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How Assistive Devices Can Transform Lives

Have you ever felt like your mobility challenges are holding you back from enjoying life to its fullest? Maybe you've thought about using a cane, crutches, or a front-wheel walker, but you're not quite convinced they're right for you. It's understandable …
March 27, 2024Read More

Meditation: A Powerful Ally in Managing Pain

Pain, especially chronic pain, affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Traditional medical treatments often focus on medication and physical interventions. However, an increasing body of research highlights the…
March 20, 2024Read More

Different Strategies for Peak Performance and Injury Prevention

As physical therapists, we often help patients transition from a sports injury back to competitive participation. We’re often asked about warming up to prevent injuries. Traditionally, dynamic warm-ups, as the latest research suggests, significantly enhan…
March 13, 2024Read More

Radiating Headaches From The Neck: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Headaches can be more than just a nuisance; for many, they are a debilitating part of daily life. However, there's good news for those suffering from cervicogenic headaches, a type of headache originating from the neck. Recent studies have shown that phys…
March 6, 2024Read More

Back to Basics: Understanding and Tackling Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is like that uninvited guest at a party—it shows up unexpectedly and can be a real pain to deal with! But did you know that not all back pains are the same? They come in different types, each with its own level of "ouch" and ways to get be…
February 28, 2024Read More

Muscle Strengthening with Physical Therapist Guidance

Physical therapist-directed resistance training (RT) isn't just about building muscles. RT, as a muscle-strengthening exercise, has been proven to not only improve your ability to perform daily activities with greater ease, it can also si…
February 21, 2024Read More

Understanding Knee Meniscus Tears: A Guide to Healing and Strength

Your knee is a complex part of your body that helps you walk, run, and jump. Inside the knee, there are two special cartilage cushions called the menisci (singular is meniscus). Sometimes, as we get older or when we put too much pressure on our knees, one…
February 14, 2024Read More

The Power of Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Manual Therapy

Shoulder pain can come from a variety of soft tissue structures, often making everyday activities challenging. Whether it's due to an injury, overuse, or a condition like arthritis, finding relief is crucial for maintaining an active, pain-free lifestyle…
February 7, 2024Read More

Understanding Fall Prevention: The Role of Physical Therapy

Falls are not just simple accidents. They're a major health concern, especially for older adults. Falls can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures and can even be life-threatening. In fact, data shows that falls resulted in about 3 million emergency …
January 24, 2024Read More

How Physical Therapy Can Help Fix Your Posture and Ease Your Pain

Have you ever felt like your shoulders are slouching or your neck is always strained? That might be because of something called Upper Cross Syndrome. It's a fancy term for when our muscles get out of balance because of bad posture. But do…
January 17, 2024Read More

Beating Achilles Tendinopathy: The Power of Eccentric Exercise

Achilles Tendinopathy is a common and painful condition affecting our Achilles tendon, the tough band connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It can strike anyone, especially those active in sports. The pain and stiffness in the heel can really put a dam…
January 10, 2024Read More

How Exercise Can Help Prevent Neck Pain

Did you know a lot of adults, especially those who work in offices, often get neck pain? In fact, up to 80% of people might feel neck pain in a year. It's not just a small problem; it can really affect someone's life and work. It also can seriously impact…
January 3, 2024Read More

Sleep Regularity: The Unsung Hero of Health and Longevity

We often hear about the importance of getting enough sleep, but there's another aspect of our sleep that deserves equal attention - its regularity. A groundbreaking study published in "Sleep" journal (2023) has shed light on how the consistency of our sle…
December 27, 2023Read More

New Research - Navigating Through Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is more than just a nuisance; it's a condition that affects daily activities and overall well-being. Chronic pain is defined as pain that’s persisted for more than 90 days. For many, the solution lies in physical therapy, a personalized…
December 20, 2023Read More

Top 10 Ways Athletes Can Prevent Sports Injuries in 2024

While most athletes understand the basic principles of injury prevention, the real challenge lies in consistently executing these strategies within their training and daily routines. Knowing is just half the battle; actively applying this knowledge is wha…
December 13, 2023Read More

Unlocking Your Fitness and Weight Loss Goals

As the year draws to a close, many people start looking ahead to the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Among the most popular New Year's resolutions are fitness and weight loss goals, a testament to the growing desire for a healt…
December 6, 2023Read More

Understanding ACL Ruptures and Non-Surgical Healing

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and often serious issue, especially for athletes and active individuals. Traditionally, the common belief was that a ruptured ACL has very limited capacity to heal on its own, leading to long–term lim…
November 29, 2023Read More

Wall Squats: A Simple Exercise to Lower Blood Pressure

Wall squats are a simple exercise that can help lower blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the top number on your blood pressure reading, and it's the pressure your blood puts on your artery walls when your heart …
November 15, 2023Read More

Why You Should See a Physical Therapist Before the New Year

We all have busy lives, especially when the year is ending. But even in the busy times, it's important to take care of our bodies. If you have pain in your neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, or ankles, or if you have sprains, strains, or tendinitis, seei…
November 8, 2023Read More

Hip Pain? You Won't Believe What This New Study Found

If you have hip pain, you're not alone. Hip pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. But there is good news: a new study has found that exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with hip osteoarth…
November 1, 2023Read More

Teens Dealing With Knee Pain And How Physical Therapy Can Help

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a common condition affecting the knees of growing adolescents, particularly those engaged in sports or physical activities. It manifests as pain, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap at the top of the shinbone. This…
October 25, 2023Read More

Tips to Improve Exercise Tolerance for Patients with Osteoarthritis

For decades, scientists have repeatedly proven that exercise can be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis (often diagnosed in the shoulder, hip, and/or knee). Here are exercise tips that will inspire you to exercise and also seek out the care of one…
October 18, 2023Read More

Testosterone Therapy & Cardiac Conditions: What You Need to Know

For years, the relationship between testosterone therapy and cardiac health has been a subject of debate. Recent findings from a Cleveland Clinic-led trial offer new insights, suggesting that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) does not increase the ri…
October 11, 2023Read More

The Rise of Pickleball and Shoulder Injuries

Pickleball has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the past few years, particularly among adults aged 40 and older. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the number of pickleball players in the United States surpassed 3.3 million in …
October 4, 2023Read More

Physical Therapy May Be The Best Option For Acute Back & Neck Pain

Here’s yet another reason why you should seek out physical therapy treatment if you are experiencing acute back or neck pain.…
September 27, 2023Read More

Opioids After Orthopedic Surgery: A Physical Therapist’s View

Orthopedic surgeries, like knee or hip replacements, can be life-changing procedures that bring relief, improved mobility and function, and pain over time. However, managing pain after surgery often involves the use of opioids, a class of powerful painkil…
September 20, 2023Read More

2023 Diet Trends: A Comprehensive Guide for the 40+ Age Group

2023 brings a variety of diet trends, each with its unique approach and potential benefits. For those 40 and older, understanding these trends can help you make better choices for your health and well-being. It's essential to consult with healthcare profe…
September 13, 2023Read More

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that makes your hand and wrist hurt or feel numb. People usually use medications, wrist braces, or even surgery to get relief. But did you know there's another way to treat it? A recent study shows that neurodyn…
September 6, 2023Read More

Understanding Different Types of Pain

Chronic pain, a pervasive condition that impacts millions worldwide, is often complex and misunderstood. To fully comprehend it, one must first understand the different types of pain. …
August 23, 2023Read More

Fall Prevention: 10 Essential Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

As we age, falling becomes a significant concern, especially for seniors. Falls can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures and head trauma, significantly impacting seniors' independence. However, the good news is that many falls can be prevented. …
August 16, 2023Read More

Injury Prevention Strategies for Youth Football Players

As parents, we strive to keep our children safe and healthy, especially when they engage in physically demanding activities like football. This blog post will explore essential injury prevention strategies for football players at different levels: Pop War…
August 9, 2023Read More

Understanding Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Closer Look

Ankle sprains are a common occurrence, often leading individuals to seek immediate medical attention. Among these, acute lateral ankle sprains are the most frequent. But what is the best way to treat these injuries? A recent systematic review provides som…
August 2, 2023Read More

How Exercise Can Boost Your Immune System and Fix Inflammation

In the quest for optimal health and wellness, we often overlook the simplest and most natural solutions. One such solution is moderate exercise, a powerful tool that has been shown to have profound effects on our bodies, particularly in relation to muscle…
July 26, 2023Read More

Why Physical Therapy Is The Best Defense Against Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is a term you might have heard before, especially if you know someone who often complains about back pain. It's a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts from your lower back, branches …
July 19, 2023Read More

How Physical Therapy Can Help Prevent Injuries In Youth Sports

Youth sports are a fantastic way for young people to stay active, learn teamwork, and build self-esteem. However, sports-related injuries, particularly knee injuries, can have significant and long-lasting impacts on a young person's quality of life. A rec…
July 12, 2023Read More

Cortisone vs. Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain: A Deeper Dive

Physical therapy, a cornerstone in the healthcare market, is pivotal in managing many health conditions. One area where its impact is particularly felt is in the treatment of shoulder-related issues. A recent study offers a more in-depth exploration of it…
July 7, 2023Read More

With Targeted Training Change Of Direction Can Be Improved

Excelling at sports and other athletic endeavors requires a broad set of physical skills and abilities that should be sharpened to achieve optimal performance. Among these is the ability to quickly change direction, which is considered essential for a num…
June 28, 2023Read More

To Avoid Falls, Assistive Devices Must Be Used Correctly

For individuals over the age of 75 or 80, thinking about falling can occupy a great deal of mental energy and lead to excessive fear of movement in the process. This is completely understandable, as falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults a…
June 21, 2023Read More

Aerobic Exercise Can Be Effective For Treating Neck Pain

Neck pain is an rather common nuisance. About 10–20% of the population is dealing with it right now, and up to 70% of individuals will encounter it at some point in their lives. When neck pain strikes, it can prove to be troublesome and place a strain o…
June 14, 2023Read More

Sleep Patterns, Low Back Pain And Burnout Are All Interrelated

We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, and our habits in the night can have a big impact on how we feel during the day. Sufficient sleep is an essential component of good overall health, as getting between 7–9 hours of sleep every night is associ…
June 7, 2023Read More

Physical Therapists Care About Exercise Habits, Diet & Alcohol Intake

As physical therapists, we care deeply about all aspects of our patients’ health. This includes exercise habits, diet, and alcohol consumption, all of which contribute to one’s overall health in complex and interconnected ways. With this in mind, we wante…
May 24, 2023Read More

Modifying Prescription Drug Usage May Reduce The Risk Of Falling

Falls are undoubtedly the greatest threat to the health of older adults, as they represent the leading cause of non-fatal injuries responsible for hospital admissions and death in this age group. About one-third of adults over the age of 65 and one-half o…
May 17, 2023Read More

Going For Short Walks Can Improve Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure

Physical activity is essential for maintaining optimal overall health and exercising regularly is known to reduce the risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression, some cancers, and numerous other health-related issues. Yet despite this, it’s estimated th…
May 10, 2023Read More

Ankle Sprains Increase the Risks of Other Injuries But PT Reduces It

Ankle sprains are extremely common, especially for athletes and active individuals. In fact, if you’re athletically involved to any extent, there’s a strong chance that you will sprain your ankle at some point down the road. Ankle sprains account for up t…
May 3, 2023Read More

Healing Will Take Time & Physical Therapy Can Assist With Recovery

Like it or not, injuries are a part of life. And if you’re an athlete or active individual, this fact is more likely to ring true, as you’re bound to experience an injury from time to time—or perhaps even more often.…
April 26, 2023Read More

Physical Therapy & Steroid Shots May Both Benefit For Shoulder Pain

Nearly 85% of shoulder conditions involve the rotator cuff, and among the most common of these is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). SIS results from the rotator cuff tendons becoming compressed—or “impinged”—as they pass through a small bone on top of …
April 19, 2023Read More

Having an MRI Unnecessarily May Increase Healthcare Costs

Low back pain is jarringly common. About one-half of all working Americans experience symptoms at least once every year, and roughly 31 million are affected by it at any given point in time. So if you happen to place yourself in this category, you’ll have…
April 12, 2023Read More

Physical Therapy May Be The Best Option for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves age–related changes to the cartilage in a knee joint. In a normal knee, the ends of each bone are covered by cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones from one another and absorbs shock dur…
April 5, 2023Read More

Adequate Sleep Is Integral To Athletic Recovery

We spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping, so it follows that the habits we keep during the night have a major impact on our waking lives. Sufficient sleep is an essential component of good overall health, as getting between 7–9 hours of sleep ever…
March 22, 2023Read More

TENS Therapy Provides Immediate, Short-Term Pain Relief

Physical therapists utilize a variety of interventions for each patient they treat, and their guiding principle is to always combine whichever interventions are most likely to produce a successful outcome. Most treatment programs will include a combinatio…
March 15, 2023Read More

The Use of Walking Aids Is Essential To Reduce The Risk Of Falling

If you’re over the age of 75, you might worry about the possibility of falling on a regular basis. This concern is completely understandable, as falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and the likelihood of falling increases with each addi…
March 8, 2023Read More

Seeing A Physical Therapist Can Help Ensure A Safe Return To Sports

In the realm of sports-related injuries, the hamstring is one that most people are at least somewhat familiar with. This makes sense, as a pulled hamstring—or hamstring strain—is one of the more common injuries in sports. The pain and movement restriction…
March 1, 2023Read More

Single-Leg Balance May Help To Predict One’s Mortality Risk

As we age, our bodies experience various physical and mental changes that usually tend to make everyday activities more difficult to complete. Decreased flexibility, some decline in posture and hearing, and some stiffening in the joints are a few of the m…
February 22, 2023Read More

Study Identifies Two Metals In Many Popular Chocolate Brands

If you have a tough time ending your day without reaching for a piece of chocolate—or four—to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you that blissful boost that few other foods can provide, you might want to up. Although dark chocolate certainly tastes good a…
February 15, 2023Read More

“Text Neck” May Not Be As Dangerous As Previously Believed

Our modern culture is dominated by devices, chiefly smartphones, which have a way of consuming many individuals’ free time with their countless functions—and distractions. Spending too much time on a smartphone is commonly regarded as an unhealthy habit f…
February 8, 2023Read More

Rehabilitation Helps Athletes Return To Their Sport Quickly & Safely

About 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day, and in most of these incidents, sports are involved. Ankle sprains represent the most common injury in sports, as they account for a whopping 45% of all sports-related injuries. But this risk varies widely…
February 1, 2023Read More

Diet & Exercise Can Help With High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease

Every 34 seconds, one American dies from cardiovascular disease. This makes cardiovascular disease—or heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women and for most ethnic and racial groups, with about 700,000 people dying from it eac…
January 25, 2023Read More

Studies Show Exercise Is Effective For Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms within the shoulder. This causes the shoulder capsule to thicken and tighten around the shoulder joint and reduces the amount of space for the shoulder to move with…
January 18, 2023Read More

Physical Activity is Safe & Encouraged For Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is an extremely common disorder that involves the cartilage in a knee joint. In a normal knee, the ends of each bone are covered by cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones from one another and absorbs shock during impact.…
January 10, 2023Read More

Nonsurgical Treatment Can Help Patients Overcome Lower Back Pain

There are few musculoskeletal conditions that can compete with back pain when it comes to sheer numbers. As one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor, about 25% of Americans have dealt with back pain in just the past three months, and up to 80%…
January 3, 2023Read More

How to Stay Committed To Your New Year's Resolution for 2023

With New Year’s Eve just right around the corner, we thought now would be a great time to talk about resolutions. Many people see the new year as a clean slate and a fresh opportunity to start the year off on the right foot—and stay on it—over the proceed…
December 27, 2022Read More

Wondering the Benefits of Physical Activity? We Got You Covered!

