Protect and Strengthen the Knee Thru Physical Therapy

Knee and foot injuries are common for people of all ages. They tend to occur during day-to-day activities such as walking, climbing stairs and running. In most cases, people tend to ignore the pain and just 'carry on', leading to more injury and pain. Rest and medication help reduce pain. However, the residual effects of knee and foot injuries (loss of strength and mobility) are best treated with physical therapy.

The knee joint is a complex, weight-bearing structure and the ankle, in particular, is protected by ligaments on the inside, outside and the front. Sudden twisting movements can lead to tendon and ligament tears, and in some cases, fractures. Also, a myriad of injuries including strains, sprains, plantar fasciitis, fractures, meniscal tears and ligament tears can lead to impaired mobility and severe pain. These conditions can make it difficult, if not impossible for the individual to walk until the injury heals.

Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required. With or without surgery, physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery from knee and ankle injuries.

Time to Heal

Due to the sensitive, weight-bearing nature of the hip and knee joint, it is critical to allow sufficient time for the healing process. Once healing is complete, physical therapy can begin.

The healing process typically results in

  • Weaker Muscles
  • Tighter Ligaments
  • Reduced Blood Flow
  • Scar Tissue Formation
  • Joint Restrictions

Pain and discomfort is experienced during movement and weight bearing.

Physical therapy will increase strength and mobility to prepare the knee and ankle for active, daily life. Exercises and techniques used by physical therapists include, but are not limited to:

  • Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles in the hip, knee, and ankle
  • Manual techniques to increase mobility of underlying joints, improve blood circulation and break down scar tissue (when indicated)
  • Balance exercises to improve posture and biomechanics while sitting, standing and walking
  • Weight control, as needed, to reduce weight bearing stress on the hip, knee and ankle
  • Identification of appropriate assistive devices and footwear to facilitate mobility.

Time to Take a Stand!

Physical therapists use sound, scientifically proven principles of human anatomy, physiology, movement and psychology to help patients lead healthy, pain-free lives.

The therapist will conduct an initial evaluation followed by several progress notes to document progress over time. A comprehensive analysis establishes a 'clinical baseline' and identifies muscle imbalances, causes of pain and joint alignments. This is the foundation for short and long-term goals designed to help individuals recover completely. In fact, physical therapy can address every aspect of recovery including:

  • Gait
  • Biomechanical aspects like spine/hip/foot alignments
  • Lower back strength
  • Pain levels
  • Functional capability

As your physical therapist, we will get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Call us today to learn more. You deserve the right kind of care. It's time to take a stand. Let's do it together. We are here to help.

Problem With Pain in the Pelvic Region? Let Your Physical Therapist Help You

Have you ever had a nagging pain in the region of the pelvis or hip? Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region and the hip may be related. Since the hip is a weight bearing joint, pain and discomfort in the hip can cause problems with sitting, standing and walking.

The bones of the hip and pelvic region act as protection for internal organs such as the bladder. Depending on the severity of the injury, a hip fracture can result in internal bleeding, difficulty urinating and abdominal pain.

Fractures in the pelvis and hip typically result from high-impact trauma. Participation in athletic programs, bicycling injuries and vehicle accidents can also cause fractures.

Low-impact injuries in the elderly are usually precipitated by osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Falls are a major area of concern for the elderly. Causes include deterioration in balance, impaired vision and unintended obstacles like slippery floors, rugs and even pets. Fractures as a direct result of falls in the elderly can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary problems and infections.

