Category Archives: Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

IDENTIFYING CLUSTER HEADACHES

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What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster Headaches are one-sided headaches which occur in cyclic patterns or clusters and are marked by the tearing of the eyes and stuffy nose. It is amongst the most agonizing and traumatic types of pain. Such headaches occur at the same time every year and is much more painful if it strikes you at night as compared to the day time. Episodes of pain occur constantly for one week to one year.

Who normally get affected by Cluster Headaches?

Men are at higher risk of getting affected by Cluster Headaches than women. These headaches can strike at any age but are more likely to occur at adolescent or middle age. These are commonly inherent and are transmitted through genes.

What triggers Cluster Headaches?

The exact causes of Cluster Headaches are still not known to the physicians, but  the following are considered as the potential causes of Cluster Headaches:

  • Sudden release of Histamine or Serotonin
  • In taking alcohol or Smoking cigarettes
  • Bright Lights
  • Exertion
  • Heat
  • Nitrites rich food
  • Cocaine
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Season(common in spring or autumn)

What are the symptoms associated with Cluster Headaches?

These headaches arise frequently and without any warning signals but the pain most commonly attacks 2 or 3 hrs. after you fall asleep. Following can be enlisted as the signs and symptoms of Cluster Headaches:

  • Excessive or throbbing pain; commonly concentrated around or in one eye
  • One sided pain; from neck to temples
  • Uneasiness
  • Excessive Tearing
  • Redness in the affected side eye
  • One sided runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Swelling around the affected side eye
  • Drooping eyelids

What are the treatments available for Cluster Headaches?

Physicians adopt two types of techniques to treat Cluster Headaches viz.

  • Abortive Medications: These medications are prescribed to treat pain when it strikes. Imitrex or some other triptans are prescribed to subside pain when it occurs. At times, oxygen therapy is also administered, where you have to inhale oxygen through face mask.
  • Preventive Medications :  These medicines are prescribed by your doctor to minimize the time duration of cluster headaches and to reduce the severity of pain during cluster headaches.

How Physical Therapists can help to treat Cluster Headaches?

Physical Therapists can assist you in getting rid of  your Cluster Headaches beyond medications. Practicing exercises under the surveillance of an expert and trained Physical Therapist can enable you to relax muscle tension and as well to relieve stress. Physical Therapists prescribe following exercises to treat Cluster Headaches :

  • Physical Therapists administer various relaxation techniques to help you to relax the muscles of your neck, jaw and shoulders. Progressive Relaxation techniques  are also administered and practiced to relax each and every muscle of your body.
  • Cluster Headaches occur due to stress. Your breathing patterns get disturbed, when you are stressed. So to alter these disrupted breathing patterns, Physical Therapists practice different breathing exercises and make you relieved. These exercises are really advantageous when you are suffering from pain.
  • Exercises that help to alleviate stress are followed. These help to reduce the occurrence ands severity of headaches. These also heighten the level of beta- endorphins which are your natural  stress relievers.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the efficient management of any type of pain. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save you from further pain and suffering and as well help you to lead a healthy and quality life.

Orthopedic after surgery, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic, physical therapy treatment

Real-Life Physical Health Benefits of Exercise:

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Physical activity benefits all body organs as well as the psyche. The most dramatic benefits have been found in the cardiovascular system. Exercise interventions in older patients with coronary heart disease decreased morbidity, mortality and symptoms, and reduced cardiac re-hospitalizations.

Benefits of Exercise

Numerous mechanisms may contribute to these benefits. Increased demand on the myocardium improves oxygen utilization. Capillaries dilate and multiply to improve the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to muscles. The myoglobin content of muscle is increased, thus improving the transfer of oxygen from the red blood cells to muscle cells. Inside the cell, the number of mitochondria increases, enhancing aerobic metabolism. There is also an increase in the glycogen storage sites of muscle. Here following are the exercise benefits:

  • Exercise tends to lower the resting heart rate and the resultant increased diastolic time allows improved coronary blood flow. Stroke volume increases.
  • Exercise also has an effect on blood lipid levels, raising levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the cardio protective lipid, and lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
  • Exercise lowers blood pressure and reduces obesity. A combination of these two factors, in addition to the reduction in cholesterol, decreases the risk of ischemic heart disease.
  • Exercise may also improve exercise tolerance in older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They will also benefit from the associated benefits of aerobic fitness.
  • Exercise may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance, and may reduce the need for medication.
  • Resistance training and high-impact activities help maintain bone mass in the elderly.
  • An exercise program may also be beneficial for older people with osteoarthritis by improving joint mobility and increasing muscle strength.
  • Exercise in the form of strength and balance training has been shown to reduce an older person’s risk of falling.
  • Along with the physical benefits of exercise, the older athlete benefits from improved sleep, cognitive function and mood.
  • The muscle control and weight loss associated with exercise may lead to improvements in body image and reverse the elderly person’s fear of activity.
  • Exercise reduces anxiety in elderly patients, especially in those recovering from illness.
  • Exercise can lessen depressive symptoms and perhaps even reduce the risk of developing depression.

