Tag Archives: Physical Therapy

Are You Suffering from Your Hip Joint..???

Injuries around the hip constitute one of the most difficult injuries to treat and predict the outcome. But the best way to treat your pain is by Physical Therapy without any Burn and Injury. In dashboard injuries, the impact is driven to the knee of the patient which passes on the energy of hip joint causing posterior dislocation of hip.

Examination
Inspection
Attitude: The examination of attitude in a hip joint injury is very useful. In posterior dislocation of hip, the hip will be in flexion, adduction and internal rotation. In intracapsular fracture neck of femur, the lower limb lies in external rotation and minimal shortening. In trochanteric fractures, the lower limb lies in complete external rotation and the limb appears shortened. In anterior dislocation of hip, there will be flexion, abduction and external rotation deformity.

Swelling: In dislocation of hip, the femoral head may be felt either in the gluteal region or in the perineal region or iliac region. In trochanteric fracture, there will be diffuse swelling around the hip and thigh.
Palpation
The bony landmarks to be palpated are:
1.Greater trochanter: The position of greater trochanter helps us in the diagnosis of fractures around the hip. The greater trochanter, anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and ischial tuberosity have a constant relationship to each other which will be altered in affections of hip joint and proximal femur. Bryant’s triangle is formed by a line connecting ASIS and greater trochanter, line dropped from the ASIS perpendicular to the floor and the line connecting the greater trochanter and the perpendicular line. The base of the Bryant’s triangle is measured and compared with opposite side. In fractures of the neck and dislocations of hip, the base will decrease to the proximal migration of the trochanter. In posterior dislocations of hip, the greater trochanter will be more anteriorly felt near the ASIS. In anterior dislocations, it will be felt more posteriorly. It should be palpated for tenderness, thickening or irregularity. In subtrochanteric fractures, Bryant’s triangle will not be altered but there will be loss of transmitted movements between the proximal and distal femur.
2.Head of femur: Normally, the femoral arterial pulsation is felt against the head of femur. In dislocations, this resistance is lost thereby altering the intensity of pulsation. The femoral head may be felt posteriorly or anteriorly depending on the type of dislocation. A smooth round bony hard mass which moves with rotational movements of the shaft of femur is nothing but the head of femur. The medial surface of the medial femoral condyle is in the same direction as that of the head of femur. This gives a rough guidance to locate the head in an intact femur.

Neurological examination
In posterior dislocations of hip, the nerve to be commonly affected is the sciatic nerve. The common peroneal part of the sciatic nerve is most often involved than the tibial part manifesting as foot drop.
So Treat your problem of Hip Joint with Physical Therapy at Alliance Physical Therapy which is located in eight prime locations in Northern VA and DC region.http://www.alliancephysicaltherapyva.com/

Treat Spondylolysis and Spondylolisties With Physical Therapy…

SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTIES

These linked conditions generally affect your lower back but may occur in may part of your spine.Spondylolysis occurs when a defect or weakness in a vertebrae develops into a fracture. The vertebra is then at risk of slipping out of line with the vertebrae adjacent to it, leading to spondylolosthesis, which can be debilitating and painful, or may be painless and go unnoticed.

CAUSES
Spondylolysis may start with a minor crack the narrow arch of bone in a vertebra,known as the usually it is the result of a fall or due to strain and overuse .some sports such as cricket and soccer repeatedly put stress on the arches of the vertebrae ,which can lead to minor cracks or breaks.Spondylolisthesis generally develops from spondylolysis ,with the crack widening to a complete break due to further stresses and strains .This break allows the damaged vertebra to slip out of line, which can irritate the linked facet joints and ligaments and possibly trap a nerve.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
The pain from a displaced vertebra due to spondylolisthesis depends on the degree of slippage. A slight slip may cause little or no pain, while a greater degree of slippage can lead to more intense pain because of the irritation to the spinal joints and ligaments .If your nerve is trapped, there may be some pain numbness, or “pins and needless” in one or both of your legs. Your doctor will make a diagnosis through a physical examination and testing including on X-rayMRI scan and myelogram.

