Friday, December 19, 2014

Exercise and Arthritis

Arthritis is common cause of aches and pains in joints and is not just for those of old age. According to the Arthritis Foundation, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children. With the cold weather setting in, those who are less active during the winter months experience more flare-ups of inflammation than those who continue to perform mild to moderate exercise.


Those with arthritis tend to think that they can’t exercise, but it’s just the opposite. Performing low-impact aerobic movements will enhance your range of motion. Gentle exercise and frequent movement can help relieve joint pain. Mild exercise in the evening can help you feel less still in the morning. Try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time throughout the day. Changing your position frequently, getting up and walking around for a half-hour, and periodic stretching can help relieve symptoms.

This diseases can take many forms. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and is a progressive disease where the cartilage in the joints slowly breaks down. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease where the membranes of the joint are inflamed and cause pain, stiffness, and can lead to severe joint damage. Juvenile Arthritis (JA) is a term that incorporates several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that can develop in children under the age of 16. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare providers and ask what can be done to help relieve your pain.



We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 
Exercise and Arthritis
Exercise and Arthritis

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Preventing Heel Pain


 
Heel Pain? We have just the solution. Heel pain is commonly caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome.

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toe of your foot. When this band is irritated it becomes inflamed; therefore, it results in pain. The main cause of this pain is from faulty structure of the foot, especially those with problems with their arches. Also, wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis.

These pains can be very uncomfortable and can lead to permanent damage if not taken care of. Before you consider surgery, there are a guidelines to follow that may treat the pain. Stretching the calf muscles helps to strengthen the muscles connected to the heel and will help ease the pain.  

It is important that you avoid walking around barefoot as well; walking without shoes puts unnecessary stress on your plantar fascia. You should also avoid wearing shoes without an arch; wearing shoes that have good arch support helps to reduce the stress on the heel. In order to keep any inflammation down, it is vital that you ice the heel a few times a day as well.



Follow these simple guidelines and you will be sure to see some results.


We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 
Heel Pain? We have just the solution. Heel pain is commonly caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome.
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toe of your foot. When this band is irritated it becomes inflamed; therefore, it results in pain. The main cause of this pain is from faulty structure of the foot, especially those with problems with their arches. Also, wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis.
These pains can be very uncomfortable and can lead to permanent damage if not taken care of. Before you consider surgery, there are a guidelines to follow that may treat the pain. Stretching the calf muscles helps to strengthen the muscles connected to the heel and will help ease the pain.  
It is important that you avoid walking around barefoot as well; walking without shoes puts unnecessary stress on your plantar fascia. You should also avoid wearing shoes without an arch; wearing shoes that have good arch support helps to reduce the stress on the heel. In order to keep any inflammation down, it is vital that you ice the heel a few times a day as well.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will be sure to see some results.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Preventing-Heel-Pain~686.html#sthash.5Lj1Bdfr.dpuf
Heel Pain? We have just the solution. Heel pain is commonly caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome.
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toe of your foot. When this band is irritated it becomes inflamed; therefore, it results in pain. The main cause of this pain is from faulty structure of the foot, especially those with problems with their arches. Also, wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis.
These pains can be very uncomfortable and can lead to permanent damage if not taken care of. Before you consider surgery, there are a guidelines to follow that may treat the pain. Stretching the calf muscles helps to strengthen the muscles connected to the heel and will help ease the pain.  
It is important that you avoid walking around barefoot as well; walking without shoes puts unnecessary stress on your plantar fascia. You should also avoid wearing shoes without an arch; wearing shoes that have good arch support helps to reduce the stress on the heel. In order to keep any inflammation down, it is vital that you ice the heel a few times a day as well.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will be sure to see some results.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Preventing-Heel-Pain~686.html#sthash.5Lj1Bdfr.dpuf
Heel Pain? We have just the solution. Heel pain is commonly caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as heel spur syndrome.
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toe of your foot. When this band is irritated it becomes inflamed; therefore, it results in pain. The main cause of this pain is from faulty structure of the foot, especially those with problems with their arches. Also, wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis.
These pains can be very uncomfortable and can lead to permanent damage if not taken care of. Before you consider surgery, there are a guidelines to follow that may treat the pain. Stretching the calf muscles helps to strengthen the muscles connected to the heel and will help ease the pain.  
It is important that you avoid walking around barefoot as well; walking without shoes puts unnecessary stress on your plantar fascia. You should also avoid wearing shoes without an arch; wearing shoes that have good arch support helps to reduce the stress on the heel. In order to keep any inflammation down, it is vital that you ice the heel a few times a day as well.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will be sure to see some results.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Preventing-Heel-Pain~686.html#sthash.5Lj1Bdfr.dpuf

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Winter Safety Tips for the Elderly


It’s that time of year again…winter! We can all appreciate the winter wonderland but it is important that as a senior citizen that you stay safe this winter season! Whether or not you live alone, it is important to take precautionary steps to ensure that you stay happy and healthy this season.

