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What is TMJ

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition that limits the natural function of the jaw, such as opening the mouth and chewing, and can cause pain. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull in front of your ear. The TMJ guides jaw movement and allows you to open and close your mouth and move it from side to side to talk, yawn, or chew.

Symptoms of TMJ include Jaw pain or Jaw fatigue, Difficulty opening your mouth to eat or talk, Ringing in your ears, Dizziness, Headache, Popping sounds in your jaw, Neck pain, Locking jaw.

TMD can be caused by:

Bad posture habits. One of the reasons TMD is so common is because many of us spend a great deal of time sitting at a desk, where we often hold our heads too far forward as we work. But there are many other kinds of bad posture. Sitting in the car for a long commute, working at a checkout station, always carrying your child on the same hip—all can place the head in an awkward position and cause jaw problems. The "forward head position" puts a strain on the muscles, disk, and ligaments of the TMJ. The jaw is forced to "rest" in an opened position, and the chewing muscles become overused.

Chronic jaw clenching or grinding ("bruxism"). Many people clench their jaws at night while they sleep, usually because of stress. Some clench their teeth throughout the day as well, especially when dealing with stressful situations. This puts a strain on the TMJ and its surrounding muscles.

Problems with teeth alignment ("malocclusion"). If your teeth are positioned in an unusual way, greater stress is placed on the TMJ when performing everyday jaw motions, such as chewing.

Trismus ("lockjaw"). This condition—where the jaw muscles spasm and the jaw cannot be fully opened—can be both a cause and a symptom of TMD. Other causes of trismus include trauma to the jaw, tetanus, and radiation therapy to the face and neck.

Other Causes of TMJ are:

Displacement of the Disc or Soft-tissue Cushion
Arthritis
Fracture
Surgery

To diagnose or identify the cause of your symptoms , your physical therapist may review your medical history, and discuss any previous surgery, fractures, or other injuries to your head, neck, or jaw. Your physical therapist may ask you to describe your pain, including headaches, and observe any pain patterns in the neck and TMJ. As well ass conduct a physical examination of your jaw and neck, including the soft tissue and muscles in the area.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your posture and observe how your cervical spine—the upper portion of your spine, situated in your neck—moves. Your physical therapist will examine your TMJ to find out how well it functions and whether there are any abnormalities in your jaw motion.

If, after the examination, your physical therapist suspects that your pain is a result of the position ("alignment") of your teeth, the therapist will refer you to your dentist for further examination.

How Can A Physical Therapist Help?

Through Posture Education, Special Pain Treatments, and Posture Improvement your physical therapist can help you restore the natural movement of your jaw and decrease your pain. Based on your condition, your therapist will select treatments that will work best for you. If your TMD is caused by teeth alignment problems, your physical therapist can refer you to a dentist who specializes in TMD.

Ways To Prevent TMJ, TMD.

Maintaining good sitting posture is key to preventing TMJ problems. Place any work you are focusing on (written documents, computer screens) directly in front of you and not off to the side where you are forced to look in one direction for long periods of time. Place your computer monitor at eye level so you don’t have to look up, down, or to the side throughout your day. If you are on the phone at work for long periods of time, use a headset that allows the neck and jaw to remain in a restful ("neutral") position. Avoid repetitive chewing, such as chewing gum. Avoid smoking. Avoid opening the jaw too wide. Avoid eating hard or chewy foods. Maintain good oral hygiene and tooth health. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which forces the neck to rotate to one direction in order to maintain an open airway, increasing stress on the TMJ. If you tend to have occasional bouts of jaw pain, avoid chewing gum or biting on objects, such as pens or fingernails. Avoid eating hard or chewy food. When you yawn, support your lower jaw with your hand. Avoid large bites while eating. Regularly massage your jaw, cheeks and temple muscles.