RISKS AND RECOVERY
Back strengthening exercises can help stabilize your posture, but where vertebrae have severely slipped, nerve entrapment can develop that may require surgery. Young people diagnosed with spondylolisthesis should avoid contact sports and activities with a high risk of back injury .A young person who is still growing should be monitored every six months, using X-rays to detect further movements and shift in the spinal column. Once growth stops, the vertebrae are unlikely to slip any farther.

Treat Herniated Disk with Physical Therapy..

Sandwiched between each of the vertebrae in your spinal column is a disk of cartilage that acts as a shock-absorbing pad. These disks have a soft, jellylike center and a tough, fibrous outer layer. A tear in this outer layer will allow some of the soft center to bulge out. This bulge on the nerve roots emerging from the spine in the region of the damaged disk.

CAUSES
Any activity that puts increased pressure on the disks of your spine can lead to a disk hemlation.This can occur in the cervical spine, or, more commonly in the lower back. He general gear and tear that comes with age can also contribute, making middle-aged people susceptible to if they bend suddenly or lift an awkward weight.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
Depending on the location of the herniated disk, symptoms can vary, but there is usually severe pain and restriction of movement. In the lower back, the pain tends to be a deep unrelenting ache, which may radiate out to your hips; groin buttocks and legs. You may also develop sciatica-a sharp pain, radiating down one leg accompanied by numbness or tingling. Herniated disks can also occur in the neck, causing severe pain that may spread into your shoulders, arms and hands, making it difficult to turn your head or move it backward or forward. You will usually feel pain in only one side of your body. Your doctor will make a diagnosis by performing a physical examination; if your symptoms persist, he may order further tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

RISK AND DISCOVERY
Recovery from a slipped disk usually takes 4-6 weeks .However if a disk herniated protrudes fully into the spinal curial; it can compress the caudal equine and damage the nerves leading to your legs, bladder and Bowles. This may result weakness and numbness in both legs and the lower part of your body, loss of bladder and bowel control, and even impotence. Although this rarely happens, it is an emergency and you should seek immediate medical help.

Arthritis Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Literally, many elder people have arthritis, but today it’s not just a problem of the old. Some forms of arthritis affect kids still in diapers, while thousands of people are suffering in the prime of their lives. The general denominator for this condition is joint and musculoskeletal pain, which are grouped together as ‘arthritis.’ Often that pain is a result of swelling of the joint liningArthritis is the most common cause of inability in the USA.

Types of Arthritis:

Arthritis is of two types. One is Osteoarthritis Arthritis and other on is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Arthritis is local or generalized degeneration of the articular cartilage and the formation of “lips and spurs” at the edges of Joints. An exaggeration of the normal aging process.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease involving the synovial membranes and the particular structures.

Symptoms:

The main symptoms of Osteoarthritis are:
• Progressive pain
• Joint enlargement
• -lived stiffness in morning
• Difficulty moving
• A grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints

The main symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are:
• Joint swells with redness and tenderness
• Symmetrical joint involvement is common
• Migrate from joint to joint
• Inflammation around the joints and in other areas

Causes:

Arthritis is cleanly defined as swelling in the joints. There are different types of arthritis, but the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritisJoint stiffness and joint pain are the two most common symptoms of arthritis. Those with arthritis may experience more than one inflamed joint. Main Causes are:
• Main Cause of this disease is Inflammation of synovial membrane tissue. This tissue lining the joints in human body and when this tissue becomes swollen, it results to severe pain and stiffness in that body part.
• Being inflexible, unwilling to change, fear, anxiety, depression, deep shock all these are Arthritis Psychological Causes.
• Poor digestion, Hyperacidity, Enzyme deficiency, Poor Skin, Kidney, Gallbladder and Liver activity, spinal imbalance causing reflex conditions as above leading t accumulated toxins which cause an inflammation reaction.
• Excessive use of Meat, soda drinks, coffee, salt, excess refined carbohydrates, sweets, raw vegetable deficiency all these cause arthritis.
• Fatigue can enhance the feeling of pain and more fatigue increase in arthritis pain.

