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…)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What Women Should Know
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse is defined as a slipping forward or down. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a pelvic organ drops from its original position in the pelvis and puts pressure on the vaginal wall. Organs that can be involved are the bladder (cystocele), urethra, rectum (rectocele), uterus, vagina, or small bowel (enterocele). Prolapse can be limited to a single organ or involve multiple organs.
Pelvic organ prolapse is experienced primarily by women. It is most common in women over 50 years of age and in Caucasian and Hispanic women greater than African American women. (more…)
10 Places You Didn’t Know Utilized Athletic Trainers
March is National Athletic Training Month and athletic training has evolved as more and more people find out that athletic trainers’ expertise has applications far beyond athletics. Sure, working with on the field (or court – it is time for March Madness) may be the backbone of our profession, but there is an ever-expanding list of non-traditional settings that athletic trainers are making an impact. Below are 10 settings you might not have realized utilized athletic trainers. (more…)
Osteoporosis: Diagnosis, Prevention, & Management
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is defined by low bone density and loss of bone tissue, which puts one at an increased risk of fracture particularly of the spine, hips, and wrists. This can occur when not enough new bone is formed or when old bone is reabsorbed too quickly. In either case an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption occurs. (more…)
Physical Therapy after a Hip Replacement
Hip replacements are one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries. Having been performed since 1960, the surgical technique and prosthesis used have been perfected to allow the patient optimal recovery of functioning with less pain. Having the surgery is only half the battle when it comes to the new joint. Physical therapy is the other important aspect in a full and successful recovery. (more…)
Top 6 Questions to Expect from your Physical Therapist
As a medical professional, it is very important to gather precise and accurate information from a patient regarding their symptoms in order to determine the probable diagnosis and best plan of care. Oftentimes, patients may have a hard time detailing exactly what they are feeling or when. This information is very important to help figure out the best way to eliminate the symptoms. (more…)
Vestibular Physical Therapy: Treating the Cause of Prolonged Concussion Symptoms
It seems you cannot turn on the TV lately without hearing something about another professional athlete who is suffering from the effects of a concussion. A concussion is a serious brain injury and is very difficult to assess and treat as MRIs and CT scans are almost always normal. If not treated properly, these concussions can cause both short- and long-term problems. One treatment that is getting more and more attention is the use of vestibular physical therapy for individuals who have been concussed. (more…)
How to Alleviate Whiplash Symptoms
Crash! That dreaded sound of your car hitting someone else’s car. After making sure you are okay and checking the damage to your car, you start to think about the headache (literally!) that will follow a car accident. Even in very minor car collisions, you may experience whiplash symptoms, which can easily turn to chronic pain if they are not addressed. (more…)
