<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Bucks County Womens Journal Archives - WWSPT.Com</title> <atom:link href="https://wwspt.com/category/bucks-county-womens-journal/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://wwspt.com/category/bucks-county-womens-journal/</link> <description>Healing, Function, Recovery, Health</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:08:01 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">215146180</site> <item> <title>Explaining Low Back Pain Beyond the Diagnosis</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-beyond-the-diagnosis/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-beyond-the-diagnosis/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:50:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[imaging studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LBP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low BackPain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opioid Epidemic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Treatment - BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4181</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Low back pain, #LBP, is one of the most common injuries people experience and get treated for in Physical Therapy. According to a study published by Georgetown University, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and some 16 million adults are limited in certain everyday activities due to chronic back pain. The […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-beyond-the-diagnosis/">Explaining Low Back Pain Beyond the Diagnosis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Low back pain, #LBP, is one of the most common injuries people experience and get treated for in <strong>Physical Therapy</strong>. According to a study published by Georgetown University, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and some 16 million adults are limited in certain everyday activities due to chronic back pain.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/LowBackPain.jpg" alt="" width="395" height="330" /></p> <p>The most common diagnoses of low back injuries seen in physical therapy are osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, strains/ sprains, disc herniations, and sciatica. These diagnoses are especially prevalent among people over the age of 40. Often, an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan is needed to confirm one of these diagnoses. However, just because one of these diagnoses is present in the lower back doesn’t mean it is the root cause of pain.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MRI.XRay_-e1507834511461.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="270" /></p> <p>Imaging does not always correlate with symptoms. In a research study published in the <em>American Journal of </em><em>Neuroradiology</em>, researchers took MRI images and CT scans of spines in groups of people ages 20 to 80 years old <strong>without pain</strong>. They found that about 37% of the 20-year-olds and approximately 96% of the 80-year-olds had disc degeneration. Researchers also found that among the 20-year-olds, about 30% had evidence of disc bulging or disc herniation, while 85% of the 80-year-olds had it. While the imaging revealed something abnormal about the participants’ spines, they did not report any pain.</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MRI-Imaging-e1507834368365.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="270" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>However, some people with one or both of these diagnoses have pain. So, what is the difference if two people have the same diagnosis, but one is experiencing pain, and the other is not?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Even though two people may have the same diagnoses, their presentation is never identical; no two people have the same medical histories, comorbidities, work conditions, personal activities, and habits. As a result of these factors, different muscles are being used more often than others, which leads to asymmetries of the body. If muscles are weak or inflexible, the other muscles of the body have to compensate for those imbalances, which results in improper movement patterns and pain.</p> <p>If there was no traumatic event like a car accident, odds are the structural change, like the disc bulge, was there long before the pain started. The area could have been irritated with a small movement, but it was enough to cause an exacerbation of symptoms. This is often true when someone suddenly falls or shovels for the first time in the season. The pain may dissipate when this acute irritation calms down, but the same disc bulge or degeneration remains. For some, though, the pain can become chronic and persistent.</p> <p>In Alie Ward’s podcast “Ologies,” the Dolorology episode, she interviews Dr. Rachel Zoffness, a pain psychologist, about chronic pain. She discusses chronic pain as “<strong>a biopsychosocial</strong><strong> phenomenon</strong>.” Pain is influenced by biomedical (i.e., structural changes to the body), psychology (i.e., trauma, depression, mood), and social factors (i.e., environment, accessibility), and all of these factors should be considered when treating chronic pain.</p> <p>Dr. Zoffness also discusses the use of opioids for <strong>chronic pain</strong>. The opioid epidemic has become a major topic because of the many overdose deaths. While these medications can block pain messages effectively, they desensitize the brain to pain and the effects of the drug. The brain gets accustomed to the medication and then demands a higher dose to decrease pain and keep it manageable. In another scenario, the pain signals can return with a vengeance if a dose is missed.</p> <p>Research shows that opioids are ineffective in long-term low back pain, but <strong>exercise </strong><strong>and activity </strong>are effective. For those who have pain with everyday tasks, their brain is very sensitive to pain because of how long pain has been present. The brain is very good about protecting the body, so it sends “danger” messages when doing tasks like unloading the dishwasher, even though they are not dangerous. So small bouts of <strong>exercise and activity </strong>lead to <strong>desensitization </strong>of the body and reteach the brain that these tasks are normal.</p> <p>Addressing the mental state is also important when dealing with long-term pain. If someone is in a bad mood or stressed out, pain can be more intense due to the brain chemicals released when he or she is not feeling good. For instance, when you’re not feeling well, your body feels so much heavier and achy. <strong>Exercise </strong>can release endorphins and dopamine to boost mood and make you feel good.