If there’s one thing nearly everyone knows about exercise, it’s that we all need it if we want to be healthy. This association is undoubtedly common knowledge by this point, but what some may fail to fully understand is just how far these benefits go. Res…
December 20, 2022Read More

Using A Cane Or Walker Can Help Improve Your Balance & Mobility

Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in older adults, and the likelihood of falling increases each year as various health conditions become more common. One in three adults over the age of 65 and one in two adults over 85 will fall at least o…
December 13, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Heart, Lung & Balance Problems

When asked about physical therapists and what types of conditions they treat, most people probably think about ankle sprains, back pain, ACL and meniscus tears, rotator cuff issues, broken bones, and possibly sports injuries overall. While these and oth…
December 6, 2022Read More

Part 4: Common Wrist & Elbow Conditions Treated By Physical Therapists

In the final newsletter of our series, we’re focusing on the wrist and elbow. The elbow is the link between the upper and lower arm, and it can be subjected to repeated stress from many daily activities. As a result, most elbow-related injuries that physi…
November 22, 2022Read More

Part 3: Common Knee Conditions Treated By Physical Therapists

The knee is the next region of the body we’re going to examine, as it ranks up there with the back, neck, and shoulder as a hot spot for musculoskeletal pain. Knee pain is especially common in athletes of sports that involve lots of cutting motions and is…
November 15, 2022Read More

Part 2: Common Shoulder Conditions Treated By Physical Therapists

For the next installment of our newsletter series, we’re focusing on shoulder pain, which can be extremely disabling. Whether or not you realize it, you use your shoulder almost constantly, as it permits practically any movement that involves your arms. T…
November 8, 2022Read More

Part 1: Musculoskeletal Disorders & Common Back & Neck Issues

With the end of the year fast approaching, now is a great time to see a physical therapist it you’re trying to get the most out of your healthcare plan. We suggest you take a few minutes to review your health insurance policy and check on your benefit sta…
November 1, 2022Read More

Physical Therapists Use Specialized Techniques To Treat Vertigo

As we discussed in our first newsletter, vertigo is the feeling that things are moving, rotating, rocking, or spinning when a person and their environment are completely still. It occurs when there is a problem with the vestibular system that interferes w…
October 25, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Is Usually The Best Choice for Jaw Pain

There are 22 bones in the face and head, but the lower jawbone—or mandible—is the only one of these that can move. The mandible connects to the temporal bone of the skull at two points just in front of each ear through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A…
October 18, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Effectively Treat Jaw Pain, Headaches & Vertigo

The jaw is an area that doesn’t generally get much attention as some other parts of the body, but jaw problems are more common than you probably think. A class of jaw-related issues called temporomandibular disorders affect millions of Americans each year…
October 11, 2022Read More

For National Physical Therapy Month, We Recognize Our Practice

October is National Physical Therapy Month, which is recognized and celebrated by physical therapists throughout the country every year. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the important role physical therapists play in reducing pain, imp…
October 4, 2022Read More

Research Shows Prevention Programs Can Reduce The Risk Of Falls

As we’ve shown over the last few posts, falls are one of the greatest dangers to the over-65 population, and suffering from just one fall can lead to an unfortunate cascade of consequences that will significantly impact one’s health status. But we’ve also…
September 27, 2022Read More

Physical Therapists Can Help Reduce Your Risk For Falls

Falls are scary, and they can be disabling in a variety of ways. Directly, they often result in injuries that can make it difficult to move and function normally. Indirectly, they can create a significant fear of falling in many individuals, which in tu…
September 20, 2022Read More

Unpacking The Magnitude And Scope Of Falls In Older Adults

Although falls in the elderly result in nearly one million hospitalizations and tens of billions in healthcare spending each year, many people are still not properly informed about the scope of the problem or what they can do to address it. This gap in kn…
September 6, 2022Read More

Self Management Strategies Can Lead to Benefits for Neck Pain

Most people who develop neck pain will improve without any interventions, usually within a few days or weeks. But for some, the problem continues or may even worsen. Between 50-85% of patients report symptoms that don't completely resolve, and almost half…
August 23, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Provides Significant Benefits For Radiating Neck Pain

The spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. Together, these bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord from damage. The uppermost portion of the spine that begins at the base of the skull is…
August 16, 2022Read More

Our Top 3 Exercises To Reduce Your Risk For Neck Pain

The neck has an incredibly important job to do. It supports the head and allows us to move it in a wide range of directions so that we can better navigate the world around us. But because of how frequently it’s used and its position in the body, as we’ve …
August 9, 2022Read More

Understanding Your Neck Pain Can Help You Get The Care You Need

Most of us can recall one or more occasions when the day got off to a rough start because of a stiff neck. This can be explained by the fact that neck pain ranks among the most common types of pain you can get. Statistics vary on just how many people en…
August 2, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Is An Effective Solution For Tennis Elbow

Tennis is a great form of physical activity that works out many parts of the body due to its demanding dynamics, but just like every other sport, it also comes with a risk for injury. The most common injury in the sport is called lateral epicondylitis, wh…
July 26, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy & Surgery Lead To Similar Outcomes For Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a space at the base of the palm that contains several tendons and the median nerve, which provides sensation to most of our fingers. If these tendons and soft tissue thicken or any other swelling occurs in the area, the tunnel narrows…
July 19, 2022Read More

Top 3 Exercises To Reduce Your Risk for Wrist And Elbow Pain

Most people don’t realize just how much they rely on their wrists and elbows to function properly until a problem arises. This is often the case for anyone with wrist or elbow pain, which can cause daily life to become a series of obstacles to overcome, o…
July 12, 2022Read More

Understanding Causes Of Wrist And Elbow Pain, And When To Get Help

In a typical day, you use your hands, wrists, and elbows extremely frequently. From vigorously brushing your teeth in the morning to switching the lights off before bed and during most other actions in between, these joints are very often in a state of mo…
July 5, 2022Read More

Several Exercises To Help Patients With Frozen Shoulder

One of the few common shoulder diagnoses that does not directly involve the rotator cuff is adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder. This condition occurs when scar tissue forms within the shoulder, causing the shoulder capsule to thicken and tighten arou…
June 28, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy May Have Same Outcomes For Shoulder Pain as Surgery

As we discussed in our first newsletter, nearly 85% of shoulder conditions involve the rotator cuff, and among the most common of these is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). SIS results from the rotator cuff tendons becoming compressed—or “impinged”—as …
June 21, 2022Read More

Our Top 3 Exercises To Reduce Your Risk for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be an extremely bothersome issue in your life. Although you may not realize it, you use your shoulder on a frequent basis every day, since it permits many of the movements that involve your arms. Therefore, if a problem arises that leads…
June 13, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Is Your Best Bet For Most Causes Of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint. Up to 26% of the population is currently affected by it, and it ranks third—behind back pain and knee pain—in musculoskeletal conditions that lead people to consult their doctor. About 1% of the population v…
June 7, 2022Read More

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Can Lead To Chronic Neck Pain

Myofascial pain syndrome and dysfunction of the muscles that support the upper spine and shoulders can lead to a variety of symptoms in these regions, including neck pain. The reasons neck pain develops are complex and often difficult to pinpoint, but res…
May 24, 2022Read More

Hands-On Techniques Can Help Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome

As we’ve explained, myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, with up to 85% of the population likely to be affected by it at some point. If symptoms arise—which are most likely to be noticed in the mid-to-upper spine—…
May 17, 2022Read More

Combined Exercise Program Benefits Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

As we explained in our last newsletter, myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition that can affect any muscle in the body, but the muscles of the upper back, neck, and shoulder are most likely to be involved. The deep, aching pain and stiffness that r…
May 10, 2022Read More

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Can Be A Common Cause of Upper Back Issues

The spine is possibly the most problematic area of the body. From the base of the spine up to the upper back and neck, there are various ways in which pain can manifest and produce disability. Although pain is most common in the lower back, several issues…
May 3, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Leads To Both Direct & Indirect Benefits

In our last post, we summarized a meta-analysis that investigated the use of spinal manipulation and found ample evidence from numerous studies that it was effective for chronic low back pain. But spinal manipulation is just one of many interventions that…
April 26, 2022Read More

Hands-On Therapy Technique Is Just As Effective For Low Back Pain

As we explained in our first newsletter, physical therapy is strongly recommended as one of the best treatments for most causes of low back pain, and there’s an abundance of research showing that it leads to a variety of improvements. One intervention phy…
April 19, 2022Read More

Our Top 4 Exercises For Low Back Pain

If you have low back pain, you’re far from alone. Tens of millions of Americans are affected by it, some of which are only bothered by it occasionally and others who are burdened on a nearly constant basis. Regardless of where you fall along this spectrum…
April 12, 2022Read More

Most Back Pain Can Be Treated By A Physical Therapist

Low back pain is incredibly common. Nearly one-half of all working Americans notice painful symptoms in the lower back at least once each year, and roughly 31 million individuals are affected by it at any given point in time. Thus, low back pain is essent…
April 5, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Give Patients Better Results After Surgery

Physical therapy frequently produces notable and lasting improvements that allow patients to lead more mobile lives and participate in activities that they were once unable to complete. As such, it can also help reduce the need for opioids and other pain …
March 22, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Reduce Medications For Hip Osteoarthritis

As we discussed in our first newsletter, physical therapy is the best option available for the vast majority of hip pain cases because it empowers patients to regain their lost abilities with their own targeted movements. There’s also large and growing bo…
March 15, 2022Read More

These 4 Simple Exercises Will Lower Your Risk For Hip Pain

As we saw in our last newsletter, several conditions can develop in the hip and can go on to cause pain and dysfunction. These problems can strike at any age, but are more likely to develop later in life and in females, with the highest incidence of hip p…
March 8, 2022Read More

For Hip Pain, A Physical Therapist Could Be Your Best Bet

The hip is a resilient joint that can sustain repeated strain and a significant amount of wear and tear. This durability is due to the joint’s complex and multifaceted anatomy, which includes a robust architecture that is built for stability. The hip is a…
March 1, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Prepare Patients For Surgery When Necessary

As we described in our first newsletter, knee osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves the cartilage in a knee joint. In a normal knee, the ends of each bone are covered by cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones from one another and absor…
February 22, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Is Just As Effective As Surgery For Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a tough, rubbery, C-shaped piece of cartilage that rests between the tibia and femur in the knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus), with one on the inner (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus) of the k…
February 15, 2022Read More

Try These 4 Helpful Exercises For Knee Or Thigh Pain

Knee pain has a way of reminding patients of its presence at regular intervals throughout the day. For many individuals that are affected, knee pain is the first thing they notice upon waking up in the morning, and it is often felt during many daily act…
February 8, 2022Read More

Is A Physical Therapist Right For Your Knee or Thigh Pain?

Certain regions of the body are simply more likely to be painful than others, and the knees are very high on this list. Knee pain ranks behind just back pain as the second most common condition involving the muscles and bones, and in adults aged 65 and ol…
February 1, 2022Read More

Adding Hands-On Therapy Is Beneficial For Chronic Ankle Instability

Most patients will make a complete recovery after sustaining an initial ankle sprain, but this is not always the end of the story. Up to 70% of patients who experience a lateral ankle sprain will go on to develop a condition called chronic ankle instabili…
January 25, 2022Read More

Physical Therapy Can Improve Outcomes And Reduce Reinjury Risk

As we mentioned in our first newsletter, ankle sprains are extremely common, especially for athletes. In fact, if you’re actively involved in sports, there’s a rather strong chance that you will sprain your ankle at some point in your career. Ankle sprain…
January 18, 2022Read More

Your Foot or Ankle Hurting Maybe It's Time to See A Physical Therapist

Whether you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or on your feet, and whether you’re extremely active or you rarely exercise, your feet and ankles may hurt for various reasons. These structures are built for durability to withstand the weight of your …
January 4, 2022Read More

2021 In Review Part 4: Physical Therapy Knee-Related Conditions

The knee is the fourth and final region of the body we’re going to examine, as it ranks up there with the back, neck, and shoulder as one of the most common regions in which pain develops. Knee pain is especially common in athletes of sports that involve …
December 28, 2021Read More

2021 Year In Review Part 3: Physical Therapy For Shoulder Conditions

Shoulder pain can be one of the most disabling problems to deal with. Whether or not you realize it, you use your shoulder almost constantly, as it permits practically any movement that involves your arms. This is why any issue that causes pain and preven…
December 21, 2021Read More

2021 Year In Review Part 2: Physical Therapy For Neck Pain

These neck conditions can potentially lead to pain, muscle tightness and spasms, decreased ability to move your head, and even headaches in some cases. Some individuals may experience relief after trying simple home remedies—like using ice or heat, perfor…
December 14, 2021Read More

2021 Year In Review Part 1: Physical Therapy For Back Pain

Every week we send out a newsletter to educate you about common injuries and painful disorders, and if you read our newsletters regularly, you may have noticed a recurring theme: seeing a physical therapist first and fast is the best choice you can make i…
December 7, 2021Read More

A Review Of Physical Therapy Tactics For Common Injuries In Sports

In our last post, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about physical therapy and sports-related injuries. Now, we're going to take a closer look at the specific components of physical therapy programs for several common injuries in spo…
November 23, 2021Read More

Physical Therapy is the Safest Way to Recovery After An Injury

As we explained in our last newsletter, there are several steps you can take and training habits you can change that will reduce your odds for suffering an injury in your sport. But even if an athlete closely follows all these steps and takes every preven…
November 16, 2021Read More

Staying Fit Year-Round May Reduce Risk of Sports-Related Injuries

Regardless of an athlete’s age, sport, fitness level, or years of experience, some risk for injury will always exist. In general, the more contact and cutting movements that are involved in the sport, the higher the risk for acute—or traumatic—injuries. T…
November 9, 2021Read More

The 5 Most Common Sports-Related Injuries

Sports have the power to bring athletes—and their fans—to the highest of highs, as well as the lowest of lows. The highs usually include achieving an optimal fitness level, performing well on a consistent basis, and winning lots of games, matches, or race…
November 2, 2021Read More

Reviewing National Physical Therapy Month: Other Injuries And Disorder

October is a special month for our profession, as it marks the annual National Physical Therapy Month campaign. All month long, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants around the country work to boost public awareness about physical therapy …
October 26, 2021Read More

Reviewing National Physical Therapy Month: Knee, Ankle, And Foot

This October, we’re celebrating National Physical Therapy Month once again. The national campaign, which has been held annually since 1981, is meant to increase public awareness about physical therapy and to highlight the various ways in which the lives o…
October 19, 2021Read More

Reviewing National Physical Therapy Month: Shoulder, Elbow, And Wrist

October is National Physical Therapy Month, an annual campaign that’s intended to increase public awareness about physical therapy and highlight the multitude of ways that patients’ lives can improve from treatment. To do our part in spreading the word an…
October 12, 2021Read More

Reviewing Conditions For National Physical Therapy Month: Neck & Back

October is a special time for our profession that we’d like you to be a part of. It is National Physical Therapy Month, which is an annual opportunity for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants around the country to campaign and speak out…
October 5, 2021Read More

Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Falls

If you still have questions about what you can do to prevent falls, we have you covered. In our final newsletter of the month, we’re going to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fall risk reduction to help ensure you’r…
September 28, 2021Read More

Education Should Also Play A Significant Role in Fall Prevention

It should be clear by now that falls are a major problem in the elderly community. And as we’ve shown, active, exercise-based prevention programs are one of the most beneficial ways to help at-risk adults avoid falls by improving areas like strength, ba…
September 21, 2021Read More

Exercise-Based Prevention Programs May Reduce The Risk For Falls

As we explained in our last newsletter, falls represent one of the greatest burdens on the population over 65 years, and consequently, the entire healthcare system. While not all falls result in serious injury, those that do can have significant long-term…
September 14, 2021Read More

Falls Can Have Dire Consequences And Major Costs For Older Adults

Although falls in older adults are responsible for nearly one million hospitalizations and tens of billions of dollars in healthcare spending, many people are not properly informed about the scope of the problem or what they can do to address it. This is …
September 7, 2021Read More

Most Cases Of Tennis Elbow Will Improve With Physical Therapy

Tennis is a great form of physical activity that works out many parts of the body due to its demanding dynamics, but just like every other sport, it also comes with a risk for injury. The most common injury in the sport is called lateral epicondylitis, …
August 24, 2021Read More

Elbow Pain Is Common In Golfers Due To Repetitive Bending & Twisting

So far, we’ve been primarily focusing on repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that result from performing the same movements regularly in one’s occupation. But sports—both as a profession and a recreational activity—typically require certain motions …
August 17, 2021Read More

A Physical Therapy Program Is Best For Nerve-Related Repetitive Strain

Our hands are the main tools that we use to navigate the world around us. Most—if not all—professions require some use of the hands to complete the task, whether that’s grooming dogs, typing at a computer, or trimming trees. Unfortunately, these rep…
August 10, 2021Read More

Repeating Same Movements Every Day Can Lead To Painful Symptoms

Throughout a typical day, you use your hands, wrists, and elbows almost constantly. From vigorously brushing your teeth in the morning, to switching the lights off before bed, and during just about every other action in between, these joints are frequentl…
August 3, 2021Read More

