Tuesday, April 28, 2015

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Sciatica

Sciatica is the result of pain from the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body. It is located from the lower back all the way down to your knee. Sciatica is a common result of a lumbar disc herniation. This causes the lumbar disc herniation to directly press on the nerve and cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica can also cause tingly, numbness, or weakness making the normal simple task of walking very difficult and painful. The pain usually radiates down the lower back down to the thigh and leg. Sometimes the pain can be found around the hip and feel like hip pain. The symptoms of sciatica are aggravated by walking or bending at the waist. People usually find relief when they lay down.

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose sciatica with a physical exam and medical history. Sometimes x-rays and MRI scans are used to further define the exact causes of sciatica. Once you are diagnosed with sciatica, consult with a physical therapist to get a specialized treatment plan for your specific condition. Including specific exercises which incorporate a combination of strengthening and stretching.

Strengthening exercises help make the spine and all the supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons stronger. Most of these exercises not only focus on the areas that are in pain, but all of the core muscles because they help support the spine. This will keep everything aligned and extended to different sorts of movement you weren’t doing before physical therapy.

Stretching exercises are recommended to reduce sciatica pain. These exercises are designed to target the muscles that cause pain when they were tight and inflexible. The most common stretch for sciatica in a physical therapy program is the hamstring stretch.

When people suffering from sciatica engage in a regular program of physical therapy and do stretching and strengthening exercises, the road to recovery can be quick and successful.
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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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!

Graston Technique

Living with constant pain is something nobody wants to experience. The Graston Technique is a new innovative and effective approach that was designed for treatment of connective soft tissue injuries. The Graston Technique allows physicians to break down fibrous adhesions and fascial restrictions by using an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. This technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments that can detect and treat areas that show soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

The main goal of The Graston Technique is to change the way soft tissue injuries are treated, preventing acute injuries from becoming chronic, and reversing the outcomes for conditions that were once believed to be chronic. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of the Graston Technique. This technique is used by professional teams such as the Miami Heat and San Francisco 49ers. It is also used in universities such as, UCLA, University of Texas, and Indiana University.
The Graston Technique has been successful in the treatment of many afflictions, such as; carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, tendonitis, cervical pain, joint pain, muscle strain, painful scars, De Quervain’s Syndrome, IT band syndrome, post fracture pain, plantar fasciitis, epicondylitis, and fibromyalgia.

There were many cases that found that The Graston Technique not only reduced numbness but patients’ functional capabilities increased in both their everyday lives as well as at work. The results of research conducted in 2009 in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), showed that healing “accelerates” when instrument-assisted cross-fiber instruments are used. Results also showed that 43% of knee ligaments were stronger when using an instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage. 

If you are living with any of these painful injuries, make an appointment at Access Physical Therapy & Wellness today. The Graston Technique can significantly improve your livelihood and well being while being as non-invasive as possible. 
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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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, April 21, 2015

Cycling Injuries

Now that spring is here, many people are shaking off the winter blues by going outside and getting some exercise. Cycling has become a very popular exercise among many people. Whether you are just taking your bike out for a ride to the beach or training for a road cycling event, cycling is a great way to stay in shape. Riding is an extremely beneficial exercise because it improves your cardiovascular fitness as well as your strength and flexibility of your muscles. Going for a bike ride can also decrease stress all while burning fat.

Although there are many benefits to cycling, the repetitive motion makes your body prone to injuries. Common cycling injuries include: Iliotibial band syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral problems, neck pain and muscle cramps. There are many practical and easy ways to avoid these injuries.

The best way to avoid injuries is to properly warm up with a good stretch as well as a proper cool down after you have finished exercising. A proper warm up would be a five to ten minute low intensity ride on a road or stationary bike, perfect to get the blood flowing to your muscles. After you are done with your warm up, dynamic and static stretches are crucial to staying injury-free. For static stretches, slowly move your muscles to where you feel a stretch but are not in pain. Hold this for around 20 seconds, three or four times. For dynamic stretches, it is important that you have complete control of your body. You should start slowly with stretches like lunges or torso twists and then working up to jumps or stride outs. Like static stretches, you should feel the stretch, but you should never feel pain while doing these. Now you are ready for your ride! But the work isn’t over once you are done. Cooling down is just as important as warming up. For the last five to ten minutes of your ride gradually start slowing down your speed to help get rid of lactic acid that has built up during your ride and help return your body to your resting heart rate. Once you are finished you should once again do some static stretches before your muscles have cooled down completely.