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/PT-ad-ortho.png" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>So, what exercises or movements are appropriate for back pain? Physical therapists are <strong>movement</strong><strong> experts </strong>and will be able to evaluate and assess your pain. Many of the diagnoses listed earlier are treatable with physical therapy, but at WWSPT, we don’t just treat the diagnosis; we treat the person. We will evaluate your movement, strength, and flexibility. We will take into consideration your past medical and social history. From that information, we will develop a plan for you to become pain-free and return to your prior level of function.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen. PT. DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-beyond-the-diagnosis/">Explaining Low Back Pain Beyond the Diagnosis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-beyond-the-diagnosis/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4181</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:25:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[5k walk run]]></category> <category><![CDATA[9/11 heroes Run]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ankles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cardiovascular exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fever]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heart attack]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[legs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overuse injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Runners]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TMF]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travis Manion Foundation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3558</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are an experienced runner or have never participated in a 5K walk/run event, I encourage you to consider participating in the Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run. Race Day, is this Fall, on October 8th, in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA. These events are suitable for the body, mind, and spirit, as well as […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/">Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are an experienced runner or have never participated in a 5K walk/run event, I encourage you to consider participating in the Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run. Race Day, is this Fall, on October 8th, in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA. These events are suitable for the body, mind, and spirit, as well as being suitable for the broader community by creating a shared sense of purpose and engagement. Whether you run, walk, jog, or push a stroller or a wheelchair, you can participate in these family-friendly events.</p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Travis-Manion-911-Heroes-Run-2023.png" alt="Travis Manion Foundation TMF" width="300" height="295" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The exercise you get from a 5K run or walk is good because it is sustained aerobic activity which means that the exercise gets your heart rate up and keeps it up for a prolonged period, which requires your body to use more oxygen. This kind of exercise has been shown to benefit your brain, improving pain, mood, and memory.</p> <p>Your heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised to stay healthy and efficient. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Rather than exercising in isolation, it is sometimes more fun and motivating to exercise by walking or running with others, especially for a good cause.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/WWS-Training-Travis-Manion-Sept-24-2PM.jpg" alt="Training" width="800" height="534" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Whether you plan to run, walk, or jog, you might want to ensure you can go this distance before the event, especially if you haven’t run or walked much recently. Whenever you are beginning a new exercise or trying to push yourself to a new level of exercise, you want to avoid what’s called a “training error.” Training errors occur when an exercise’s intensity, duration, or frequency is progressed too quickly— such as suddenly going for a much longer run or rapidly increasing the total distance you walk or run in a week. Training errors are the most common cause of overuse injuries associated with walking and running for exercise.</p> <p>Guides such as a “couch to 5K” program are helpful to progress the workload on your body in a safe, gradual manner. These programs, which can be found online, are designed to help someone who isn’t active and gradually progress to the point of walking or running 5 kilometers.</p> <p>Another good way to minimize the risk of injury from walking or running for exercise is by performing strengthening exercises. Walking and running are exemplary forms of full-body exercise, but walking or running alone doesn’t challenge certain muscle groups that are important for keeping your legs healthy and functioning at their best. For instance, the muscles on the sides of your hip are very important for stability when landing on one leg, which you do with each step you take, but running does not target these muscles to make them grow stronger. This is why it is essential to do some strength training, even for people who just like to walk for exercise.</p> <p>Weakness in the hips can cause pain and injury around your hip, knee, or even ankle and foot. A simple hip-strengthening exercise for the hip abductors is to lie on your side and raise your leg to the sky (without letting your toes point up to the sky). You might feel this burn on the side of your hip, which is normal. If you have good strength, you should be able to do this 25 times without much difficulty.</p> <p>Another vital muscle group for walking and running is your calf muscles, especially your plantar flexors. These are muscles in the back of your calf that provide your primary source of propulsion. An excellent way to strengthen this group is by doing a heel raise: you go up onto your toes (if you can, you should do this while standing on one foot), then hold this position, up on your tip- toes, then slowly lower yourself back down. If you do this exercise with your knees straight, you work the more significant calf muscle, the gastrocnemius. If you bend your knees a little, you’ll be working on the soleus, which is the small and more profound muscle underneath.</p> <p>Some people believe that too much walking or running is terrible for your joints or can cause arthritis, but numerous studies have shown evidence to suggest otherwise. Walking and running for exercise can be beneficial for weight loss, and weight-bearing exercise can be good for your bones and joints. What’s important is that you have the proper strength and range of motion to move and support your body in the ways you want to move it.