Access Physical Therapy & Wellness

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Plica Syndrome

Plica syndrome (also commonly referred to as synovial plica syndrome) is a condition which occurs when the tissue of the inner lining of the knee joint becomes irritated. Synovial is a type of tissue surrounding a joint and is a normal structure found in many knees. However, the synovial plica are more prominent in some people depending on how much they shrunk during fetal development. For some, larger plica syndrome can be more prone to irritation, usually due to repetitive friction. The more irritated the knee gets, the larger the plica tissue grows, resulting in pain.

The effects of plica syndrome cause tenderness and pain in the front of the knee and on the side of the knee cap. There is a “catching” or “snapping” sensation that is associated with the diagnosis of plica syndrome when bending the knee. The synovial tissue is there to help make the normal fluid that lubricates the joint. The normal movement of the knee becomes affected when the tissue becomes irritated. After this point, the more the knee is used for activities, the thicker the tissue grows and the more pain that is experienced.

Luckily, plica syndrome is not usually a serious condition. The recommended treatment for the plica is simply rest. Staying off the knee and not participating in any serious physical activity allows the inflammation to subside. On top of rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications are usually helpful in aiding a speedy recovery. In serious cases, injection of cortisone or even surgery might be required.

If plica syndrome becomes a reoccurring problem, physical therapy should be considered before surgery. Physical therapy can be utilized to stretch and strengthen muscles and soft tissues around the knee. Programs are usually initiated that include timed ice application, iontophoresis, and ultrasound and controlled exercises are a great way to learn safe ways to move your body in order to keep your knees healthy. Your physical therapist will also develop an individualized routine with you to improve muscular strength and reduce irritation.

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 Montgomery. 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 Liberty. 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/Plica-Syndrome~1718.html#sthash.nyX8x0sv.dpuf

Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus is a serious injury occurring frequently in athletes and even more frequently in those over the age of 65. The tear is caused by a sharp, sudden twisting movement at the knee joint. Even though a meniscus tear can be extremely painful, there are many options other than surgery depending on the nature of the tear.

The meniscus usually refers to the cartilage in the knee joint located between the femur and tibia bones. When a sudden twist, abrupt stop of motion, or deep squatting occurs at the knee joint, a tear might occur. Depending on the location of the tear, the body may be unable to repair itself. As your body ages, blood circulation at the knee begins to decrease as well as the increase of degeneration. Almost half of all people over 65 have a torn meniscus to some degree, but for many there are no symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is extremely important you take action before they get worse.

If you are still able to walk and your knee isn’t “locking up”, physical therapy, rest and R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may be your solution. Before you attempt any exercises or strained movements, it is imperative that you visit your doctor or physical therapist. A doctor will most likely refer you to physical therapy in order to prevent the meniscus tear from worsening.

A physical therapist will be able to access your injury and work with you through personalized exercise and movement routine. This program will allow your knee to be rehabilitated properly and safely. The physical therapist will provide you with exercises to do at home to help ease your pain as well as help keep your progress going. In addition, the physical therapist will teach you safe movement practices that will help prevent this injury from occurring again in the future.

For many, however, surgery is necessary to repair the damage to the meniscus. During the rehabilitation process, physical therapy will be just as integral to rebuilding motion as well as lifestyle training to avoid re-injury in the future.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Torn-Meniscus~1714.html#sthash.0KMVtInc.dpuf

Sunday, October 25, 2015

National Physical Therapy Month 2015

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This time of the year is the perfect opportunity to thank the physical therapists in our lives that have helped us increase both mobility and quality of life. It is also the perfect time to raise awareness to the importance of physical therapy for rehabilitation and wellness in our communities.

Physical therapy is a practice that existed for many centuries before becoming a formalized medical speciality in the early twentieth century. Physical therapy changes the lives of millions of Americans each year by providing one-on-one care for those with traumatic injuries and bodily conditions, including arthritis, chronic headaches and others. Physical therapists utilize methods such as therapeutic exercises, electrotherapy, massage, and mobilization in order to help their patients with pain management as well as ensuring safe mobility.

A physical therapist will examine the condition of each patient by injury and lifestyle factors in order to provide a personalized routine. He or she will then implement this routine with the patient as well as provide them with at-home exercises in order to continue progress outside of the office. Combined with at-home and in-office exercises, patients notice a positive change in their pain management and mobility. Avoiding painful surgery is as simple as continued practice of these exercises for many.

Physical therapy can be beneficial if you or someone you know as it can help ease chronic pain, improve range of motion, and prevent future injuries. A physical therapist will teach you proper movement in order to avoid any further damage.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition involving the inflammation of the joints which affects millions of people on a day-to-day basis. This uncomfortable and painful disease unfortunately has no cure, but can be made more manageable through specific treatments.

Physical therapy is a popular method for pain reduction. A physical therapist will work with you based on the extent of your arthritis, your level of pain or stiffness, and your work and lifestyle in order to provide a personalized movement plan.

It is important that you seek the advice of a certified medical professional before starting an exercise program. Due to the nature of joint inflammation, a self-prescribed program can cause the inflammation to get worse and in effect cause even more pain.

A physical therapist will perform exercises and activities during your session that will reduce discomfort caused by joint inflammation. He or she will also provide you with specific exercises helping you continue your progress at home. It is important to follow your physical therapist’s advice and treatment plan as you will get maximum results by repeating the movements as directed.

Based on the information you give your physical therapist regarding your work and home environment, he or she can also provide you with recommendations that will improve your quality of life, such as specific pillows and chairs, that can hopefully reduce the number of flare ups.

A physical therapist can also help guide you through making the safest movements for your specific joint conditions. Activities such as walking, bending, and sitting, if done incorrectly, can cause even more pain.