Correcting Posture Is Hard Work That Often Requires Physical Therapy

By now, the many ways in which posture can influence the body and the importance of practicing good posture should be abundantly clear. If you’re interested in taking more control over your own posture, performing the exercises and techniques described …
July 27, 2021Read More

Proper Breathing Is Key To Posture And Pain

In our first newsletter, we briefly mentioned how bad posture, neck pain, and respiratory function are all related. This relationship is worth a closer examination, too, as improving the way you breath is a key to better posture, reduced pain, and less st…
July 20, 2021Read More

Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions About Posture And Pain

In our last post, we introduced you to the concept of posture, explained what is meant by good versus poor posture, and offered a few examples of painful conditions and other dysfunctions that may be related to poor posture. But since this was only the in…
July 13, 2021Read More

If You’re Dealing With Pain, Consider Your Posture

You may not give much thought to your posture, but you probably should. Posture isn’t just about standing up straight to boost your appearance. Whether you keep good posture or poor posture may also have implications on certain aspects of your health an…
July 6, 2021Read More

Consider The Mixed Evidence On Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate

Osteoarthritis affects up to 31 million Americans, making it one of the most common conditions in the nation. The resulting joint pain can be devastating for these individuals, and the longer osteoarthritis progresses, the greater the disability becomes. …
June 22, 2021Read More

Physical Therapy Is The Best Way To Address Shoulder Pain

As we explained in our last newsletter, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for shoulder pain, but even if you follow these measures to a T, pain may still develop for reasons that are partially out of your control. If you do begin no…
June 15, 2021Read More

Our Top 4 Tips For Preventing Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be an extremely bothersome issue to deal with. Although you may not realize it, you use your shoulder on a frequent basis throughout most days, since it permits many of the movements that involves your arms. So if a problem arises that l…
June 8, 2021Read More

Answering Common Questions To Understand Painful Shoulder Conditions

The shoulder doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. As the only major joint that can rotate a full 360°, the shoulder is the most mobile and flexible joint in the body, and this flexibility allows you do things like throw a baseball, reach for…
June 1, 2021Read More

A Physical Therapist Can Help You Overcome Exercising Barriers

As we discussed in our first newsletter this month, most people are aware that exercise is good for you and is recommended for achieving and maintaining optimal health. Yet still, a significant portion of the population doesn’t do it. We mentioned in th…
May 25, 2021Read More

The Best Diet For You Is The One You Can Stick With

Dieting can be overwhelming. With new research constantly emerging, new diets seemingly popping up every week, and experts regularly claiming to have discovered the magic bullet to weight loss or nutrition, it’s difficult to even keep track of what’s …
May 18, 2021Read More

You Have Questions About HIIT And MICT And We Have Answers

In our last newsletter, we explored a few of the many health benefits associated with regular physical activity and discussed two popular approaches to exercise that are worth considering: high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity c…
May 11, 2021Read More

Exercise Can Improve Your Health In Less Time Than You Think

If there’s anything the public knows about exercise, it’s simple: doing it is good for you. This association is undoubtedly common knowledge by this point, but what many people may not fully understand is just how far these benefits go. Research conti…
May 4, 2021Read More

Seeing A Physical Therapist Early Can Help With Long-Term Success

In our last three newsletters, we’ve looked into the most common causes of low back pain and offered some tips on what to do if and when it strikes. Taking these steps and making other smart lifestyle changes—like moving more, sitting less, and improv…
April 27, 2021Read More

Following A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is more complex than it might appear on the surface. Many conditions can be responsible—as we discussed in our first newsletter—and there are also numerous potential factors that could play a role in the development of pain, some of whic…
April 20, 2021Read More

Performing This Exercise Can Strengthen The Back And Alleviate Pain

If you have low back pain, you’re far from alone. Tens of millions of Americans are affected by it, with some only being bothered occasionally and others burdened on a nearly constant basis. Regardless of where you fall along this spectrum, there’s a …
April 13, 2021Read More

Diagnosis For Back Pain is Not Important, But Addressing It Is

Few conditions can compete with back pain when it comes to prevalence. As one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor, about 25% of Americans have dealt with low back pain in just the past three months, and up to 80% of the population will encoun…
April 6, 2021Read More

An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Can Provide Wide-Reaching Health Benefits

Inflammation is one of the body's greatest weapons. When a foreign substance enters your body—through an infection, injury, or some other cause—the immune system kicks into action and sends out inflammatory cells that are capable of containing…
March 22, 2021Read More

A Physical Therapist Can Help You Down The Fastest Route To Recovery

In our first post, we discussed three of the most common conditions that occur in the lower leg and answered some frequently asked questions about these issues. Next, we walked you through three key exercises that you can perform on your own to alle…
March 16, 2021Read More

Three Key Stretches to Address Your Lower Extremity Pain

Lower extremity issues like shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis are fairly common, particularly in individuals who are physically active. The gradual development of pain and resulting physical limitations often take a toll…
March 9, 2021Read More

Many Common Painful Conditions Of The Lower Leg Are Related To Overuse

The lower portion of your body is tougher than you might realize. Your lower leg, ankles, and feet have the tall task of bearing the brunt of your entire bodyweight any time you perform an activity that involves standing. So it’s easy to see that these …
March 2, 2021Read More

For Lingering Myofascial Pain, Physical Therapy is Your Best Bet

Myofascial pain syndrome is often a nagging problem that has the potential to impair one’s mobility and degrade quality of life. While strategies like improving your posture can reduce the chances of developing myofascial pain and at-home prevention mea…
February 22, 2021Read More

Four of the Best Exercises to Alleviate Myofascial Pain

As we’ve explained in this newsletter series, myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition that can affect any muscle in the body, but the muscles of the upper back, neck, and shoulder region have a particularly high risk of being involved. The deep, …
February 16, 2021Read More

Improve Your Posture to Reduce Your Risk for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

In our last post, we explained that although it’s not completely clear what causes myofascial pain syndrome, several factors have been identified that likely contribute to its development. One risk factor that’s worthy of our attention is the use of p…
February 9, 2021Read More

Myofascial Pain Syndrome as a Common Cause of Upper Back Issues

The spine is one of the biggest problem areas of the body. Pain occurs frequently from the lower back up through the upper spine, neck, and shoulders, often leading to some degree of impairment in the process. In the middle and upper regions of the spine,…
February 2, 2021Read More

Seeing a physical therapist can reduce the odds of having surgery

Over the last few posts, we’ve looked at a few of the most common knee conditions and offered some tips to help if you’re dealing with one of these problems or to reduce your risk. While these solutions are often effective for alleviating pain and imp…
January 25, 2021Read More

Assistive devices can help with mobility when pain is slowing you down

As we showed you in our last post, knee pain is extremely common in the general population, and it can manifest through a number of conditions. If you’re personally dealing with knee pain right now, you may also be seeking out solutions that will allow …
January 19, 2021Read More

Frequently asked questions about 3 of the most common knee conditions

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. It primarily joins the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), but also includes the kneecap (patella) and fibula in the lower leg. These bones and the muscles that surround them a…
January 12, 2021Read More

Proper hydration & nutrition can help prevent ski injuries

Skiing is a great form of exercise that works out many parts of the body while allowing you to experience the outdoors during the colder parts of the year. There are many steps to ensuring a successful day—and season—on the slopes, including the use o…
January 5, 2021Read More

For jaw pain, physical therapy is always your best bet.

For persistent or severe TMD symptoms, a more systematic intervention will likely be needed. Numerous treatment options are available for TMDs that range widely in terms of cost and intensity, but there is a general principle that should be applied when d…
December 22, 2020Read More

Try these 5 DIY remedies if you’re dealing with pesky jaw pain

We often taken certain parts of our body for granted until something goes wrong. This is particularly true for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows the jaw to move up and down, from side to side, and in and out. You use your TMJ every time you …
December 15, 2020Read More

The 6 best strategies to reduce your risk for jaw problems

There are 22 bones in the face and head, but the lower jawbone—or mandible—is the only one of these that can move. The mandible connects to the temporal bone of the skull at two points just in front of each ear through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ…
December 8, 2020Read More

Jaw pain and headaches could prove to be an inconvenient combination

Although you’re more likely to hear about pain occurring in certain parts of the body—like the knees, shoulders, and spine—the reality is that it can strike just about anywhere. The jaw is one region that doesn’t generally get much attention, but …
December 1, 2020Read More

Why physical therapy should be your first choice for neck pain

Some of the most common causes of neck pain include sleeping on your neck wrong, sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much, performing repetitive movements, and carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or …
November 24, 2020Read More

Neck pain relief is within your reach

As we mentioned in our first newsletter, about 10—20% of Americans are affected by neck pain at any given time. If you happen to be part of this population and are dealing with neck pain right now, you may be wondering what you can do to alleviate it.…
November 17, 2020Read More

To reduce your risk for neck pain, be mindful of your positioning

Although you may not pay it all that much attention, the neck has a pretty crucial job to perform. It provides support for the head and allows movement in a variety of directions so you can better see and navigate the world around you. But as we discussed…
November 10, 2020Read More

Neck pain can strike for different reasons at any stage of life

Most of us can recall one or more occasions when the day got off to a rough start because of a stiff neck. This can be explained by the fact that neck pain ranks among the most common types of pain you can get. Statistics vary on just how many people enco…
November 3, 2020Read More

Physical therapy month offers an opportunity to share its history

October is National Physical Therapy Month, which is an annual opportunity for physical therapists nationwide to campaign and speak out about their profession. The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness of the important role that physical …
October 27, 2020Read More

Physical therapy is an integral part of recovery for orthopedic care

All month long, we've been honoring National Physical Therapy Month by educating our readers about how physical therapy works and the many ways it can benefit you. In the third newsletter of this series, we offer a brief overview of the crucial role…
October 22, 2020Read More

Physical therapy is a safer and more effective option than opioids

October is National Physical Therapy Month, which gives physical therapists nationwide an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the countless benefits their profession can provide. In the first recognition this month, we'd like to discuss and explain why…
October 20, 2020Read More

Physical therapists are movement experts who will help overcome pain

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated every October, with its focus on educating the public about how physical therapy can change patients lives for the better. To work towards this goal, we’d like to share our insight on why physical therapy …
October 13, 2020Read More

Routine X-rays of the spine do not improve outcomes for patients.

As we discussed in our second newsletter this month, diagnostic tests like X-rays should only be performed when a red flag is detected, meaning that the healthcare professional notices signs of a potentially serious underlying condition during the initial…
September 29, 2020Read More

The downsides of overusing diagnostic tests

As we explained in our last newsletter, diagnostic imaging tests can be a vital tool that helps doctors more clearly understand what’s happening in the body in order to reach or confirm a diagnosis. But simply because these tests are helpful does not me…
September 8, 2020Read More

What is diagnostic imaging testing and when is it needed?

When dealing with pain issues of any sort, doctors have a number of tools at their disposal to help determine the cause and what needs to be done to address it. A thorough physical examination that involves a variety of objective and subjective assessment…
September 1, 2020Read More

The best way to recover from a sports injury is with physical therapy

As we explained in our first newsletter this month, sports injuries are unfortunate but also a common occurrence for athletes. A range of factors can contribute to an athlete’s risk for injury, including their participation in a higher level of activity…
August 27, 2020Read More

Healthy, well-balanced meals should be a priority after working out

Most serious athletes are aware that healthy nutritional habits should be a part of any complete exercise plan. Training well must be balanced by eating well, or the athlete could be missing out on the maximum physical and mental benefits t…
August 18, 2020Read More

Best methods for improving sport performance and preventing injuries.

On all levels of sports, consistent and varied efforts are made to reduce the incidence of injuries. Warm-ups and group stretching routines are commonplace on most sports teams, while some organizations taking it a step further by implementing targeted in…
August 11, 2020Read More

Sports periodization can help you peak and avoid overuse injuries

As unfortunate as it is true, injuries and sports go hand in hand. An average of 8.6 million injuries in sports and recreational activities occur each year, which equates to about 34 injuries for every 1,000 individuals that participate. While some minor …
August 4, 2020Read More

Physical therapy provides the best option for most hip pain problems

After hip pain develops, movement can become a taxing affair. Standing up from a chair, getting into a car, and walking even short distances may be met with intense strain and discomfort. As a result, some individuals will become less active so as to avoi…
July 30, 2020Read More

The three most effective exercises to reduce your risk for hip pain

As we saw in our last newsletter, there are a number of issues that can develop in the hip that can go on to cause pain and dysfunction. These problems can strike at any age, but are more likely to develop later in life and in females, as the highest inci…
July 21, 2020Read More

Hip pain can arise from sudden trauma, overuse, or age-related changes

The hip is a resilient joint that is capable of handling lots of activity and repeated movements, and it can sustain a significant amount of wear and tear. This durability exists because of its complex and multifaceted anatomy that we described in our las…
July 14, 2020Read More

The crucial role the powerful hip joint plays in most body movements

The hip is one of the most versatile and important joints in the body. It’s extremely powerful due to its robust architecture, which also provides it with impressive stability. But the hip joint is also incredibly flexible, allowing for a massive range …
July 7, 2020Read More

For persistent back pain, physical therapy is your best choice

Most cases of low back pain are short-lived—or acute—and only last for a few weeks before gradually subsiding. Getting regular physical activity and performing targeted strengthening exercises will further facilitate the healing process, and many pati…
June 25, 2020Read More

Three good strengthening exercises to support your lower back

As we explored in our last newsletter, low back pain is overwhelmingly common, with tens of millions of Americans impacted by symptoms at this very moment. Each person’s situation is unique and the severity of these individual’s back pain varies, but …
June 16, 2020Read More

If your back hurts, a diagnosis may not be the best path

Low back pain is jarringly common. About one-half of all working Americans will experience symptoms at least once every year, and roughly 31 million are affected by it at any given point in time. So if you find it appropriate to place yourself in this cat…
June 9, 2020Read More

Your back is built for durability and flexibility

The anatomy of your spine is rather remarkable. Its complex design includes a combination of strong bones, large muscles, and flexible ligaments and tendons, which are all interconnected in a manner that provides both extreme durability and flexibility. T…
June 2, 2020Read More

See a physical therapist for any foot and ankle pain

Some foot conditions come on gradually, like plantar fasciitis, which starts as a stabbing pain in the heel and then often grows more severe over time. Others are more sudden, like an ankle sprains or broken toe, both of which lead to immediate pain and m…
May 28, 2020Read More

Three best exercises to prevent ankle and foot-related injuries

There’s no getting around it. In order to move from point A to point B, you need healthy feet and ankles. While you may not realize how crucial this is to your movements under normal circumstances, your perspective will likely change any time pain is in…
May 19, 2020Read More

Understanding your risk for the most common foot and ankle injuries

All regions of the body are vulnerable to a unique set of injuries, depending on how the structures in that particular area are affected by common activities. The likelihood of injury therefore varies from one location to the next, with higher activity le…
May 12, 2020Read More

The complexity of the ankle & foot is necessary for our mobility

Your feet and ankles are built for durability. They are designed this way to account for the significant amount of pressure they withstand every time you perform an activity that involves standing. When running, for example, each foot takes on a force tha…
May 5, 2020Read More

5 tips to simplify your life with knee pain

In our last newsletter, we showed you why regular movement is key to overcoming knee pain and presented some of the best knee-strengthening exercises that will help you work towards this goal. These types of exercises can be extremely effective for anyone…
April 30, 2020Read More

4 strengthening exercises to help you bounce back from knee pain

Knee pain has a way of reminding patients that it’s there throughout most of the day. For many individuals with this type of pain, it’s the first thing they notice upon getting out of bed in the morning, and it is often felt throughout many daily acti…
April 21, 2020Read More

Try these 4 exercises for knee mobility and keep your injury risk low

In our last newsletter, we explained why knee pain is so common and explored some of the most common conditions that involve the knee. Knee pain can strike at any age, and while the specific reasons it occurs may vary among different populations, the resu…
April 14, 2020Read More

Knee pain is common when the joint is pushed beyond its limits

The knee joint is built for durability, which is necessary considering how much action it gets on a daily basis. But it can only withstand so much, and when pushed past its limits, the result is pain and injury. Knee pain is the second most common disorde…
April 7, 2020Read More

Physical therapists provide a crucial service for preventing falls

Falls are scary, and they can be disabling in both direct and indirect ways. Directly, they often cause injuries that can make it difficult to move and function normally. And then indirectly, they can create a significant fear of falling in many individ…
March 31, 2020Read More

Check out these 4 exercises to help reduce the risk for falls.