References
TMJ Problems – What Does This Mean? Avenue-Clinic
TMJ Syndrome Prevention . eMedicineHealth.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Aquatic Therapy is defined as physical therapy that takes place in a pool or another aquatic environment under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. Aquatic therapy is also known as water therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, pool therapy, therapeutic aquatic exercise or hydrotherapy.

Common goals of aqua therapy programs include: Improving flexibility, balance and coordination.Building muscle strength and endurance. Enhancing aerobic capacity, Assisting with gait and locomotion. Lastly, reducing stress and promoting relaxation

It is different from aquatic exercise or aquatic fitness because it is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that requires the involvement of a trained professional and is covered by many insurance providers due to the personalized nature of the treatment.

Aquatic therapy should not be confused with adaptive aquatics, either. Adaptive aquatics is the process of teaching people with disabilities how to swim safely in the water. Aquatic therapy does not focus on teaching clients how to swim.

There are different types of aquatic therapy, listed below are a few popular examples.

Hydro-Massage a relaxing form of water-based hydrotherapy massage that can take place in a dedicated spa pool or in a specially designed bath.
Aqua Running provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, but can lead to joint damage. However, with an underwater treadmill, it’s possible to enjoy all the benefits of running.Underwater treadmills can be used to help athletes recover from injuries or to regain full-body motion after surgery.
Bad Ragaz Ring Method's goal is to develop a water-based strengthening and mobilizing resistive exercise model through the use of combined elements of aquatic exercise techniques. The “ring” portion of the name of this water therapy technique refers to the ring-shaped flotation devices used to support the client as they move across the water’s surface.
Burdenko Method is often used for treating sports-related injuries. It works to improve a patient’s speed, strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance by performing rehabilitative exercises in the water and progressing into performing the exercises on land as their condition improves.
Halliwick Concept focuses on helping clients develop balance and core stability.

Water Therapy May be Helpful To Clients Suffering From:

Arthritis
Arthroscopic surgery recovery
Autism
Balance disorders
Bursitis
Cerebral palsy
Chronic pain
Depression
Idiopathic joint pain
Joint reconstruction surgery recovery
Joint replacement surgery recovery
Osteoarthritis
Orthopedic injuries
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Scoliosis
Stress
Spinal cord injury
Sprains and strains
Stroke
Tendonitis
Traumatic Brain Injury
Lower back pain

Benefits of Aqua Therapy:

Water's natural viscosity or resistance strengthens muscles
Warm water increases blood flow and delivers needed oxygen and nutrients, and draws blood into the target tissues.
Warm water also decreases muscle
spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion.
Cold-water therapy produces vasoconstriction, which slows circulation, reducing inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain.
Hydrostatic pressure supports and stabilizes patients with balance deficits to perform exercises without a fear of falling.
The respiratory muscles are forced to work harder in the water, allowing for a natural strengthening.

Compared to other forms of physical therapy, aquatic therapy results in a higher client compliance rate and less pain throughout the recovery process. The type of aqua therapy exercises a client needs will depend upon their required rehabilitation, physical limitations as well as the specific method of treatment. Some medical conditions can be aggravated by hydrotherapy. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a healthcare professional prior to beginning hydrotherapy.

References

The Ultimate Guide To Aquatic Therapy . Hydroworx.

Traveling, At Times Can Be Damaging To Your Body!

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 222 million people are expected to fly on U.S. carriers this summer season, and if you're one of them, you might not be looking forward to the gross feeling air travel often leaves you with. Besides the airport crowds and stress, traveling at such a high altitude has real effects on the body. One study from the U.K. showed passengers' oxygen levels dropped 4 percent, which could be a concern if you have heart or lung problems. To help prevent headaches, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Traveling long distances in cars, buses, and planes over the summer could put you at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- potentially deadly blood clots in the deep veins of the lower legs and thighs, an expert says.