If you follow these steps, you will feel better on your ride, see a greater increase in strength and flexibility, and hopefully avoid injury. If you unfortunately do become injured, call your physical therapist right away to set up a rehabilitation program that will get you back on your bike in no time!

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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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!
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Cycling-Injuries~1165.html#sthash.sbhKre6y.dpuf

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the practice in which a job is specifically designed to fit the worker. This practice is much more beneficial than forcing the worker to fit the job. There are numerous things that are taken into consideration when designing a job to fit the worker. Ergonomics is a science; it’s about taking human abilities and matching them to the work environment.

The main focus of ergonomics is to offer several healthy and safe postures for the worker to choose from while doing their job. By doing this, ergonomic disorders will decrease. These work-related disorders consist of carpal tunnel, tendonitis and trigger finger. In order to prevent these conditions, there are a few different changes that could be made inside the office. Providing adjustable and removable keyboards and tilting computer screens can make a large difference. The ability for a worker to adjust their posture to a comfortable and healthy position while on their computer will make for a healthier work environment.

Now that you know about the physical stressors, it’s important to know that environmental factors play a role as well. Lighting and noise can have a negative impact if they’re not up to par. Proper lighting with anti-glare filters to prevent glares on the screens are beneficial for a worker’s vision. Without proper lighting, eyestrain and headaches can occur. Also, excessive noise can cause hearing issues.

Since every workspace is different, Access Physical Therapy & Wellness certified therapists can conduct on-site evaluations of a particular site’s ergonomic requirements and identify what needs changing. A report is made of risk factors and solutions and once the report is reviewed by the therapist and the employer, cost-effective solutions can be put in place to improve the worker’s health based on their environment. What this means for employers is healthier, happier workers with less workers compensation claims.

Now that you know how much a work environment can impact your health, try to make a change before it seriously impacts your body or the bodies of your employees. The science of ergonomics might be more important than you think!
Access Physical Therapy and Wellness are here for all your industrial medicine needs!
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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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, April 14, 2015

Occupational Therapy Month

April is Occupational Therapy Month! Occupational Therapists help people with a broad range of therapy, encompassing anything that people would do on a daily basis or in their occupations. Many children with disabilities require occupational therapy to help them with school and socializing with others. Occupational therapy can also help with rehabilitation from injury, as well as older people who experience changes later in life. Occupational therapy also includes an evaluation of the environment one is living in, and suggests any changes to make it more livable or comfortable.

Access Physical Therapy has two very capable and highly trained Occupational Therapists on staff. Cynthia Boccia OTR/L, graduated from Dominican College in 2000. Here she received her Bachelor of Science degree. Since then she has mastered the diagnosing and treating of orthopedic afflictions in the wrist, hands, and elbow. She has been an expert provider of occupational therapy in the Orange County area for over 15 years, starting as an OT in a hospital rehabilitation center and treating patients of varying conditions.

Jennifer Conklin, OTR/L, is another highly qualified Occupational Therapist on staff at Access Physical Therapy. She graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science. With 15 years of experience in Orange County, Jennifer Conklin has extensive expertise with in-patient rehab, sub-acute and long term care, as well as outpatient hand therapy. She prides herself on achieving the highest level of independence for her patients.
While April is Occupational Therapy Month, it is important to remember our wonderful Occupational Therapists throughout the year. Occupational Therapy is a field that often goes overlooked, but many people benefit from this great field of rehabilitation.

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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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!

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Industrial Medicine


For both small and large industrial companies, one of the biggest issues is lost work time due to injury. Well, Access Physical Therapy is here to help. The talented staff at Access PT realized what a serious issue this is for small and big companies, alike. Access PT partnered with DSI Work Solutions to bring you a rehabilitative program to significantly reduce your healthcare cost and increase your bottom line. The program is centered towards a safer work environment for your employees and a quick return to work with a rehabilitation program centered towards returning to the workforce.