Risks of Exercise in the Elderly

The risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle are well known although difficult to quantify objectively and compare with the risks associated with exercise in later years. Underlying co-morbidity is often cited as a reason to preclude exercise despite the overwhelming evidence to support the benefits of exercise in many common and chronic diseases.

From a safety standpoint, clinicians prescribing exercise for older people are concerned that exercise may induce myocardial ischemia and, in turn, precipitate myocardial infarction or sudden death. Gill and colleagues have provided recommendations regarding precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of serious adverse cardiac events among previously sedentary older persons who do not have symptomatic cardiovascular disease and are interested in starting an exercise program.

Reducing the Risks of Exercise

Before starting an exercise program, all older persons should have a complete history and physical examination performed by a physician. Contraindications to exercise outside of a monitored environment include: myocardial infarction within six months, angina or physical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure, and a resting systolic blood pressure of 200 mm or higher. A functional test of cardiac capacity is to ask the patient to walk 15 m (50 ft) or climb a flight of stairs. A resting ECG/EKG should be reviewed for new Q waves, ST segment depressions or T-wave inversion.

Persons who have features of cardiovascular disease should be referred for appropriate management. If the patient has no overt cardiovascular disease, and no other medical or orthopedic contraindications to exercise, he or she can begin a low-intensity exercise program.

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Back Pain, Certified Hand Therapist, Knee Pain, Orthopedic after surgery, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy after Car Accident Whiplash, Physical Therapy Clinic, physical therapy treatment

How can Orthopedic Rehabilitation help you?

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Orthopedic Rehabilitation is just one tool available to help you get back to a healthy and active lifestyle. Orthopedic rehabilitation is a form of therapy with a purpose of minimizing the effect on muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons at various stages of each disease and condition. Orthopedic physical therapists in the rehab help you to regain use of your limbs and incorporate assistive devices by diagnosing and treating injuries.  After a surgery or severe injury orthopedic rehabilitation can enable you to perform your daily activities. Orthopedic rehabilitation can help people to get back on track when they are experiencing a malfunction nearly anywhere in their system and rehabilitation programs have been used in different capacities for different challenges with new methods of care plans to improve existing conditions.

 Orthopedic Rehabilitation after Surgery

Patients often work with PTs after surgeries like:-

  • Heart Surgery
  • Knee Replacement
  • Knee Arthroscopy
  • Hip Replacement
  • Cancer Surgery

Orthopedic Rehabilitation after Acute Injury- a single Trauma can result in acute injury. If you sprain an ankle, tear your meniscus or herniate a disk Orthopedic Rehabilitation helps to:-

  • Manage pain & swelling
  • Rebuild your strength
  • Function with the weight bearing restrictions your doctor recommends
  • Flare up your routine activities

Rehabilitation after Chronic Injury- Prolonged injury is common in sports person, can damage your body by overusing the same muscle groups or joints and pain can continue after the injury such as:-

  • Jumper’s knee
  • Swimmer’s Shoulder
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Orthopedic Rehabilitation helps to improve your health by Physical therapy programs with the help of skilled Physical therapists. Here are some helping points that help you to avoid costly hospitalization;-

 Maximize your movement with Quality of Care:

Recovery is necessary in order to strengthen muscles after injury or overuse. Immobility can affect the length of your muscles. Experts in rehabilitation have set a goal to achieve your body to maintain optimal body activity. Rehabilitation helps in physical, psychological, vocational and social capacities. Pain free movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living and your independence. Physical therapists are movement experts. They can reduce fatigue which can help you to continue physical activities and increase confidence.

Restoring Normal Movement in Joints with Highly Specialized services:

Physical Therapists work collaboratively with their patients. They design treatment plans for each person’s individual goals, challenges and needs. Rehabilitation can even increase the effectiveness of your medications. Set of exercises get your body moving and help with balance, posture and joints. While there will be normal discomfort that comes with a good workout which is a great sign of comeback and feels stronger than ever. Rehab Facility could consist of energy techniques, problem solving skills and working out parts of the body so that your chances of paralysis or impairment are lower.

 Promotes Circulation & Boosts Memory and Cognitive Skills

Older adults have high chances of cell deterioration, joint and muscle stiffen when they are not used as a result people start shrinking by age that cause problem walking, rising from a chair. To maintain a flexible range of motion and circulation, an orthopedic Rehab training program makes you stronger enough to keep your blood pumping. Without proper blood flow risks of blood clot increase. Brain cells also deteriorate with age or stroke. Rehabilitation provides services to senior citizens in particular to increase brain function. Memory loss is protected by solving puzzles and reading books are the right moves to focus on sensory stimulation and simplified exercises.