Sitting for long periods of time in cramped spaces can limit circulation in the legs, resulting in the formation of a blood

clot. The clot can travel through the blood stream and lodge in the lungs, brain, heart and other areas. This can lead to severe damage to organs and possibly death.

However, it's easy to prevent deep vein thrombosis. If you plan to travel overseas or cross country, make sure you get up and walk around at least every two hours, and try not to sleep more than four hours at a time. Drink plenty of water or juices, wear loose-fitting clothing, eat light meals and limit alcohol consumption. Elderly and those with circulation problems should wear compression stockings that help prevent clots from forming in the deep veins.

About 2 million Americans develop deep vein thrombosis every year, and nearly 200,000 die. "It's a very serious condition that can simply be avoided by getting up and moving around," experts say.

"Symptoms include pain and tenderness, swelling, redness and increased warmth in one leg. In some cases, a physician might suggest that a patient go on blood thinners or simply take an aspirin before and during a long trip to avoid [deep vein thrombosis]."

Sitting in tight quarters for hours and hours can affect blood flow throughout your body, leading to swelling in your feet and ankles. It's also well-established that the risk of a blood clot (DVT) increases when blood isn't circulating well, as happens during plane travel. In that position, the veins in our legs are compressed and the blood flow through them is slowed down Although you often hear the advice to get up and walk around, it can cause traffic jams if too many people do it at once, and can be dangerous in the case of unexpected turbulence. Average travelers without any of risk factors would benefit from simple movements of the ankle—rotation, flexion, extension—which can be done in their own seat as frequently as possible. Risk factors for DVT include being obese, pregnant or postpartum, on birth control pills, over age 40, or having a serious medical illness. People with underlying risk factors for DVT benefit from compression stockings, and for some at high risk, even the use of anti-coagulant drugs may be indicated. Talk to your doctor if you have one or more risk factors and are planning a flight this summer. Pay attention to these silent signs of deep vein thrombosis.

DVT Prevention Tips

If you can't get up and move around every couple of hours, Here are few exercises to do while sitting down:

1. Ankle turns: Lift your feet off the floor and move your toes in a circle, one foot moving clockwise and the other foot moving counterclockwise. Change direction and repeat.

2.& 3. Foot lifts: Place your heels on the floor and bring your toes up as high as you can. Then put both feet back flat on the floor. Then pull your heels up while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor.

4. Leg Stretch: Stretch out your legs and point your toes.

5. Knee lifts: While keeping your knee bent, raise your leg while tensing your thigh muscle. Repeat 20 to 30 times, alternating legs.

6. Shoulder rolls: Raise your shoulders and then move them forward, downward and then backward in a smooth circular movement

7. Neck roll: Relax your shoulders, let your head drop to your right shoulder and roll your head slowly to the front and then to your left side. Repeat five times.

8. Walk: When on a bus or a plane walk up and down the isle for a stretch. Be courteous of others and cautious of road bumps and turbulence.

9. Arm bends: Start with your elbows on the armrests and your hands pointed forward so that your lower and upper arms make a 90-degree angle. Take turns moving your left and then your right hand toward your chest and back, and continue for 30 seconds.

10. Knee to chest: Bend slightly forward. Fold your hands together around your left knee and pull it toward your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds and let your knee drop slowly. Change legs and repeat.

11. Forward bends: Place both feet on the floor and pull your abdomen in. Bend slowly forward and ''walk'' your fingers along your shins to your ankles. Hold for 15 seconds and sit up slowly.

12. Upper-body stretch: Stretch both arms over your head. With your right hand, grab your left wrist and pull it slowly to the right. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms.

13. Shoulder stretch: With your right hand, grab your left elbow and pull your outstretched left arm slowly toward your right shoulder. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms.

Stay active during long distance travels to prevent blood clotting and DVT.

References

What Traveling on a Plane Does to Your Body. Tina Donvito

Lengthy Car, Plane Ride Pose Risk of Clots. 11/23/13, Healthy Day.

infographic Image Source: Stay Sure.

