<?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>orthopedic treatment Archives - WWSPT.Com</title> <atom:link href="https://wwspt.com/category/orthopedic-treatment/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://wwspt.com/category/orthopedic-treatment/</link> <description>Healing, Function, Recovery, Health</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:04:23 +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>Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:02:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[acute care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Combined Sections Metting (CMS)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[long COVID]]></category> <category><![CDATA[neurology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pelvic Floor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4356</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, Massachusetts, last month. CSM is a yearly conference held over multiple days where thousands of physical therapists worldwide meet and share the latest technology and research. Educational sessions last about two hours each, with endless daily poster presentations. Topics […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/">Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in Boston, Massachusetts, last month. CSM is a yearly conference held over multiple days where thousands of physical therapists worldwide meet and share the latest technology and research.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CMS_Mtg_Classroom.jpg " alt="" width="640" height="800" /></p> <p>Educational sessions last about two hours each, with endless daily poster presentations. Topics included orthopedics, pelvic floor, acute care, neurology, and vestibular. I attended various vestibular courses over the two days I was there. I sat in lectures held by some of the most innovative heads of the vestibular world, like Dr. Susan Whitney (University of Pittsburgh), Dr. Barry Semongal (Imperial College London), Dr. Janet Helmeinski (Rosalind Franklin University) and Dr. Janene Holmberg (Intermountain Healthcare out of Salt Lake, Utah).</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CMS_Boston_2024.jpg" alt="" width="619" height="800" /></p> <p>They spoke about various vestibular topics, such as the latest BPPV research, treatment of different types of BPPV, chronic dizziness, and even appropriate treatment for dizziness from long COVID.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hemanski_Ostroski.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="341" /></p> <p>I learned so much from this esteemed group and was excited to take the knowledge back to WWSPT, where I can share it with my colleagues and use it to treat my patients.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen, 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/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/">Physical Therapy Technology and Research Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-technology-and-research-combined-sections-meeting-csm/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4356</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Exercises to Try for a Healthy Spine</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/exercises-to-try-for-a-healthy-spine/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/exercises-to-try-for-a-healthy-spine/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:48:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[back flexibility]]></category> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LBP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low BackPain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lumbar spine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[posture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4295</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Here are some simple exercises to maintain or improve your back flexibility and decrease back pain. Aerobic exercise: take a short walk daily to interrupt sitting, take long strides, and keep your head and eyes up. When you wake in the morning, do some simple spinal exercises to loosen up the joints and muscles around […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/exercises-to-try-for-a-healthy-spine/">Exercises to Try for a Healthy Spine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are some simple exercises to maintain or improve your back flexibility and decrease back pain.</p> <p>Aerobic exercise: take a short walk daily to interrupt sitting, take long strides, and keep your head and eyes up.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Walking-long-stride.jpg" alt="" width="501" height="803" /></p> <p>When you wake in the morning, do some simple spinal exercises to loosen up the joints and muscles around the spine. Repeat these throughout the day.</p> <p>Try flexion: knee-to-chest exercises or child’s pose yoga stretches to open the vertebra and stretch muscles. When you stand, bend over and touch your toes slowly several times. This flexes your spine and improves the flexibility of the hamstrings and buttocks.</p> <p> </p> <p>Try extension: Physical therapists call this exercise a press-up, or in yoga, it’s called an upward dog pose. While lying prone (on your stomach), use your arms and hands at shoulder level to press the chest up to arch the back, letting the hips sag toward the ground. Hold this for about 10 seconds, then return to lying flat. Alternately, when you stand, place your hands in the small of the back and lean backward in an arching motion, hold for 5-10 seconds, and repeat at least five times. This is good to repeat throughout the day to offset prolonged sitting.</p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Extention-exercise.png" alt="" width="728" height="561" />Physical therapy is known to be valuable and effective in managing acute and chronic low back pain, and recent studies suggest that therapy could be most beneficial when used earlier in the care process. Ask your primary care provider about coming to see WWSPT’s skilled clinicians and choose physical therapy first in your care.