 Reduce Pain & Need for Pain Medication

getting Older, Arthritis and joint pain are natural parts of life. That doesn’t mean you should stop, to treat your body, move your body regularly with the help of your PTs in Rehab can help to prevent pain as you age and further prevent damage. In rehabilitation alternative therapies to joint pain can be beneficial. Severe Injuries of all kinds essential to include in Orthopedic Rehabilitation in order to recover from physical injury caused by brakes, Tears, twists and so on. Inflammation in knees, ankles blocks to move freely so make sure to exercise regularly as professionally planned for you. Good orthopedic Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy can eliminate pain. Therapists massage the sensitive areas where the tissues become stiff, by reducing stiffness through nerve stimulation leading to less pain and getting patients back to normal level of health.

Avoid Surgery- People tend to do PT as something you do after surgery, before you undergo expansive and invasive surgery read about Physical rehabilitation. It is as effective as surgery. At innovative pain and wellness including muscle tear, Knee Osteoarthritis, Rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease etc., Total knee replace or total hip replacement are patient’s high probabilities to face complications after surgery. One meeting with a Physical therapist before you go for surgery may become a surprising result for you or may not need surgery. Rehabilitation programs help by PT to restore function without going under the knife. Physical therapists are experts in functioning your body without surgical intervention.

All in All if you don’t receive physical Rehabilitation after acute, chronic injury or surgery your injury may take longer to heal. From improving recovery time and shortening hospital stays to improving function and healing of soft tissue injury Orthopedic Rehabilitation is a vital key returning you to activity. In Rehabilitation you will work with a PT you trust and feel comfortable with when you have a complex orthopedic. In Specific conditions your rehab center offers condition specific care from highly trained. Real life patient outcomes and success rates give you an idea of exactly how effective a rehab center’s treatment programs are.

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Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic, physical therapy treatment, virginia physical therapy

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY

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After surgery, rehabilitation speeds the healing process, and it helps you learn the best way to care for yourself and return to daily activities.

Some of the patients are quite hesitant and might delay the Physical Therapy. Delay can be a challenge for patient and a big problem later down the line. Loss of Strength, muscle stiffness, Regaining proper movements of surgical part are the complications must face by patient after the delay after surgery, A physical Therapist helps to improve health with quality of care, in order to the things they want to do again. By choosing Physical Therapy at right time you can avoid surgery. In the Physical Therapy variety of techniques used to attempt for the injured part or surgical part. Before you go to the surgery must get PT visit first, after surgery you will have get to the Rehab area, why not to try it first. Physical therapist believes in the statement- any discomfort on the body can be cure and should be treated. No matter what king of surgery you are undertaking but the physical therapy after surgery will help you to know the best way to care for yourself and restart your daily routine. Following are the Reasons:-

1. Boost up Mobility, Strength and Balance-May be an image of one or more people

Loss of Mobility can have a devastating effect on your quality of life. Surgery can restrict your range of motion. Physical Therapy helps to improve mobility through movement, strength techniques; they help to improve muscle tone. Depending upon the severity of surgery, PTs would improve your balance. Physical Therapy is a vital part of healing for any type of surgery. Without ability to move freely and without pain a person may experience depression, weight gain and other health consequences. Even people lose the self- confidence. The goal of physical therapist is to get back to independent life and confidence. Ultimately Physical therapist will do whatever is necessary for your health. Physical Therapy can provide a safe and gradual plan to get you confidently back on your feet. And if the surgery took place in the arm, wrist, or hand, therapists can help you sharpen your fine motor skills again.

2. Reduce Pain & Swelling-

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Physical Therapy never hurt, that’s why it is best choice when you have long term pain after surgery. Physical therapists are experts not only in treating pain, but also a source. Swelling after surgery is another basic step of healing. Electric nerve stimulation is short term relieve given through skin helps to improve strength and relieves muscles spasms. Heat Therapy is given for pain and inflammation and increase range of motion. Ice packs are recommended for 3-4 times a day and for swelling your physical therapist may provide massages and rehabilitation can help to decrease swelling and restrict the surgical pain from becoming chronic.

3. Reduce Scare Tissue Formation

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After surgery scar formation is a natural occurrence as scars helps to strength the tissues. Your immune system respond against the injury and scars arise over your skin due to collection of new cells that cover the site of injury. Some scars can be large and painful or tender. Excess scar of tissue can reduce function and movement for months after procedure. Many massage techniques, Pressure therapy, and Ultrasound therapy to reduce the thickness of scar, simply bending and extending the joints close to scar will also reduce tissue formation. By treating your pain with, you can reduce your dependency on taking medications for stiffness and pain of tough scar tissue.

