Tag Archives: Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

IDENTIFYING CLUSTER HEADACHES

Leave a comment

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.

Knee Pain

RECOVERING FROM KNEE INJURIES?

Leave a comment

Prevention of Knee Injuries:

The knee joint allows you to run, walk and play sports. Awkward movements, falls and collisions, sudden twists, excessive force or overuse can result in a range of injuries to the knee joint and the structures supporting it. Common knee injuries include ligament, tendon and cartilage tears, and patello-femoral pain syndrome

First aid for Knee Injuries in the first 48 to 72 hours

Suggestions for first aid treatment of an injured knee include:

  • Stop your activity immediately. Don’t ‘work through’ the pain.

  • Rest the joint at first.

  • Reduce pain, swelling and internal bleeding with ice packs, applied for 15 minutes every couple of hours.

  • Bandage the knee firmly and extend the wrapping down the lower leg.

  • Elevate the injured leg.

  • Don’t apply heat to the joint.

  • Avoid alcohol, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.

  • Don’t massage the joint, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.

Prevention tips for Knee Injuries

You can help to prevent injuries if you:

  • Warm up joints and muscles by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching muscles.

  • Wear appropriate footwear.

  • Avoid sudden jarring motions.

  • Try to turn on the balls of your feet when you’re changing direction, rather than twisting through your knees.

  • Cool down after exercise by performing light, easy and sustained stretches.

  • Build up an exercise program slowly over time.

Professional help for Knee Injuries

Mild knee injuries may heal by themselves, but all injuries should be checked and diagnosed by a doctor or physiotherapist. Persistent knee pain needs professional help. Prompt medical attention for any knee injury increases the chances of a full recovery. Treatment options include:

  1. Aspiration – If the knee joint is grossly swollen, the doctor may release the pressure by drawing off some of the fluid with a fine needle.

  2. Physiotherapy – Including ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation treatment, kneecap taping, exercises for increased mobility and strength, and associated rehabilitation techniques.

  3. Arthroscopic surgery or ‘keyhole’ surgery – Where the knee operation is performed by inserting slender instruments through small incisions (cuts). Cartilage tears are often treated with arthroscopic surgery.

  4. Open surgery – Required when the injuries are more severe and the entire joint needs to be laid open for repair.

Aquatic therapy or pool therapy consists of an exercise program that is executed in the water. It is a valuable form of therapy that is useful for a range of medical conditions. Aquatic therapy utilizes the physical properties of water to aid in patient healing and exercise performance. Call now for Quick Appointment:

http://www.alliancephysicaltherapyva.com

 

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?

Leave a comment

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.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy

 

 

Physical Therapy Clinic

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING HIP REPLACEMENT?

Image Leave a comment
Hip Replacement is an elective procedure, but you can use alternatives by your choice. An ailing hip can stop you moving with your control. You feel uncomfortable even if it is impossible to do routine activity. A chronic pain is a sign of hip replacement; it will be not just in the hip but anywhere between hip and knee. In the United States hip pain and immobility issues affect a growing number of Americans and hip replacement has become increasingly common often in the younger adults. Many non- operative treatments are there before you go to hip replacement surgery, Physical Therapy is the best known powerful treatment against hip replacement in more than 50% hip replacement cases. Physical Therapy has proven very effective, for the cases where the hip is too damaged and must be replaced. Here we are sharing some knowledge and some alternatives you can use before you go to hip replacement or have already hip replacement.
Stop! Not only hip replacement surgery is solution:-
Hip Replacement surgery removes damaged diseased parts of a hip joint and replaces them with new, artificial parts.  Artificial parts may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of all. Try medication or other treatment if the injury or disease can be cured by other techniques. Only consider hip replacement when the pain is severe and non- surgical treatments have failed.
Arthritis, Trauma, degenerative disease can lead to excruciating hip problems; osteoarthritis is the most common reason for hip replacement. Osteoporosis in the 20′s and 30′s age group is demanding hip replacement, especially in women. Before you think about hip replacement your doctor will suggest some exercises.
What you are going through during Pre & Post Rehab-
Before you go for hip replacement try physical therapy. Don’t try exercises on your own at home; it can affect your injured part. You should join a session of Physical Therapy to get ready and improve your outcome during recovery. One communication to your healthcare, Physical therapist will prepare you for hip replacement if needed with rehab exercises. Rehab will include things like nutrition and workout. There is much evidence that rehab reduced the need for hip or knee replacement for those who participated in rehab. Your Physical Therapist will educate you what to expect from your surgery by leading you through some exercises. In this time he/she will teach you flexibility and strengthen exercises, Use of walker and crutches, any precautions you should take before surgery.
Before surgery your Physical Therapist will educate you what to expect from your surgery by leading you through some exercises. Physical Therapists will teach you- Flexibility and Strength exercises, Use of Walker and crutches, any precautions to take before surgery.
If hip replacement becomes a necessity you will go to the clinic and do some paperwork. Surgeon will examine your health and tell you the possible solution. You will stay at the hospital and after surgery your Rehabilitation is processed by day 2-3 after surgery. Your physical therapist will come to your bed to get you for rehab and within 24-48 hours you will get up and start walking. Walking is needed for your blood pressure stabilization.
Your capacity of moving after hip replacement depends upon the type of your surgery. From the hospital you will be sent to rehab center or home rehab because it is difficult for you to help yourself in bathing/ toileting also for 2-3 weeks. In this time your PT will work on your walking tolerance and light walking.
The time of recovery varies from patient to patient, after your rehab session you will feel comfortable while you are sleeping or functioning. Not only Rehab, but your surgeon will recommend you post rehab when you have hip replacement surgery. From beginning to walk to getting active your PT will guide you with exercises to get you back to your best.
Your PT will depend upon your particular case/ surgical procedure during the rehab. PT will teach you to correctly put weight on the affected leg with an assistive device. PT will advise and teach you to bend your hip more than angle of 90 and How to cross your legs etc.
Physical Therapy will continue for a number of weeks even if you are discharged. Many patients need no home care after rehab but depend upon your overall situation of health. When you recover properly means when you need no help or guidance your outpatient physical therapy will continue to work on your range of motion, conditioning.
Consider this also: -
When you are selecting a Physical therapist or a surgeon in case of surgery in near location you should properly investigate for experiences of healthcare. The Physical Therapist must treat the patients with certified orthopedic in total hip replacement. You can consider Physical therapy is also not helping in pain in some typical patients. This happens when you keep on delaying your hip replacement or you are not attending your PT sessions on a proper schedule. For more than 4-6 months you should continue outpatient Physical Therapy when you are dealing with pain like degenerative arthritis. For some cases when you spent years in delay with pain and not tried physical therapy or surgery. One more reason when physical therapy is beneficial for the time when you join Physical therapy but no longer it will hip you if your hip has accelerated to a point of severe degeneration.
Alternatives you can use –
Some injections are beneficial in the case of degenerative organs. Rather than taking the first step towards hip replacement you can choose these alternatives with physical therapy as injections will keep on working and physical therapy will make that effort in momentum.
Prolotherapy- Injections- Those who experience joint and back pain, prolotherapy procedure works for them. In this procedure natural irritants are injected into the soft tissue that trigger the body’s healing, such as chronic pain.
Have any question on your mind, feel free to ask, or visit our clinic.
For More details visit our website find nearest location,  send Email
Follow us on Facebook, YouTube
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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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.