Avoiding Summer Time Injuries.

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The weather is warming up and that means people are out, about and doing more. For many people that means summertime sports, vacation, golf, running and even rigorous gardening and lawn chores. These activities are great to engage in but be aware that they can lead to a wide range of injuries such as runner's knee, tennis elbow, back pain and strain, tendinitis and more. When these things happen it is recommended to see either a physical therapist or a doctor to not only get fast relief, but also to address the underlying issues causing pain.

When sports injuries occur it is important to get the right kind of help. It is one thing to treat or manage the pain, which is what traditional medicine offers. This is generally done through treatment with pain medications or anti-inflammatory treatments but doesn't address the root cause of the injury at all. Physical Therapy provides a natural alternative for treatments and addresses the cause of pain while simultaneously providing some degree of relief for the pain almost immediately.

Here Are a Few Ways to Prevent Summer Time Injuries

Warm Up
Poor bodily form and cold muscles can lead to unnecessary injuries. Easing your body into an activity by starting with a good warm-up is a great way to begin any sport. If it’s been awhile since you’ve played a sport, or if you are new at something and not sure of the correct body position.

Take it Easy
If you weren’t very physically active during the cold months, don’t expect to come back full force. Doing too much too soon can lead to serious injury. For example, shoulder injuries such as Impingement Syndrome, Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Tendon Ruptures are common during the summer months because they are caused by repetitive movements that are inherent in some summer activities (volleyball, tennis, baseball, yard work, basketball, etc). Easing your way into an activity and doing preventative exercises can diminish the possibility of getting injured.

Stay Hydrated
Once the temperature surpasses 90 degrees, the likelihood of experiencing heat related injuries increases greatly. Try to avoid playing or doing activity during the peak hours of summer (10am–3pm). Your body can generate 15–20 times the amount of heat it normally does when it is engaging in hard physical activity. Staying hydrated is more important than ever on those grueling summer days. Dehydrated muscles do not work as efficiently as hydrated ones, and simply drinking enough liquids could be the difference maker in staying healthy.

Proper Shoes
Many orthopedic surgeons agree that one of the best ways to prevent injury and surgery is simply to wear the proper shoes. People complaining of pain, especially in their feet, shin or calf area, need to determine if their shoes are the culprit. Having a good arch and heel support are two things to look out for when buying shoes. Stick to wearing the shoes that are made for the specific sport you are engaging in. Wearing sneakers that are stable and supportive can help prevent an injury such as Runners Knee for example.

Find a Friend
Having another person with you not only makes your experience more enjoyable, it can also be very helpful in identifying potential issues. A friend may be able to spot when your form is compromised, or other harmful things you could be doing with your body. In the worst case scenario, having another person there to help if you fall or encounter an injury will be very useful.

References

Stresses Importance of sports care for Summer Sports . June 21 2015, corner chiropractic

Tips for Preventing Common Summertime Injuries. August 11 2015, Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht

Teacher Aches and Pains

Thu, 25 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Educators have the opportunity to make a huge impact on their students – however, they face many challenges, which may result in low back, neck and shoulder pain; tired feet, aching legs, headaches, insomnia and stress. Often, the number one concern for teachers is back pain when standing.

Whether you’re a nursery school teacher or a college professor, job-related challenges can be reduced or avoided, especially if you know how to improve posture. Challenges include: teachers often stand “lecture-style” for extended hours, placing an extra burden on the low back and legs, which may lead to poor posture. Additionally, hard unforgiving surfaces can take their toll after prolonged standing. Bending or stooping over children at their desks and sitting down for long periods when grading assignments.