4. Reduce development of Secondary Issues: 

Loss of Mobility can have a devastating effect on your quality of life. Surgery can restrict your range of motion. Physical Therapy helps to improve mobility through movement, strength techniques; they help to improve muscle tone. Depending upon the severity of surgery, PTs would improve your balance. Physical Therapy is a vital part of healing for any type of surgery. Without ability to move freely and without pain a person may experience depression, weight gain and other health consequences. Even people lose the self- confidence. The goal of physical therapist is to get back to independent life and confidence. Ultimately Physical therapist will do whatever is necessary for your health. Physical Therapy can provide a safe and gradual plan to get you confidently back on your feet. And if the surgery took place in the arm, wrist, or hand, therapists can help you sharpen your fine motor skills again.

5. Improves Flexibility-

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A fractured bone or rehabilitation after surgery requires weeks o rest were the muscles are not used at all. To prevent from injury increasing your flexibility is crucial step. Loss of flexibility leads to weekend muscles that easily become stiff, that effect jumping, running, walking bending and stretching movements. Restoring normal range of motion after surgery stretching techniques helps to maintain flexibility by reducing resistance in muscle tissue. Contracting and stretching of muscle by planned exercise during rehabilitation improve performance and enable to do everyday activity. Such training allows you to easier and deeper movements by increasing flexibility that must provide wide range of physical benefits.

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Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Back Pain, Certified Hand Therapist, Foot Pain, Hand Therapy, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy after Car Accident Whiplash, Physical Therapy Clinic, physical therapy treatment, virginia physical therapy

Physical Therapy after Car Accident Whiplash

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6 million auto accidents occur in the United States every single year, an astounding 11 accidents every single minute! And what’s more, close to half of them are rear end collision’s…meaning more often than not its a total surprise. And what word do we hear the most when people complain of pain…well, you guessed it WHIPLASH! What the neck is whiplash you say…well in short when your car gets hit from behind the natural reaction for your body is to do just that, REACT! And one of the most common reaction causes your neck to jerk and extend in a range of motion uncommon to your body…and the pain that’s associated with this is not fun. What’s worse a majority of folks will describe the pain as intensifying and feeling worse the next morning and day. Now you might ask your self the question “self, I can get over a little whiplash”; which actually isn’t entirely incorrect. The human body is an amazing organism that sure does an incredible job at self healing…but the REAL question is how long will it take my body to heal. Often times depending on the severity of the whiplash and collision it could take upwards of 6 weeks or more before youre your real self. Six weeks before you can sleep comfortably at night, six weeks of maybe having the dreaded “stiff neck”, six weeks of having to worry about when you’re going to get back to being pain free! NOT FUN.

Here are a few of the early symptoms our patients have reported to us:

  • PAIN and Stiffness in the head, neck, and shoulders
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Chronic migraines or headaches
  • Tingling and numbness in the upper extremities
  • Dizziness and Fatigue

At this point you’re probably wondering… is there any good news here?! Rest assured there is…and its simply starting your Physical Therapy treatment ASAP! We have therapists that are experts in auto accident injuries and can help assess the severity of your injury and get you going in a simple rehab program geared towards your treatment goals. The faster you get on top of aching and stiff muscles, the faster your body and life can get back to normal. But its one thing to just say treatment is important, its another thing to tell you why…

1) Patients often don’t realize just how bad their car accident-related injuries are until after they’ve returned to their normal daily activities. Pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and chronic headaches or migraines are just a few of the common injuries our patents will report; so we’re talking about stuff that can turn long term if we’re not careful. Specifically, a combination of therapeutic exercise and manual massage and mobilization techniques are what’s key in improving your flexibility and strength while your body is in the healing phase. In this fast paced world that we live in today, I’m pretty sure laying in bed for a few days in recovery is not an ideal choice for you or anyone else for that matter. So don’t hesitate, take the first step and get into treatment so you can be the real you sooner rather than later!

2) Looking at the prism of healing and recovery through the lens of someone just beginning to recover from an auto accident is truly quite interesting…in that there may not be a vision at all. It makes sense, your’e so engulfed in the present pain and discomfort at hand WHO has the room to worry about the future outlook?!. Well, I can tell you this much…coming from a clinician’s view (my own) it is really telling to note the difference between patients who start treatment right away after a collision and those that delay and start treatment when they may have moved into the chronic phase. And speaking to this chronic phase…that is not where you want to be!. I often times like to compare the human body to that of the vehicle you drive on a daily basis; in that its use on a daily basis requires a level attention and care. A care and attention that if left to neglect can turn a basic oil change that’s several months overdue due to trickle down dysfunction in your cars working engine. An engine that will start to become suspect because of a lack of timely care. Your body isn’t all that different in that a cervical and thoracic strain/sprain which has gone from being acute to chronic due to lack of attention and treatment can oftentimes lead to long-term cervial spine disfunction, postural abnormalities, nerve and orthopedic shoulder impingement, chronic migraines, and more….chronic migraines being one you surely want to have no part of! Just like any broken record you know what I’m going to say…GET INTO TREATMENT! So that you aren’t the one experiencing long term damage from a split second glitch on the road.