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/exercises-to-try-for-a-healthy-spine/">Exercises to Try for a Healthy Spine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/exercises-to-try-for-a-healthy-spine/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4295</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Lifestyle changes PTs recommend to prevent or manage Lower Back Pain</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/lifestyle-changes-pts-recommend-to-prevent-or-manage-lower-back-pain/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/lifestyle-changes-pts-recommend-to-prevent-or-manage-lower-back-pain/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:02:49 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ergonomic chair]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LBP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lumbar lordosis support]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Musculoskeletal Issues]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[postural alignment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[posture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[spine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4284</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>What lifestyle changes would PTs recommend to prevent or manage Lower Back Pain (LBP)? Physical Therapists assess lifestyle risk factors that might predispose or aggravate LBP and educate patients about better choices. The most common adjustment is to be aware of sitting with good postural alignment, avoiding slouching, and actively sitting up straight. Sitting and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/lifestyle-changes-pts-recommend-to-prevent-or-manage-lower-back-pain/">Lifestyle changes PTs recommend to prevent or manage Lower Back Pain</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What lifestyle changes would PTs recommend to prevent or manage Lower Back Pain (LBP)?</p> <p>Physical Therapists assess lifestyle risk factors that might predispose or aggravate LBP and educate patients about better choices. The most common adjustment is to be aware of sitting with good postural alignment, avoiding slouching, and actively sitting up straight. Sitting and scrolling on our phones is a good example where slouching is common, i.e., head down, shoulders rounded, and spine flexed. Try sitting up straight and gazing down at your phone instead.</p> <p>Avoid being sedentary. Prolonged sitting is common in many offices or work-from-home settings but is easily corrected with an ergonomic chair and lumbar lordosis support to create an extension of the spine as you lean back in the chair. For those at a computer, using a standing desk intermittently throughout the day is an effective way to decrease time spent sitting. When your work day ends, avoid sitting. Yes, you can lie on the couch and unload your spine!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-big-slouch.png" alt="" width="801" height="535" /></p> <p>Often, people sit slouched without pain, but when they go to get up, they have trouble straightening without pain because the tissues of the spine are overstretched into the flexed or slouched posture and are strained. When this happens, it’s good to do some backward bending and walk with long strides to balance the spine with some extension movements.</p> <p>Driving long distances can cause the same symptoms, so ensuring your vehicle’s seating alignment is the best for your size and height is important. Cars often have lumbar support built into the seat, which you can adjust for comfort. Another trick is to make sure you sit straight, then align your rear-view and side mirror so when you start to slouch, you won’t be able to see your mirrors, and it will be a reminder to use good posture. Luckily, today, our cars remember these settings for us!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Car-Posture.png" alt="" width="799" height="533" /></p> <p>Use proper body mechanics when lifting objects from the floor. A straight back and bent knees are best to prevent lumbar muscle strains or spinal strains. Proper sit-to-stand movement is very helpful, and I find I need to teach this to patients with any lower leg or lumbar problem. Commonly, people round forward and stay flexed to stand; however, to stand properly, you should look up, erect, and lift with your hips and legs.</p> <p>Walking is good for your back, so take a short walk before or after a meal or lunch break. Other factors that lower the risk for LBP include maintaining good health habits of aerobic exercise training, whether walking daily or getting to a gym 3-4 times a week performing strengthening and aerobic exercise. Keeping your weight in the normal range and avoiding smoking are additional factors that reduce risk.</p> <p>Physical therapy involves patient education, manual therapies, and strengthening exercises that focus on trunk muscle activation and building endurance to reduce pain. Physical therapy is known to be valuable and effective in managing acute and chronic low back pain, and recent studies suggest it is most beneficial when used earlier in the care process. Ask your primary care provider about coming to see WWSPT’s skilled clinicians and <strong>choose physical therapy first</strong> in your care.</p> <p>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.<br /> 215-489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/lifestyle-changes-pts-recommend-to-prevent-or-manage-lower-back-pain/">Lifestyle changes PTs recommend to prevent or manage Lower Back Pain</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/lifestyle-changes-pts-recommend-to-prevent-or-manage-lower-back-pain/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4284</post-id> </item> <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 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 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 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>. 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 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, 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>Treat Your Tendons Well</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:08:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tendonitis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tendonitis.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tendons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tennis Elbow]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4168</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Your tendons have the important job of connecting your muscles to your bones. Without tendons, your muscles would contract but not actually move or stabilize your body. As physical therapists, we often help unhappy people with unhappy tendons become happier. Having healthy and “happy” tendons means they can tolerate the loads put on them by […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/">Treat Your Tendons Well</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your <strong>tendons</strong> have the important job of connecting your muscles to your bones. Without tendons, your muscles would contract but not actually move or stabilize your body. As physical therapists, we often help unhappy people with unhappy tendons become happier. Having healthy and “happy” tendons means they can tolerate the loads put on them by muscles.