Other challenges include lifting or carrying heavy equipment and objects such as paperwork. Teachers in primary and early-year classrooms can spend hours sitting on furniture designed for children during their career. In addition, teachers may be utilizing extra-low sinks and child-height computers and whiteboards – not to mention, sitting on the floor with students. Is there really any question why back pain when standing is experienced? Stress, especially if you are a first year teacher learning the curriculum, how to write lesson plans, classroom management and paperwork. Stress may prevent getting a good night’s sleep, resulting in the search for remedies for insomnia.

Teachers can improve their health by implementing the recommendations listed below:

Use a specially designed chair or floor cushion for low seating.
Use a high stool instead of standing for hours.
Use a height adjustable table.
Transport heavy paperwork or equipment on a wheeled trolley.
Stretch and move frequently – get up and walk around every 20 minutes or so.
Avoid excessive reaching and twisting by arranging items on your desk.
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes – possibly with orthotics, if necessitated.
Maintain ergonomically correct workstations.
Learn how to improve posture and lift, bend and carry correctly. Chiropractors and Physical Therapists provide home and work instructions for patients.

What Is Runner's Knee?

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or runner's knee, got its nickname for an obvious and very unfortunate reason—it's common among runners. The stress of running can cause irritation where the kneecap (patella) rests on the thighbone. The resulting pain can be sharp and sudden or dull and chronic, and it may disappear while you're running, only to return again afterward. While biomechanical issues may be to blame for runner's knee, the cause can often be traced back to poorly conditioned quadriceps and tight hamstrings.

Weak quads aren't able to support the patella, leading it to track out of alignment, and inflexible hamstrings can put pressure on the knee. If you want to treat and avoid another bout with runner's knee, add strengthening and stretching to your routine.

Identifying Symptoms of Runner’s Knee

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can affect one or both knees. Runner's knee strikes mostly younger, recreational runners and twice as many women as men, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine. (Women tend to have wider hips, resulting in a greater angling of the thighbone to the knee, which puts the kneecap under more stress.)

Symptoms of runner's knee include tenderness behind or around the patella, usually toward its center. You may feel pain toward the back of the knee, a sense of cracking or that the knee's giving out. Steps, hills, and uneven terrain can aggravate runner's knee.

Causes of Runner’s Knee

Pinpointing a single cause of runner's knee is difficult. Runner's knee could be a biomechanical problem—the patella may be larger on the outside than it is on the inside, it may sit too high in the femoral groove, or it may dislocate easily. Also, worn cartilage in the knee joint reduces shock absorption, high-arched feet provide less cushioning, and flat feet or knees that turn in or out excessively can pull the patella sideways.

There are also muscular causes. Tight hamstring and calf muscles put pressure on the knee, and weak quadriceps muscles can cause the patella to track out of alignment. Just the repetitive force of a normal running stride alone can be enough to provoke an attack of runner's knee.

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Prevention and Treatment of Runner’s Knee

To prevent runner's knee, run on softer surfaces, keep mileage increases less than 10 percent per week, and gradually increase hill work in your program. Visit a specialty running shop to make sure you're wearing the proper shoes for your foot type and gait. Also, strengthening your quadriceps will improve patellar tracking, and stretching your hamstrings and calves will prevent over pronation.

At the first sign of pain, cut back your mileage. The sooner you lessen the knee's workload, the faster healing of runner's knee begins. Avoid knee -- bending activities, canted surfaces, and downward stairs and slopes until the pain subsides. As you rebuild mileage, use a smaller stride on hills. Consider orthotics if new shoes don't fix the problem. See a doctor if the pain persists, to rule out another condition.

References

Jim + Phil Wharton. (May 24, 2007) Cure Runner's Knee.

Runner's World. Runner's Knee

The Dangers of Spring Gardening.

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Throwing yourself into gardening – without a warm up – is as dangerous as a footballer returning to competition without training.

Traditionally springtime has amateur gardeners itching to get back into their flower beds after a long winter of inactivity. However, doctors have warned that many gardeners overdo it and end up needing treatment for a host of injuries including gardeners' back, weeder's wrist and pruner's neck. Throwing yourself into the hobby – without a warm up – is as dangerous as a footballer returning to competition without training.