The Dual Role of Physical Therapy


A period of rest and recovery is essential after any injury, but hip and pelvic fractures pose unique challenges. An extended period of bed rest is needed to allow time to heal. Reduced muscle tone and weakness may ensue. It can also result in a reduction in joint mobility. Physical therapy helps mitigate the effects of bed rest. Once a patient is weight bearing, a therapist can facilitate recovery using some of the following methods:

  • Passive Joint Mobility - If the patient is in bed, a physical therapist will use techniques to keep the joints mobile with a safe and progressive sequence of passive exercises.
  • Assisted Joint Mobility - As the individual regains strength, muscle engagement is facilitated. The patient is asked to participate in the movement while being facilitated by the therapist.
  • Progressive Weight Bearing - The ability to stand and walk using assisted devices like crutches or walkers is an important part of the recovery process. The supervision of the physical therapist is crucial to ensure a safe recovery.
  • Joint and Soft Tissue Manipulation - Specialized techniques help restore movement, and therapeutic massage is used to reduce muscle tension, control pain and facilitate range of motion.
  • Customized Exercise Programs - Specialized routines are tailored to the individual abilities of the patient and can be performed with or without equipment. The method increases strength, maintains tone and sustains range of movement.
  • Training with Assistive Devices - Physical therapists provide patients with help in learning to move with crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers.

A New Life with Physical Therapy

No one wants to experience pain and discomfort, especially the kind that prevents you from doing simple things like sitting, standing and walking. From a human anatomy standpoint, pain in the hip and pelvis affects your ability to bear weight on those joints. In fact, problems in the lower back are related to hip pain and vice versa.

As your physical therapists, we will conduct a detailed evaluation to answer important questions such as:

  • When did the problem originate?
  • What causes an increase in pain?
  • How can we get you back 'on your feet' as quickly as possible?

Once we gather all the information from you, we use our training and insight to formulate a treatment program designed for your unique needs. If you or someone you know has experienced a pelvic fracture or you have any questions about physical therapy, please give us a call. We will present you with several options to work with us, and answer any questions you might have. Our schedule tends to fill up quickly, so we urge you to call us now. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Ease Biceps Tendinitis with Physical Therapy

The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle in the upper arm to the elbow. The tendon acts like a tough connective tissue. The inflammation of this tendon is bicep tendinitis. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and regain mobility.

Causes

Some of the causes of biceps tendinitis include:

  • a fall that injures the shoulder
  • excessive weight lifting
  • overuse from recreational and sports-related activities
  • a sudden twisting motion of the shoulder

Symptoms

  1. Pain at the front of the shoulder joint that extends down the arm i.e. the biceps muscle.
  2. Weakness in the shoulder
  3. Decreased range of motion of the shoulder joint
  4. A visible change in the shape and appearance of the front of the arm
Photo of female doing shoulder exercises

Bicep Tendinitis Prevention Tips
Once a diagnosis is confirmed using evaluation techniques and an ultrasound scan, conservative treatment involves rest, ice and progressive physical therapy. Medical treatment involves the use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin. A physician may recommend prescription pain killers. In extreme cases, surgery may be required. An orthopedic surgeon can relieve swelling by opening the lining around the tendon and removing the inflamed tissue. Physical therapy plays a significant role in post-surgical recovery.

Prevention Tips
If you are engaged in ongoing, repetitive arm activity at work or home, make sure to rest periodically and do the following:

  • Massage the shoulder, arm and elbow
  • Stretch the muscles surrounding the shoulder and elbow
  • If your arm is tingling, feeling numb or aching, it is time see your physician. If ignored, the condition can become painful and disabling.

Treatment

  • Your physical therapist will help you avoid motions and positions that cause pain.
  • Once the pain subsides, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise begin. The therapist will create a plan for:
    • Muscle strengthening
    • Joint mobility
    • Postural retraining
    • Supporting the shoulder and arm in a sling
    • Ergonomic intervention
    • Facilitating a safe home environment
Women doing shoulder exercises

Biceps tendinitis is the type of condition that feels like an inconvenience at first, but it is not something that should be brushed aside. This condition has the potential to escalate, causing severe pain and reduced movement in the elbow joint. This can impact the patient's quality of life and interfere with day-to-day tasks like holding a pen, working at a computer, lifting things, driving, cooking and cleaning.