Although it is unfortunate that arthritis has no cure, taking the steps towards pain management can have a huge effect on your day to day activities. By working with a physical therapist, you will increase your range of motion, reduce stiffness and pain, and increase your quality of life!

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 Montgomery. 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 Liberty. 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, October 15, 2015

Resistance Training to Increase Endurance

When some people think of the word endurance in fitness, they tend to think of longer cardio sessions. Although that may be true, forgetting to utilize strength resistance training to build endurance can be a costly mistake.

In order to build up your endurance, you need strong, efficient muscles to keep your body going. If you are attempting to complete a 5k or a cycling race, you will need your leg muscles to be in shape in order to get to the finish line.

Proper nutrition is an important component to helping build up your endurance during the training process. Although complex carbohydrates both the night before and the morning of are crucial to keep you going during race day, protein is just as important during the prior weeks. Protein will help you continuously build muscle as you challenge your body through strength training.

As you train, incorporating cardio and strength training is an integral part of your daily fitness routine. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is excellent for both muscle strength and muscle endurance. As you work your heart increase your muscle mass, you will consume oxygen more efficiently, leading to increased endurance.

When you do the strength training portion of your workout, you will want to do higher repetitions in your sets if endurance is your goal. You will want to make sure to select the highest weight you can successfully complete. Also, you should take shorter rests between sets when looking to build your endurance.

It is important for continued muscle growth to not get stuck in a rut in your routine. Whether you want to do a different workout each day, or change your daily routine twice a month, switching it up will give you optimal results.

Form is key no matter if you are beginning your fitness journey or at your fitness peak. If you are unsure about how to complete an exercise successfully, it is important to seek the help of a professional. If you are looking to build endurance, you will want to make sure you are completing exercises safely and effectively. Personal trainers can be great, but many don’t have the proper certifications necessary to provide a safe routine. A physical therapist will help provide you with a safe personalized exercise routine that will help you complete your fitness goals.

Combating Friction Blisters

Friction blisters remain the most common foot injury among athletes and non-athletes alike. Ironically, they also seem to be the least understood. A blister is formed by friction causing the top two layers of skin to rub together. The layers separate, and the space between fills with fluid—on the outside, it looks like a bubble. There are a lot of myths surrounding the prevention of blisters passed between doctors, coaches, trainers, and athletes, from dusting the foot with baby powder to stuffing a wad of lamb’s wool into your shoe. However, these tactics may not be as helpful as we’ve been lead to believe.

Protective cushioning agents such as moleskin, lamb’s wool, or specialized gel inserts can help minimize the friction needed to create a blister. However, these often wear out over time and could be rendered ineffective by a lot of vigorous activity. Athletic and medical tape seem to have the same problem. Technically, these methods do work, but if you’re going to be active for a long period of time, they may not be the best choice.

Lubricating agents are extremely popular, but they should only be used for shorter bursts of activity. Studies have shown that lubricants such as petroleum jelly will initially reduce friction, but over time will get absorbed by the skin and can actually increase the chance of blisters by up to 30%.

The best way to prevent blisters is by investing in proper footwear. The fit of your shoe is only part of the equation—finding the perfect fit can help you combat both friction blisters, muscle aches, foot injuries, and leg and back injuries. Your socks are just as important. Cotton socks are a big no-no as they absorb sweat, and due to the increased moisture, wind up causing blisters. Nylon socks or socks made from wicking fabrics are the best solutions. You can also double up on socks if one pair just doesn’t seem to be cutting it (just make sure you take this into consideration when fitting shoes!).

If you do wind up with a blister, even after all the preventive measures you’ve taken, remember not to pop the top! This can increase your chance of infection. Instead, take a sterilized needle and poke it into the side in several spots. Be sure to rub on some antibiotic ointment when you’re done and cover the blister with gauze or a band-aid to protect it.

Tommy John Surgery

In 1974, a devastating elbow injury nearly tore Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Thomas Edward John Jr.’s career from beneath his feet. He damaged his ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL, and feared his career may be over, or at least before he met team physician Dr. Frank Jobe. Dr. Jobe came up with an idea to borrow a tendon from John’s forearm and lace it through holes drilled in his ulna and humerus bones in order to provide support. The procedure’s intent was merely to relieve John’s pain and allow him to return to normal function—Jobe only gave the pitcher a 1 in 100 chance of returning to the game.

Luckily for Tommy John, the odds were in his favor. He returned to the Dodgers in 1976 after taking a full season off for rehabilitation. He continued to play professionally until 1989, and earned himself an impressive 164 wins.

The surgery Dr. Jobe performed now bears Tommy John’s name. It was revolutionary at its conception, but has become commonplace today. Complications are only found in 5-20% of cases and typically involves damage to ulnar nerve, which is often moved during surgery to prevent pain due to scar tissue pressing against it. Any complication is typically minor and very rarely is additional corrective surgery required.

Like Tommy John, most players undergoing this surgery are out of commission for at least a year due to the lengthy rehabilitation process. An immobilizing splint is worn for up to ten days after surgery, and is soon replaced with a range-of-motion brace that reminds the patient to mind their limits as they begin to regain motion in the injured joint.

Patients are carefully monitored after the procedure. They are advised to avoid rigorous activity that may irritate their elbow and are guided through exercises to strengthen not only their affected elbow, but also their shoulder and their entire arm. Patients are only allowed to begin tossing a ball 4 to 5 months after their operation, and are usually not allowed back on the field until 9 months have passed.

With the innovative surgery that Dr. Jobe brought to the game of baseball along with hard work from the athlete and their physical therapist many pitchers today are able to get back in the game performing at the top level they are accustomed to.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Tommy-John-Surgery~1644.html#sthash.XL4JXaHr.dpuf