If you’re an older adult, a fear of falling may weigh on you every day. This is completely understandable, as falls are the top cause of injury for those over the age of 65. Falls also become more common with each additional year of life that passes d…
March 19, 2020Read More

After a fall, hip fractures pose the biggest threat for seniors

Older adults face a slew of potential health issues as they age, but few are more common or dangerous as falling. One of three adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall every year, making them the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries…
March 10, 2020Read More

The facts about falls in the elderly community can be startling

If you or a loved one is over the age of 65, you’re probably aware that there are some dangers associated with falling. There’s no shortage of attention on the topic, with new outlets and experts often discussing the risks involved and offering sugge…
March 3, 2020Read More

No matter what is causing your shoulder pain, PT is the best solution

Most people just aren’t themselves when they can’t move properly. This rings especially true for shoulder pain, which is one of the most widespread complaints of the musculoskeletal system that people have.…
February 27, 2020Read More

Keeping your shoulder mobile may reduce your risk for feeling pain

You probably don’t realize how much you rely on your shoulders unless you’ve dealt with an issue that has made it difficult to use it normally. Practically every moment you perform that involves your hands or arms impacts the shoulder or requires it …
February 18, 2020Read More

Most cases of shoulder pain are related to the rotator cuff

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint. Up to 26% of the population has it to some degree, and it ranks third—behind back pain and knee pain—in musculoskeletal conditions (those involving the bones, muscles, and related structures) that lead …
February 11, 2020Read More

Shoulder problems become more common as the body changes over time

You have your shoulders to thank for many of the movements required to get through the day. Driving your car, turning doorknobs, shaking hands, and reaching up or across to grab an item are just a few examples of activities that would not be possible wit…
February 4, 2020Read More

Physical therapy treatment can help for many neurological disorders

Getting diagnosed with a neurological disorder may be confusing since these issues involve the nerves rather than the muscles and ligaments. Some patients may be uncertain what the diagnosis means and how it will affect their life, which can make it diff…
January 23, 2020Read More

Damage to the nervous system may cause movement-related issues

Your nervous system is the line of communication between your brain and every bone, muscle, and organ in your body. It is responsible for all actions that take place within the body, from the nerve impulses that make your heartbeat, to the reflex that ma…
January 14, 2020Read More

Your nerves are responsible for everything your body does

Pick any function of the human body, and you can count on your nerves making it happen. Moving your eyes to read these words, the process of sending these images to the brain to be converted into useful information, and breathing while doing so are all m…
January 7, 2020Read More

2019 literature review part 4: arthritis, sports injuries, and opioids

We distribute newsletters every week to educate you—our patients—on some of the most common injuries and conditions that we treat, and to explain why we always recommend seeing a physical therapist first when dealing with any type of pain. In working…
December 31, 2019Read More

2019 literature review part 3: knee, foot, and ankle pain

We distribute newsletters every week to educate you—our patients—on some of the most common injuries and conditions that we treat, and to explain why we always recommend seeing a physical therapist first when dealing with any type of pain. In working…
December 17, 2019Read More

2019 Literature Review part 2: shoulder, wrist, and hand pain

We distribute newsletters every week to educate you—our patients—on some of the most common injuries and conditions that we treat, and to explain why we always recommend seeing a physical therapist first when dealing with any type of pain. In working…
December 10, 2019Read More

2019 Literature Review part 1: neck, back, and jaw pain

We distribute news each week to help educate you—our patients—on some of the most common injuries and conditions that we treat, and to explain why we always recommend seeing a physical therapist early when dealing with any type of pain. …
December 3, 2019Read More

Better results and lower costs by seeing a physical therapist early

Evidence on use of physical therapy during an initial episode of low back pain is mixed Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health conditions, as about 65-80% of adults will experience it at some point in their lifetime. Many treatment options…
November 26, 2019Read More

Seeing a physical therapist first can lead to better results

Some patients may put off going to physical therapy for any number of reasons, sometimes for an extended period. Individuals might believe that their condition will improve on its own, that treatment is too expensive for their budget, or they may…
November 19, 2019Read More

Opioids can be avoided by seeing a physical therapist first.

Visiting a physical therapist for injuries and painful conditions is always a smart choice that can lead to similar—or better—outcomes compared to surgery, and at a lower cost. But this is just one of the numerous benefits that physical therapy ca…
November 12, 2019Read More

Physical therapy can help avoid the expenses of surgery

If you experience an injury or happen to be in pain for a long period of time, relief may eventually become your number one priority. There are many treatment options available to address these 8types of issues, and what’s right for you depends on…
November 5, 2019Read More

For patients who repeatedly sprain their ankles hands-on PT can help

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in athletes and those who are physically active. In addition to the initial pain and disability that these injuries cause, up to 41% of patients who sprain their ankle once will go on to develop a condition called…
October 29, 2019Read More

For ankle/foot pain, rest, massage, and footwear adjustments are best

Try to think about all the movements that are needed to get you through a typical day. Chances are, regardless of what type of work you do or what your day consists of, you’ll notice that you probably use your feet and ankles at least a fair amount…
October 15, 2019Read More

Treat your feet right and stay conditioned to avoid injury

For most of us our feet provide the freedom to get from point A to B with minimal effort. But even though they provide this incredible ability, it’s easy to take the feet for granted, and perhaps we often ignore these wonderful appendages.…
October 8, 2019Read More

Foot & ankle injuries are a common problem for active individuals

Over time, exercise and physical activity tend to strain certain areas of the body to the point of pain, and this distribution is not equally divided. While the region that’s affected has much to do with the activity being performed, there are some…
October 1, 2019Read More

PT leads to improvements for patients with common jaw disorder

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a term used to describe a set of common conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull and allows it to move up and down and from side to side. Typical symptoms of TMDs…
September 26, 2019Read More

You can alleviate your jaw pain with some simple home remedies

Whether you realize it or not, you use your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pretty often. This joint connects your lower jaw to the rest of the skull right in front of your ears, and you can actually feel it if you touch right below your temples and open y…
September 17, 2019Read More

Avoid a jaw problem by chewing properly and practicing good posture

There are over 200 bones in the human body, and the head and face account for 22 of these. Of the face and head bones, the lower jawbone—or mandible—is the only one that can move. The mandible is connected to the temporal bone of the skull a…
September 10, 2019Read More

Jaw disorders can cause problems for similar reasons at different ages

Pain can develop just about anywhere in your body, and regardless of where it occurs, can prove to be an annoying problem. The jaw is one region that doesn’t get discussed as often as more common injury sites like the knees or the neck, but disorde…
September 3, 2019Read More

Value of PT is found to be far better than surgery for meniscus tears

The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage between the thighbone and the shinbone. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each of your knees, and the job of each of these structures is to stabilize the knee joint and absorb shock. Tears of…
August 29, 2019Read More

Don't let your knee pain stop you from staying active

Regardless of your age, activity level, or daily habits, you need your knees to function well and to live your days as you’d like to. But when pain arises—whether it’s due to a traumatic injury like a strain or sprain, a condition that&…
August 20, 2019Read More

Weight loss, improving strength, & flexibility help avoid knee pain

You may not realize how well your knees serve you until a problem arises. These large and complex joints play a major role in just about every movement that involves your legs, permitting you to sit, stand, walk, run, and jump on a regular basis. When p…
August 13, 2019Read More

Bearing the weight of the body, the knees are a common source of pain

There are certain areas of the body that are simply more prone to pain than others, and the knee is one region that clearly falls into this category. Knee pain ranks just behind back pain as the second most common condition that affects the muscles and b…
August 6, 2019Read More

PT & surgery lead to similar outcomes for patients with hip condition

Twelve months after patients were randomized to treatment, scores on the iHOT-33 improved in both groups. Scores increased from 35.6 to 49.7 points in the physical therapy group, and from 39.2 to 58.8 in the surgery group. Further calculations showed th…
July 30, 2019Read More

Tending to mild injuries right after they occur can make a difference

While these simple remedies are best for mild injuries, more severe injuries require care from a trained professional. In these cases, it’s best to see a physical therapist, who will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition and create a pers…
July 16, 2019Read More

Prevent sports-related injuries with targeted training programs

In a perfect world, athletes would be able to participate in their respective sport at full tilt without having to worry about hurting themselves or dealing with the consequences of an injury. But alas, the world we live in is not perfect, and injuries r…
July 9, 2019Read More

Regardless of what sport you play, injuries are an unavoidable part

From the perspective of both a participant and a spectator, sports can be a glorious, epic, and uplifting affair. But on the other side of the coin, they can also be devastating, gut-wrenching, and downright deflating. There are a number of different ty…
July 2, 2019Read More

3 different types of exercise are effective for rotator cuff injuries

Shoulder pain affects approximately 16-21% of the population, and it’s one of the most common reasons people seek out care from a doctor. There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, but a significant percentage of cases are due to a condition …
June 27, 2019Read More

For shoulder pain relief, try these exercises and home remedies

Shoulder pain can be one of the most disabling problems to deal with. Whether you realize it or not, you use your shoulder pretty frequently throughout most days, as it permits practically any movement that involves your arms. This is why any issue that…
June 18, 2019Read More

Prevent shoulder pain by avoiding too many overhead activities

If you’ve recently found yourself grabbing an item on a top shelf, reaching for something in the backseat of your car, or throwing an object of any sort, then you were also witnessing the grand capabilities of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is th…
June 11, 2019Read More

Repetitive use of the shoulder and age-related changes can both lead

The shoulder is a rather incredible part of the human anatomy. As the most flexible and mobile joint in the body, the shoulder allows the arm to move in a wide range of directions, which is necessary for performing many of the dexterous tasks needed i…
June 4, 2019Read More

After a broken wrist, PT will help ensure a safe & effective recovery

The wrist is a complex joint where 15 different bones meet, each of which performs its own specific function. All of these bones play an important role, and if a problem or injury occurs in any one of them, it can affect the way that the entire wrist mov…
May 30, 2019Read More

Take action to relieve your hand or wrist pain right now

Hand or wrist pain can be a real nuisance. Because of the frequent use of these body parts, a significant portion of daily movements can result in pain and serve as a constant reminder of one’s condition. This situation can be made even worse when…
May 21, 2019Read More

Prevent hand and wrist pain with position changes & simple exercises

Most people don’t realize just how much they rely on their hands and wrists until a problem arises. This is often the case for anyone with hand or wrist pain, which can turn many everyday activities into challenging tasks that require a strategy to…
May 14, 2019Read More

Hand or wrist pain can strike at any age and complicate simple tasks

The hands and wrists are one of the main tools that we use to navigate the world around us. Whether it’s driving to work, typing away on your computer, or picking up your child, the use of your hands and wrists is absolutely vital to your ability t…
May 7, 2019Read More

Physical therapy is the best option knee and hip osteoarthritis

Orthopedic manual therapy interventions with exercise therapy compared with exercise therapy alone provide short term benefits in reducing pain, improving function, and stairs ascending-descending time in people with knee osteoarthritis.…
April 25, 2019Read More

Take these steps to reduce arthritis symptoms in daily life

The term "arthritis" is used to describe more than 100 different conditions, all of which are defined by inflammation of one or more joints and a resulting set of bothersome symptoms. The exact cause in each case depends on what type of arthritis is pres…
April 16, 2019Read More

Reduce chances of developing osteoarthritis with lifestyle changes

Few conditions are as well known to the general public as arthritis, which is probably because about 54 million Americans—or about 23% of the population—are currently affected by it. These figures could naturally be a bit alarming and lead so…
April 9, 2019Read More

Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages

The term juvenile arthritis includes many different inflammatory and autoimmune disorders that, like rheumatoid arthritis, cause the immune system to attack its own healthy cells in joints. It’s not clearly understood why this occurs, but both gene…
April 2, 2019Read More

PT is a much safer and more effective alternative to opioids

Try as we might, it’s nearly impossible to avoid all pain in our lives. Whether it’s twisted ankle or a bad back, we all experience some pain at one point or another, which is why the presence of pain is by far the most common reason people s…
March 28, 2019Read More

PTs are experts at identifying imbalances to prevent injuries

When most people hear about physical therapy, they usually tend to think that it’s only for disabled individuals and those who are recovering from injury. While it may be true that physical therapy is perhaps most commonly used on patients that fal…
March 19, 2019Read More

If you have a painful condition, physical therapy is your best option

Have you dealt with any pain recently—or perhaps right now—that prevents you from moving or completing certain tasks normally? If so, it’s probably due to some type of musculoskeletal disorder. This term is used to describe a wide arra…
March 12, 2019Read More

Understanding the truly massive scale of the opioid epidemic

The presence of pain—especially pain that lasts for a long period of time—is perhaps the most common reason that people seek out medical help. Because pain is such a unique and subjective experience, it’s also one of the most controvers…
March 5, 2019Read More

Some physical therapists may offer education on improving nutrition

If you're dealing with any of the conditions listed above along with an injury, your physical therapist may be able to offer some professional advice and education on the role your diet may be playing. By asking you about some of your dietary habits…
March 1, 2019Read More

Therapy can reduce pain and improves function for lower back pain

Results showed that spinal manipulation led to significant benefits for patients with acute LBP that lasted for at least six weeks. In particular, the treatment was found to be associated with reduced pain and improved function, and these improvements…

February 28, 2019Read More

Immediately going to a PT for back pain found to reduce costs

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly conditions in the world. It ranks as the leading cause of disability, and in 2014, approximately 68.6 million Americans—or 28.6% of the population—reported having LBP…
February 26, 2019Read More

Try several remedies for back pain and discover which work for you

For many individuals in our fast-paced society, every day is often seen as an opportunity to “get things done” in the most efficient and productive manner possible.…
February 19, 2019Read More

Best ways to reduce your chances of developing back pain

Weight problems, for example, are a big contributor to back pain. Not being a healthy body weight can put excessive pressure and strain on the spine, which weakens structures and increases the potential to experience pain. Obese individuals are especial…
February 12, 2019Read More

Back pain can strike in different ways at all stages of life

There are very few guarantees in life but chances are you’ll experience back pain at some point in your lifetime, as about 8 out of 10 people will deal with it at least once. The type of back pain you may experience will depend on your age, habits, and…
February 5, 2019Read More

Seeing PT early for neck pain can lower costs and use of healthcare

Of the 308 patients in the study, 160 (52%) consulted a physical therapist within 14 days for their neck pain, while 74 (24%) did so in 15-90 days, and 74 (24%) waited for more than 90 days. In general, results showed that those who saw physical…
January 29, 2019Read More

If you're dealing with neck pain, try these simple home remedies

Many of the recommendations for prevention also apply to treatment, so if you’re interested in learning more ways to ease your neck pain, read our last newsletter that covers some smart neck pain…
January 22, 2019Read More

Improving your bed & workstation setup can help reduce your neck pain

For many individuals, a great deal of time every day is also spent sitting at a desk and working on a computer. As with bed setups, the way in which a workstation is set up affects the neck and can play a part in the development of pain developing…
January 15, 2019Read More

No matter your age, neck pain can be a nuisance

For adults over the age of 65, age-related changes continue to occur and may begin to become more advanced in some cases. This means that conditions like osteoarthritis and spondylosis are even more likely at this age, and they can be more severe for …
January 10, 2019Read More

Supervised therapy is found to be effective for a wrist fracture

Results showed that overall, patients in both groups improved in all of the measurements taken. However, the participants who followed supervised physical therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in wrist function, as well as less pain a…
January 3, 2019Read More

Older adults with depression benefit significantly from exercise

The results of this meta-analysis showed that exercise had a large and significant antidepressant effect on older adults with…
December 27, 2018Read More

If stress is weighing you down, exercise may be the answer

A physical therapist can help get you on your best foot forward

Current guidelines recommend getting about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise (like jogging) every week.…

December 18, 2018Read More

More than 1/3 of older adults with frailty are also depressed

Exercise can be helpful for treating both frailty and depression

Results showed that there were 8,023 older adults that had frailty, and of these, 38.6% were also depressed. Similarly, 2,167 older adults were found to have depression, and 40…

December 11, 2018Read More

Exercise found to decrease anxiety and other stress-related disorders

Physical therapists can help promote exercise in patients with anxiety

These findings support the use of exercise for patients with anxiety or stress disorder, and the researchers suggested that it should therefore be considered a viable opti…