A pain relief intervention plan involving collaboration between your physician and physical therapist is crucial for long-term healing. In fact, physical therapy helps in the prevention and the post-surgical rehabilitation of the shoulder and elbow joint.

A therapist can create a carefully designed recovery and rehabilitative routine. This routine may consist of several treatment procedures and techniques available to help facilitate healing of the biceps tendon and mobility in the shoulder and elbow joints. If you or someone you know has symptoms of biceps tendinitis or any health issue that limits strength and movement, we can certainly help. As your preferred physical therapists, we promise to use our professional judgement, experience and interest in your well-being to help you get 'back in the game' as quickly as possible.

Cause of a Wrist Fracture

Colles' fracture refers to a fracture around the wrist. Typically, it occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand. Specifically, the fracture occurs at the end of a bone in the forearm called the radius (at the cortico-cancellous junction). Dorsal displacement and dorsal angulation are common characteristics of such a fracture. Falling on an outstretched hand can be a consequence of either tripping or losing balance, and it is the body's defense mechanism against falling flat on one's face. While this sort of fracture is not prevalent in younger patients, it is commonly seen in older patients, patients with osteoporosis, and those with any other form of bone disease.

The treatment of Colles' fracture requires the application of a cast to facilitate compression and prevent motion in an effort to promote healing. In some cases, surgical correction may be required. Once pain and swelling is reduced, the objective of the healthcare team changes. The new priority is joint range of motion and restoration of muscle strength. This is where physical therapy plays an important role.

How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can help in the recovery of wrist fractures in several ways:

  1. RICE
    The use of Rest, Ice packs application, Compression and Elevation (RICE) is universally applicable after injuries to reduce the extent of injury and facilitate healing.
  2. Therapeutic Exercises
    Muscles tend to lose tone, strength, and mass due to a period of inactivity. Stretching and range of motion exercises can minimize the phenomenon of 'muscle atrophy'.
  3. Massage Therapy and Mobilizations
    Manual therapy from a skilled physical therapy on the joint or on the surgical scar site is very helpful. This helps reduce pain, decrease swelling and improve blood flow to the area to improve healing.
  4. Electrical Stimulation
    Used to improve muscle tone and strength, it can involve application of a tiny electric current on muscle fibers to stimulate muscle contraction.
  5. Balance therapy
    If a Colles' fracture has occurred in an elderly patient due to loss of balance, then treatment is aimed at improving core strength and balance. At times, aids like a walking stick or Zimmer frame may also be provided.

    Given the importance of the wrist in daily activities, the objective of physical therapy is to help regain full motion of the affected wrist. However, physical therapy can also help reduce swelling, controlling pain, improving strength, improving balance and regaining independence, especially in older patients. Physical therapy helps the healing process. Recovery from Colles' fractures can be hampered by unnecessary and extreme motion after removal of the cast. This can be minimized or avoided under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Portrait of a fit senior woman flexing her arms and showing her muscles with personal trainer at gym

The Care You Need
Physical therapy is important in the full recovery of wrist motion and strength after an injury.

Expect the therapist to start with gentle mobilizations of the wrist and hand to improve joint circulation and encourage motion. As the pain subsides, the therapist will encourage (and supervise) gentle exercises to regain full function.

Your physical therapist will provide the care you need, when you need it. If you are hurt and in pain, there is a good chance that physical therapy can help you. Reach out to us today, and discovery why individuals across the community are experiencing the benefits of what physical therapy can do for you.

How to Make Kids Healthy and Happy

Getting your child involved in sports is an excellent way to encourage exercise and prevent childhood obesity. This is a proud feeling for every parent, and the expectation is that the child will have fun, gain confidence and interact with other children in the process.

To determine what your child will enjoy participating in, help him / her decide by accompanying the child to different games and a variety of sports. The more sports and environments the child is made aware of, the higher the probability that the child will be able to pick a sport and enjoy it.