Treatment:

• Raw Vegetable and Juice fasting is the fastest method of attaining result. Fasting period depends upon the patients and conditions and may range from 7-21 days.
• Take Raw Non Citrus Vegetarian diet and avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, sweets etc.
• And one of the best treatment for this is Physical therapy and Hydrotherapy like Hot and cold showers to stimulate general circulation and act as general tonic, Hot compress, Cabinet Bath, Sauna bath, Paraffin bath etc.
• Daily Massage with olive and peanut oil.
• Or sometimes Joint replacement surgery may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

Best treatment for arthritis is Physical exerciseLow impact aerobic exercise is best. Talk to your medical professional regarding which types of exercises are ideal for you. And people who are suffering from Arthritis due to Physiological cause they must laugh, shed their stress, loose weight, and have more intimacy with outer world. And do regular exercise.

Wrist Pain

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.

Foot Pain?

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 28 bones linked by several jointstendonsmuscles 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

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

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 physiotherapistPhysical 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.

Are you in Pain? Do You Need a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy is the procedure of analysis and healing from your injury or physical disorder. If you have an injury or infirmity that results in physical destruction or loss of function, then a physical therapist can help you. A Physiotherapist is a skilled expert to help renovate your potency, motion and activity. After understanding the mechanics of your body he designs a treatment program for you. You can learn specific stretches, exercises and other specialized techniques to recover your body. Physiotherapists make use of many different techniques to decrease your pain of your body and inflexibility. He improves motion, potency and mobility.

Physical Therapy For Low Back Pain

The most common analysis seen in several physical therapy clinics is Lower Back Pain. Mostly it happens due to poor sitting position, muscle sprain, lifting weighty objects, and forward bending. Physical therapy can help you to remain as active as possible. Low back pain can be a severe trouble and it is enormously recommended to seek advice from a physician or physiotherapist.

Physical Therapy For Knee Pain

The human knee is a hinge joint (turning point) that is comprised of the tibia (shin) and the femur (thigh). Knee Pain can be caused by repetitive trauma and twist or by wound. Occasionally it occurs for no apparent reason. When knee pain occurs, you may experience practical limitations that include difficulty in walking, rising from sitting, or going upstairs. If you refer physical therapy for the knee pain, the early visit is important to ensure correct analysis and proper supervision. During this visit, your physiotherapist will discuss with you to collect information about the history of your trouble, about the irritating and relieving factors, and about any past medical history that may give the overall problem. From the gathered information, a focused inspection will be conducted.

Physical Therapy For Hip Pain

The hip is actually close to the low back, and it can be complex to conclude if your hip pain is actually coming from hip or coming from your low back. If this pain remains for more than 2 or 3 weeks or occurs as the consequence of major trauma, a visit to a physician, physiotherapist, or healthcare provider is recommended. The physiotherapist may use physical agent like heat or ice help with inflammation. Exercises to improve hip muscle or mobility may be started. You also may have to perform movements or workout at home every day.

Physical therapy is beneficial in treating many diverse medical disorders. Sport and orthopedic injuryneurological  and muscular infirmity, cardiopulmonary diseases are only a few pathological situations in which physical therapy plays a vital treatment role.

Are you suffering from back pain? Are you looking to get rid from back pain?

Overview:

Back pain is becoming one of the most common American health problems, affecting around 80% people at some point during their lives. It could be from minor pain, regular pain to sudden become chronic and severe pain. The pain can be acute if for few days but consider chronic if more than four to six weeks.

Anatomy:

There are numerous complications on spine and complaints about back pain can be categories based on the spinal column curvature and understand the 33 vertebras. The neck pain (Cervical: 1-7 vertebras), upper back pain (Thoracic: 8 to 19 vertebras), lower back pain (lumbar: 20-25 vertebras) and tailbone (pelvic: 26-31 vertebras) and two (32-33) coccygeal vertebrae rarely focused.

Causes:

Usually, back pain originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints and some time from the other structures in the human spine. Back pain can be divided into neck painupper back pain, and lower back pain. Back pain can be occur due to various reasons like muscle strain, sprain or slipped disc. There are many causes of Back Pain but one of the most common reason of back pain is doing work with which you are not used to, like carrying heavy things,  engaging in strenuous physical work and so on.

