychological, physical, emotional and social makeup as well as their environment—occupational therapy assists clients to do the following:

• Achieve goals
• Function at the highest possible level
• Concentrate on what matters most to them
• Maintain or rebuild their independence
• Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do

Written by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
For more information, go to: www.aota.org

Frozen Shoulder: How Physical Therapy Can Help

April 6, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Shoulder

Physical therapy can help patients experiencing frozen shoulder regain movement faster. If your initial pain doesn’t go away with usual pain relievers, it’s probably time to check with a physical therapist. That’s because it can take up to TWO YEARS to go away on it’s own! This is definitely not something to be ignored.

Adhesive capsulitis is more commonly known as frozen shoulder, and with good reason: It can render your shoulder so stiff, it’s almost impossible to button your shirt — that is, if you aren’t in too much pain to get dressed in the first place.

Where does this injury Come From?
In general it comes on after an injury to your shoulder or a bout with another musculo-skeletal condition such as tendinitis or bursitis. Quite often its cause can’t be pinpointed. Nonetheless, any condition that causes you to refrain from moving your arm and using your shoulder joint can put you at risk for developing this injury.
It affects 10-20 percent of people with diabetes according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Women are more likely to develop this injury than men and it occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 40 and 60.

Where does the diabetes come in?
Well, doctors still aren’t exactly sure. But they believe that excess glucose impacts the collagen in the shoulder. Collagen is a major building block in the ligaments that hold the bones together in a joint. When sugar molecules attach to the collagen, it can make the collagen sticky. The buildup then causes the affected shoulder to stiffen, and the pain prevents you from moving your arm. Ouch!

This injury has Three Stages:
FREEZING
Pain slowly becomes worse until range of motion is lost.
(Lasts 6 weeks to 9 months)

FROZEN
Pain improves, but the shoulder is still stiff.
(Lasts 4 to 6 months)

THAWING
Ability to move the shoulder improves until normal or close to normal.
(Lasts 6 months to 2 years)

Physical therapy is often very effective in treating frozen shoulder. If your initial pain doesn’t go away with the usual pain relievers, it’s probably time to check with a doctor. That’s because it can take up to two years to go away on its own! This is definitely not something to be ignored.

TREATMENT
Treatment focuses on controlling pain and getting movement back to normal through physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is also considered. Talk to your doctor about treatment options that are right for you.

PREVENTION
Because doctors don’t really understand the causes, it can be difficult to prevent them in most cases. Keeping your blood sugars under control is always key to avoiding all complications. Doctors have also found that people who’ve suffered an injury to their shoulder or stroke are also at an increased risk, because of the immobility the other condition has caused. If you have diabetes and have had a shoulder injury, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about what kind of exercises you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

Written by the Therapy Team at Advanced Physical Therapy

Achilles Tendon Care – New Therapy Can End Months of Pain

March 29, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Ankle, Blog, Foot

The Achilles tendon is the large cord-like structure at the back of the ankle. It is responsible for transferring the muscle forces generated by the calf, which in turn allows you to roll onto the ball of your foot during walking and running.

We don’t realize it, but this tendon can withstand tremendous stress. It can tolerate forces of greater than 1000 pounds. However, it is also a tendon that can become inflamed and injured. Symptoms include pain (in the tendon or where it attaches to the heel bone), swelling, weakness in the leg and morning stiffness. The discomfort that resolves as the day progresses is common.

Often, physical therapists see clients that experience chronic Achilles pain. New research concludes that there is hope for these patients. Recent studies have shown that a certain Achilles condition called tendinosis, responds very well to a specific program of, what we call, eccentric loading. Given enough time and proper technique, physical therapists can help these patients recover from a problem that may have been bothersome for several months.

Who do you know that is experiencing Achilles or some other type of foot pain? There is a good chance that physical therapy can help, and make dramatic changes in someone’s condition. Please, don’t hesitate to call your physical therapist.

PUT ICE ON A NEW INJURY
What should I put on a strained muscle or joint? This is a popular question. The answer is a simple acronym:

• R est
• I ce
• C ompression
• E levation

You need to rest an injured joint, muscle or ligament. Ice helps with pain relief and to some degree, decreases swelling. Compression and elevation help decrease the swelling that results from a soft tissue injury. Excessive swelling can cause additional cell/tissue damage.

VIEW A RICE PICTURE
Picture of a proper RICE technique on the knee:
http://www.ptclinic.com/downloads/1-1.pdf