It is important to make sure that the child's sporting activity is age appropriate. In general, toddlers (aged 2-5) are too young to comprehend most organized activities and the importance of 'rules'. They need unstructured play to develop movement skills, attention span and social maturity. From the age of 8 and above, children can participate in team sports and group exercise.

If your child does not like athletic activities, take the opportunity to spend more time with your child and encourage physical activity with regular walks, swimming, tossing a ball around, or simply kicking a ball back and forth. Be creative and mix it up so your child does not get bored.

Importance of Safety First
Unfortunately, children can get injured while playing sports. When this happens, consult a physician immediately. In most cases, the physician may recommend the services of a physical therapist with extensive training in anatomy and physiology. The therapist will work closely with the physician to help your child recover as quickly as possible.

Specially trained in anatomy and physiology, a physical therapist will design a delicate, yet effective exercise program to help restore muscle balance and improve mobility in your child. The therapist will be aware of the child's limitations and will do everything possible to facilitate recovery as quickly as possible. Children tend to get restless during recovery, and a physical therapist will patiently work with the child to achieve compliance during the recovery process.

Physical therapy helps to heal, strengthen, and improve motion by treating your child's injured area with a variety of exercise techniques that incorporate fun and playful activities. With physical therapy, you can expect your child to recover quickly and resume athletic activity.

The Right Physical Therapist For Your Child
Although physical therapy can help children in the recovery process following an injury, there is a lot more that the therapist can do. As a parent, you can expect the physical therapist to use a variety of techniques to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility. The therapist will make the exercises fun and interesting, and your child won't realize that he or she is 'being treated.' As a parent, you should encourage your child to participate and 'play along' with the treatment. The physical therapist may use play techniques including crawling, playing follow the leader, facilitating balance and coordination activities using beams, balls and other objects.

After an injury, a physical therapist will help your child regain full potential, allowing your little bundle of joy to experience the pleasure of sport and grow physically and emotionally in the process. Your child will look forward to the 'play sessions' and be an active participant in the recovery process. If your child (or another child that you know) is recovering from an injury, give us an opportunity to help the child return to normal as quickly as possible. Give us a call today.

Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy

Most people think of physical therapy in regard to rehabilitation following surgery, but it's also beneficial for preparing the body to undergo a surgical procedure. It's effective for aiding in quicker recovery times, decreasing the potential for complications, and reducing the care required after surgery - especially in major procedures such as joint replacements.

It's beneficial prior to any surgical procedure and can be particularly advantageous for sports injuries. A sports-related injury requiring surgery will typically be more severe and require specialized care if the patient is to return to full functionality and "prehab" therapy can help.

Pre-surgical physical therapy maximizes a patient's range of motion, strength and control prior to the surgery and helps individuals regain mobility and control faster and more effectively post-operatively. Between the time an injury occurs and when surgery is scheduled, a substantial amount of atrophy can occur in muscles. Movement patterns can also change as people try to compensate for a loss of motion or balance. Physical therapy is beneficial for preventing both situations.

Six Benefits of Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy before surgery aids the body in ways ranging from quicker recoveries to better pain management. Pre-surgical physical therapy can help with:

  • Better overall health for quicker recovery
  • Improved pain management
  • Better response to rehabilitation
  • Minimize risk of complications after surgery
  • Mitigate the risk of re-injury
  • Instruction in mobility aids before they're actually needed

Pre-surgery physical therapy provides patients with an opportunity to become familiar with the equipment, mobility aids and types of rehabilitation methods that will be utilized after their surgery is performed. It's much easier for patients to focus on the things they'll need to know prior to surgery instead of immediately after when they may be feeling overwhelmed.

Exercise is a key component in rehabilitation and pre-surgical physical therapy provides the means to build the strength needed in specific locations of the body to accommodate crutches or a wheelchair. It's especially beneficial for those who have to relearn how to move normally again after their surgery. Patients who have pre-surgical physical therapy have greater stamina, endurance and resilience for their rehabilitation program.