December 5, 2018Read More

Older adults with knee arthritis benefit from a home-exercise program

Home-exercise program leads to superior results, with most patients adhering to it

Results showed that participants in the home-exercise group experienced significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness and strength compared to the control g…

November 27, 2018Read More

Low back pain patients who see PT first spend less

PT First is associated with benefits across the board

Based on the data collected, it was found that the incidence rate of LBP was 82.7 for every 1,000 patients. Of the patients who had LBP, about 80% had no physical therapy, while 8.7% saw …

November 20, 2018Read More

Review shows exercise therapy one of the best shoulder treatments

Despite low quality of evidence, exercise is still recommended for patients with SIS

On the whole, results were supportive of both exercise therapy and manual therapy for SIS patients. For pain alone, studies showed that manual therapy was s…

November 13, 2018Read More

Exercise found to reduce risk of experiencing episodes of neck pain

Exercise identified as an effective strategy for preventing neck pain

Two of the five RCTs investigated the use of exercise programs, and researchers deemed that there was moderate-quality evidence that exercise does substantially reduce the …

November 6, 2018Read More

Spine strengthening exercises lead to improvements

Results showed that patients who followed the physical therapist-led exercise program experienced several significant improvements when compared to the control group. Most importantly, the angle of the curvature of the spine reduced by an average of 3…

November 1, 2018Read More

Reducing elbow injury in young pitchers requires effective prevention

If an injury of any sort does occur, it's important to carefully discuss the details of it with the player, and to include their parents. Although many players and parents may have difficulty accepting that playing time needs to be stopped for a perio…

October 30, 2018Read More

Two types of strength exercises lead to improvements for tennis elbow

After one year, results showed that patients in both groups improved in their scores for pain and muscle strength, but the eccentric exercise group experienced greater overall improvements. This was based on the fact that the eccentric group reported …

October 23, 2018Read More

Elbow injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament don't require surgery

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a band of tissue that connects the inside of the upper arm bone to the inside of the forearm at the elbow. It helps to support and stabilize the arm during movements like throwing a ball, but is commonly injured …

October 16, 2018Read More

Hands-on movement by PT have a positive effect on tennis elbow

Overall, results were supportive of the effectiveness of joint mobilizations for tennis elbow. In particular, high-quality evidence was found that showed two types of joint mobilization-mobilization with movement (MWM) and Mill's manipulation-were mor…

October 9, 2018Read More

Balance training improves sports performance & may reduce injury risk

Overall, results were supportive of balance training in both applications. For the first focus of the review on athletic performance, the sports most commonly studied were soccer, basketball, and handball. The majority of these studies found signific…

September 25, 2018Read More

Review finds that exercise is one of the best ways to prevent falls

A total of 54 RCTs with 39 different interventions focused on the risk of falls that caused injury, and the findings from these studies showed that some of the most effective interventions for reducing this risk included exercise, vision assessment, an…

September 18, 2018Read More

Two exercises programs are effective in reducing falls in older men

Results showed that both aerobic and resistance exercises on their own were more effective than no exercise for reducing risk factors for falls such as balance, posture control, mobility and leg strength; however, combining these two types of exercise …

September 13, 2018Read More

Bracing & balance training reduce the risk for ankle sprains

On the whole, results from the studies reviewed showed that balance training and bracing were both effective for reducing the risk and incidence of ankle sprains. Two of the three studies that evaluated bracing found that patients who wore these brace…

September 11, 2018Read More

Exercise program is the most effective in reducing falls

Researchers found that the first step in reducing fall risk is to identify at-risk patients. This is accomplished by having patients check in with their healthcare provider yearly to report any falls or difficulties with gait and balance and to have a…

September 4, 2018Read More

Knee arthritis patient outcomes affected by significant hip weakness

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which cartilage that normally protects a joint gradually wears down over the course of time, which leads to pain and other symptoms when the bones begin rubbing against one another. OA can develop in any joint, bu…

August 28, 2018Read More

Patients treated with rehabilitation are less likely to use narcotics

Of the 52,504 NTKP patients examined, only 11% received any type of rehabilitation services for their condition at any time. Of the patients who were rehabilitated with physical therapy and other treatments, 52% began treatment within 15 days of their…

August 24, 2018Read More

Improvements from PT for knee pain maintained by patients for 3 years

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)-sometimes referred to as runner's knee-is a painful condition that's particularly common in physically active individuals. Patients with PFPS typically experience a dull ache behind or around the kneecap that gets w…

August 21, 2018Read More

Course of exercise yields similar results as surgery for knee injury

Overall, exercise therapy and surgery were found to lead to similar outcomes in knee pain, function, and performance for patients with meniscal lesions. Exercise therapy, however, was more effective for improving muscle strength than surgery after a s…

August 16, 2018Read More

ACL surgery patients similar outcomes as ones treated non-operatively

Five years after treatment, patients in both groups experienced positive outcomes, and the results between the two groups were found to be very similar. In particular, scores from the quadriceps strength and single-legged hop test were high and did no…

August 14, 2018Read More

Education program explaining pain is beneficial for patient outcomes

Results from the systematic review showed that PNE did, in fact, lead to several benefits for patients with musculoskeletal pain. In particular, it reduced patients' disability and usage of healthcare and improved their pain ratings, knowledge of pain…

August 12, 2018Read More

Thigh muscle exercises are beneficial for knee condition patients

On the whole, results were supportive of quadriceps-strengthening exercises for PFPS patients, both alone and when combined with other exercises. It was found that when they were performed alone, these exercises were more effective for reducing pain a…

August 7, 2018Read More

Pitching consecutive days in youth softball leads to pain & weakness

These findings clearly show that windmill pitching on consecutive days leads to declines in shoulder and elbow strength that are not recovered the next day, as well as significant increases in pain and fatigue. These changes can lead to shoulder damag…

July 31, 2018Read More

6 weeks of PT leads to improvements for athletes dislocated shoulder

Results from the tests performed prior to the physical therapy rehabilitation program revealed that many patients had weakness in a number of their shoulder muscles as a result of pain, swelling and inflammation from the shoulder dislocation. After th…

July 26, 2018Read More

Mindset can have significant impact on patients with shoulder pain

These findings suggest that when treating shoulder pain, psychological factors must be taken into consideration and addressed in addition to physical symptoms. Physical therapists can help by identifying these negative factors in patients early on in …

July 23, 2018Read More

Many patients with no shoulder pain have MRI findings that show tear

These findings show that even in middle-aged patients that have no signs of shoulder pain, labral tears are commonly found on MRIs. The unfortunate result of this fact is that a patient with shoulder pain can be told they have a labral tear and then g…

July 18, 2018Read More

Hands-on therapy found to be effective for shoulder pain

After completing treatment, participants in both groups experienced significant improvements with an increased PPT of several muscles of the upper back; however, the manual therapy group showed greater PPT improvements in these muscles than the shoulde…

July 13, 2018Read More

Neck exercise more beneficial than physical activity for whiplash

In total, 170 patients (79%) completed the one-year follow-up and 123 (57%) completed the two-year-follow-up. At one year, both neck-specific groups displayed more clinically important improvements in pain, disability, and functioning than the PPA gro…

June 29, 2018Read More

For Long-term Neck Pain that Just Won’t Go Away, try PT

Just because neck pain is common doesn’t mean it’s something that should hold you back in your daily endeavors. Address your neck pain early by seeing a physical therapist if you notice lingering symptoms...…
June 20, 2018Read More

Medicare costs for physical therapy are lower

These results show that physical therapy has the lowest Medicare costs of the three treatments analyzed for LBP and that these costs are even lower if patients begin treatment within the first 15 days of being diagnosed. In some cases, this can wind u…

June 15, 2018Read More

Therapy reduces pain and stiffness in patients with knee arthritis

Results showed that manual therapy was found to significantly reduce pain, alleviate stiffness and improve the physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These positive effects of manual therapy occurred with less than four weeks of treat…

June 7, 2018Read More

Exercise therapy leads to better flexibility for jaw condition

After completing the systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that exercise therapy reduced pain and improved the range of motion (flexibility) of patients with TMJs. The improvements in flexibility came primarily from programs that emph…

June 1, 2018Read More

Older PT patients treated before hip surgery show better outcomes

Results indicated that patients who underwent preoperative physical therapy experienced a number of benefits and better outcomes compared to those who did not. In particular, preoperative physical therapy patients reported significantly greater gains …

May 31, 2018Read More

PT Referral is Down While Opioid Use is Up?

Based on the surveys analyzed, approximately 170 million patients visited a doctor for complaints related to LBP. From these visits, 17.1 million patients were referred to physical therapy, which equated to a referral rate of 10.1%. From 1997 to 2010…

May 24, 2018Read More

Patients with a particular type of knee pain are more overweight

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the BMI of adults with patellofemoral pain and knee OA was generally higher than the BMI of healthy individuals without knee pain that they were compared to. When it came to adolescen…

May 18, 2018Read More

Patients who undergo therapy before surgery spend less on care after

These findings support the use of preoperative physical therapy-or prehabilitation-in patients preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery, as it can reduce the need for patient care and its associated costs following the procedure. Individuals who …

May 17, 2018Read More

Hands- on therapy is beneficial for carpal tunnel and reduces pain

Results showed that both treatments led to improvements, as patients experienced less pain, greater function, and fewer symptoms after completing the interventions. Patients in the manual therapy group, however, reported even greater improvements than…

May 14, 2018Read More

PT after knee surgery leads to improvements in function & flexibility

Results of the systematic review and meta-analysis were generally supportive of the use of physical therapy after meniscus surgery. This was based on several studies that found a positive effect of various types of physical therapy treatments utilized…

May 10, 2018Read More

PT after shoulder surgery responsible for a faster recovery

Following a course of physical therapy should be the norm after surgery

Results showed that after 12 months, patients in the physical therapy group improved significantly more than those who received usual care. This was based on better ques…

May 4, 2018Read More

Home exercise and physical therapy beneficial for hand fractures

After 12 weeks, results showed that both groups improved in all of the measurements taken. In particular, both the physical therapy and home-exercise group experienced similar improvements in grip strength and hand function, with no major differences …

May 3, 2018Read More

Guidelines recommend treatments like exercise for meniscus tears

Based on these findings, if you have knee pain that may be related to a meniscus tear, it appears that your best option is to see a physical therapist first and follow a course of exercise therapy. These carefully designed exercises will target your p…

April 27, 2018Read More

Opioids do not provide any benefit to OTC meds for low back pain

Neither added drug brings about any greater improvements than placebo

Overall, results indicated that neither the muscle relaxant nor the opioid provided any added benefit to the NSAID for LBP patients. This was based on the fact that measur…

April 25, 2018Read More

Opioids are not found to be more effective for relieving pain

Opioids and non-opioids lead to very similar outcomes

Overall, results showed that patients who received opioids improved to a very similar extent compared to those who received non-opioids. In particular, the opioid group improved from a sc…

April 20, 2018Read More

Guidelines recommend education, physical therapy, and exercise

The results of this study identified a number of treatments that were recommended by all of the guidelines reviewed. For acute LBP (pain that has only lasted for up to six weeks), the following recommendations were found in all the guidelines: advice …

April 19, 2018Read More

Patients receiving expensive and risky treatment for knee surgery

Results showed that in the year prior to having knee replacement surgery, most patients (66%) received at least one of the analyzed treatments for their knee osteoarthritis, which cost an average of $506 per patient. The three most commonly used treat…

April 12, 2018Read More

Motivational sessions help patients better adhere

After completing the study, investigators found evidence of moderate quality that when physical therapists add booster sessions to exercise programs for osteoarthritis, adherence to the program may improve. Booster sessions are usually very similar to…

April 11, 2018Read More

Physical therapy found to be more effective for carpal tunnel

After one year, results showed that patients in both groups experienced improvements from their treatments. In particular, these patients reported less intense pain and less sensitivity to pain at both six and 12 months after treatment. The manual th…

April 10, 2018Read More

Surgery and therapy lead to very similar outcomes for hip conditions

Despite its popularity, surgery does not lead to better outcomes than physical therapy

Over the course of two years, the results primarily showed that physical therapy and surgery led to very similar outcomes for patients. In particular, the…

April 6, 2018Read More

Prevention program reduces ankle sprains in the athletic population

Proprioceptive training found to be effective for reducing patients' risk for ankle sprains

The results of this review generally showed that the proprioceptive training was in fact effective for reducing the risk for ankle sprains in active i…

March 30, 2018Read More

Surgery and physical therapy lead to similar result for carpal tunnel

Results showed that after one month, patients in the manual therapy group experienced significantly greater improvements in function, the seriousness of their symptoms and pinch grip strength than those in the surgery group. After six and 12 months, t…

March 29, 2018Read More

Sleep, a healthy diet & strength training reduces risks for injury

In the other study, resistance training was found to be effective for reducing the risk for injury by up to 68%. Resistance training was also associated with improved sports performance and health measures, and helped young athletes develop better phy…

March 23, 2018Read More

Painful exercise intensity is not beneficial for tennis elbow

The results of these measurements showed when the patients performed the exercises at 20% above their pressure pain threshold, it increased the intensity of their pain immediately after the exercise. When the same exercise was performed at 20% below t…

March 22, 2018Read More

Personalized program decreases risk for another hamstring injury

Patients who follow the treatment algorithm experienced fewer injuries

Results showed that over six months, the soccer players in the RA group experienced substantially fewer hamstring strain injuries than those in the RP group, especially in…

March 16, 2018Read More

Older adults with headaches benefit from physical therapy treatment

On the whole, results showed that participants who received physical therapy improved more significantly than those who underwent usual care. In particular, the frequency of their headaches was significantly reduced after 11 weeks and remained at this…

March 15, 2018Read More

Most patients with common foot injury don't seek out physical therapy

Of the more than 800,000 patients in the database, only 7.1% were actually evaluated by a physical therapist within 30 days of their diagnosis. A total of 78% of the entire group of patients were between the ages of 30-59 years old, with women being 5…

March 13, 2018Read More

Changing how runners' feet strike the ground can reduce knee pain

Participants who changed their striking pattern experienced greater knee pain reductions

After the study was completed, participants in both groups reported less knee pain overall, but the reductions were much more significant and lasting in…

March 9, 2018Read More

Ankle fracture patients are more sedentary after immobilization

After the immobilization removal, activity levels were unsurprisingly very low for injured patients. These levels increased within the first month, then increased slightly at the three-month mark, and plateaued by six months. These figures were found…

March 1, 2018Read More

Strengthening in patients with shoulder condition

The findings of this RCT showed that although all participants improved, those in the experimental group experienced more significant improvements overall. This was found to be the case in all the outcomes measured, as experimental group patients repo…

February 23, 2018Read More

The Value of Physical Therapy for Back Pain

This is just one of numerous studies that highlight the wide-reaching benefits of physical therapy for lower back pain. Time and time again, the research clearly shows that seeing a physical therapist first will help patients recover quicker, with les…

February 20, 2018Read More

Traditional care for back pain may wind up costing more money & time

As we mentioned above, there is one incredibly important way to avoid the traditional course of care and all the costs that can come with it: rather than going to a doctor, see us first. Instead of sending you off to have unnecessary tests and potenti…

February 19, 2018Read More

Back Pain can be prevented with exercise and lifestyle changes

As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can take control of your situation and reduce your risk for back pain. To take it a step further, though, you may want to consider seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts at tre…

February 16, 2018Read More

Exercise therapy is one of the most effective for ankle sprains

The results of this review found that several different interventions were effective for treating and preventing ankle sprains and CAI. There was evidence of moderate quality that exercise therapy was capable of reducing pain, swelling, and function i…

February 9, 2018Read More

Educating a patient before surgery improves many things

Results from the physical evaluation and fMRIs generally revealed that the patient experienced several positive changes following the neuroscience education session. In particular, her scores for back disability and pain catastrophizing (the tendency …

February 1, 2018Read More

Stretching and strengthening exercises recommended for pain disorder

Overall, the studies supported exercise as a beneficial treatment for MPS, but their low quality needs to be taken into consideration. The exercise was found to significantly reduce the intensity of pain in the short term when compared with minimal or…

January 26, 2018Read More

Strengthening exercises are recommended for instability of shoulders

Results of this review found strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and deltoid muscles were most effective for treating shoulder instability by reducing pain and instability, as well as increasing function. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons …

January 18, 2018Read More

Back condition lessens after adding physical activity

Overall, these findings show that using a brief intervention to advise and motivate patients with AS to become more physically active can be effective for accomplishing this task, while also leading to other positive changes. AS patients should, theref…

January 12, 2018Read More

Elastic bands in physical therapy improves several physical features

Results showed that both groups improved in all measurements taken, but the experimental group reported greater overall changes than the control group. This was found to be the case in scores for balance, flexibility, fear of falling and gait ability,…

January 4, 2018Read More

Cost for Physical Therapy can be more effective for elbow conditions

On the whole, the results of this RCT favored physical therapy over steroid injections for tennis elbow. Physical therapy was found to have a greater initial cost since it was carried out over eight treatment sessions, but it was the only intervention…

December 30, 2017Read More

Effectiveness of an exercise program supports a larger study

After nine months of physical therapy and exercise, Mrs. J experienced significant improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life. She was also able to walk for 40 minutes and play lawn bowling—which she could not do before—w…

December 16, 2017Read More

Physical therapy following back surgery significantly helps recovery

Results showed that patients who received four or more sessions of physical therapy following LTDR surgery (group 3) experienced the most significant improvements of all groups. In particular, these participants showed less functional disability, redu…

December 7, 2017Read More

Walking meetings may increase physical activity in the workplace

The data taken from the accelerometers and surveys showed that in general, workers were more physically active during the second two weeks of the study. The average number of minutes participants engaged in combined work-related moderate or vigorous p…

November 24, 2017Read More

Exercises are helpful for neck pain

On the whole, there was not much strong evidence to support the use of exercises as researchers had hoped to find. Nonetheless, they identified studies of moderate quality that showed how effective various exercises can be for neck disorders. In part…

November 17, 2017Read More

Strengthening exercises are beneficial for arthritis

Results showed that resistance exercise led to significant benefits when compared to control treatments. In particular, these types of exercises were found to reduce pain, relieve stiffness and improve overall function for patients with knee osteoarth…

November 9, 2017Read More

Program reduces rate of diabetes

On the whole, DPP was found to be effective, as there was a 58% reduction in the rate of diabetes that developed in study participants compared to groups that received placebo or medications only. In addition, many of the patients from the initial stu…

November 3, 2017Read More

Hands-on therapy for shoulder pain helps recovery time

Results from the systematic review showed that patients treated with thoracic manual therapy improved significantly more than those who received other treatments. In particular, the three RCTs found that they experienced a quicker recovery with reduce…

October 28, 2017Read More

Non-surgical treatment lead to similar outcomes for back pain

Researchers first pointed out that although patients were randomly assigned to have either surgery or physical therapy, they had a 3-to-1 chance of having surgery. This means that many more patients went on to have surgery versus physical therapy, and…

October 20, 2017Read More

Specific exercises are beneficial for neck pain

After four months, patients in the exercise group reported significantly better scores than the control group in most/many of the outcomes that were measured. In particular, they were found to have better muscle function, neck flexibility, and pain th…

October 12, 2017Read More

Specific exercises and hands-on therapy is helpful for ankle sprains

Results showed that although both groups reported better overall scores in all the measurements taken, those in treatment group 2 experienced greater improvements than treatment group 1. This was based on lower levels of pain, better ankle stability a…

October 6, 2017Read More

Seeing physical therapists early for neck pain is better than waiting

After comparing both groups of patients, it was found that those who received early physical therapy experienced better outcomes with less disability and pain than those who delayed it. This was found to be the case not only in their actual outcomes b…

September 28, 2017Read More

Getting physical activity significantly reduces the risk of arthritis

Based on this, researchers said that getting 3,000-4,000 MET-minutes per week appears to be the ideal range for obtaining the most health benefits and the greatest reduction of risk for the five health conditions. More physical activity than this may …

September 21, 2017Read More

Exercise and physical therapy help patients with knee arthritis

After nine weeks, patients in all four treatment groups experienced significant improvements in all the outcomes measured. By one year, some of these effects had reduced, but for the most part, the improvements lasted. Despite this, the addition of b…

September 15, 2017Read More

Adding movement to stretching is more beneficial

Results showed that the patients who received the combination of joint mobilization and stretching exercises experienced better outcomes than those who only had stretching exercises. This was seen in measurements for flexibility, pain, shoulder functi…

September 7, 2017Read More

Hands-on physical therapy are effective for a shoulder condition

On the whole, mobilization techniques were found to be beneficial for patients with frozen shoulder. A combination of one approach called the Maitland technique with the mobilization of the spine and shoulder stretching appears to be best for reducing…

August 30, 2017Read More

Treatment program with neck exercises leads to more satisfaction

Results showed that after one year, the satisfaction of all patients with their treatment improved over time, regardless of the type of treatment they received. However, the patients who received neck-specific exercises were found to improve significa…

August 16, 2017Read More

Physical therapy improves health and is effective for its cost

Results from this systematic review showed that physical therapy, either on its own or added to usual care, led to improved health. This was found to be the case in almost all studies included. Regarding cost-effectiveness, six out of eight studies f…

August 11, 2017Read More

Surgery is not found to be more effective for treating injuries

Results showed that after one year, no significant differences were found between patients who had surgery compared to those who had conservative treatment. This was determined based on scores for two separate measurements used for overall pain and fu…

August 2, 2017Read More

Using desks with a standing capability may increase work productivity

Results showed that workers using the stand-capable desks were more productive than those who were using the standard seated desks. On average, the stand-capable workers had 0…

July 28, 2017Read More

Physical therapists may be an alternative to seeing a doctor first

Results from this study showed that seeing a physical therapist instead of a general practitioner for a musculoskeletal condition was safe, as no patients experienced any negative e…

July 20, 2017Read More

Patients who see physical therapists spend less time and money

There are a number of reasons some physical therapists do not adhere to current guidelines when treating patients with low back pain, but one point seems clear: those that do save their patients money and time. Patients with low back pain should, ther…

July 14, 2017Read More

Patients who have PT after shoulder surgery recover quicker

Results showed that at 12 months, patients in the physical therapy group improved significantly more than those that received usual care. This was found to be the case d…

July 6, 2017Read More

Getting athletes back to sports without surgery

Overall, researchers found no significant differences between the two groups regarding return to sports. Some athletes returned to their sport faster after having surgery,…

June 29, 2017Read More

Exercise & therapy help with pain and improve hip arthritis

Results from the meta-analysis revealed that both exercise therapy and manual therapy are effective for reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with hip osteo…

June 22, 2017Read More

Seeing a PT may lead to lower costs and less medical treatment

Although the review was supposed to cover a number of different musculoskeletal disorders, all the studies that were selected focused on spinal pain. Overall, there was evidenc…

June 7, 2017Read More

Hands-on therapy combined with exercise has benefits for neck pain

After four weeks, it was found that stabilization exercises and manual therapy led to greater improvements in disability, pain intensity at night, neck range of motion and quality of…

May 25, 2017Read More

Physical therapy more effective than advice for low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common medical conditions in the general population, and it serves as a major cause for disability in people who suffer from it. LBP is also extremely expensive, and most of the costs associated with it are due t…

May 18, 2017Read More

Physical therapy before ACL surgery leads to better outcomes

Pre-operative physical therapy led to significant improvements in patients’ muscle strength and knee-related function. These findings show that having a course of physical therapy prior to surgery for an ACL injury may be of value to these patients …

May 11, 2017Read More

New CDC guidelines to help doctors prescribe opioids more safely

When making any treatment decision, your doctor should always discuss the available treatment options and carefully explain the risks and benefits associated with each one. This is necessary to make informed decisions and avoid any unnecessary treatme…

May 2, 2017Read More

Patients found to move better after performing certain exercises

Programs that took place in settings other than hospitals were found to lead to even greater effects than those performed in hospitals. This was also found to be the case with programs that included what's called progressive resistance training. This…

April 26, 2017Read More

Booklets after surgery can help educate patients & reduce their fears

It seems that while any education may be helpful for patients after surgery, the “Your Back Operation” booklet can lead to a better overall mindset that will encourage them to get active and seek out rehabilitation from a physical therapist

April 21, 2017Read More

Exercise & education reduces the risk for getting low back pain

When education is added to exercise, it appears that the combination is even more likely to reduce the risk for LBP. Unfortunately, this was not found to be the case with education alone, and it seems that it needs to be combined with exercise to have…

April 13, 2017Read More

Osteoarthritis patients experience benefits from exercise

There was evidence of high quality that showed land-based exercise therapy can reduce knee pain and improve the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis for 2-6 months. There was also evidence of moderate quality that showed land-based exe…

April 6, 2017Read More

Patients with hip arthritis benefit from exercises on land & in water

The meta-analysis found that exercise therapy decreased pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis in the short term for up to three months. This was found to be the case for both land-based exercise and aquatic exercise performed underwater, which is m…

March 30, 2017Read More

Surgery and PT lead to very similar results for patients

Results from this RCT showed that there were no major differences between the surgery and physical therapy groups when it came to relieving their symptoms and improving their function. Patients in both groups began to improve at 10 weeks, continued to…

March 15, 2017Read More

Specific exercises better than general activity for whiplash patients

Results from this study showed that neck-specific exercises helped patients improve more than general physical activity. Both the NSE and NSEB groups experienced greater improvements than the PPA group in pain intensity and neck muscle endurance. Nec…

March 6, 2017Read More

Physical therapy after knee replacement leads to much improvement

Results showed that after completing outpatient physical therapy, both groups showed improved scores in their knee range of motion, walking speed and quality of life. When compared to one another, there were no significant differences in most of the o…

March 3, 2017Read More

Multiple types of PT helpful for women recovering from breast cancer

The results from this systematic review showed that a few different types of physical therapy treatments were effective for addressing some of the complications from breast cancer treatment. This was seen with treatment programs that consisted of stre…

February 24, 2017Read More

Hands-on PT is more effective than medications for headaches

Results from the meta-analysis supported manual therapy over pain medications. This was due to the fact that manual therapy reduced the frequency, intensity and duration of tension-type headaches more than pain medications in the short term. At a lon…

February 9, 2017Read More

Exercise program targeting hip muscles is best for painful knee

Results showed that proximal-strengthening exercises for the hip were helpful for reducing pain and improving function in both the short- and medium-term. When these hip-strengthening exercises were combined with the quadriceps-strengthening exercises…

January 26, 2017Read More

Patients who tear their Achilles tendon may be able to bear weight

After one year, the only significant difference between groups was actually in favor of the weight-bearing group, as they were found to have better health-related quality of life than the control group.

January 13, 2017Read More

Keeping shoulder immobilized may not be necessary after surgery

Results showed that immobilization led to good outcomes for all patients, and the re-tear rate was very similar in both groups: five tears in the four-week group and four in the eight-week group. At the final follow-up, there were no differences in ra…

December 30, 2016Read More

PT program better than education for knee osteoarthritis

Patients in the comprehensive group improved significantly more than those in the education-only group regarding pain and the perceived change in their condition. Unfortunately, these improvements found immediately after the intervention did not last …

December 16, 2016Read More

Training exercises & education makes it more effective for neck pain

Not known if combining treatments leads to greater overall effects

Neck pain is a very common disorder that occurs in about 37% of the population. Some of these patients eventually go on to develop chronic neck pain, which means it’s long …

December 2, 2016Read More

Common cause of LBP can disappear spontaneously without surgery

Results showed that lumbar disc herniation can in fact regress, or disappear completely, without surgery. The probability of this spontaneous regression occurring varied widely based on the specific type of disc herniation present.

November 25, 2016Read More

Laser therapy found to be moderately effective for reducing jaw pain

The meta-analysis showed that four of the six studies in the review reported a positive effect on pain relief after laser therapy. Overall, this was taken to mean that the laser therapy led to a moderate reduction in TMJ pain, which was considered sta…

November 18, 2016Read More

Messages for osteoarthritis patients on importance of exercise, etc.

This selection process led to a list of 21 key messages about OA that were considered essential and ranked in order of importance. Of these, most (17 statements) referred to different treatment approaches for OA, and 12 of them were related to non-dru…

November 3, 2016Read More

Exercise and PT lead to improvements for patients with neck disorder

Four weeks after each program, both groups achieved highly favorable results in pain, disability, ROM and patient-reported improvement. Unfortunately, no significant differences were found between the two groups, which suggests that the focus on incre…

October 28, 2016Read More

Physical Therapists Join Fight to Combat Rising Opioid Epidemic

Results showed that 48-63% of patients with PHP demonstrated a successful response to physical therapy. Despite the fact that most participants were obese, high BMI did not predict a poor response to treatment.

October 20, 2016Read More

Exercise leads to many improvements for patients with shoulder pain

Results showed that both groups improved in pain and disability to a level that would be considered worthwhile by patients.

October 3, 2016Read More

Patients with lasting LBP often have weak muscles around hip

Results showed that patients with chronic LBP displayed a few signs of hip muscle dysfunction, including gluteus medius weakness and tenderness of both gluteal muscles. Upon further analysis, it was found that the gluteus medius muscle weakness actual…

September 23, 2016Read More

Patients with painful conditions have poorer physical fitness

Results from the questionnaire showed that the patient group got about the same amount of moderate physical activity compared to controls, but significantly less vigorous physical activity.

September 16, 2016Read More

Rehab leads to better overall outcomes than surgery for athletes

Results showed that recovery times in the rehabilitation group were half of those in the surgical group, at a statistically significantly 12.6 weeks faster.

September 1, 2016Read More

Training program effective for reducing the rate of ankle sprains

Results showed that when considering all athletes of various sports, regardless of their ankle injury history status, proprioceptive training was found to have a preventative effect on ankle sprains.

August 19, 2016Read More

Combining 2 effective treatments is most beneficial for LBP patients

Results showed that the combination of the McKenzie method and MET was most effective overall in treating patients with chronic LBP.

August 4, 2016Read More

Younger patients continue to have impairments after ACL surgery

The results from this study showed that significant deficits in quadriceps strength and overall functional performance may last long after ACL reconstruction.

July 29, 2016Read More

Hands-on physical therapy effective for common shoulder conditions

Results showed that patients in the MWM group experienced significantly greater reductions in pain intensity while performing the shoulder movements compared to the sham group. This was accomplished in only four sessions, in which MWM was the only int…

July 15, 2016Read More

Spreading therapy over time may be more beneficial than consecutively

Patients with knee OA that were 40 or older were evaluated for inclusion, and 66 fit the criteria and were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The exercise therapy without booster sessions (group 1) followed a treatment program led by a physical …

July 1, 2016Read More

Runners with hip pain should be treated non-surgically

If FAI is diagnosed, a personalized physical therapy program is recommended to help patients return to running without the need for surgery. Patients should be educated on how to avoid positions that can aggravate pain and will not be allowed to run a…

June 17, 2016Read More

2 types of programs found to be similarly effective for Achilles pain

Patients in both groups experienced improvements in both the short and long term. This was particularly seen in physical activity and pain levels during sporting activities, as similar improvements were found in both groups.

June 3, 2016Read More

Range of motion of the neck decreases with age, often without pain

Results showed that CROM decreases significantly in all directions in the decade of 50-59 years when compared to people younger than 40. Unsurprisingly, the largest difference for all directions was found between 20-29 and 50-59 years, as there was a …

May 20, 2016Read More

Treadmill exercise program helps triathlete with hamstring injury

Since the patient did not improve much, researchers devised a new program of eccentric hamstring strengthening exercises to be performed on a treadmill. While performing these exercises, the patient was instructed to provide enough resistance to repro…

May 6, 2016Read More

2 types of physical therapy have similar positive effects on low back

Results showed that all groups improved in all measurements taken, but the manipulation and mobilization groups experienced more significant improvements than controls.

April 29, 2016Read More

Aggressive physical therapy immediately after surgery is effective

The accelerated rehab group reported better mobility, strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores than the standard rehab group. Improvements were noted within the first eight weeks after surgery, and were considered statist…

April 22, 2016Read More

Aerobic exercise leads to greater improvements than balance training

Results showed that both programs had similar positive effects on reducing pain, improving exercise capacity and enhancing QoL, but patients in the aerobic group experienced greater benefits in pain and physical function than the balance group.

April 8, 2016Read More

A physical activity program reduces mobility issues in older adults

Overall, the amount of time patients were followed-up for was 2.6 years. During that time, patients in the physical activity group experienced significant reductions in their mobility disability compared to the health education group.