</p> <p>Suppose you are trying to get into an exercise routine or walk to improve your health and well-being but are running into pain or want guidance while you try to become more active. In that case, you might consider consulting a physical therapist. PTs are trained to appropriately progress exercise and assess the musculoskeletal system to find the causes of pain. We love to get people moving again!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Travis-Manion-2021.png" alt="Travis Manion 2021" width="801" height="703" /></p> <p>Running and walking in a group can be fun and powerful, good for the body and soul. Stop by our booth at the Heroes Run! We hope to see you there! We would love your support! (Photo 2021 TM 9/11 Heroe’s Run – a few WWSPT Team members “Vogue”)</p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt PT, DPT</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/">Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3558</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Physical Therapy Crucial for Shoulder Health</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-crucial-for-shoulder-health/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-crucial-for-shoulder-health/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:07:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Muscle Strain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[posture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shoulder Injuries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3679</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>From the current issue, the Bucks County Women’s Journal, BCWJ, article by Dr. Amanda Nguyen, PT, DPT, at WWSPT Before you even “start your day,” you have used your shoulders countless times. Your shoulders are moving in many directions to allow you to complete your normal activities. You use your shoulders and arms to get […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-crucial-for-shoulder-health/">Physical Therapy Crucial for Shoulder Health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From the current issue, the Bucks County Women’s Journal, <strong>BCWJ,</strong> article by Dr. Amanda Nguyen, PT, DPT, at <strong>WWSPT</strong></p> <p>Before you even “start your day,” you have used your shoulders countless times. Your shoulders are moving in many directions to allow you to complete your normal activities. You use your shoulders and arms to get out of bed, wash your body and hair in the shower, do your hygiene, and get dressed. Physical therapy can keep your shoulders healthy.</p> <p>The shoulder is a complex joint composed of many components that work together to make your arm move. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint made from the scapula, the shoulder blade, and the head of the humerus— the long arm bone. The clavicle, or the collar bone, is also part of the shoulder and contributes to shoulder stability and function. The shoulder blade lies over the ribs and acts as a base for the shoulder, especially for overhead movements and activities. Problems with any shoulder complex component can lead to shoulder function problems.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Shoulder-Dr.-Amanda-Nguyen-PT-DPT.png" alt="" /></p> <p>The shoulder moves in all different directions more than any other joint in your body. The shoulder allows the arm to go up and down like when you are reaching, sideways, forward, and backward, across the body and away from the body, and to rotate when throwing. With this freedom of movement, the shoulder needs stability. This stability prevents excessive movements and prevents injury and pain.</p> <p>Muscles are a big part of providing stability. Muscles attach to the bone via tendons. There are at least 16 muscles that provide stability and normal movement for the shoulder. The muscles’ adequate strength will allow joint mobility and stability and promote vital bone health. A few main muscle groups are especially important stabilizers, often not targeted in traditional workouts.</p> <p>The first major muscle group is the rotator cuffs. You have four rotator cuff muscles: the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These muscles run along your scapula and attach to the head of the humerus, which allows you to throw a ball or wash dishes.</p> <p>These muscles mainly provide rotation of the shoulder, known as internal and external rotation, though they also help in many other motions. In addition to providing movement, they are dynamic stabilizers. As the shoulder moves, the rotator cuff assists with keeping the “ball” moving within the socket while preventing excessive movement and translation within the joint.</p> <p>The second major muscle group is the postural stabilizers which include muscles of the scapulothoracic complex. These muscles assist in the movement and stability of the scapula and contribute to postural stability. You can get up from the floor or hold a plank position with these muscles.</p> <p>Posture is an essential factor in shoulder health. Good alignment is the most efficient for shoulder movement. Try this: sit in your poorest posture with your head forward, a rounded back, and shoulders, and try to lift your arm. Now try sitting nice and upright with your head.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-crucial-for-shoulder-health/">Physical Therapy Crucial for Shoulder Health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-crucial-for-shoulder-health/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3679</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:31:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Balanec Awareness Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3555</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you have something to lean on to get into the store.</p> <p>These are all typical behaviors reported in our physical therapy clinic. Not all patients come to us because they have vertigo or are spinning. Many people who arrive at our clinic report limiting their social activities and the hobbies they enjoy due to feeling less confident on their feet. Not all have fallen; some just experience stumbling and tripping at times.</p> <p>Balance, your body’s ability to keep your center of mass over your support base, is something we often take for granted until we struggle with it. Physical therapy can be beneficial in restoring your balance when it is compromised.</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Balance-Vision-Propreoceptors-Vestibular--scaled.jpeg" alt="" /></p> <p>Our bodies rely on peripheral feedback systems to give the brain the information it needs to stay upright and avoid falling. The three sensory systems include our vision, proprioception, and vestibular systems.