Tips to Prevent Injury When Gardening.

Stretch + Warm Up
Try working out or going for a morning walk before gardening. If you do exercise regularly, a stretch and a warm-up before gardening are smart precautions to take; if exercise is not part of your daily routine, these stretches are absolutely necessary to safeguard your knees and back.

Know Your Limits.
Know the limits of what you can lift and carry. Let a wheel barrow do the heavy work. Have a handy cart and or wheel barrow that you can load and unload soil, stones or sand unto. If a wheelbarrow is not accessible or ideal of your space, Lighten the load by making frequent trips when carrying items from one place to another.

Lift With Your Legs Not Your Back.
When it comes to lifting, you want the energy coming from your legs, not from your back. Even if you are picking up a trowel that landed in the dirt, use your knees and legs to bring your hands to the ground instead of bending over from the waist with legs straight. Bending from the knees allows you to keep your center of gravity, making it less likely that you will pitch face-forward into the garden.

Design Your Garden for Comfort.
Be creative by using alternative planting methods. Window boxes, hanging baskets, and table planters; can all be assembled while sitting. Other options like large barrel planters, raised beds, and pot benches, require some standing and bending.

Protect Your Body
Protect Your Knees from Injury and Stress with Kneelers, Knee Pads, and Kneeling Cushions. Protect Your Back from Injury and Stress by Using Telescoping and Long-handled Tools. If your garden is not designed for keeping you off your knees or to keep you from bending, then there are many ways to cushion and protect your body while you work. Don't forget to take your time.Unless you have helpers to do your bidding, your garden will have to take only as much time as you can safely give it on your own.

Relieve Pain + Strain
Sooner or later, knees and back are going to be uncomfortable after overdoing it in the garden. After gardening, ease stiff and sore knees and back with a 15-minute ice pack.

References

1. Sherri, Sally's Trove.(April 06,2016) 10 Best Tips for Preventing and Reducing Knee and Back Pain while Gardening.

2. Richard Alleyne (March 18,2009) Spring gardening is a dangerous sport, claim doctors.

Indications For Therapeutic Taping

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Indications For Therapeutic Taping

A) To help bio mechanical abnormalities related to pain.

e.g. flat feet

B) To help accelerate tissue repair by temporarily supporting and uploading injured soft-tissues

e.g. Rotator Cuff tendonitis / partial tear

C) To help temporarily support hyper-mobile segments or joints

e.g. Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) hyper-mobility and pain (very common in pregnant women)

D) To help unload stress and reduce pain from hyper tonic / overactive muscles

e.g. Muscle Tension in the Neck and Low back

E) To help restrict and limit potentially aggravating postures and movements

e.g. Lumbar flexion and rotation for low back pain

F) To help facilitate muscle activity, in order to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises

e.g. Knee pain from poor tracking of the kneecap (very common in runners)

G) To help relieve acute perfuse myofascial pain

e.g. Whiplash Associated Disorders

Possible Therapeutic Effects of Taping

1) Proprioceptive feedback (People who have balance or sensory issues would benefit from this)

2) Soft-tissue unloading effect (People with any type of pain related to tendonitis or muscle tension would benefit from this)

3) Neural tissue unloading effect (People with nerve pain would benefit from this)

4) Bracing effect (People who need added support with daily activities would benefit from this)

Possible Taping Side Effects

1) Depending on the exact type of tape used, the patient may be instructed to leave the tape on for up to one week. The average time is 2-3 days

2) As long as the tape has been securely applied, patients can be assured that it will not come off with showering.

3) Patients must be informed that if they feel the tape is aggravating their symptoms, it should be immediately removed. The tape is to be left on ONLY if it 'feels good'.

4) Patients must be informed to remove the tape if they feel itchy, hot, or feel and kind of skin irritation.