3) SURGERY…when you see this word like most people you automatically cringe and think of the worst imaginable situation (probably a scene from a scary movie or a terrorizing account you read on the web or saw on the news). And don’t get me wrong, surgery is not something to get excited about, but if you are reading this article and are in the process of having surgery or have had surgery to address an auto accident injury hope is not all lost! PT is most assuredly a tool that will undoubtedly brighten your future outlook. Along with overall wear and tear that your body endures along with your chronic pain, the goal of surgery is to in theory address your disfunction and bring you to your normal state of function and living pain free or close to that. In reality, in order for this theory to take shape different things must go your way…some you can control and some you can’t. Unfortunately you’re probably not going to be able to control your surgeons hand’s and upper extremities during surgery, or the amount of blood flow traveling to recovering muscles and tendons right after surgery. But what you can control is the start of physical therapy and the effort you put forth towards recovery, which from the perspective of the PT treatment room, is truly an amazing feat to witness. Physical Therapy will help to strengthen vulnerable muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which indirectly work to protect various structures down your functional movement chain.

4) And now comes the time when I need to share this small secret I’ve witness throughout my years treating patients…ready for this nugget? MOVEMENT IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY!.

Ok, maybe that’s not a huge surprise that’s going to be life changing for you but its true; from both a biological and chemical standpoint, as well as from a mental vantage point as well. Part of many doctor’s orders immediately after an accident is rest…which isn’t entirely a bad thing. It’s just that being bed ridden for a majority of the day early on can open the door for other points of dysfunction like de-conditioning and overall muscular fatigue and stiffness. So Yes! General movement is a good thing. Internally speaking, movement pumps oxygenated blood and other nutrients to the injury site, which in turn helps the body heal from the inside out. Hey and when you move and are incorporated into a therapeutic exercise program that our skilled therapists work tirelessly at developing, you get these interesting chemicals called Endorphins that get released from your brain and into your nervous system. Without getting too technical here, endorphins basically are hormones that directly attach to pain reducing sensors in our nervous system that emit signals changing our perception of pain. So YES exercise helps to decrease our sensation of pain and discomfort! But that’s just half the battle here, as the mental aspect of movement and recovery are just as paramount. Movement in a physical therapy program along with at home treatment and movement progression enables our therapists to help mentally switch your brain from focusing on the pain at hand to the solution at hand. Having a set schedule that you abide by also puts you in a new mode of focus that begins with getting basic movement in therapy to ultimately getting to exercise and movement outside of the clinic with hobbies in sports, activities, and your leisurely activities.

So what’s my advice to you if you’ve read this far?? Take the first step and START YOUR TREATMENT TODAY!! Only then will you be able to see what I’ve been able to share with you here and what other’s have already been able to take advantage of here at ALLIANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY. Contact any one of our 16 locations between northern VA, Washington DC, and Richmond and our scheduling experts will get you in the best spot for you to start your journey. Or, visit the “Request an Appt” tab on the website and we’ll have the same experts reach out to you through the website, email, or Facebook. TAKE THE FIRST STEP!

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the expert diagnosis and state of art treatment of your pain and injuries. Our diligent team of physical therapists use patient-proven techniques and state-of-art technologies to make you as healthy and fit as before.

About the author:

Samson Belai

*Samson Belai is a clinician treating at the various Alliance Physical Therapy offices in the N.Virginia region and has spent various coursework and field work in orthopedic and post auto-accident treatment rehab. Licensed since 2010, Samson has been involved in the progress and road to recovery of hundreds of patients in the busy metropolitan and northern Virginia region.

Knee Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Physical Therapy: Post Below- Knee Amputation

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Below-knee amputation or lower–knee amputation is a surgical process conducted to remove a limb damaged due to any injury, trauma or disease. The process of amputation can be performed at any age, but is more prevalent among the age group of 65 years and older.

What do we mean by Beow-Knee Amputation?

Below-Knee Amputation or BKA is a surgical process to remove the damaged or diseased limb. The main reason behind BKA (Below-Knee Amputation) is peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation in the lower limb. Due to poor circulation; immune or healing responses to injury limit and foot or leg ulcers may form that do not heal. These damaging ulcers may develop infection spreading to bones. Amputation is conducted to remove these diseased tissues and to prevent further infection.

During  BKA, an orthopedic or vascular surgeon removes the diseased limb while saving as much of healthy bone and tissue as possible. The remaining limb is then shaped up, so that it can be used for a prosthetic leg.

How can a Physical Therapist help?

Below-knee Amputation is a very difficult and challenging phase, both emotionally and physically. More energy and strength is required to walk with a prosthesis than normal walking. Your physical therapist can  develop an individualized exercising regime which will not only increase your overall strength, range of motion and flexibility, but will also expedite your recovery and reduce time between amputation and first step with a prosthesis.

Post Amputation Rehabilitation:

Physical Therapist will start your routine as soon as your condition stabilizes and doctor clears you. Your initial treatment may include:

  • Range-of motion and gentle stretching exercises
  • Instructions to roll on the bed, sit on the bedside and safely moving to the chair
  • Educating about the proper positioning of limb to prevent contractures
  • Educating to move about in a wheel chair and to walk and stand with a supportive device.