</p> <p>First, let’s discuss the role your vision plays in balance. Your brain relies on this to learn how your body fits in the surrounding environment. For example, if you see people coming toward you or the ground is uneven up ahead, adjust accordingly.</p> <p>Next, you rely on information from your proprioceptors. These are the sensors in your joints, muscles, and skin that provide information to your brain about where your body is in space. Let’s pretend you are walking down a slope right now. Pressure from your shoe against your foot, a stretch to the muscles in front of your lower leg, and a slight bend in your knee inform your brain that you are on a decline. Someone with peripheral neuropathy, an artificial joint, or an injury can have impaired proprioceptive feedback.</p> <p>Lastly, the vestibular system also provides your brain with information about your movement in space. This is found in your ear, beyond the eardrum. The system has five end organs, including the utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals. The utricle and saccule have small hair cells that detect horizontal and vertical acceleration, such as riding in a car or going up an elevator.</p> <p>The fluid-filled semicircular canals detect rotational movement in different planes. When your head turns, the left and right vestibular systems generate an impulse based on the fluid shift. This impulse travels to the brainstem and directs the appropriate muscular and visual responses that keep you moving smoothly. When both the left and right vestibular systems are healthy and work together, these adjustments are typically not noticed. But people with damage or weakness in one or both vestibular systems may feel unsteady on their feet, dizzy, or disoriented (as if their eyes are bouncing).</p> <p>When patients arrive at WWSPT with complaints of unsteadiness, we look at their whole medical picture. We thoroughly review their history to identify variables that may be influencing their balance. Do they have chronic back pain or diabetes that may impair their sensation? Have they been on medications that may impact the function of their vestibular system? Are they smokers, have they experienced migraines, and have trouble multitasking? These are just a few questions we may ask that are extremely helpful in identifying possible contributing causes to patients’ imbalance.</p> <p>After reviewing their history, we evaluate how they move. Is one hip weaker than the other? Are stairs difficult? Is there a difference when walking on a smooth indoor surface and going outside? Do busy environments suddenly make them reach for support?</p> <p>Next, we thoroughly evaluate their vestibular system and how the vestibular ocular reflex or VOR reflex works. We screen them for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and evaluate their balance statically and dynamically.</p> <p>First-time patients may feel intimidated by the “strange” exercises they see other patients doing in the gym. Our expertise in balance training allows us to incorporate patients’ individual goals into their therapy. Patients who struggle with talking to their friends while on a walk may be asked to walk, turn their heads, and simultaneously list their weekly grocery items. A hiker, who misses walking in the woods, may find him or herself stepping across our river rocks while wearing a weighted vest. We like to keep it interesting!</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/do-you-suffer-from-Dizziness-.png" alt="" /></p> <p>If you have noticed something doesn’t quite feel right in your movement, do not simply accept imbalance as a part of aging. If left untreated, this could lead to a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults over 65. Enhancing your balance system through physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and the quality of life you enjoy. Be your advocate. Please get in touch with WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA., for your balance assessment and treatment plan!</p> <p>Dr. Jenna L. McLane, PT, DPT,</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3555</post-id> </item> <item> <title>The 3Ds: Diagnostic Dilemma of Dizziness</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/the-3ds-diagnostic-dilemma-of-dizziness/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/the-3ds-diagnostic-dilemma-of-dizziness/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:46:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Epley maneuver]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3426</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Our latest article in the Bucks County Women’s Journal, BCWJ, April – May Helping people resolve Vertigo and Dizziness symptoms is my passion. For the past 30 years at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA. (WWSPT), I have had the privilege of helping thousands of community members alleviate these symptoms. Over the past […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/the-3ds-diagnostic-dilemma-of-dizziness/">The 3Ds: Diagnostic Dilemma of Dizziness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our latest article in the Bucks County Women’s Journal, BCWJ, April – May</p> <p>Helping people resolve Vertigo and Dizziness symptoms is my passion. For the past 30 years at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA. (WWSPT), I have had the privilege of helping thousands of community members alleviate these symptoms.</p> <p>Over the past few decades, the field of Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) has dramatically expanded. Many more researchers are brilliantly discovering new and effective treatment advances to help physical therapists diagnose and care for patients suffering from Vestibular Dysfunction. To provide our clients with the best care, I strive to stay current on new studies involving vestibular diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Migraine, Meniere’s disease, and Balance issues. How we evaluate our patients to achieve an accurate vestibular diagnosis is essential to their recovery. My staff shares this passion, and we work together to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.</p> <p>What is the Vestibular System? The inner ear is a tiny but complex neural structure that coordinates with our eyes to create a clear vision, guide our muscles and postural system to help us move about with good balance, and let our brain know our direction. The semicircular canals are like a gyroscope sensing rotation, and the otoliths sense acceleration and tilting. Together, they allow us to walk, run, and play without thinking about it.