</p> <p>Like other tissues in our body, tendons respond to the forces and stresses we put on them. If you don’t use certain muscles very often, their tendons will grow relatively weaker and less able to tolerate heavier use. If there is a sudden increase in the use of a tendon beyond what it is used to, it might become inflamed. This is what we call tendonitis.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Man_TennisElbow.jpg" alt="Tennis Elbow" width="700" height="516" /></p> <p><strong>Tendonitis</strong> can theoretically occur anywhere in the body where there is a tendon, but certain tendons tend to take higher loads and more frequent use and are, therefore, more susceptible to injury and irritation. Examples include the knee (patellar tendons), ankles (Achilles tendon), hips (gluteal tendons, hip flexor tendons), shoulder (rotator cuff tendons), and elbows (“golfer’s elbow” and “tennis elbow”).</p> <p>Tendonitis is a pesky injury that can turn into a chronic problem if not treated properly. Let’s zoom in on the tendons of the elbow for an example of what can cause tendonitis and what can help reduce and prevent tendonitis.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Tennis-Elbow.png" alt="" /></p> <p>Overuse injuries are unfortunately common at the elbow, and they generally fall into two broad categories: “Tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow.” Tennis elbow or “lateral epicondylitis” is a pain in the tendons and where they attach on the outside of the elbow. These tendons would be stressed when hitting a backhanded shot in tennis because muscles whose tendons attach here act to bring your wrist backward and stabilize your hand and wrist while gripping.</p> <p>Golfer’s elbow, or “medial epicondylitis,” is pain on the inside of your elbow, which would be stressed during a swinging or throwing motion. The muscles that provide you with a powerful grip have tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow so that repetitive gripping can once again cause irritation.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Golfers-Elbow.png" alt="" width="486" height="486" /></p> <p>Activities other than tennis and golf can cause or be affected by these types of tendonitis. Activities such as playing an instrument, using garden tools, knitting or crocheting, and typing on a keyboard can all be problematic, especially if you are getting back into these activities after a break or suddenly increasing the amount of time doing these activities. Certain jobs requiring machines or tools, especially those requiring strong gripping and a lot of torque force, can cause tendonitis. Even daily activities such as cooking, doing your hair, or getting dressed can become painful in severe cases.</p> <p>So, what can we do to treat or prevent tendonitis? A useful overall treatment strategy used by doctors of physical therapy is the <strong>EdUReP</strong> model: Education, Unloading, Reloading, and Prevention.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> <p>The first step is <strong>Education</strong> about what the problem is, including what forces on the tendon are causing the inflammation and what activities, postures, or other musculoskeletal factors are contributing to it.</p> <p>The next step is <strong>Unloading</strong> the tendon- give it a break. This often involves lessening, stopping, or altering certain activities that use the tendon. For the elbow, it may involve the use of a wrist or elbow splint to rest the tendons from certain positions or uses.</p> <p>Next, you have to do controlled <strong>Reloading</strong> of the tendon. This is a phase of tendon rehab that is sometimes missed! It is not enough to unload the tendon and then resume normal activity. While this may relieve the pain temporarily, ultimately, the force that the tendon can handle has not been changed, and the tendonitis is likely to recur and become a chronic tendinopathy. To build tendon strength and improve its tolerance to load, the tendon has to be gradually loaded. This means making the muscle and tendon do work – but not overworking them to the point of re-aggravating the tendon.</p> <p><em>A <strong>physical therapist is skilled</strong> at selecting and dosing the exercises that load a tendon and can help you navigate through how much pain and what sort of pains are okay vs. signs of progressing too rapidly. Certain types of exercises are often tolerated better at different stages of tendon rehabilitation. If the tendon and muscles are loaded at a therapeutic level to increase their strength, this will improve their tolerance to load over time and decrease pain associated with loading. Additionally, hands-on therapeutic techniques and stretching can aid in reducing tendon pain during the unloading and reloading stages.</em></p> <p>The final step in the model is <strong>Prevention</strong>. This may include addressing weakness or poor mobility in the surrounding muscle groups and joints that interact with the elbow, such as the shoulder, wrist, and hand. It might also include retraining on how certain movements are performed. Teaching a proper stretching and muscle warm-up to perform before activity can also be useful.</p> <p>If you have pain around your elbow or any joint preventing you from doing what you want, reach out to <strong>Wendy Webb Schoenewald Physical Therapy.</strong> One of the physical therapists will be happy to see if it is tendonitis that is causing your pain and help you through the process of coming back stronger so your pain goes away–and stays away.</p> <p><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> Todd E Davenport and others, The EdUReP Model for Nonsurgical Management of Tendinopathy, <em>Physical Therapy</em>, Volume 85, Issue 10, 1 October 2005, Pages 1093–1103, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.10.1093">https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.10.1093</a></p> <p>Dr. Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, Bucks County, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/">Treat Your Tendons Well</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:20:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doylestown PA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headache]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscular imbalance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orofacial pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[range of motion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stability]]></category> <category><![CDATA[temporomandibular joint]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TMJ dysfunction]]></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=4137</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is often overlooked as a potential source of headaches, dizziness, and orofacial pain. Frequently, people with TMJ dysfunction are fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night, but many do not realize that there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the symptoms during the day. A physical […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/">Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>temporomandibular joint</strong>, or <strong>TMJ</strong>, is often overlooked as a potential source of headaches, dizziness, and orofacial pain. Frequently, people with TMJ dysfunction are fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night, but many do not realize that there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the symptoms during the day.</p> <div></div> <div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TMJ_Gogglesource.png" alt="TMJ Goggle Source image" width="601" height="332" /></div> <div></div> <p>A physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction is quite useful. As the name suggests, the temporomandibular joint is, in fact, a joint (it’s actually 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, with one on each side of the face just in front of the ear lobe), with a capsule, ligaments, bones, and a disc. Therefore, treatment is similar to other joints in the body, with a focus on relaxing muscles that are tight, correcting for muscular imbalance, and ensuring that there is good stability in all ranges of motion.</p> <div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TMJ-_Mayo-Clinic.png" alt="Mayo Clinic source image" width="600" height="466" /></div> <p>There are different types of TMJ disorders, and some patients fall into multiple categories. In general, the diagnosis falls into 3 classifications, with different treatments necessary for each. These include <strong>masticatory muscle dysfunction</strong>, <strong>anterior disc displacement with reduction of temporomandibular joints (TMJ)</strong>, and <strong>anterior disc displacement without reduction of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) </strong></p> <p>A lot of physical therapy intervention for the treatment of TMJ disorders is focused on education. For instance, you may need to retrain your jaw to spend more time in a relaxed position. Sit up tall, with your lips closed but your teeth not touching. If it is comfortable, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your top teeth, just resting, not pressing. (You can also think about saying the word “mine” which will help you achieve this position). This is the “resting position” of your jaw, where the muscles and ligaments are most relaxed. Setting reminders such as timers or using Post-it notes can be helpful to reinforce this throughout the day. Many people unknowingly hold tension in their jaw, so a simple adjustment such as this can make a huge difference. Postural education and awareness can also have a positive impact.</p> <p>If you have been diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction or even if you suspect that some of your symptoms may be related to your jaw, ask your dentist or your primary care physician for a referral to physical therapy. Make sure you are seeing someone who has taken additional courses on TMJ, as it is somewhat of a specialty. Be ready to make positive changes in your lifestyle and see positive results in your symptoms!</p> <p>Dr. Kelsey Hanlon PT, DPT<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/">Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4137</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>The Dos and Don’ts of Plantar Fasciitis</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-plantar-fasciitis/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-plantar-fasciitis/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karli Lynch PT, DPT,]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 31 May 2023 16:03:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low-impact exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Plantar Fasciitis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Proper Foot support]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Runners]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3962</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Do you have foot pain when you stand up after sleeping or sitting down, or when you take your first few steps? Is it tender to touch your heel or put pressure on your heel? If you answered yes, then you may be experiencing plantar fasciitis. which is one of the most common causes of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-plantar-fasciitis/">The Dos and Don’ts of Plantar Fasciitis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you have foot pain when you stand up after sleeping or sitting down, or when you take your first few steps? Is it tender to touch your heel or put pressure on your heel? If you answered yes, then you may be experiencing plantar fasciitis. which is one of the most common causes of heel pain.</p> <p>The plantar fascia is strong fibrous tissue that is shaped like a bowstring and runs from your toes to your heel. It forms your arch and acts as a shock absorber with walking. If the stress or tension on the bowstring becomes too great, it can cause the plantar fascia to tear, swell, and become inflamed.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Plantar-Fasciitis-Mayo-Clinic.png" alt="Plantar Fascitis - Mayo Clinic image" width="750" height="594" /></p> <p><strong>What should you do, or not do, when you are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis?</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Proper Foot Support is Key</em></strong><em>.</em></p> <p>It is important to have shoes that provide proper arch and heel support to reduce the stress placed on the plantar fascia, as well as replace these shoes as frequently as you need to provide appropriate cushion and support.</p> <p><strong><em>Stretch.</em></strong></p> <p>Focus on stretching the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and the bottom of your foot. Some other ideas for exercise are curling and relaxing your toes and making circles or drawing the alphabet with your ankles and feet.