Question: I was in a car accident 2 years ago and now
I am working with a computer, which has increased both my headaches and
neck pain. Should I see a chiropractor again or a P.T?
Answer: A chiropractor may adjust your neck, which may
be helpful temporarily, but without strengthening the muscles around the
shoulder and neck and making changes to your workplace environment your
symptoms will likely return. A PT is educated in manual therapy techniques
to adjust your spine, and is educated in specific exercise protocols to
strengthen the shoulder and neck. The PT is also trained in ergonomic assessments
to make the necessary changes with your computer, chair and posture. We
are able to use different modalities to expedite your healing process. We
are highly trained professionals with extensive education in all aspects
of rehabilitation.
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Question: "I was involved in an Motor Vehicle Accidents
(MVA) several years ago, with low back and hip pain. Now that I have increased
my activity level and recently had a baby, my back pain has returned. I
saw a chiropractor a few times, but it only helped for a few days. What
could a physical therapist do to help me?"
Answer: A physical therapist has extensive education in
all aspects of physical rehabilitation. They are specifically educated to
evaluate the anatomical structures through special tests and thus ascertain
the structure that may be involved. After diagnosing the faulty structure,
manual therapy techniques can be corrective and alleviate pain. Soft tissue
massage and gentle indirect techniques may realign dysfunctional systems.
We are Pilates certified with a professional reformer in clinic to teach
core strengthening exercises to maintain the corrected structure in a pain
free and functional manner. Pilates core strength is especially important
after recent pregnancies, as pelvic floor muscles and deep abdominal muscles
often need re-education to stabilize the spine and pelvis. Modalities such
as Iontophoresis, which induces a steroidal medicine through an electrode
patch, usually decreases the inflammation, and thus decreases pain. This
is a noninvasive and safe treatment that has high success rate. We have
use of ultrasound and electrical stimulation, which also enhances and facilitates
recovery. Kinesio taping is used to stabilize the pelvis and low back for
comfort during the day, and can be applied at home. The PT guides you with
education and changing your work environment through ergonomic education,
in addition to the manual therapy and individualized therapeutic exercise
instructions.
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Question: I fell last week on my shoulder and now the
pain and stiffness have increased, so that I can't lift my son into his
car seat or fasten my bra without severe pain. Can PT help, and how?
Answer: If you experience sharp, severe pain with any movement
of your shoulder or intense tingling in your hand, you should see your doctor.
Otherwise, a PT can diagnose the shoulder to see if you have strained your
rotator cuff muscles that support the arm into the shoulder, or if you might
have sprained the supporting ligaments and rule out a fracture with specific
tests. After evaluating the shoulder and making the proper diagnosis, the
PT is trained to use modalities to decrease the inflammation, ease the pain
and reduce the swelling. A PT has extensive manual therapy education to
improve mobility of the shoulder and decrease muscle spasms. We can use
Kinesio tape to support the shoulder while it is healing. We design an exercise
program to specifically treat your symptoms to both strengthen and improve
flexibility.
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Question: My 12 year old daughter started playing soccer
last month and now complains of knee pain around the knee cap that increases
when she runs, walks downhill or even when she sits too long at school.
We have iced and she has taken ibuprofen, but the pain and stiffness increase
with almost any activity. What can a PT do to help her?
Answer: It sound like she may have Patella-Femoral syndrome,
a problem with the knee cap (patella) not tracking correctly in the thigh(femur)
and creating swelling and pain under and around the knee cap. This happens
occasionally with young females as their hips develop and the quadriceps
(thigh) muscles pull on the patella, creating an imbalance in the knee structure.
The symptoms usually increase with walking downhill, stairs, running, especially
in sports like soccer. A PT can diagnose the pelvis, knee and ankle/foot
structures to ascertain where soft tissue or joint restrictions may be as
well as identify muscular weakness or inflexibility. Manual therapy techniques
to adjust involved structures are helpful, along with modalities to reduce
swelling and improve muscle strength. Specific therapeutic exercises designed
for the area of dysfunction are taught, and she will perform exercises in
the clinic, and then transfer this program to her home or to a gym. Kinesio
taping helps to realign the kneecap and support weakened structures while
she is increasing her strength.
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Question: "I started a walking program recently after having
gained weight this winter. Now I have heel pain that hurts when I walk,
when I take my first step in the morning, and even after sitting for more
than an hour. Help! What can I do, and would physical therapy help?"
Answer: First, you should see your doctor, and s/he may suggest
a night splint which helps decrease foot pain that you experience with that
first step in morning. Your doctor might also advise some stretches and
prescribe anti-inflammatory (Aleve or similar). A physical therapist can
dramatically expedite your healing from heel pain! We generally use modalities,
such as Iontophoresis, an electrical patch that induces a cortisone medicine
directly to the affected area. This is safe, noninvasive, and effective.
Manual therapy and massage help improve soft tissue mobility, and joint
mobilization will help to reduce muscle spasm and stiffness around the foot.
There are also various taping techniques to support the foot in proper alignment.
We look at the entire system to ascertain why the symptoms started, so we
can treat the problem. We also evaluate your back, pelvis, hip, and knee,
as sometimes these areas are responsible for the foot pain.
We will guide you with proper exercises to both strengthen and improve mobility
of the hip, knee, and foot. A good supportive shoe with raised heel surface,
such as Dansko, often decreases heel pain with walking. Please contact us
so we can evaluate your individual structures and solve the problem before
it becomes chronic!
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