</p> <p>When Vestibular Dysfunction occurs, patients have symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, nausea, and falling. They have difficulty moving and feel poorly. Many vestibular system disorders occur together, including the most common problem, BPPV, which often follows an attack of vestibular neuritis. Meniere’s disease and vestibular migraine have similar tinnitus symptoms, headaches, and vertigo attacks lasting 2 to 24 hours. These symptoms cause imbalance and distress for patients.</p> <p>Patients have a variety of symptoms on a given day, making it difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose which type of vestibular disorder is plaguing them. With 30 years of experience in the VR field, I often see patients who have been to 4 to 5 physicians or had several ER visits because of acute vertigo,, which can present as a stroke with sudden onset. The most common disorder, BPPV, is far from benign to these patients suffering from debilitating or even disabling symptoms of spinning, nausea, vomiting, and imbalance.</p> <p>At this point, when physicians refer dizzy patients to WWSPT, patients are frustrated and have begun to limit their lifestyle to avoid activities that they believe have caused an attack in the past. For example, patients avoid sleeping on a particular side because rolling to that side caused a vertigo attack three years ago. Simple avoidances for fear of triggering another episode can shrink their world.</p> <p>Our role as specialists in Vestibular Rehabilitation is to become a detective. Not the type you see on TV that finds the killer or the stolen property, but a medical detective who works with your physicians to gather history and information about the tests performed. We do this by taking a detailed account and listening to a patient’s description of episodes. During the evaluation, we piece together bits of information and have the ability to connect certain things that may impact symptoms, such as stress and sleep. We may also help patients correlate other symptoms that could be related to their dizziness. For example, patients might not realize that their headaches or tinnitus are related to their episodes of vertigo. Connecting the evident and not-so-obvious dots will help determine tests to perform.</p> <p>We have several types of technology to assist us. The first is called a Videonystagmoscope; an infrared video camera placed on the patient’s eyes within goggles. These goggles allow observation of the eyes’ nystagmus patterns during an exam, such as the Hallpike Dix positional test. While wearing the goggles, the patient only sees darkness, which gives us a different view of how the eyes and nervous system work in the dark compared to room light.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wendy-demonstrates-BPPV-Lens.png" alt="" width="1772" height="1228" /></p> <p>Interpretation of nystagmus takes skill and experience since no two patients are the same and vestibular disorders commonly overlap. The video of the nystagmus pattern is crucial in helping us discern one vestibular disorder from another and determine whether the brain is more involved than the inner ear. For BPPV, the infrared goggles diagnose which of the three semicircular canals is causing vertigo. They help therapists accurately perform treatment with maneuvers such as the Epley. The technology allows us to see if our treatment choice is patients referred by other physicians by watching the nystagmus pattern during maneuvers.</p> <p>Another helpful technology is the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) which looks at the patient’s eyes in room light and measures the eyes’ reflexive response to quick head movements. It screens for vestibular disorders and can help diagnose inner-ear issues from central pathways of the brain linked to the ear. The information from this testing can help therapists adjust their treatment to allow patients the best recovery.</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/do-you-suffer-from-Dizziness-.png" alt="" /></p> <p>My colleagues and I at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA., are specialists in diagnosing and treating all vestibular disorders. The key is a thorough history and clinical exam, coupled with the latest technology to provide an accurate diagnosis and ensure we choose the best options for recovery. Please find more information about WWSPT on our website at <a href="http://www.wwspt.com/">www.wwspt.com.</a></p> <p>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy & Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3242</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/the-3ds-diagnostic-dilemma-of-dizziness/">The 3Ds: Diagnostic Dilemma of Dizziness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/the-3ds-diagnostic-dilemma-of-dizziness/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3426</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Explaining Low Back Pain: More Than the Diagnosis</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-more-than-the-diagnosis/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-more-than-the-diagnosis/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2022 12:00:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cervical retraction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cervical spine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LBP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3366</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>From our latest article in The Bucks County Women’s Journal, #BCWJ Winter is here, which means Snow… while it is beautiful and fun for some… it can lead to certain injuries for others. People can get injured from slipping and falling on ice, from shoveling snow, or even due to just being inactive because of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-more-than-the-diagnosis/">Explaining Low Back Pain: More Than the Diagnosis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From our latest article in The Bucks County Women’s Journal, #BCWJ</p> <p>Winter is here, which means Snow… while it is beautiful and fun for some… it can lead to certain injuries for others. People can get injured from slipping and falling on ice, from shoveling snow, or even due to just being inactive because of the cold weather. A common injury due to snow and winter is low back pain. Low back pain, #LBP, is one of the most common injuries people experience and get treated for in <strong>Physical Therapy</strong>.</p> <p>According to a study published by Georgetown University, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and some 16 million adults are limited in certain everyday activities due to chronic back pain.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/LowBackPain.jpg" alt="" width="395" height="330" /></p> <p>The most common diagnoses related to low back injuries seen in physical therapy are osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, strains/ sprains, disc herniations, and sciatica. These diagnoses are especially prevalent among people over the age of 40. To confirm one of these diagnoses, often an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan is needed. However, just because one of these diagnoses is present in the low back, that doesn’t mean it is the root cause of pain.