For starters, make sure you are always prepared for potential winter disasters. These include power outages as well as winter driving emergencies. You never know when you can get stuck in your house or on the road during difficult driving situations! Make sure you plan ahead and always have blankets and flashlights on hand. It is important to stay warm and to make sure that you always have non-perishable food on site in case of any potential power outages.

When you are clearing sidewalks, make sure you are not partaking in physical activity that is too strenuous. Furthermore, when walking down the street, make sure you avoid slippery sidewalks and surfaces. If you use a cane, make sure you replace the rubber tip of it before it becomes too smooth to further avoid slippage.

Make sure whenever you leave the house you dress warmly and in layers to avoid hypothermia as well as frostbite. You can always take off layers if you are cold, so make sure you bundle up! Make sure you follow all of theses winter safety tips to allow for the best accident-free, safe winter season!

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

It’s that time of year again…winter! We can all appreciate the winter wonderland but it is important that as a senior citizen that you stay safe this winter season! Whether or not you live alone, it is important to take precautionary steps to ensure that you stay happy and healthy this season.
For starters, make sure you are always prepared for potential winter disasters. These include power outages as well as winter driving emergencies. You never know when you can get stuck in your house or on the road during difficult driving situations! Make sure you plan ahead and always have blankets and flashlights on hand. It is important to stay warm and to make sure that you always have non-perishable food on site in case of any potential power outages.
When you are clearing sidewalks, make sure you are not partaking in physical activity that is too strenuous. Furthermore, when walking down the street, make sure you avoid slippery sidewalks and surfaces. If you use a cane, make sure you replace the rubber tip of it before it becomes too smooth to further avoid slippage.
Make sure whenever you leave the house you dress warmly and in layers to avoid hypothermia as well as frostbite. You can always take off layers if you are cold, so make sure you bundle up! Make sure you follow all of theses winter safety tips to allow for the best accident-free, safe winter season!
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Winter-Safety-Tips-for-the-Elderly~647.html#sthash.evstKA4G.dpuf

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Most Common Injuries of Track and Field


In track and field, overuse injuries are quite common. The most common injury that occurs in track are shin splints and knee injuries. Some of the most common injuries for runners are:
Runner’s Knee: This is more common in female athletes than in males. Runner’s knee is when pain is caused in the undersurface of the patella due to irritation, and the kneecap rubs against one side of the knee joint.

Jumper’s Knee: This is caused when an athlete’s patellar tendon becomes inflamed, a condition known as patellar tendonitis. What results is friction, which leads to the inflammation. This can also result from overuse and when the kneecap does not move up and down in its natural groove.

The ultimate overuse injury is a stress fracture. If a sore spot is left untreated, then the bone could split in two, resulting in a hairline bone fracture. If you feel pain or soreness, while running, get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further potential injury.  

In track, most movements are repetitive, which leads to overuse, and often results in injuries. Biomechanical imbalance, running too much and running on hard surfaces are the primary causes of overuse problems.

If you obtain a track and field induced injury, it is highly recommended that you see a highly qualified physical therapist. He or she will help address the problem, help you heal and get you up and running again.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

In track and field, overuse injuries are quite common. The most common injury that occurs in track are shin splints and knee injuries. Some of the most common injuries for runners are:
Runner’s Knee: This is more common in female athletes than in males. Runner’s knee is when pain is caused in the undersurface of the patella due to irritation, and the kneecap rubs against one side of the knee joint.
Jumper’s Knee: This is caused when an athlete’s patellar tendon becomes inflamed, a condition known as patellar tendonitis. What results is friction ,which leads to the inflammation. This can also result from overuse and when the kneecap does not move up and down in its natural groove.
The ultimate overuse injury are stress fractures. If a sore spot is left untreated, then the bone could split in two, resulting in a hairline bone fracture. If you feel pain or soreness,  while running, get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further potential injury.  
In track, most movements are repetitive, which leads to overuse, and often results in injuries. Biomechanical imbalance, running too much and running on hard surfaces are the primary causes of overuse problems.
If you obtain a track and field induced injury, it is highly recommended that you see a highly qualified physical therapist. He or she will help address the problem, help you heal and get you up and running again.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/The-Most-Common-Injuries-of-Track-and-Field~646.html#sthash.oBb64HKx.dpuf
In track and field, overuse injuries are quite common. The most common injury that occurs in track are shin splints and knee injuries. Some of the most common injuries for runners are:
Runner’s Knee: This is more common in female athletes than in males. Runner’s knee is when pain is caused in the undersurface of the patella due to irritation, and the kneecap rubs against one side of the knee joint.
Jumper’s Knee: This is caused when an athlete’s patellar tendon becomes inflamed, a condition known as patellar tendonitis. What results is friction ,which leads to the inflammation. This can also result from overuse and when the kneecap does not move up and down in its natural groove.
The ultimate overuse injury are stress fractures. If a sore spot is left untreated, then the bone could split in two, resulting in a hairline bone fracture. If you feel pain or soreness,  while running, get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further potential injury.  
In track, most movements are repetitive, which leads to overuse, and often results in injuries. Biomechanical imbalance, running too much and running on hard surfaces are the primary causes of overuse problems.
If you obtain a track and field induced injury, it is highly recommended that you see a highly qualified physical therapist. He or she will help address the problem, help you heal and get you up and running again.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/The-Most-Common-Injuries-of-Track-and-Field~646.html#sthash.oBb64HKx.dpuf

