How to Avoid Long Term Workstation Discomforts

In recent years, we have been hearing more and more about different computer-user related problems. Carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as some degrees of eye strain have been the prominent forerunners in the issues people have been having as a result of regular everyday use of their bodies in unnatural positions. These are not the only issues which people are subject to, however, if a workstation is not properly set up. After prolonged use of chairs with little support, keyboards which don't support hand and wrist movement, and even the awkward angles at which desks are shoved into cubicles to maximize the number of workers in a single office space, people can begin to suffer chronic long term injuries.

Kinesio Taping Helps Speed Up Recovery in Physical Therapy Patients

The history of Kinesio tape

Kinesio tape is an elastic tape that is made from a cotton strip and comes with an acrylic adhesive. This tape is commonly used to aid in the recovery of physical therapy patients.  The tape was invented in 1970 by Joseph C. Komp. During the first decade of being introduced several different practitioners used the tape for their patients.

Trigger Point Dry Needling: It’s Place in Physical Therapy

When 14 year old teenager Justin Skeesick couldn't train and play baseball competitively because of an intense pain in his pitching shoulder, his parents turned to dry needling. He first had to overcome his fear of needles but his trust in his Dad saw him through.

Overuse Tendinopathies

Overuse tendinopathies are one of the most common occurring "injuries", affecting millions of people everyday. They can occur in everyone from elite athletes to those just participating in recreational sports or even workers with repetitive job duties. Quality of life is a major issue when dealing with tendinopathy and can have an affect on more the than someone's physical well-being. It has been estimated that overuse injuries account for approximately 40% of all sports injuries.

Early Treatment by a Physical Therapist Associated with Reduced Risk of Health Care Utilization and Reduced Overall Health Care Costs

Pilates and Pelvic Heath

Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 women suffer from bowel or bladder issues? Did you also know that Pilates can help? Research indicates that specifically targeting the core musculature by performing exercises like Pilates can strengthen the supporting structures of the pelvis. This can assist in reducing symptoms associated with pelvic pain, leakage, or weakness.

Keep Low Back Pain Away

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints I am confronted with, working as a physical therapist. It is typically the result of either chronic poor posture and/or weak core strength. Both of these impairments can cause several other injuries to occur including lumbar muscle strain, disc herniations, lumbar radiculopathy, and spinal joint conditions to name a few. The low back is important because it functions to help support the weight of the upper body, and assists us in bending, twisting, extending and rotating our torso. The core muscles help maintain proper posture and stabilize the spine when walking, running, lifting, exercising, etc. So with that said, it is very important to help strengthen your core musculature and attempt to "fix" any poor postural habits to reduce the risk or even prevent the possibility of future low back injuries.

Proper Technique: Lat Pull Down

Weight lifting can be confusing. We are all guilty of performing exercises that we see the musclemen and women in the gym doing. We usually think, “if they’re doing it and look like that, it must be good, right?” Wrong! One of the most common exercises that is incorrectly performed is the lat pull down.

The Benefits of Therapy vs Cortisone Injections

The article below reviews thousands of patients with tendinopathy. Some patients received Cortisone injections and others, in the control group, either rested or received physical therapy. The results show that while Cortisone relieves pain immediately and in the short term seems to work, after six to nine months the likelihood of recurrence is 60-70%. In comparison, patients who undergo physical therapy or rest have a significantly lower incidence of recurrence.

Video Analysis in Physical Therapy

Introduction

Our Physical Therapists use video capture/playback to examine the movements that can cause injury. We can also compare and contrast healthy movement versus injured movement to guide the injured patient back to health. Slowing down an athlete's movement can pinpoint areas that need rehabilitation or improper movement patterns that may evolve into other problems.

Women's Health - Dealing with Incontinence

Introduction

Losing partial or total control of urine is not "just part of getting old" and is not normal. One in three women are affected by urinary incontinence and some women do not recognize it as a problem. Frequently women are hesitant to talk about this problem as they are often caring for others or "too busy". While medication and surgery are often viable options for treatment of this condition, a less invasive treatment option also exists. Physical therapy is a conservative treatment method for women suffering from stress, urge, mixed or overflow incontinence.

Choosing a Therapist

Common Misconceptions and Myths about Physical Therapy

Freedom of Choice: Although your physician is a highly trained and skilled professional, and he or she is looking out for your health, you are not obligated to go to any particular physical therapist. Just like anyone else, physicians may suggest someone simply because they know them socially or professionally, and that person may just be the first to come to mind. However, many options are available and, ultimately, it is up to  you to decide which physical therapist to choose.