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MRI.XRay_-e1507834511461.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="270" /></p> <p>Imaging does not always correlate with symptoms. In a research study published in the <em>American Journal of </em><em>Neuroradiology</em>, researchers took MRI images and CT scans of spines in groups of people ages 20 to 80 years old <strong>without pain</strong>. What they found was that about 37% of the 20-year- olds and approximately 96% of the 80-year-olds had disc degeneration. Researchers also found that among the 20-year- olds, about 30% had evidence of disc bulging or disc herniation, while 85% of the 80-year-olds had it. While the imaging revealed something abnormal about the participants’ spines, they did not report any pain.</p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MRI-Imaging-e1507834368365.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="270" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>However, there are people with one or both of these diagnoses who do have pain. So, if two people have the same diagnosis, but one is experiencing pain and the other is not, what is the difference?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Even though two people may have the same diagnoses, their presentation is never identical; no two people have the same medical histories, comorbidities, work conditions, personal activities, and habits. As a result of these factors, different muscles are being used more often than others, which leads to asymmetries of the body. If muscles are weak or inflexible, the other muscles of the body have to compensate for those imbalances, which results in improper movement patterns and pain.</p> <p>If there was not a traumatic event like a car accident, odds are the structural change like the disc bulge was there long before the pain started. The area could have been irritated with a small movement, but it was enough to cause an exacerbation of symptoms. This is often true when someone suddenly falls or shovels for the first time in the season. When this acute irritation calms down, the pain may dissipate, but the same disc bulge or degeneration is still present. For some, though, the pain can become chronic and persistent.</p> <p>In Alie Ward’s podcast “Ologies,” the episode titled Dolorology, she interviews Dr. Rachel Zoffness, a pain psychologist, about chronic pain. She discusses chronic pain as “<strong>a biopsychosocial</strong><strong> phenomenon</strong>.” Pain is influenced by biomedical (i.e., structural changes to the body), psychology (i.e., trauma, depression, mood), and social factors (i.e., environment, accessibility), and all of these factors should be considered when treating chronic pain.</p> <p>Dr. Zoffness also discusses the use of opioids for <strong>chronic pain</strong>. The opioid epidemic has become a major topic because of the very high number of deaths related to overdoses. While these medications can block pain messages effectively, they desensitize the brain to pain and the effects of the drug. The brain gets accustomed to the medication and then demands a higher dose to decrease pain and keep it manageable. In another scenario, if a dose is missed, the pain signals can come back with a vengeance.</p> <p>Research shows that opioids are not effective in treating low back pain long-term, but <strong>exercise </strong><strong>and activity </strong>are effective. For those who have pain with everyday tasks, their brain is very sensitive to pain because of how long pain has been present. The brain is very good about protecting the body, so it sends “danger” messages when doing tasks like unloading the dishwasher even though they are not dangerous. So small bouts of <strong>exercise and activity </strong>lead to <strong>desensitization </strong>of the body and reteach the brain that these tasks are normal.</p> <p>Addressing the mental state is also important when dealing with long-term pain. If someone is in a bad mood or stressed out, pain can be more intense due to the brain chemicals released when he or she is not feeling good. For instance, when you’re not feeling well, your body feels so much heavier and achy. <strong>Exercise </strong>can release endorphins and dopamine to boost mood and make you feel good.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/PT-ad-ortho.png" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>So, what exercises or movements are appropriate for back pain? Physical therapists are <strong>movement</strong><strong> experts </strong>and will be able to evaluate and assess your pain. Many of the diagnoses listed earlier are treatable with physical therapy, but at WWSPT we don’t just treat the diagnosis, we treat the person. We will evaluate your movement, strength, and flexibility. We will take into consideration your past medical and social history. From that information, we will develop a plan for you to become pain-free and return to your prior level of function.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen. PT. DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-more-than-the-diagnosis/">Explaining Low Back Pain: More Than the Diagnosis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/explaining-low-back-pain-more-than-the-diagnosis/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3366</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Overuse Injuries Are A Common Part of Training</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/overuse-injuries-are-a-common-part-of-training/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/overuse-injuries-are-a-common-part-of-training/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2021 19:19:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[9/11 heroes Run]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Muscle Strain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TMF]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travis Manion Foundation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3211</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The fall is a wonderful time for outdoor sports. The air is cooling off, the mornings are crisp, and the leaves are beginning to change to beautiful autumn colors. The improved weather conditions often lead to a lot of increased outdoor activities such as running, hiking, biking, and long walks for many who spent the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/overuse-injuries-are-a-common-part-of-training/">Overuse Injuries Are A Common Part of Training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The fall is a wonderful time for outdoor sports. The air is cooling off, the mornings are crisp, and the leaves are beginning to change to beautiful autumn colors. The improved weather conditions often lead to a lot of increased outdoor activities such as running, hiking, biking, and long walks for many who spent the dog days of summer in the comfort of their air conditioner.