Q&A with Dr. Anthony L. Orlando, DPT.

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

What did you learn growing up that you implement in your physical therapy practice now?

Compassion and empathy to go along with the knowledge. I think that’s all people want from anybody. Just be honest, be a little compassionate with me. Especially people who are in pain. They don’t want to come through the door complaining. They’re hurting. You’re an outlet for them.

How do you get started with a new patient?

The first thing I ask is, “How can I help you?” Because you’re here and I’m here to help you. It’s not my therapy.

What happens once you’re working with patients who say they’re starting to feel better from the treatment?

Hopefully they’re saying, “I’m a lot better.” I’ll go through what I just did with them and then I’ll try to incorporate exercises. Now at this point I’m trying to empower you as the patient. It’s not about me now. I always give exercises that you’ll be able to do in a timely fashion.

What happens once a patient is empowered in your care?

It’s about you talking about your problems and me, like a scientist, I’m just helping you interpret those results. We’re working as a team. And that empowers people, too. They feel like they’re part of this.

If you sense patients are stressed in their everyday lives, what can you do for them?

I tell people, “Put your phone over there. Forget about the phone. You’re a slave to your phone.” So they’ll put the phone away. I have dim lighting. I have the aromatherapy in my room. And I have Pandora so they can pick the music. That’s it. I’ll leave them in there for 15 to 20 minutes. In that time, they get to integrate all this. It lets them unwind. They get to decompress. They get to unplug. And they get to appreciate the whole therapy. I’ve incorporated not only therapy, but the experience. Usually people will come out and say, “I feel great.” After a while I’ll get people saying, “I couldn’t wait to get here.” When do you hear people say they couldn’t wait to get to a medical office?

What is the best exercise?

I get that question a lot. I’ll throw it right back at them -- “What do you think is the best exercise?” They all say the same thing. “Well, walking, right?” I say, “Maybe.” They’ll say, “What about swimming?” I’ll say, “You know what? Those are two good exercises, but it’s a trick question. The best exercise is the one you’ll do.”

What if patients say their doctor has told them to stop working out? Can you still recommend exercises?

Let’s work on the problem. If something you do is part of who you are and you feel good about that, then I just want to support that. But I want to support it in a safe way so you don’t get injured. That’s where I’ll come in. Because I really understand that injury has a psychological and a spiritual effect. You start to lose your focus on things because you don’t feel good about yourself. So I’ll constantly support you in what you do; I’ll just modify certain things. You still have who you are, but you’re doing it in the safest way possible.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & PT

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a disease that affects millions of Americans. In fact, studies show that one in five Americans, including men, women and children, is affected by PFD, yet most are untreated.

The cause of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is often caused by pregnancy, trauma from a car accident, infections, or surgery. Sometimes a gym injury can bring it on. Even doing too many kegels or rough menstrual cramps can cause PFD to manifest itself.

Symptoms of PFD range from a muscle or groin pull, frequent or painful urination, lower back pain, constipation or painful intercourse, yet the diagnosis is sometimes hard to get. When you are in pain in the pelvic or groin region, doctors will test for infections and come up empty. Often PFD is the cause. If not treated properly, PDF can go on to affect the bladder causing incontinence, IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, certain sexual dysfunctions, trouble sitting for long periods and other related pain.

Yet all is not lost. Physical Therapy has been known to have excellent results ranging from relief to full recovery. Some of the options available for patients of PFD include trigger point release massage, connective tissue manipulation, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, deep tissue massage, mysofascial release, biofeedback, ultrasound, and rehab including strengthening exercises and Pilates

These exercise can range from simple pelvic tilts while lying on the floor, to lying on a tennis ball to release the tension and re-educate the muscles around the sacroilliac joint, to simple Pilates moves, like sit ups and stretches, to strengthen the entire core and the pelvic floor.

With a well-rounded physical therapy program in place, patients will heal and achieve a better level of health and fitness overall.