So the most common cause in back pain is wrong posture, auto or work injury and if your cause is over-weighted then back pain can be worst.

Demography:

Mostly, younger people (30 to 60 year old) can suffer from back pain which originates from the disc space itself. Older adults (e.g. over 60) can suffer from Back Pain which is related to joint degeneration.

Diagnosis/Symptoms:

See your doctor without any delay in case of any pain in spine. Get plenty of rest and use regular an anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve pain. If your pain is severe, lost feeling see your doctor or go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 right away. X-rays is the basic option for radio-graphic assessments for low back pain. You doctor may suggest you other diagnosis in cases in of congenital defects, trauma, metastatic cancer or bone deformity as a cause of lower back pain.

Treatment and Precautions:

There are various benefits that are provided by the physical therapy and rehabilitation for back pain and other spine related problems. The goals of physical therapy are to reduce your pain, and educate you not only in your daily and work routine but also maintain treatment program so that further recurrences can be prevented. There are many different types of treatments provided by physical therapy for back pain. Actually, the physical therapist may focus on reducing pain with passive physical therapy. These are the considered passive therapies because they are done to the patient by the therapist. In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine and restore your daily routine.

If you are suffering from Back Pain and want to get rid of this Pain then search physical therapy clinic near you and consult only professional, licensed and experienced physical therapist today.

EMERGENCY

 IN CASE OF LIFE THREATENING AUTO ACCIDENT OR WORK INJURIES;
Call 911 for an ambulance right away. Do not try to drive to the emergency room, and try to move as little as possible.

HAND THERAPY

Does your hand hurt? Have you noticed symptoms of pain, discomfort, fatigue and weakness in one or both of your hands? Are your fingers locking and unable to extend, without assistance from the other hand? Have you experienced numbness and tingling that has gotten progressively worse? Does your hand feel clumsy and are you noticing that you drop things from your hand more frequently or are unable to pick up things or open containers with your hands? If so, you may be suffering from one or more of the following chronic hand and upper extremity conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, or nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Has your hand or upper extremity been affected by an accident or trauma leaving you with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, dislocations or amputations of your fingers, hand or arm? Have you undergone prolonged casting or underwent a surgical procedure? Are you now experiencing severe pain and limitations in motion and function, associated with your injuries?

Whether you are suffering from a chronic hand and upper extremity condition or recently experienced an acute injury, you may be a candidate for hand therapy. If your physician has not already recommended it, you should ask him for a referral so that you can expedite your recovery process.

What is hand therapy? Hand therapy is specialized therapy that focuses specifically on conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity. It can be performed by an Occupational Therapist or Physical therapist who has a high degree of specialization that requires continuing education and often advanced certification.

What can hand therapy do for me?
• Provide preventative , Non-operative or conservative treatment
• Manage acute or chronic pain
• Provide wound care to include care of open and or sutured wounds (prevention of infection and assistance in healing)
• Control hypertrophy (raised and/or swollen) scars or hypersensitive scars
• Reduce swelling
• Instruct in desensitization and sensory re-education following nerve injury or trauma
• Fabricate splints for prevention or correction of injury or to protect surgical sites or to increase movement
• Design and implement home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
• Train in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
• Conditioning prior to returning to work

What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A Certified Hand Therapist (C.H.T.) is an occupational/physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of hands.
They must have a minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience with at least 4,000 hours in hand therapy and have successfully challenged the Hand Therapy Certification Commission exam in order to obtain these credentials. CHT’s are dedicated professionals who have a commitment to meet the highest standards of their profession. The hand and arm have an extremely intricate anatomy and complexity. Rehabilitation of the hand and arm requires in-depth knowledge and up-to-date techniques. Certified Hand Therapists have the highest level of competence in the rehabilitation of upper extremity injuries.
Certified Hand Therapists are able to initiate treatment immediately following surgery often while stitches are still in place. Early referral to a hand therapist is effective in preventing further surgeries and obtaining an optimal outcome.

Hopefully, this information helps you to make the right decision, when consulting your medical specialist.
“Restoring life back into your hands”