</p> <p>Increased movement is a great way to improve overall health. Unfortunately for some; the good intentions of going the extra mile can at times lead to pain. Pain is a very normal part of life and is not always something to be afraid of but when pain interferes with your daily function and ability to participate in your preferred form of exercise it is time to see your physical therapist.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Retirement-active.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Most of the time pain with exercise develops when we begin training either too much, too fast, or a combination of both. We have a timeline to prepare for an event and we want to get to that finish line, literally.</p> <p> </p> <p>Often the first response, when pain is present, is to rest. In some instances, rest is appropriate, but our ultimate goal is to keep our bodies moving as they heal. If your pain persists or alters your movements then an evaluation with your physical therapist is warranted before these altered mechanics become another source of pain altogether.</p> <p> </p> <p>Many are familiar with the term tendonitis or tendinosis. The mechanism of injury for these inflammatory type conditions often results from a small discomfort that we try to work through to some extent. With this pain comes changes in how we move and often asymmetry in muscle partnerships around the irritated area putting increased stress or burden on one region, which can lead to inflamed tissue. When this inflammation is acute we use the term tendonitis. When it is more chronic, we prefer tendonosis.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our job as physical therapists is to assess this area of pain and try to reduce the discomfort first and foremost. At the same time, we also are looking at the muscles and joints surrounding the area in order to identify what factors may have predisposed this issue to become painful in the first place.</p> <p> </p> <p>An example of this might be a runner who complains of low back pain. We want to give those individuals strategies to decrease their pain both in therapy and at home when the pain is present. During that evaluation, we may also identify that this pain is stemming from the increased load at the spine during impact due to weak hip extensors and tight hip flexors, or tight hamstrings and a weak core.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LBP-standing-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="534" height="800" /></p> <p>Once the problem is identified we come up with a plan for that person. Our goal is to teach the individual exercises and strategies to mitigate their pain. We also try to reduce the recurrence of their pain through specific strengthening and stretching exercises as they increase their activity levels. This plan may also include education about their technique for certain tasks such as squatting, stairs, running, etc.</p> <p> </p> <p>It is also important that we set very realistic expectations with our patients. We want to help them to be better connected to their body’s signals. If a patient is new to exercise or athletics it may take him or her, time to realize that some degree of discomfort is normal as they push their exercise routine further and work toward their goals.</p> <p> </p> <p>We also want them to learn what their red flags are, and when to back off and modify what they are doing so that they can find a way to stay active without feeling like they are taking two steps backward.</p> <p> </p> <p>One major motivator for movement this time of the year is all of the great charity races and fundraising runs that come up. These events push many of us out of our comfort zones and onto the pavement. Every year our WWS physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation practice, Doylestown, PA., look forward to participating in the Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TMF-Apparel-Assets-01-CircleBadge-Black-6.png" alt="" /></p> <p>Hearing the stories of our Veterans and the family members of those honored on that day is enough to make us all want to push a little harder. Witnessing the tremendous amounts of perseverance and determination by all on that day is truly inspiring and part of why we keep coming back to Honor The Heroes and participate in the 5k run for 9/11 Heroes.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wall-of-Heroes-21.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>This event is a perfect example of the determination of the human spirit and obstacles overcome.</p> <p>We hope to see all of you out there for this wonderful cause, whether walking, running, or cheering on friends and family, and if you are feeling your body talk to you as race day approaches, or even afterward then visit us for an assessment at WWSPT.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Jenna McLane PT DPT,<br /> WWS physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/overuse-injuries-are-a-common-part-of-training/">Overuse Injuries Are A Common Part of Training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/overuse-injuries-are-a-common-part-of-training/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3211</post-id> </item> <item> <title>COVID-19 and Dizziness</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/covid-19-and-dizziness/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/covid-19-and-dizziness/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:06:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19 Vaccine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headache]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Migraines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3153</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our day-to-day lives for the past year. The virus is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Its rapid spread caused over 4 million deaths around the globe, changing the landscape of medicine forever. Although the clinical features observed in COVID-19 patients mostly affect the respiratory and circulatory systems, there is mounting […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/covid-19-and-dizziness/">COVID-19 and Dizziness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>COVID-19 </strong>pandemic has changed our day-to-day lives for the past year. The virus is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (<strong>SARS-</strong><strong>CoV-2</strong>). Its rapid spread caused over 4 million deaths around the globe, changing the landscape of medicine forever.