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Stretching-Calf-Foot-etc.png" alt="" width="750" height="500" /></p> <p><strong><em>Choose Low-Impact Exercise</em></strong><em>.</em></p> <p>Participating in activities like yoga, swimming, cycling and the elliptical will not place increased stress on the plantar fascia. Another key is to make sure you stretch out your calves and feet before and after you exercise.</p> <p><strong><em>Avoid High-Impact Activities.</em></strong></p> <p>Running and jumping put a lot of tension and stress on your feet, as well as make your muscles tighter if you aren’t stretching them properly. If you are a runner and want to continue to run, it may be beneficial to take a few weeks off, focus on completing the low-impact exercise and stretches listed above, then start to slowly return to running.</p> <p>If you continue to experience foot and heel pain that is preventing, you from completing exercise or even just your activities of daily living any of our physical therapists here at WWSPT will be happy to help provide you with the care you need.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Karli Lynch, PT, DPT</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA<br /> (215) 489- 3234</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-plantar-fasciitis/">The Dos and Don’ts of Plantar Fasciitis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-plantar-fasciitis/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3962</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>Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:11:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fatigue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hunting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[knees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Muscle Strain]]></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[sports-related-exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3637</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Does spending hours in the car drive to get to your hunting camp cause your stiffness? Do your knees start to bother you as you trudge through the varied terrain in the woods? Is your shoulder strong enough to draw back your compound bow? When you bag that trophy buck, how will your body hold […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/">Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div> <div>Does spending hours in the car drive to get to your hunting camp cause your stiffness? Do your knees start to bother you as you trudge through the varied terrain in the woods? Is your shoulder strong enough to draw back your compound bow? When you bag that trophy buck, how will your body hold up as you drag it out, or will you strain your back?</div> <div></div> </div> <div></div> <div> <div>Rifle season is upon us, so hunters are prepared with their gear, clothing, and other necessities. They do a great job of ensuring that all of their equipment is in good working order. They spend all that time ensuring their equipment is functioning correctly, but often they fail to put the same amount of effort into their body’s function activity level.</div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div><img decoding="async" class="alignnone" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gone-Hunting-.png" alt="" /></div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div> <div><strong>Heart and Lung issues</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Walking through the woods is taxing, not to mention if you have to drag out a deer while you do it. This activity level can raise your heart rate and blood pressure and cause shortness of breath. <strong>Getting in shape ahead of the season can help. It is recommended that healthy adults perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 5x/week.</strong> This activity can include walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Regular exercise can help improve the strength and endurance required for a long hunt.</div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div><strong>Muscles and Joints</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Limitations in muscle flexibility can contribute to difficulty when hunting. Drawing a bow requires spinal and shoulder mobility, as well as strength. Dragging a deer requires both upper and lower body strength. Maneuvering over or through obstacles in the woods needs a certain degree of flexibility. <strong>General mobility and strength exercises can be beneficial</strong> in targeting these deficits. Hunters are generally tight in their upper back, pecs, and shoulders. These are usually good places to start, but not every stretch is good for everyone. <strong>So it’s good to see a physical therapist for more specific recommendations and guidance.</strong></div> </div> <div></div> <div> <div><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Balance.jpg" alt="" /></div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div> <div><strong>Balance</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Stepping over fallen trees, crossing logs, and negotiating through rocks can be tricky. Then add rain or snow into the mix, making things even more difficult. <strong>Balance is a function of our inner ear, vision, sensation in our feet, and joint position. If these systems are impaired, that further increases the risk of falling</strong>. Walking into and out of the stand in the dark compromises your visual system to some extent, which puts hunters at a greater risk of falling. This is where physical therapists can come in to help get all of your <strong>balance systems</strong> in working order.</div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div>If you are having trouble in any of these areas, or if you’ve noticed other problems that impact your hunt, then make an appointment at <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation</a> for evaluation by one our expert therapists.</div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div><strong>Note *** </strong></div> <div>In Pennsylvania, the Deer problems are not defined by the number of deer. They are determined by the impact of those deer and the values of the residents they affect. Communities do not manage deer because there are several deer per square mile. They work deer (Caul the herd) because residents agree that the number of deer-vehicle collisions, the damage to gardens, parks, and landscaping, or backyards that look like barnyards are unacceptable.</div> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/">Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3637</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>