Category Archives: Knee Pain

Knee Pain

RECOVERING FROM KNEE INJURIES?

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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?

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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.

Contact Alliance Physical Therapy

 

 

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.

Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Knee Pain, Physical Therapy

How to Recover from Knee Injuries?

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Prevention of Knee Injuries:

The knee joint allows you to run, walk and play sport. 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.

Knee Injuries

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 icepacks, 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: 703-670-9935

http://www.alliancephysicaltherapyva.com

Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy, Knee Pain, Physical Therapy

Wrist Pain

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Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort that occurs in the wrist. The wrist contains many small bones, cartilage, muscles, blood vessels, and tendons, and is particularly vulnerable to injury. Wrist pain is commonly caused by soreness or injury but may also arise from infectivity or a tumor on the wrist.

Wrist pain is particularly general complaint, and there are many common causes of this problem. It is important to make an accurate opinion of the cause of the symptoms so that suitable action can be directed at the cause.

Causes for wrist pain:

    * Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a standard problem that causes wrist pain and enlargement. This is due to swelling of the ligament cover. Wrist pain treatment which is caused by tendonitis does not need surgical procedure.

    * Sprain

Wrist sprains are regular injuries caused to the ligaments around the wrist joint. Sprains can origin problems by restraining the use of our hands.

    * Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel disorder is the state that results from dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is squeezed together or strained off, as it pass through the wrist joint.

    * Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the troubles that can originate wrist pain and complexity in performing daily or general activities. There are a number of causes of arthritis and luckily there are a lot of wrist arthritis treatments.

     * Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a type of swelling that frequently occurs over the back of the hand or wrist. These are a sort of fluid-filled capsules. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous. They will not enlarge and they will not spread to other parts of your body.

     * Gout

This occurs when there is too much production of uric acid and a waste product. This forms crystals in joints rather than being excreted in the urine.

    * Pseudogout

This occurs when calcium deposit in the joints (wrists or knees) causing ache and enlargement.

   * Fractures

A wrist fracture is a general orthopedic injury. Patients with a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgical treatment for the fracture.

 When do you need to call your physician about your wrist pain?

If you are not confident about the cause of your wrist pain, or if you do not know the definite cure recommendations for your condition, you should seek medical consideration. Treatments for these situations must be directed at the specific cause of your problem.

Some symptoms seen by a physician include:

  • Inability to carry objects
  • Injury that causes deformity of the joint
  • Wrist pain that occurs at night or while sleeping
  • Wrist pain that persists beyond a few days
  • Failure to flatten the joint
  • Swelling or major bruising around the joint
  • Symptoms of an infection, including fever
  • Any other strange symptoms

What are the best treatments for wrist pain?

 The treatment of wrist pain depends completely on the cause of the problem. Thus, it is very important that you understand the cause of your symptoms before you decide for a treatment plan. If you are uncertain for your diagnosis or for the severity of your condition, you should look for medical guidance before the start of  any treatment.

All treatments listed here are not appropriate for every situation, but may be helpful in your situation.

The first treatment for many common conditions that cause wrist pain is to relax the joint and allow the acute swelling to drop. It is important, however, to use warning when relaxing the joint, because causing no motion to the joint can result a stiff joint. Adjusting your activities so as not to disturb the joint can help prevent worsening of wrist pain.

 Usually Ice and heat pads are commonly used for treatments of wrist pain. But the question arises, which one is the right one to use, ice or heat? And how long should the ice or heat treatments last? Read on for more information about ice and heat treatment or consult your physician.

 Support braces can aid patients who either had a recent wrist sprain injury or those who tend to hurt their wrists easily. These braces act as a tender support to wrist activities. They will not avoid severe injuries, but may help you to carry out simple activities while rehabilitating from a wrist sprain.

Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy

Foot Pain?

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The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 28 bones linked by several joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Foot is the foundation of athletic movements of the lower extremity. Pain indicates that there is something wrong with the interaction of internal structures of the foot.

Causes:

Foot pain frequently cause by inappropriate foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can make it worse and in some cases, cause foot harms. Shoes that fit properly and give good arch support can avoid irritation to the foot joints and skin. There are lots of foot problems that influence the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot. Foot pain may be caused by many unusual conditions or injuries. Acute or repeated trauma is the most frequent cause of foot pain. Trauma is an outcome of forces external to the body either directly impacting the body or forcing the body into a situation where a particular or mixture of forces result in damage to the structure of the body. Wearing shoes that are too tight or high heels can cause pain in the region of the balls of the feet and the bones in that part. Shoes that are tied too tightly may cause pain and bruising on the top of the foot.

Anatomy of Foot:

Your foot consists of 28 bones. These are

 

Symptoms:

Pain and point tenderness are the instant indicators that somewhat is wrong in a specific region. When the pain begins to obstruct with your activities of everyday or if you cannot act upon your desired activities without pain, you should consider seeking medical attention. Indicators that you should seek medical care are if the area looks distorted, you have loss of function, large amount of swelling with pain, prolonged change of skin or toenail color, change of sensation, the affected area becomes warmer than the adjacent areas or becomes tender to the touch.

Physical Therapy for Foot Pain

Physical therapy is frequently one of the most important ways to treat the symptoms of foot pain. Gentle stretching of the foot helps to improve the uneasiness felt due to foot pain. Rarely with plantar fasciitis a brace is worn at night to remain the foot in a stretched situation. Following are the five simple and easy movements or exercises to stretch the structures of the foot:

  • The Long Sitting Stretch
  • Achilles Stretch
  • Stair Stretch
  • Can roll
  • Toe Stretch

Physical Therapy is vital in retuning a patient rapidly to their daily routine as well as athletic activities. Restoring proper mobility of the different ankle bones in addition to strengthening of the ankle is necessary in preventing future injuries to the foot, knees, hip and back.

Calcaneus
Talus
Medical Cuneiform
Intermediate Cuneiform
Lateral Cuneiform
Cuboid
Navicular

Auto Injury Rehabilitation, Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy

Do you have neck pain that keeps you from being as energetic as you would like?

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Did you get up this morning  with a stiff  painful  neck?

Are you ready to be completely cured of neck pain forever?

If fair enough, then you must appoint a physiotherapist. Physical Therapy is the best and cost effective solution for neck pain.One of the supplest regions of the spine is the neck (cervical) region, which consists of vertebrae, seven shock-absorbing discs, muscles, and vertebral ligaments to clutch them in consign. The primary cervical disc connects the top of the spinal column to the bottom of the skull. The spinal cord, which sends nerve impulses to each part of the body, runs through a canal in the cervical vertebrae and continues all the way down the spine. Pain in the cervical area can cause arm pain as well as the “ache in the neck.”

TREATMENT

Several physical therapists prefer ice (cold therapy) because of its efficiency in diminishing pain and tenderness. Heat (heat therapy) also provides release to some people, but should be used with care because it can sometimes make an inflamed region inferior. Apply warmth or ice for 15-20 minutes at a moment, and give yourself a 40-minute break among applications. Treatments may comprise manual therapy, ultra sound, cervical traction, TENS, exercises, myofacial release.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Neck Pain?

Physical therapy always begins with a complete history and valuation of the trouble. Your physical therapist will take many things into story, including your age, general health, work, and way of life. If major strain or disease is concerned, your physical therapist will work with you in discussion with a physician.