What’s In A “Pop”?
One of the most common questions physical therapists receive is if “pops” and “cracks” are good or bad for your joints.
First of all, we need to understand what causes the popping and cracking in our joints.
Physical therapists are trained to be able to safely and intentionally create a pop or a crack through what we call manipulations. Manipulations are maneuvers that involve a high velocity and low amplitude thrust (HVLAT) force to a joint. This can be applied to different body parts including most commonly the neck and back areas. Some people are able to self-manipulate and get a pop on their own, such as cracking their neck or knuckles. The pop that we hear with a manipulation is the release of intra-articular gasses due to a quick release of pressure within the joint.1 It is also important to note that there is no evidence that pops and cracks in the joints result in early arthritis or any future problems.2
What to Know about the Male Pelvic Floor
At a recent patient evaluation, I read a prescription that stated the patient needed physical therapy for his “pubic floor.” I asked the patient if he meant pelvic floor and he confirmed that was what his wife had told him. This basically sums up how we as men view our pelvic floor, we are not cognizant it exists.
Suffering from Sciatica? Physical Therapy Can Help
Pain, numbness, and tingling down the leg is both something I treat daily and something I myself have experienced. Feeling concerned that these symptoms are here to stay and there is little you can do about these symptoms is common. Fortunately, physical therapy can be very effective in treating these symptoms most of the time. I am pain free and many of you suffering with sciatica-type symptoms can be too. (more…)
If My Arthritis is Not Reversible, Why Should I See a Physical Therapist?
As a physical therapist I often hear people make the statement “My knee hurts today, but it always does; I have arthritis” or “Physical therapy can’t help me because my pain is from arthritis.” Once a joint is showing arthritic changes or degeneration, it’s true that degeneration will not reverse. However, research is showing more and more how physical therapy can often make changes in the pain you experience from a joint that is diagnosed with arthritis. Isn’t that great news?! (more…)
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