March 31, 2016Read More

Combination of therapy, exercise and education is best for neck pain

All groups were found to improve in various measures immediately after treatment and at the 16-week follow-up; however, experimental group 2 experienced the greatest improvements overall in neck disability scores, as well as in measurements for fatigue…

March 18, 2016Read More

Many patients found to have back conditions despite lack of symptoms

Low back pain (LBP) affects about 80% of the population at some point, and it's associated with major economic consequences.

February 15, 2016Read More

Therapeutic device may not add benefits to exercise and education

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in which protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears away, causing pain and weakness.

January 20, 2016Read More

Strength training more effective than balance exercises for stability

Falls are one of the most important issues the elderly population faces, as a fall can lead to serious injury and long-term dependency.

January 4, 2016Read More

Non-surgical treatment recommended for patients with common knee pain

Anterior knee pain, which occurs at the front and center of the knee, is one of the most common knee complaints in physically active people.

December 23, 2015Read More

Passive treatments are less effective for shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is quite common, with one-third of adults experiencing it every year. It ranks fourth behind low back, knee, and neck pain in terms of the most prevalent painful conditions encountered.

December 17, 2015Read More

More use of PT linked with less back pain in older adults

Back pain is a prevalent condition in the entire population, as 80% of people will experience it at least once.

December 4, 2015Read More

Balance-training program leads to improvements with osteoporosis

Falls and resulting injuries are one of the most common causes of disability, reduced functioning, and lower quality of life in older adults.

November 25, 2015Read More

Two types of hands-on physical therapy found effective for neck pain

Mechanical neck pain, which means the source of the pain is in the spine or the structures that surround it, is one of the most common types of neck pain.

November 16, 2015Read More

Therapy produces similar improvements and costs less than injections

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a general term used to describe numerous conditions that cause shoulder pain.

November 5, 2015Read More

Comprehensive exercise more effective than strengthening exercises

Patellofemoral pain (PFP), which describes pain at the front of the knee, is one of the most common knee disorders in athletes.

October 21, 2015Read More

Education saves money and improves opinions following back surgery

Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a condition that results from a compressed (squeezed) spinal nerve that leads to pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.

October 16, 2015Read More

Program reduces pain & improves function in long-lasting ankle issues

Ankle sprains are common injuries often caused by participation in sports; in the U.S., about 23,000 ankle injuries occur daily.

October 2, 2015Read More

Poor sleep quality could affect improvement for neck pain patients

Neck pain, like back pain, is a common disorder that can reduce patients' quality of life. For some patients, this extends into the night and may affect sleeping habits.

September 17, 2015Read More

Exercises that strengthen back muscles effective for low back pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP), meaning pain that lasts for at least 12 weeks, is one of the most common medical conditions out there.

September 3, 2015Read More

Exercise therapy found to be effective for patients with knee pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition that involves pain in the front of the knee, and it's particularly common in people who are physically active.

August 26, 2015Read More

Aquatic exercise leads to improvements for men with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common disorder in which the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body can't use insulin well enough, which can lead to many physical problems.

August 21, 2015Read More

Low back pain patients experience benefits from exercise & education

Low back pain (LBP) affects 84% of adults at some point and can weigh heavily on their lives.

August 7, 2015Read More

Non-surgical treatments better than surgical management of elbow pain

The olecranon bursa is a sac filled with a small amount of fluid in the elbow that helps to cushion bones and tissues in that area and allows for their smooth gliding against one another.

July 29, 2015Read More

Acetaminophen not very effective for low back pain or osteoarthritis

Low back pain (LBP) and hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), a painful condition in which the protective cartilage in joints wears away, are some of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

July 17, 2015Read More

An exercise leads to improvements for obese adults with low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition affecting about 80% of people at some point, while roughly 35% of the adult population is currently obese.

July 2, 2015Read More

Adding stretch device to PT program helps with frozen shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a painful condition in which tissues surrounding the shoulder become inflamed and stiff, making it difficult to perform activities that require shoulder rotation.

June 24, 2015Read More

Exercise program helpful for patients with long-lasting low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common conditions out there, as 80% of the population will experience it at least once.

June 2, 2015Read More

Aquatic exercise leads to numerous benefits

Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints and muscles and consist of a variety of issues, including low back pain and osteoarthritis.

May 12, 2015Read More

Exercise and education program improves quality of life after surgery

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a type of surgical procedure used to treat patients with back problems like herniated discs and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S.

April 30, 2015Read More

Medications and other approaches to treat chronic pain

Chronic musculoskeletal pain, which can be defined as continual pain for more than six months, or pain that extends beyond an expected period of healing in the muscles or bones, is a major concern in the healthcare industry.

April 14, 2015Read More

Two vibration therapies are not effective for treating low back pain

A diagnosis of nonspecific, or common low back pain (LBP), means that the pain is not related to another condition and usually leads to painful limitations in movement, with occasional pain down the leg as well.

March 31, 2015Read More

Performing structured exercises before surgery can be beneficial

For patients who need to have surgery of any sort for one reason or another, the period of time afterwards is usually associated with reduced physical abilities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

March 3, 2015Read More

Treatments for common injuries to mature athletes' shoulders

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, and it's specifically activated to a great extent in sports like swimming, baseball and tennis.

February 24, 2015Read More

Spinal surgery leads to higher rate of complications

For patients with severe back issues that don't respond to other forms of conservative (non-surgical) treatment, deciding what to do next is difficult.

February 17, 2015Read More

Guidelines highlight importance of exercises for chronic neck pain

Specific guidelines highlight importance of different exercises for chronic neck pain

January 29, 2015Read More

Physical therapy proven to play a key role in stroke rehabilitation

Physical therapy proven to play a key role in stroke rehabilitation

January 7, 2015Read More

Non-surgical treatment may be just as effective for shoulder pain

Non-surgical treatment may be just as effective as surgery for common shoulder pain.

December 21, 2014Read More

Temporomandibular disorder treated with therapy

Temporomandibular disorders can be effectively treated with manual therapy and home physical therapy

December 3, 2014Read More

Physical activity in leisure time may lead to less low back pain

Moderate or vigorous physical activity in leisure time may lead to less low back pain and disability.

November 22, 2014Read More

Deep massage by physical therapists helps manage heel pain

Deep massage administered by physical therapists is helpful for managing heel pain.

November 9, 2014Read More

For unstable ankles, combining different exercises is most effective

Studies show that combining different types of exercises is most effect when treating unstable ankles.

October 17, 2014Read More

Supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are safe

Two recent randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), considered the gold standard for clinical trials, found that glucosamine and CS led to significant improvements in function and reductions in pain for patients with knee OA.

September 25, 2014Read More

Physical therapy shown to improve symptoms for lumbar disc herniation

Theses outcomes show that a structured physical therapy program using MDT is effective for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation, and it should be utilized before surgery is considered.

September 3, 2014Read More

Taking proper precautions to prevent falls

Though falls are common and potentially dangerous for older individuals, the good news is that they can often be prevented if certain precautionary steps are taken.

August 27, 2014Read More

Pain is not found to be correlated with carpal tunnel syndrome

Pain alone was not found to be correlated with a CTS diagnosis, and researchers therefore believe it should not be listed as a common or primary symptom of CTS.

August 6, 2014Read More

Physical therapy reduces the likelihood of surgery

This provides evidence of the benefits of early physical therapy for LSS patients and shows it's associated with a lower rate of surgery over one year. It is therefore advisable to recommend physical therapy to LSS patients in order to improve their c…

July 29, 2014Read More

More patients take advantage of direct access to physical therapy

With this, Americans should be aware that accessing physical therapy directly could save them significant time and money, and may provide greater improvements on pain and movement disorders without dealing with a middleman.

July 8, 2014Read More

How to properly navigate and understand health news

All of these points can heavily influence the legitimacy of health news stories, but by being careful and knowing what to look for, you can ensure clear understanding of what you're reading.

June 26, 2014Read More

Physical therapists offer better management strategies for LBP

These results suggest that on the whole, physical therapists showed improved knowledge of optimal management strategies for LBP than physicians.

June 4, 2014Read More

Physical Therapy remains a strong option that focuses on each patient

For personalized, dedicated care that's empathetic to each patient, see a physical therapist first the next time you experience any aches, pains or movement issues.

May 28, 2014Read More

Conservative treatment is found effective for lumbar disc herniation

Based on these findings, it appears conservative treatment—which may also include physical therapy—can lead to impressive outcomes for patients with lumbar disc herniation. It can therefore be considered a reasonable alternative likely to lead to …

May 7, 2014Read More

Decreasing Back Pain - Education First

Low back pain (LBP) is defined as pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower region of the back near the hips.

April 29, 2014Read More

All About Your Balance

Dynamic standing balance is the ability to keep your the body balanced while changing its position.

April 10, 2014Read More

Reducing Pain and Disability in Knee OA

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition in which protective cartilage in the knee wears away over time, causing the bones to rub against each other and resulting in pain and difficulty with walking.

March 25, 2014Read More

Standing too long?

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most important issues in healthcare, as up to 80% of Americans will experience an episode of LBP at some point in their lives.

March 17, 2014Read More

Guidelines for management and prevention of athletic ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports. It's estimated that they account for...

February 19, 2014Read More

Prehabilitation improves physical function for hip and knee arthritis

Waiting too long for surgery makes matters worse for those with osteoarthritis

February 4, 2014Read More

Exercise program reduces occurrence of neck pain for office worker

For people who work in an office setting, much of the time in any given day is spent sitting in a chair. All this time sitting is believed to possibly strain the neck, and office workers report a particularly high rate of neck pain

January 24, 2014Read More

Listening to music lowers the level of pain experienced during PT

Distraction could be the key to overcoming painful components of therapy

January 11, 2014Read More

Don't sell yourself short when it comes to sleep

Good sleep is critical to your health. To make each day a safe, productive one, take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night's sleep.

December 20, 2013Read More

Are supplements really necessary for good health?

When it comes to supplements, avoid any potential risks and play it safe by doing your research and consulting your doctor about any supplements you're taking now or thinking about taking before doing so.

November 19, 2013Read More

Make eating properly and staying active a family affair

When it comes to food and physical activity, what you say and do around your children can have a lasting effect. Work together as a family to make healthy habits easy and fun.

November 8, 2013Read More

Biomechanics - get to know your body's movements and avoid injury

Think about all the movements you do every day: walking, climbing stairs, typing, turning doorknobs and lifting. This article helps you understand the study of movement.

October 30, 2013Read More

Protect the head: how to avoid, identify and deal with concussions

There ongoing research that helps us better understand, prevent and treat concussions. While this research continues, it's important to learn to recognize the symptoms, and make sure that people with signs of concussion stop their activities and seek …

October 12, 2013Read More

Achilles Rupture Repair: Should You Rely On Surgery or Rehabilitation

The short answer is that it depends on when you engage in rehabilitation. Researchers at Dalhousie University Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center in Halifax conducted ten studies to determine which group of patients had better recovery results: …

September 19, 2013Read More

A Viable Exercise Option for Patients with Knee Arthritis

Patients who are diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis are often told to engage in regular physical exercise to improve activity and function within the joints; however, joint pain often makes it difficult for patients to complete these exercise regimens.…

September 5, 2013Read More

A Surprising Approach to Treating Pinched Nerves

While additional study is needed, the results are encouraging in terms of reducing the need for surgery As there is little difference in results for patients who undergo ACDF and physcial therapy versus patients who undergo physical therapy alone, thi…

August 22, 2013Read More

Managing Your Knee Pain

Studies Demonstrate The Effectiveness of At-Home Exercises in Minimizing Kinesiophobia.

August 8, 2013Read More

Study Reveals Surprising Long-Term Results of Epidural Steroid Inject

new research argues that ESIs might actually be damaging to patients' healing and recovery over the long-term, as it makes it difficult for patients to recover from surgical treatments.

July 18, 2013Read More

Study Reveals How to Predict Success of Cervical Traction Exercise

Patients who suffer from back and neck injuries may need to undergo several different types of corrective care exercises, many of which might not have the positive results patients are seeking.…
July 5, 2013Read More

Is Surgery Necessary for a Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee conditions, with an estimated 9 million sufferers in the United States alone.

June 20, 2013Read More

How to Help Your Children Make Healthy Choices

We all know that healthy eating and physical activity are critical for raising happy and well-adjusted children. Learn how to make small changes that can help.

June 5, 2013Read More

The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep

In today's busy world, getting a full night's sleep might seem like an impossible endeavor. However, if you're skimping on your sleep, you're also making it difficult to operate at an optimal level the next day.…
May 22, 2013Read More

What is Osteoarthritis?

In osteoarthritis, cartilage-the hard, slippery tissue that protects the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint-wears away. The bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, the joint also may lose its normal shape. …

May 8, 2013Read More

About Hip Replacement Surgery

If you're still considering hip replacement surgery, be sure to talk to your family as well as your doctor to determine if it's the right decision for you.

April 22, 2013Read More

Medication Risks and Prescription Drug Abuse

Many high school students today are believed to have abused prescription drugs, with some 10 percent having admitted to using Vicodin during the past year for recreational usage.

April 5, 2013Read More

Arthritis Pain Got You Feeling Out of Joint?

If you feel you have joint pain you can discuss it with one of our physical therapists or your doctor so that it can be addressed. It is better to catch it right away rather than let it go on. Conservative care is the first line of intervention in mos…

March 26, 2013Read More

Staying Fit Booklet Offers Helpful Tips

"The World Around You: Use What You Have to Stay Healthy and Fit." It offers real-life suggestions and tips covering such topics as eating better and being more physically active.

March 13, 2013Read More

How Being Mindful Can Help Improve Your Health

Becoming more mindful is easier than you may realize and can be done anywhere.

February 23, 2013Read More

Lower Back Pain? Before Yoga Try a PT Intensive Stretching Program

The take-home message is that if you have back pain, you don't have to sign up for yoga. Physical therapists put together range of motion and stretching routines for low back pain patients all of the time and in most cases your insurance will cover it…

February 8, 2013Read More

Understanding Chronic Pain and Learning How To Conquer It

One point of interest is that currently available drug therapies don't provide all the answers. Many people find that medications don't fully relieve their chronic pain, and they can experience unpleasant side effects. Evidence on a number of fronts,…

January 9, 2013Read More

Balance Disorders Can Throw Your Life Out Of Whack, Limit The Impact

Meanwhile, researchers continue to work to develop new, more effective approaches. In one experimental rehabilitation strategy, now in clinical trials, scientists have created a "virtual reality" grocery store. It allows people with balance disorders…

December 27, 2012Read More

A View Into Patients' Perspectives On Online Access To Healthcare

For those that have already begun to make that transition, it's also important to educate and direct patients towards it. Finally, though a gradual movement into a more eHealth-based paradigm will certainly have countless benefits, the face time and h…

December 6, 2012Read More

Are there any downsides of self-referrals for physical therapy?

Though visits to physicians are still required in certain situations, especially those in which serious injuries or illness are involved, patients with minor-to-moderate conditions needing treatment should be aware that (in most states) they can see a …

November 16, 2012Read More

How Caffeine Intake Can Affect The Treatment Of Pain

Based on this review, it appears caffeine can serve a purpose on both ends of the spectrum. On the positive, effective end, it can be an adjuvant analgesic to certain medications and assist them in their pain-relieving properties, and it can help reli…

October 29, 2012Read More

A Detailed Investigation Of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

While some recent literature has shown debridement and arthroscopic acromioplasty to be successful, no high-quality trials have compared these outcomes to that of conservative treatment. Therefore, more high-quality research on the treatment and diagn…

October 10, 2012Read More

Full-scale Evaluation Of Various Treatments For Knee Osteoarthritis

As always, future studies are needed for additional support of physical therapy's effectiveness and to further investigate specific modalities, but for now, these recommendations should serve as a useful set of guidelines in helping physical therapists…

September 27, 2012Read More

Using Neuromuscular Training To Prevent Injuries In Sports

Though a few details of the current study require further analysis in the future to better understand specifics, the outcomes provided here should serve as encouragement to coaches and physicians to implement such programs for these athletes with the i…

September 11, 2012Read More

Study: How Exercise May Be Used To Treat Patients With Migraines

While the reduction in migraines was not massive for the exercise group, it was very similar to the other groups. Since the other treatments are considered to be the best out there, this study makes a case for putting exercise therapy in the same cate…

July 25, 2012Read More

Conservative Treatment For Spondylolysis In Young Soccer Players

Results showed that of the 15 patients needing thoracolumbar orthosis, all (100%) obtained excellent results at the final follow-up, and of the 19 who didn't use it, 13 (68%) obtained excellent results, 4 (22%) obtained good results, and only 1 each (5…

July 10, 2012Read More

How Hip Issues Can Affect Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Strengthening programs for hip abduction that begin with isometrics and progress to standing abduction against a resistance band may help patients with PFPS, as will hip coordination programs that work towards similar goals. It appears to be clear fro…

June 28, 2012Read More

Ultrasound and Shock Wave Therapies for Low Back Pain: Do they work?

