Does the Weather Really Affect Your Joints?
“My knees say there is rain coming,” and “Ever since my surgery, I can tell when the weather is changing.” Have you ever heard someone say these things? Is it possible that this really is true? Many people claim that the weather can affect their pain. In this blog, we will discuss how weather changes can potentially affect the body and, therefore, your pain levels.
Enjoying Summertime Activities With Your New Joint Replacement
Deciding to have a joint replacement can be a big decision and is just one of the first parts of the journey ahead. You are investing in your future self, so it’s important to understand what you want to do after the joint replacement that you are unable to do now.
In the time leading up to this decision, I saw a lot of my patients start gradually changing, reducing, and even stopping their activities altogether due to pain. Following a joint replacement, you can often resume some of the activities you’ve been missing out on!
Can Physical Therapy Help My Jaw Pain?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%. Unusual for chronic pain conditions, the prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger persons. This pain can lead to missed workdays and frequent trips to your primary care provider or dentist. This article will discuss why physical therapy may be what you need to assist in getting rid of that pain and getting back to enjoying life.
Dry Needling For Jaw Pain And TMD
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where your jaw attaches to the temple of the skull. It is a joint that allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. This joint is essential for guiding movements required for chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are conditions associated with dysfunction of the joint as well as the associated muscles.
The cause of TMD is still widely unknown. However, the majority of patients with TMD suffer from malpositioning of the TMJ disc, and muscle tightness in the jaw, face, and neck. TMD can present differently in every individual, so a clinical examination is recommended to customize a plan of care. One option for treating TMD is dry needling.
You’ve Had A Knee Replacement, Now What?
Are you planning on having a knee replacement? Or maybe you’ve just recently had one? Knee replacements are one of the most common types of replacement surgeries. It is estimated that over 850,000 knee replacements are performed each year. As a physical therapist, one thing that I have seen with a majority of my patients navigating post-knee replacement is that they weren’t exactly sure what the recovery process would be like for them post-surgery. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the recovery process from start to finish and how to set yourself up for success.
Occupational Therapy At A Glance: What It Is and What It’s Not
Happy Occupational Therapy Month! Since 1980, April has been the month to celebrate occupational therapy (OT) nationally. Even though the profession started in the early 1900s, there are still misconceptions about the practice that remain to this day. Let’s explore what occupational therapy is, what it’s not, and what it could do for you!
4 Strategies To Help You Protect Your Joints This Winter
While a winter wonderland can be beautiful, it can also pose challenges for those with joint issues. Cold weather can often exacerbate joint pain and stiffness, making it essential to take proactive steps to protect your joints during this time. In this blog, we’ll discuss four strategies to help you safeguard your joints and stay comfortable throughout the winter months.
Should I Exercise If My Joints Make Noise?
Do your joints make noises when you move? Many people hear noises such as pops, creaks, or grinding in their joints, often in the knees, with activities such as going up stairs or squatting down. But it’s important to know that these noises can be normal, especially if they are not associated with any kind of pain! When joints make noise, it is commonly known as crepitus. Let’s take a closer look at what crepitus is and what you need to know in order to continue safe exercise.