 Preventing Contractures:

Contractures mean the development of tightness of the soft-tissues which further limits the mobility and motion of the joint. After BKA,  the most common contracture that follows is, at the knee when it becomes flexed and it is difficult to straighten it. If these contracturers are not dealt with, they make it difficult for you to walk properly or wear prosthesis and as well increase the need of supportive device like a walker. Your physical therapist will help you to:

  • Maintain normal  posture and range of motion at your knee and hip
  • Position your limb properly and prevent developing contracture
  • Maintain normal range of motion through stretching and positioning exercises.

Swelling:

Experiencing post-operative swelling is normal. Compression will be maintained by the therapist in order to protect your residual limb and to lessen and control your swelling. The physical therapist will accomplish compression by:

  • Wrapping the limb with elastic bandages
  • Making you wear elastic Shrinker sock.

This also helps to shape the limb in order to prepare it to fit it in prosthetic leg. Your physical therapist will monitor the fit of these devices and as well educate you to use them properly.

Managing Pain:

Your physical therapist will also help you to manage pain in several ways involving:

  • TENS and electrical stimulation may be used where pain is relieved by blocking nerve signals.
  • Manual therapy; involving joint manipulation and massages may be used to improvise circulation and joint motion.
  • Stump management is instructed which includes skin care and stump sock use.

  Other Management Techniques:

  • Your Physical therapist will work with prosthetist in order to prescribe best fit prosthesis for you. Initially, you will receive a temporary prosthesis while your residual limb is healing; thereafter, it will be modified according to your need & requirement
  • Your physical therepist will help you to master using wheel chair and walking with a supportive device like cruthes or walker.
  • Therapist will educate you about using your prosthetic limb successfully and will also make you learn how to take care of your resideual limb with regular skin and hygiene checks, exercising and correct positioning.
  • Therapist will also educate you how to put new prosthesis and take it off.
  • Therapist will also help you to build up tolerance for wearing your prosthetics for longer times while protecting skin intergrity of residual limb.
  • Prosthetic training takes time and physical therapist make you learn to stand, balnce and walk with a prosthetic limb. You may progress gradually and eventually learn to walk independently, without using any supportive device.
  • Your therapist will also continue with stretching and strengthening exercises unless you achieve your fullest potential and become able to perform the activities you used to before amputation.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for thorough and agile post below knee amputation rehabilitation. Our professional physical threrapists are experienced at treating patients with amputation conditions. Our dedicated therapists have advance knowledge and are experienced at providing prosthetic training.

Back Pain, Foot Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Physical Therapy Treatments for Running & Jogging Injuries

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Running seems simpler and easier to everybody as all of us start running as toddlers and many of us continue with this activity throughout either for play, sports or exercise. But if the correct form is not maintained, this simple act can lead to serious injuries.

What causes running injuries?

When you start running for fitness, you particularly become prone to running injuries. There are certain stages at which you become more vulnerable to running injuries, like:

  • During the initial 4 to 6 months of running
  • Returning to running after injury
  • Increase in distance of running
  • Increase in speed

But the fact is, during these vulnerable stages, most of the injuries occur due to the training errors. Apart from these, there are several other factors that also contribute towards the running injuries. These are the factors that runners can avoid or prevent:

Training Errors: The most common cause of running injuries is the erroneous training regime. Inadequate stretching, frequent changes in mileage, heightened hill training, interval training and inadequate rest between training sessions all together make up for training errors.

Defective Running Shoe: An athlete should always select the footwear that fits comfortably and can accommodate his particular foot anatomy. You should replace your shoes after its mileage exceeds 500-600 miles.

Surfaces for running: The surface on which you run needs to be smooth, flat, soft and adaptable. Try to avoid concrete or rough road surfaces. Moreover, try to avoid hills initially as they place stress on knees and ankles.

What are the Common Running Injuries?

Most of the running injuries cause by applying repeated force over a long period of time. Whether you are a newbie or vet; sudden changes in training volume can cause any of the following injuries:

Runner’s Knee: When you experience a consistent tender pain around or behind the kneecap; it is a sure sign of patella femoral pain syndrome or runner’s knee. The repetitive force, downhill running, muscular imbalance and weak hips putting stress on the knee cap can cause the condition.

Achilles Tendinitis: The swelling of tissues connecting your heel to lover-leg muscles is known as Achilles Tendinitis. Rapid increase in mileage, improper footwear, tight calf muscles and flat foot contribute towards the condition.

Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation, irritation or tearing of plantar fascia; tissue on the bottom of the foot is known as plantar fasciitis. Runners experience extreme stiffness or pain in the arch of the foot due to the condition.

Shin Splints: When the muscles and tendons covering the shinbone become inflamed and runners experience stabbing sensations in the shin; the condition is called shin splints.