The program is simple! First, one of our industrial rehab therapists will come assess your needs as an employer and analyze the job site. Next, we can set up a plan to meet functional job descriptions, ergonomic needs, educational and training needs. It extremely important that the job descriptions clearly outline the essential functions of the job. We will design job function tests, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, that can be used for post-offer testing and return to work testing, alike. We will educate and train workers to perform their jobs safely and efficiently, while providing onsite and offsite injury management and rehabilitation. As a result you will see your workers return safely to their jobs with the modifications needed as well as transition employees to other positions or areas when their abilities change.

In physically demanding jobs, it is so important to make sure your employees are executing the correct way to maximize results and minimize damage to their health. By implementing this program you will see a dramatic difference in the way your employees work and how often they will need to stop working. This service can be offered to any company in the Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania areas. For more information on this program and how we can help your company out, please email Lori Schneider, PT, MS, DPT at industrialrehab@accesptw.com or visit our website at accessptw.com.

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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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, April 7, 2015

Golf and Physical Therapy

We often only think of physical therapy when we have an injury or surgery to recover from. This is not always the case, physical therapy can improve a golfer’s game as well. With physical therapy you will increase your flexibility, range of motion, and balance, all of which will help you on the course and shed a few strokes from your game.

Physical Therapists study the mechanics and the motions in which the body moves. One of the most interesting movements for golfers is that of the way a golfer swings a club. Any golfer can appreciate when they have full range of motion swinging that club. By analyzing your swing, PT’s make you aware of what aspect your swing is lacking. Working on your posture and swing habits can help you discover what your golf game is missing. Addressing the issues will put the power into that swing that you have been lacking.

Analyzing hip rotation, shoulder movement, and back alignment are just some aspects that the PT can examine to identify what needs strengthened or stretched out. Overall health and wellness are primary when it comes to seeing how your golf game can be improved. Stretching and warming up your body are essential when it comes to playing any sport. You cannot expect your body to perform at its finest if it has not been warmed up properly. Taking care of your body is the PT’s most important concern. Not only can they help with your game.It will also benefit you in the long run. Preventing injury and keeping you healthy allowing you to play the game for many more years to come.

With spring in the air, this warm weather is going to have you itching to get on the golf course. Consider that if you have not been as active in the winter that you should ease back into the game. Seeing a PT to review how your body is doing and to strengthen it before going out for a full 18 can be just what you need! Take care of your body and it will repay you.

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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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!
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Golf-and-Physical-Therapy~1127.html#sthash.iqQ8DTQz.dpuf

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that occurs due to overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles that result in elbow pain. Even though the name consists of the word tennis, you don’t necessarily need to play tennis to get this injury. It is largely common in carpenters and other laborers. The term derived because it was a significant problem for most tennis players.

The symptoms for tennis elbow include pain around the outside of the elbow, pain when you shake hands or squeeze an object, morning stiffness or the pain is made worse by stabilizing or moving the wrist with force. Tennis elbow happens when there is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Overexerting your elbow is one of the main causes of tennis elbow.

Physical and occupational therapy can help promote the healing of tennis elbow. It involves specific exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons around the injured elbow. Your physical therapist or occupational therapist can design a specific treatment program to speed your recovery. These types of exercises may include manual therapy, special exercises, ice or heat treatments, and electrical stimulation. In very rare cases surgery and cortisone injections may be necessary. Your treatment plan will vary depending on your age, overall health, medical history, and severity of the pain you are experiencing.

While going through physical or occupational therapy it is important to also rest and avoid any activity that causes pain, ice the injured area, and take ibuprofen. The road to recovery will depend on yourself and your treatment plan to get you the speediest healthiest recovery.

The goal of your physical therapist or occupational therapist is to improve your ability to move pain-free, improve your 
strength, use your muscles the right way and return to your everyday activities. Overall, over 90% of people who suffer with tennis elbow will improve and recover with their specific treatment plan.

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 ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, 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!