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Importance of Posture



Everyone knows it’s important to maintain good posture, but many Americans have posture issues. Heads up! There’s a lot more to it than you thought, having good posture can benefit your social life, career and physical well-being. Standing up straight and tall exudes confidence and approachability. You are open to your environment, people, opportunities and events around you. In the workforce, you are seen as strong and an essential part of the company opposed to those who slouch. Another interesting side effect of bad posture is an increased risk for developing depression. Anyone walking through life with his or her head down is seen as sad, unconfident and insecure. Unfortunately, these are common characteristics of depression that can be ameliorated through better posture.

More importantly, there are many serious physical ramifications of poor posture. Slouching over crushes your stomach and intestines, backing you up and possibly leading to digestive issues. Increased sitting or bent posture can also cut off the flow of gasses and fluids in the body leading to poor circulation. According to Prevention Magazine, “Shallow chest breathing strains the lungs, which must move faster to ensure adequate oxygen flow, and taxes the heart, which is forced to speed up to provide enough blood for oxygen transport. The result is a vicious cycle, where stress prompts shallow breathing, which in turn creates more stress,” Krucoff says.

Having poor posture over time can lead to detrimental spine, shoulder, hip and knee problems. Positioning our body in a slouched position can reduce flexibility, compromise muscles and create back and joint pain. To permanently promote good posture the muscles in the lower back need to be strengthened. Get working on your posture, see yourself in a better light and prevent many physical complications. Don’t create a pain the neck or back, stand up straight and keep your head up!


We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Physical Therapy Helps Alzheimer’s Disease


The month of November is dedicated to a cause that affects many lives: National Alzheimer’s Awareness month. As of 2014, in the United States there is an estimate of 5.2 million Alzheimer’s patients.  Americans are encouraged to participate in Alzheimer’s Association activities to help fight for a cure.

Alzheimer’s disease has 10 progressive stages with symptoms. The cognitive symptoms of the disease are the disrupting of memory, language, thinking and reasoning. There are behavioral psychiatric symptoms that are a group of additional symptoms that may occur to some degree depending upon the patient.

The use of physical therapy is important for treating Alzheimer patients. With different stages of the disease, a physical therapist can recognize the challenges associated with it. As an adjunct to traditional medical treatment, a physical therapist will design a treatment program that is specifically tailored to the disease.

Balance Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, and Massage Therapy are all important methods of therapy for Alzheimer patients. There are specific exercises used in balance therapy that improves balance.  Standing with both feet close together or standing on one foot are effective and basic exercises that physical therapists will recommend. To improve safety, assistive devices may be provided. The dependence on assistive devices will be gradually reduced as therapy continues. Supervised balance therapy enables the patient to improve their balance gradually.

Therapeutic exercise is an important method of physical therapists. This this type of exercise will improve mobility, muscle tone and circulation; examples are brisk walking and swimming.  Alzheimer’s disease causes frustration for the patient, massage therapy is helpful in elevating stress.

If you know a person who has Alzheimer’s disease you should recommend physical therapy to their caretaker because their quality of life will be improved over time through the use of physical therapy. When shopping for physical therapist, always search online for one that has positive reviews and a substantial amount of reviews.


We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today! 

The month of November is dedicated to a cause that affects many lives: National Alzheimer’s Awareness month. As of 2014, in the United States there is an estimate of 5.2 million Alzheimer’s patients.  Americans are encouraged to participate in Alzheimer’s Association activities to help fight for a cure.
Alzheimer’s disease has 10 progressive stages with symptoms. The cognitive symptoms of the disease are the disrupting of memory, language, thinking and reasoning. There are behavioral psychiatric symptoms that are a group of additional symptoms that may occur to some degree depending upon the patient.
The use of physical therapy is important for treating Alzheimer patients. With different stages of the disease, a physical therapist can recognize the challenges associated with it. As an adjunct to traditional medical treatment, a physical therapist will design a treatment program that is specifically tailored to the disease.
Balance Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, and Massage Therapy are all important methods of therapy for Alzheimer patients. There are specific exercises used in balance therapy that improves balance.  Standing with both feet close together or standing on one foot are effective and basic exercises that physical therapists will recommend. To improve safety, assistive devices may be provided. The dependence on assistive devices will be gradually reduced as therapy continues. Supervised balance therapy enables the patient to improve their balance gradually.
Therapeutic exercise is an important method of physical therapists. This this type of exercise will improve mobility, muscle tone and circulation; examples are brisk walking and swimming.  Alzheimer’s disease causes frustration for the patient, massage therapy is helpful in elevating stress.
If you know a person who has Alzheimer’s disease you should recommend physical therapy to their caretaker because their quality of life will be improved over time through the use of physical therapy. When shopping for physical therapist always search online for one that has positive reviews and a substantial amount of reviews.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Physical-Therapy-Helps-Alzheimer-s-Disease~633.html#sthash.cu3GsTKE.dpuf