Stress Fracture: Stress Fractures are the tiny cracks in the bones that occur due to repeatedly applying the greater force than the legs can bear.

Patellar Tendinitis: It is an overuse injury which leads to tiny tears in patellar tendon that connects kneecap to the shin bone.

Pulled Muscles: When due to overuse or inflexibility, a muscle is overstretched, it can tear fibers and tendons causing pulled muscles

Side stitches: Awful pain on the side of the stomach formally known as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (EJAP) caused due to diaphragm spasm because of overwork or poor running posture

Bursitis: Bursitis of hip develops because of the inflammation of a bursa between the hip and the tendon.

What are the Physical Therapy treatments suggested for Running Injuries?

A physical therapist begins treating an injured runner by conducting physical evaluation and asking questions about his running habits, regime, equipments and techniques. The therapists usually begin by suggesting patients to take rest and modifying his/her running habits. In order to prevent recurring injuries; physical therapists develop pre-and post-workout routines for them with strength work, warm-ups, stretches and cool-downs. Other specific treatments may include:

For knees: Physical therapists may suggest stretching and strengthening of hamstring, quadriceps and hip musculature along with cold therapy. Modalities like ultrasound and supportive or corrective taping techniques may also be applied.

For ankle pain and sprains: Physical therapists may suggest strengthening exercises to enhance stability. Foot orthotics may be suggested. Moreover physical therapists may also suggest massage, ice, ultrasound or electrical stimulation for tissue healing.

For Achilles Tendon Pain: Most of the times, therapists suggest rest and limited use as these are best to treat the problem. Apart from this, a therapist may also suggest heat and cold therapy, ultrasound and massage therapy to reduce swelling.

For Foot: Special shoe inserts or foot orthotics and other modification are suggested so that shoe fits properly. Therapeutic exercises accompanied by modalities like manual treatment techniques and ultrasound may also be suggested.

For Shin Splints: Deep tissue massage may be used to reduce inflammation. Supportive taping may also be applied to alleviate stress within the affected region.

For Plantar Fasciitis: Arch supports, soft-tissue massage are used to alleviate pain. Calf stretches before and after workouts may also help.

For Bursitis: Therapists will suggest stretches to restore full hip motion and to reduce friction.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the expert diagnosis and state of art treatment of your pain and injuries. Our diligent team of physical therapists use patient-proven techniques and state-of-art technologies to make you as healthy and fit as before.

Back Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Physical Therapy Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

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According to a study made, as many as 75% of us suffer from back pain or neck pain at some point of our lifetime. Spinal Stenosis is also one of such causes of back pain that affects the bones of your back by narrowing the openings within the bones.

What do we mean by Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is a condition causing the narrowing of spinal canal which in turn puts too much pressure either on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Staying active and exercising regularly is the most efficient way to treat Spinal Stenosis. This condition can occur both in the neck or the lower back.

What are the most common causes of Spinal Stenosis?

Most of the major causes of Spinal Stenosis are related with the ageing process of spine. It may occur due to:

  • Gradual degenerative ageing process of spine
  • Thickening and calcifying of spinal ligaments
  • Bone spurs due to the enlargement of bones and joints that occurs due bone stress
  • Dehydration of spinal discs between the vertebrae due to age
  • Spinal osteoarthritis that is accompanied by the overgrowth of bone formation or bone spurs
  • Flattening of discs due to normal ageing and wear and tear
  • Spinal injuries, tumors and bone diseases like (Paget Disease) may also lead to Spinal Stenosis

What are the signs and symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis may cause the following symptoms including:

  • Weakness, pain, tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, trunk or shoulders
  • Muscle weakness
  • Diminished reflex cramping in the arms or legs
  • If your Lumbar Spine is stenotic, you may feel pain radiating from the low back and into the buttocks and legs
  • If a nerve root is being pushed on due to the narrowing of space within the spine, you may feel pain radiating to nerve which reduces with sitting

What are the Physical Therapy treatment options opted to treat Spinal Stenosis?

Your physical therapist will design treatment program for you depending upon the evaluations’ and your personal goals as well. He will suggest a treatment program that will be a combination of different exercises:

  • Stretching exercises may be suggested to eliminate stress on joints and to improve flexibility as well
  • Work ergonomics to improve your posture at work
  • Strengthening exercises may be recommended to support your spinal joints for strong arms’ and legs’ muscle
  • Manual therapy may be administered to improvise joint mobility
  • Deep tissue massage therapy may be used to release tension in the soft tissues
  • Hot and cold therapies may be applied alternatively to eliminate inflammation, muscle spasms, pain and swelling
  • TENS and Ultrasound therapy may be used to treat muscle cramping, stiffness and pain
  • Aquatic exercises may be suggested to help your body to exercise without putting pressure on the spine

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the state-of-art and efficient treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problems or diseases. Our professional and diligent Physical Therapists use patient-proven methods and top-notch techniques to treat your problems and help you to get back to your work as early as possible.