</p> <p>Although the clinical features observed in COVID-19 patients mostly affect the respiratory and circulatory systems, there is mounting evidence about the neurological manifestations that impact nearly 30% of COVID-19 patients.</p> <p>Common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, fatigue, body aches, and G.I. distress. Neurological symptoms reported in 30% of patients include loss of smell, loss of taste, migraine headaches, and dizziness. This is not surprising since dizziness is associated with viral infections of the inner ear.</p> <p><strong>Dizziness </strong>is a broad term and can mean different things to different patients. Dizziness described as lightheadedness can mean feeling like you are about to faint or feel unsteady when walking. In a study by Viola et al, 18% of COVID-19 patients complained of dizziness. Of those patients, 8% experienced lightheadedness, 8% had imbalance with walking, and 2% felt the true spinning of vertigo. In the study, 23% of patients reported symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ear), which was intermittent or constant in nature.</p> <p>Is <strong>dizziness </strong>specifically caused by a COVID-19 infection? The quarantine lifestyle that we have been forced to adopt over the last year may also be a factor. The change in normal activity levels has specifically affected our senior population, which was most at risk. They went out much less, limiting their activities to walking around their home—for less than when they were out and about in their communities prior to the pandemic. The reduced socialization activities such as going to the food store, walking around a shop, going to the doctor’s office, and visiting with the family have taken their toll on the senior population, leading to decreased endurance for ambulation and reduced strength. For a population already prone to falls, this consequence of the pandemic can put seniors at higher risk of falling.</p> <p>In addition, patients who did contract COVID-19 may have impaired breathing, which can cause patients to feel lightheaded with exertion. Inadequate circulation due to COVID-related cardiac problems can cause low blood pressure and impair the amount of oxygen circulated to the brain, which leads to dizziness. These patients would benefit from a supervised exercise program to work on endurance and balance, which can be provided by a Physical Therapist.</p> <p><strong><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/COVIZ-and-Dizzy.jpg" alt="" /><br /> Vertigo and Migraine Headaches<br /> </strong><strong>Vertigo</strong>, a false sense of movement with spinning and feeling off-balance, is something that we commonly treat at WWSPT. We specialize in the care of disorders related to the vestibular system—most commonly vertigo. Since the pandemic began, we have seen an increase in vertigo-associated disorders and migraine-associated vertigo referred to our clinic. Many vertigo-related disorders are in post- COVID patients.</p> <p><strong>BPPV</strong>, a mechanical disorder of the inner ear where crystals are displaced causing acute vertigo, may develop within weeks after a COVID-19 infection, manifesting with short attacks of vertigo and spinning with associated nausea and vomiting. Vestibular Rehabilitation is effective in the treatment of BPPV, with maneuvers designed to move displaced crystals back to the proper place in the inner ear and reduce vertigo attacks.</p> <p><strong>Headache </strong>has been reported as the first symptom in 26% of people with COVID-19, and it presented within 24 hours for 62% of people with the virus. One-quarter of these patients have a headache that resembles a migraine, and 54% experience what resembles a tension-type headache.</p> <p><strong><br /> Migraine headaches </strong>are a common neurological symptom, and changes in lifestyle due to the pandemic can influence the frequency of migraines and headaches. Changes in our work settings and hours, increases in screen time at home, increases in stress, and disruption in sleep, and regular exercise patterns all affect the frequency of migraines. Working at temporary desks and using poor posture can lead to tension headaches and cervical pain. In the early months of the pandemic, we saw many patients in the clinic for whom we were able to help make simple adjustments to their work-from-home setup to reduce migraine headaches.</p> <p><strong><br /> A vestibular migraine </strong>is a common form of migraine that doesn’t always have a headache associated with it but can have other vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and imbalance which are just as disabling as a headache. Many of the same triggers for migraine headaches can cause a vestibular migraine, but it is not as well recognized.</p> <p>In a small set of post- COVID patients, headaches seem to linger long after the illness is over. They may benefit from pharmacological interventions and should see a neurologist for consultation.</p> <p>An acute vestibular presentation in COVID-19 patients is “<strong>COVID-19 induced neuritis</strong>” of the vestibular nerve. These patients have sudden-onset severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking, without typical symptoms of fever or cough. These patients often need hospitalization and medical management before getting referred to vestibular rehabilitation.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Do-you-suffer-from-dizziness.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p><strong>Vestibular rehabilitation </strong>is effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo, visual-head motion sensitivity, and motion sickness. Exercise programs are designed to help overcome the false perception of movement due to errors in signals between the inner ear and the brain and to regain normal balance reactions. Coronavirus has challenged our lifestyles, health, and emotional well-being. Medical professionals and researchers continue to gather new information about the COVID-19 virus and how to manage post- COVID symptoms. Lingering symptoms of COVID such as dizziness, pain, and shortness of breath can continue to disrupt your life and limit you from returning to your normal activities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider a consultation at WWSPT with our Vestibular Physical Therapists.</p> <p> </p> <p>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS, at<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA., 215-489-3234, wwspt@wwspt.com</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/covid-19-and-dizziness/">COVID-19 and Dizziness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/covid-19-and-dizziness/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3153</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>