Analysis didn't prove favorable for the therapies. One study compared ultrasound to lumbar traction and low-power laser in patients with LBP and leg pain, and found them all to lead to the same results in pain and disability. The other three RCTs foc…

May 18, 2012Read More

Factors That Can Lead To Low Physical Fitness For Young Men

These findings can be applied on a more universal scale by pointing out which factors can lead to health problems for young men trying to be active anywhere, whether for military service or not. By focusing on these factors, young men can improve thei…

April 12, 2012Read More

Is conservative or surgical treatment better for ACL tears?

Based on this, it's clear that the potential side effects and risks of ACL reconstruction can make it a less-than desirable option for patients. Though conservative treatment doesn't guarantee a flawless recovery either, the risks are fewer and the co…

March 26, 2012Read More

Guidelines: Diagnosing and Treating Adhesive Capsulitis of the Ankle

After diagnosis is confirmed, the best current treatment option for ACA that has been proven effective is physical therapy focused on active and passive ROM, as well as ankle joint mobilization techniques. Only when conservative care fails should arth…

March 8, 2012Read More

Activation Helps in Functional Recovery of Spine Surgery Patients

This study should serve as a model for physical therapists and patients engaged in a rehab program after surgery, encouraging participation of the highest possible level to help bring about optimal recovery and positive overall health behaviors.

February 27, 2012Read More

Incidents of Chronic Pain in Children, Does it Pose a Problem?

While chronic pain is an issue that needs to be addressed, it doesn't seem to be a major one. This is mainly due to the fact that other studies show most instances of pain in school-age children are either not chronic or don't lead to disability. Non…

February 9, 2012Read More

Perceptions On Low Back Pain and Exercise In Older Adults

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common pains experienced in adulthood, and a recent study has released important new evidence on how it's managed, and how older people feel about the best ways to treat it.

The false perception that pain …

January 27, 2012Read More

From the Sufferers: Discussion on low back pain recurrences.

Analysis of work participation and health care usage showed that many would only take off work as a last resort since they couldn't afford it, and most claimed that the health-care system did not provide them with any benefit since some physicians...…

December 19, 2011Read More

Improving Mental Wellbeing in Elders: Can Exercise Help?

Clearly, these findings point out a definitively beneficial role of exercise for improving the mental wellbeing of older people. The authors of the review go on to suggest a minimum of two, 45-min. sessions per week of light-to-moderate intensity…

December 1, 2011Read More

How Patients and Care Providers Perceive Pain

Overall, patients were ambivalent towards pain induced by exercise and mobilization, as some regarded it as necessary to help them improve, while others viewed it as excessive and not always constructive. Many patients could process the pain according…

November 21, 2011Read More

Establishing Best Methods to Determine Player's Return to Sports

In the future, better criteria with clearer definitions on safe a successful returns to sports are needed, as are more evidence-based studies to determine these important timetables. More valid evaluation instruments tailored for different sports and …

November 2, 2011Read More

Investigating Time for Returning to Sports After ACL Reconstruction

It appears not all athletes are able to return to sports within 12 months after surgery, and that this matter needs to be investigated in greater detail. Athletes and physicians should be aware of these findings and hesitate from rushing a return to s…

October 20, 2011Read More

Investigating Risk Factors for Falls in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Outcomes show that those with knee osteoarthritis who undergo surgery generally experience more falls than others, and may also be more likely to have a higher risk of falling due to deficits in strength and proprioception as well as a greater fear of …

October 3, 2011Read More

Evaluating Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low-back Pain

Spinal Manipulative Therapy is neither superior nor inferior to other effective treatments for patients with chronic LBP. Consequently, the decision to use Spinal Manipulative Therapy on a patient with chronic Low-back Pain should be based on costs, pref…
September 12, 2011Read More

Habitual Physical Activity and Overall Health for the Elderly

In the elderly population (adults aged 65 and older), engaging in habitual moderate-intensity physical activity is considered one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. Its benefits are multifold: it enhances quality of life and pro…

September 1, 2011Read More

Lower Back Pain - Severe Condition or Just a Pain in my Back?

On the whole, medical professionals need to educate patients on the best exercise programs based off of evidence-based guidelines and proper doses for analgesics, and patients need to be receptive to that education and follow the instructions given

August 23, 2011Read More

Does knuckle cracking lead to hand osteoarthritis?

Based on these findings, it appears there is no proven association between knuckle cracking and hand OA. None of the analyses showed any sort of connection between the two, and the control group reported knuckle cracking at a similar frequency

August 12, 2011Read More

Exercise intervention & the effects in overuse anterior knee pain

...the intervention was proven effective in preventing AKP in this setting, and it's possible that an exercise program like this can also have similar effects on AKP prevention for other athletes.

July 29, 2011Read More

Rehab commitment & recovery from total hip resurfacing arthroplasty

...compliance and commitment to a rehab program will spell the best possible functional improvement and quickest return to a healthy lifestyle.

July 15, 2011Read More

The effects of exercise intervention on elite swimmers' posture

...sufficient evidence is produced that shows exercise interventions can have a significant impact on decreasing pain and improving overall posture for elite swimmers.

June 28, 2011Read More

The patterns and treatment protocols associated with neck pain

Therapeutic exercise administered through physical therapists is a proven treatment with evidence to support it, but just over...

June 16, 2011Read More

Moderate exercise proven to be safe for fetus in last trimester

These findings show that maternal exercise does not produce any harmful effects on developing fetuses, and should therefore be deemed safe. Nevertheless, we recommend you ask your doctor before you start any exercise program.

May 31, 2011Read More

Six Tips to Manage Your Low Back When it Acts Up

Bottom line, if you hurt your back, try to see a physical therapist as fast as you can. Physical therapy treatment is all natural, affordable, effective, and has little to no side effects.

May 22, 2011Read More

The use of physical therapy for managing chronic low back pain

In addition, patients may attain better outcomes if therapists adhere to proven effective treatments like exercise, massage and manipulation over traction and bracing.

April 28, 2011Read More

New knee replacement procedures/rehab can expedite return to driving

These findings make it clear that contemporary TKA in conjunction with pain management protocols and intense rehab improves pain and function, and can reduce the amount of time needed to return to driving to as low as four weeks.

April 14, 2011Read More

Knee Pain Got You Down? Looking Beyond the Kneecap

If you are experiencing knee pain with running, please give us a call. We've helped many others in the area and chances are, we can help you as well.

March 30, 2011Read More

Overweight young athletes are prone to injury & how to prevent them

Recommended methods to reduce injury risk for obese young athletes center on weight loss, improved physical fitness and improved postural stability. Due to the negative impact of impaired postural control on obese children, balance training is conside…

March 21, 2011Read More

An Ankle Sprain Doesn't Have To Be A Prolonged Pain

So, what should you do if you sprain your ankle? Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are a good place to start and that may be enough. If further intervention is necessary, a thorough examination of your motion, strength, and balance should be perf…

February 11, 2011Read More

You don't need to live with low back pain!

If you are having an acute episode of low back pain, the message is to keep moving and if your symptoms persist there are options to get you back doing what you love.

February 9, 2011Read More

Avoid Falls and Fractures

A simple thing can change your life, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet spot on the kitchen floor. If you fall, then you might be like the thousands of older men and women each year who break, or fracture, a bone. A broken bone might...

January 24, 2011Read More

The relationship between high-heeled shoes and bunions

Family History an Excellent Indicator

It was then deduced from the information noted above that subjects with a family history would be 26 times more likely than those without one who often wore high heels to develop hallux valgus.

December 19, 2010Read More

Follow up on last post - Evaluation of benefits of stretching

The study's conductors therefore suggest that for those who enjoy stretching or believe it reduces soreness or increases looseness, these findings support their habits enough for them to carry on stretching regularly. Those who don't enjoy stretching,…

December 13, 2010Read More

Causes, treatment and prevention of muscle cramps

In regards to a preventative strategy, despite the lack of direct evidence, maintaining hydration and adequate electrolyte levels is strongly suggested. Monitoring an athlete's body weight is an easy method of ensuring adequate fluid replacement and I…

November 9, 2010Read More

Resistance training for young athletes: possible benefits and risks

  • Youth resistance training programs should focus on learning proper exercise technique rather than the amount of weight lifted
  • Only qualified professionals...
October 19, 2010Read More

Physical Therapy - A Great First Choice For Most

Recently, I spend about 45 minutes scanning the summaries (abstracts) of popular journals. Within that short time frame, I found three articles that people with chronic low back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain should be aware of.

September 17, 2010Read More

ACL tears: no surgery required? Maybe...

...it may be deduced that for younger athletes, a specific, structured rehab program administered by an experienced physical therapist may be just as effective in treating an acute ACL tear as reconstruction surgery...

August 24, 2010Read More

Progressive resistance exercises for diabetes control

... per this study, progressive resistance training alone won't produce major results, but when used in conjunction with medication and proper dietary management, can yield significant reductions in diabetes-associated complications.

August 13, 2010Read More

What pregnant women should know about exercise

Results of the survey showed that all health-care professionals who responded to the survey thought that exercise was good medicine for expecting mothers, however...

July 30, 2010Read More

Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Health

A common question that comes up when physical therapists treat patients is, "Are there any foods that can help me out?" Read more about a food that may be great for your health.

July 8, 2010Read More

Five Tips to Heed Before Beginning An Exercise Program

Physical fitness is important - at every age. Getting started exercising doesn't have to be difficult but it does require a little knowledge to do it right. Before you begin an exercise program, we need to cover a few things.

June 30, 2010Read More

How hip-strengthening exercises can help reduce knee pain in runners

...this is the first study of its kind and now plans to seek funding to test these findings on a much larger group of runners to further confirm that hip-strengthening exercises can have a major impact on alleviating knee pain.

June 18, 2010Read More

Resistance training for young athletes: benefits, risks, and...

Due to its rise in popularity, resistance training has experienced intensified scrutiny, with some questioning its impact on developing bodies, and its fundamental need in the first place. Contrary to these doubts, however, research proving its safety…

May 18, 2010Read More

Eliminating back pain treatment that doesn't work

You might feel like we report on this too much but considering that 90 billion dollars is spent annually, and even with the Internet's ability to share information rapidly, doctors, policy makers and even our patients are slow to adopt new health care …

May 9, 2010Read More

Word choice-what to use, what to avoid when working with patients

The ultimate goal of patient communication should be to give strength to the patient and enable them to be more self-reliant as they prepare to deal with whatever's coming at them. By taking the time to evaluate word choice, approach and their eventua…

April 22, 2010Read More

Exercise training can reduce anxiety symptoms

What may be most notable about this investigation is that anxiety reduction isn't the primary purpose of exercise, but another one of its numerous benefits. Authors of the study stress the importance of patients adhering to recommended exercise progra…

April 12, 2010Read More

Common training mistakes for marathon and half marathon runners

By becoming aware of these common mistakes and taking measures to prevent their occurrence, marathon and half marathon runners will have a much more likely chance of completing the race successfully and without incidence.

March 17, 2010Read More

Vitamin C decreases the risk of chronic wrist pain?

One thing, however, is for certain: the potential downsides of taking vitamin C are limited, and negative side effects usually occur only when daily dosage exceeds 1,000 mg or with patients on dialysis. Therefore, a specific dosage of 500 mg of vitami…

March 2, 2010Read More

Patients should understand the quality of medical research

While critics of EBM exist, accusing it of being old-fashioned or cook book medicine, there's no refuting the proven science of the system. Health care providers that understand the concept of EBM in its entirety, recognize that EBM is ...

February 21, 2010Read More

How injuries affect adolescent athletes' quality of life

By further developing the understanding of injury's impact on youths and treating the whole individual, the intent is that young athletes will return to sports and continue to be physically active.

January 30, 2010Read More

Neck pain has a notable effect on women who work in an office

Of the 51 female office workers who participated in the study, 82% experienced neck pain in the last 12 months. According to findings from the measurement tool, average scores were about 20.2%, which indicated that most of these participants had mild …

December 31, 2009Read More

Exercise is Medicine

Visit www.exerciseismedicine.org and get moving. We are here to help. If you have any questions, give us a call. Before you start any exercise program ask your physical therapist or contact your doctor.

December 29, 2009Read More

Exercise Once Again is Medicine if Supervised by a Physical Therapist

"In patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, exercise therapy produces better results regarding pain and function at 3 months and at 12 months than usual care."

December 16, 2009Read More

Decrease the risk of a broken leg in infants on slides

Recent study reveals that leg bone breaks are often due to parents going down a playground slide with the infant on their lap.

November 25, 2009Read More

Politicians: Physical therapy saving million in healthcare dollars?

I was watching 60 Minutes the other night and while the main topic of the piece was about Americans and end of life, I was more focused on some of the comments about the cost of health care. If you read past news feeds, you probably will get my drift …

November 23, 2009Read More

Steroid injection for knee arthritis gives 1 week of relief

A recent review, by medical doctors, of several clinical research studies on corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis, concluded that while you may experience some relief, it is likely to only last for about a week.

November 19, 2009Read More

Patient-Self Referral To Physical Therapy Improves Public Health

Leaders from 18 countries endorsed the research which concludes that accessing a physical therapist first is safe, effective, and has the potential to save Americans millions and perhaps even billions in health care expenditures.

November 17, 2009Read More

Excessive MRIs and Excessive Low Back Surgeries?

For non-specific low back pain, MRI very, very rarely provides any information that would could help your doctor decide if you are appropriate for surgery. In other words, MRIs just aren't the right test to order for non-specific low back pain.

October 28, 2009Read More

Health Care Reform Matter to You? See a Physical Therapist First

Click here to watch the video to see why PT is your best choice for conservative care of low back pain.

Consult with your physical therapist

September 29, 2009Read More

Thigh Weakness Can Predict Arthritis in Women

The take home message is that both men and women are likely to decrease the risk of developing knee pain, stiffness and loss of function if they keep their thigh muscles strong.

September 16, 2009Read More

Physical Therapy One Month Post Disc Surgery Improves Results

"Exercise programs starting 4 to 6 weeks postsurgery seem to lead to a faster decrease in pain and disability than no treatment."

August 20, 2009Read More

American Physical Therapy Association on Health Care Change

The American Physical Therapy Association recently held a rally regarding the need for physical therapists to participate in the debate on health care change.

August 4, 2009Read More

34 Billion Spent on Alternative Care - Worthwhile or Waste?

34 Billion Spent on Alternative Care - are you throwing away your money on remedies that don't work? Click here for the whole story.

July 22, 2009Read More

Avoid a Total Knee Replacement with Conservative Rehabilitation

Many patients are looking for ways to avoid having a knee replacement surgery, but are not given other options if medications fail to control their symptoms. This study shows that by implementing preoperative total knee replacement rehabilitation, many…

July 15, 2009Read More

Physical Therapy First Cuts Treatment Time from 66 to 12 Days

The hospital wasted no time treating Beth Lauderdale. She was getting physical therapy for severe back pain just two hours after she phoned in.

June 17, 2009Read More

For Neck Pain Exercise & Manual Physical Therapy are Proven Effective

Manual physical therapy in combination with exercise is the exception. Make it your first choice for conservative care of your neck pain.

June 16, 2009Read More

Low Back Pain - Go Conservative and an MRI is Probably not Necessary

Low-back pain without indications of serious underlying conditions does not improve clinical outcomes.

May 20, 2009Read More

AAOS - For Back Pain, Physical Therapy is the Treatment Cornerstone

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)recommend physical therapy and NSAIDs for lower back pain before considering surgery.

May 19, 2009Read More

Pumping Iron Can Help the Diabetic Patient

A little resistance training goes a long way to help diabetics manage their sugar levels.

March 30, 2009Read More

Pamphlets and Pain - Not Very Effective

If you've ever been to the doctor because of neck pain, you may have received a pamphlet about your problem.

March 30, 2009Read More

Got Back Pain? Go Conservative!

Article for a popular orthopedic journal.

March 30, 2009Read More