Hip Pain, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Clinic

Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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.

Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy, Physical Therapy

What are Symptoms, Causes and Treatment available to treat Hip Bursitis?

Leave a comment

Hip Bursitis physical Therapy Treatment

Hip Trochanteric Bursitis is one of the most common reasons of hip pain. This condition affects both the active and inactive individuals but the condition is more common among the middle-aged women or females.

What do we mean by Hip Trochanteric Bursitis?

Hip Trochanteric Bursitis occurs when the bursa that covers the bony point of hip bone (greater trochanter) becomes irritated or inflamed. This is the most commonly inflamed bursa of the hip joint.

What are the causes of Hip Trochanteric Bursitis?

Hip Trochanteric Bursitis occurs due to the combination several factors including:

  • Repetitive stress-injuries resulting from running, bicycling or standing for long hours.
  • Hip injury
  • Spine diseases like; scoliosis or arthritis of the lumbar spine
  • Inequality in leg-length
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Previous hip surgery or prosthetic implants in the hip
  • Deficiency of Calcium
  • Bone spurs or development of calcium deposits within the tendons
  • Hip muscle tightness or weakness
  • Abnormal hip or knee structure
  • Poor hip or knee mechanics

What are potential symptoms of Hip Trochanteric Bursitis?

The patients suffering from Hip Trochanteric Bursitis may experiences one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain and swelling at the affected side of the hip
  • Tenderness on the outside of hip
  • Pain while lying on the affected side
  • Sharp Pain in the hip that changes into a dull ache and travels down the side of leg
  • Pain & stiffness while sitting or walking for prolonged periods
  • Pain while climbing stairs or sitting with legs crossed

How can Physical Therapy help to treat Hip Trochanteric Bursitis?

Physical Therapists typically suggest or prescribe the combination of stretching and strengthening activities to treat the condition and as well to eliminate the pain. Following treatments or strategies may be adopted by your physical therapist to achieve the specific goal:

  • Ice therapy may be used to reduce the inflammation of bursa
  • Electrotherapy or deep-tissue massage technique may be used to reduce pain & irritation.
  • Range of motion exercises are prescribed to restore normal mobility to the back, hip and knee
  • In order to decrease muscular tension, stretching techniques may be applied to the lower body.
  • Hand-on treatments may be used to move your muscles and joints in order to improve their strength & motion
  • Strengthening exercises may be applied to eliminate excessive strain at the trochanter.
  • Your Physical therapist may develop a safe and customized progressive resistance program to strengthen your lower extremity
  • Functional training may be provided to help you to safely transit back to your normal or routine activities
  • Patient education will be provided in order to eliminate the risk of re-injury. You will be educated about safer & controlled body movements

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.