Nutrition plays an important role in recoveries. People facing surgery often eat for comfort and your physical therapist can assist with nutritional and dietary supplements to control weight and minimize inflammatory responses. He/she can also help with dietary advice to prevent constipation that often occurs after surgery.

Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy for Better Recoveries
Your physical therapy program may begin anywhere from a week to several months before your surgery is scheduled, depending upon the type of surgery that's required. It will encompass strengthening of key muscle groups and the cardiovascular system. At-home exercises may be prescribed.

Your physical therapy will include treatments to improve your balance, coordination, endurance and posture. If you'll require a mobility aid following surgery, you'll receive instruction in its proper use, enabling you to be mobile as soon as possible.

If edema is a problem your physical therapist has treatments that can aid in reducing fluid retention and aid the body with detoxification. Multiple therapies are available to help maintain range of motion and reduce stress that includes manual manipulation, therapeutic massage and hydrotherapy, along with ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation.

A pre-surgery physical therapy program will be individualized to meet your needs of the specific type of surgery you'll undergo. The therapy program will be carefully crafted to help you maintain flexibility and better physical conditioning for healing.

The stronger you are at the time of surgery and the more you know, the better equipped you'll be both physically and mentally for the rehabilitation stage. Properly prepared, your body will heal faster and be ready to meet the challenges of returning to full functionality.

Physical Therapy – The Secret to Athletic Excellence

The vast majority of people believe the primary use of physical therapy is for back pain or rehabilitation of an injury such as fracture leg or whiplash. While physical therapy is beneficial in all those situations, it's equally advantageous for individuals who want to improve their athletic performance.

Athletes don't have to seek the services of a personal trainer or strength coach if they want to run faster or jump higher. Physical therapists are experts in how the musculoskeletal system works and how to maximize the potential of any individual whether they're a high school athlete, participating at the collegiate level, or competing in professional events.

Physical therapy is so effective that world-class Olympians regularly receive care from a physical therapist to keep their bodies in top condition and improve agility, stamina, and endurance. Different sports and activities all require specific muscle sets. The same muscles used for performing a high jump aren't the same that an individual utilizes for rowing and each need a different approach.

The time to begin a physical therapy training program is before an individual will call upon their body to perform. For those who regularly compete, physical therapy is a valuable tool for maintaining performance and fitness levels during the off season.

Training for a Lifetime
Female Athlete
A physical therapist can identify a wide variety of functional problems that include muscle weakness or gait dysfunction. Training and conditioning provided by a physical therapist is beneficial throughout an individual's lifetime. A physical therapist can help with:

  • Increased strength, speed and agility
  • Improved stamina and endurance
  • Reduced risk of injury
  • Reduced risk of overtraining
  • Gait and postural assessments
  • Sport-specific enhancement

As part of a physical therapy athletic program, individuals will receive information about nutrition and dietary supplements that address any deficits in diet and offer the essential elements needed for successfully honing the body.

Physical therapy aids in multiple sports endeavors. It helps in basketball with improved vertical extension. Football players will find they have better explosive speed and strength for blocking and tackling. Baseball players can increase arm strength and batting speed. Techniques are equally applicable for amateur athletes who participate in activities such as biking and running.

Be the Best Version of You
Female Athlete
Your physical therapist has a number of assessments that he/she can perform to determine your strengths, areas of weakness, and any functional problems that may be interfering with your ability to compete at peak performance. Exercise and strengthening programs will be tailored to your individual needs, any specific sport in which you may be competing, your level of fitness and any pre-existing conditions.

Your physical therapist is also your best line of defense against overtraining. In the quest to become the "best," you may be tempted to put in more training time than you should. That path can actually lead to a loss in overall performance and increases the risk of injury. Your physical therapist will guide you in stretching and warm-up exercises and the proper amount to train without injuring yourself.