Hip Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Piriformis muscle is a flat and band like muscle that is located in buttocks near the top of the hip joint. This muscle helps in the movement of the lower body as it makes the hip joint stable and as well lifts and rotates the thigh.

What do we mean by Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular pathology which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle. This compression causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the sciatic nerve path going down the thigh into the leg.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?

  • Pain in lower back or buttocks
  • Painful to sit on the affected buttock
  • Pain or tingling sensation down the back of legs
  • Pain down the back of calf & foot
  • Pain while mounting and inclining stairs
  • Pain increases with prolonged sitting
  • Reduced range of motion of the hip joint

What are causes of Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome usually develops in the athletes who are engaged in forward-moving activities like runners or bicyclists. This syndrome generally occurs due to:

  • combination of weak abductors with the tight abductors
  • Stiffness or hypo-mobility of the sacroiliac joints
  • Overporonation of the foot
  • Overworking of Piriformis muscle
  • Dysfunctioning of the adjacent SIJ or hip joints
  • Work hip stability muscles

What are the Physical Therapy treatments suggested to cure Piriformis Syndrome?

Depending upon the severity of condition, pain and other symptoms, number of physical therapy treatments may be suggested:

  • Stretching exercises are prescribed to relieve sciatic nerve irritation.
  • Heat treatment is suggested to relax the piriformis muscle.
  • Ultrasound treatment is advised for the deep heating in buttock area.
  • Hands-on treatment like deep-tissue massage or soft-tissue mobilization is administered to relax nerve signals to the piriformis.
  • Strengthening of abductors and abductor muscles may be suggested.
  • Myofascial release and thrust techniques may be suggested to address the somatic dysfunction in the patients.
  • Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may be advised to restore patients’ normal range of motion.
  • Pelvic and spine re-alignment techniques are suggested.
  • Foot orthotics or exercises are advised to restore foot and lower extremity alignment.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the state-of-art and efficient treatment of any of your neuromusculoskeletal problems or deformities. We use patient proven methods and techniques to get you back to your daily routine as soon as possible and make you as sturdy and healthy as before.

Foot Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Foot Drop: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

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What do you understand by Foot Drop?

Foot Drop, also referred to as ‘drop foot’ is a gait abnormality, where person is unable to lift his/her forefoot and hence walking becomes challenging for such persons. Foot drop is not a disease in itself but rather a sign of underlying foot disorder that can be neurological, muscular or anatomical. Foot Drop can affect one or both the feet and as well be temporary or permanent depending upon its cause.

Under this condition, patient loses partial or total control over the foot. The toes of such patients either point towards floor when they lift up the foot from the ground or they tend to drag the foot along the ground while walking.

What conditions give rise to Foot Drop?

Generally, foot drop occurs due to the weakness or paralysis of the muscles lifting the foot. Apart from this, there may be some other causes including the following:

  • Muscular Disorders
  • Nerve injury
  • Brain or Spinal disorders
  • Injury to peroneal nerve
  • Sports injuries
  • Diabetes, hip or knee replacement surgery
  • Sitting cross-legged or squatting for sustained hours
  • Neurological conditions like; stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
  • Muscular dystrophy, polio
  • Tear of the anterior tibialis tendon
  • Anterior compartment syndrome

What are the signs and symptoms of Foot Drop?

Foot drop is debilitating for the patients as it affects their mobility to a greater degree. The persons suffering from foot drop may exhibit the below mentioned signs and symptoms:

  • Difficulty in lifting the forefoot or toes off the floor
  • Pain, weakness & numbness in the foot
  • Slap foot on the floor while walking
  • Drag the foot while ambulating
  • Raise the leg while walking

What are the physical therapy interventions employed to treat Foot Drop?

Physical Therapy is the most effective treatment for the foot drop, as most of patients regain significant function and mobility after observing a regular physical therapy regime. Physical therapists use the following techniques to manage foot drop:

  • Strengthening exercises are practised to strengthen and stretch foot and to mobilize the ankle.
  • Stretching exercises are administered to help stretch the calf and foot muscles
  • Leg flexes and toe curls are advised and practised to stimulate the muscles
  • Treatment regime including electrical stimulations of nerve and muscle fibres’ may be advised to enhance the tone and contractility.
  • Gait training is recommended to help the patients walk more efficiently and to improve their stability
  • Use of ‘AFO’ (Ankle-Foot-Orthosis) braces may be recommended to support the ankle and foot function
  • Manual Therapeutic techniques including; soft tissue massage, deep friction massage, manual stretching and joint mobilization is employed by therapists to help patients regain range of motion
  • Neuromuscular Re-education including; movement techniques and mechanics is provided to restore stability and retain lower extremity in daily chores
  • Home program including; strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises and instructions is designed to help patients to perform daily tasks.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the efficient treatment of your neurological and muscular disorders. Our dedicated and diligent physical therapist will help you walk the road to recovery.