Manual manipulation and adjustments to the neck and spine help your body move smoothly and relieves pressure on the neurological system that surrounds the spine. Cupping, acupuncture and dry needling may be employed to reduce muscle tension and increase circulation.

Therapeutic massage stimulates the immune system, increases circulation and helps detoxify the body. It loosens and relaxes muscles making them less susceptible to an injury. Hydrotherapy utilizes the power of water as a type of resistance training. It's an effective treatment for building strength, balance and stamina.

It doesn't matter whether you're a world-class athlete or you want to play a little one-on-one basketball in the backyard. Physical therapy significantly reduces the risk of injury and enables you to be the best version of yourself you can be.

Preparing for Spring with Physical Therapy

With the coming of spring, the urge to get outside and "do something" to alleviate cabin fever will be strong. After a winter of relative inactivity or virtual hibernation, it's a good idea for the body to get a tune up to prepare it for the stresses of emerging gardening, biking and baseball season.

Even people who regularly participate in winter sports and recreational activities would do well to see a physical therapist before attempting strenuous landscaping or sports-related activities. People don't use the same muscle sets for snowmobiling or skiing that they will utilize to fertilize the begonias, Rollerblade or go hiking. Being mentally ready to do something isn't the same as being physically fit enough to accomplish it.

The majority of individuals overestimate their fitness level. Simply going to the gym and working out over the winter won't prepare a person for spring. To avoid repetitive motion injuries or damage to the neck and spine, the body must first be aligned properly and have the strength to perform when it's called upon to do so.

Back and neck pain, and injuries resulting from repetitive motions required in golf, baseball and even swimming can result in sore, strained or sprained muscles and tendons. Injuries to hamstring muscles, the heel, knees, back and shoulders are also common and can require substantial time to heal.

Start Out Slowly
Most people throw themselves into spring activities wholeheartedly without regard for stretching or warming up first. Failure to prepare the body sufficiently before jogging or even cleaning the garage is the best way to incur an injury. The same rules for adults apply equally to youngsters participating in organized sports.

Start Out Slowly

A physical therapist will help:

  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Increase endurance
  • Build strength
  • Aid in preventing falls and injuries
  • Improve flexibility
  • Improve performance

Those who visit the gym regularly may be able to lift an impressive amount of weight, but that ability won't help with a rotator cuff injury. Even muscles that are conditioned need to be slowly acclimated to the increased workloads of spring. Wind resistance, tough terrain and inclement weather can all combine to create a challenging situation that won't ever be experienced in an indoor gym or other facility.

Spring Into Physical Therapy
Start Out Slowly
Your physical therapist will ensure your neck and spine are correctly aligned that will aid in reducing the risk of injury and relieve any pressure on the neurological system that can impair performance. A program of exercises will be developed that addresses your strengths and any areas of weakness. You'll learn how to stretch and warm up properly before putting specific muscle groups into action.

People tend to eat less healthy fare in the winter. Your physical therapist can help with your nutritional needs and recommend dietary supplements that help meet any deficits to provide you with specific nutrients for your selected activities. If you've had an injury in the past that has lingering effects, braces and other supportive aids are available to reduce the potential for another injury.

The therapies available through your physical therapist are effective for improving performance and building strength, balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls. Your therapist can provide suggestions for protective gear and proper footwear that offers the traction and support needed for specific activities. Orthotics can be prescribed to address any imbalances for comfort and to relieve pain.

Lifting, bend, twisting and turning can easily strain the muscles and tendons. The quick stops and starts of basketball and the pounding the body takes while jogging can be mitigated with physical therapy. Your physical therapist can show you new ways to move to perform tasks that will be easier on your body and reduce the risk of an injury.

Before spring actually arrives is the time to get your body tuned up and ready for the upcoming season. Spring is a time of invigorating possibilities and your body will be rejuvenated and ready for whatever the season brings after a visit to your physical therapist.

Take A Bite Out of Life! Physical Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

There's Help for TMJ Disorder
TMJ dysfunction affects more women than men and is typically diagnosed for the first time when patients are in their 20s-40s, though the symptoms may have existed for much longer with lesser severity. The early signs of TMJ disorder are often overlooked. For those with TMJ pain, physical therapy can help with:

  • Alleviating pain
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Reducing muscle spasms
  • Releasing scar tissue when applicable
  • Relaxing surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments

One of the most common causes of TMJ disorder is bad posture. Sitting at desks and hunching over keyboards can place the neck, spine and jaw at an unusual angle, putting undue pressure and strain on the area. Conditions in which arthritis is a symptom can cause pain in the jaw joint.

Stress can result in chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding, both of which can cause damage and strain on the joint. The disc that cushions movement of the joint can become displaced, resulting in the popping and clicking noises associated with TMJ dysfunction.

More than 10 million people have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. Other reported symptoms with the condition include jaw fatigue, particularly when chewing, along with ringing in the ears, neck pain and even dizziness.


temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Take A Bite Out of Life! Physical Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is what connects the bottom jaw to the skull. The joint is a hinge that makes it possible to eat and speak, but it can be subject to pain and inflammation from multiple sources. It's a complex system composed of bone, muscle and ligaments and any disturbance or misalignment to the area can result in dysfunction.

The condition is common, but it's often difficult to discern the exact cause. People with the condition may hear and feel clicks and pops when they move their jaw and in some instances it can feel as if the jaw is "stuck" for a brief moment. People who clench their teeth during the day or engage in nocturnal teeth grinding often experience TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ pain can occur on one or both sides of the face. Patients with the condition may experience headaches similar to migraines, feel pressure behind the eyes, have an earache, or a change in the way their teeth fit together. Pain may be present when they chew or yawn. In the most severe cases, the jaw may become locked in an open or closed position.

The pain of TMJ dysfunction can appear after a blow to the jaw, an accident in which whiplash was a factor, as a result of a dental problem, or a misalignment of the neck, spine or jaw. Any action or change that causes trauma to the jaw can result in swelling of the joint and surrounding soft tissues.


temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Relief and Function with Physical Therapy
The focus of your therapy will be to realign the joint and relax the muscles, tendons and ligaments around it. Your physical therapist will want to ensure that all of your bones and joints are in alignment and in their proper place.

Depending upon what your physical therapist finds during his/her examination, manual manipulation may be employed to increase movement, relieve pain and align the joint in its proper position. Your therapist will provide you with exercises that you can perform to strengthen the joint and area around it to restore motion and alleviate pain in the future as TMJ disorder can often return.

Heat and cryotherapies may be applied to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. Electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy can be used to accomplish the same goals. If the disorder is due to a dental problem, your physical therapist can refer you to a dentist specializing in TMJ dysfunction.

Your physical therapist can recommend ergonomic solutions to lessen stress on the back, neck and jaw and offer suggestions on how to perform tasks in different ways that won't place undue strain on the jaw joint and soft tissues. You'll also receive information and instruction on sleep positions that will open the airways and won't stress the neck, spine or back.

TMJ dysfunction can happen to anyone. It's a painful disorder that affects the way you eat, your diet, and your ability to communicate. Your physical therapist has the means to restore your TMJ to full functionality and aid in reducing the chances of another episode.

Physical Therapy for Restful Nights and Pain Free Days

7 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy treatments can be applied to any part of the body. The methods employed by a physical therapist will focus on relieving pain and inflammation, obtaining the restful sleep you need, and help you retain mobility.

Physical therapy will help you:

  • Relieve pain
  • Sleep better
  • Increase stability, endurance and balance
  • Improve flexibility and mobility
  • Strengthen the body
  • Improve neurological function
  • Aid in preventing disability

Physical therapy treatments work with the body's own healing abilities to release endorphins, the body's natural pain relieving chemical. It's one of the reasons that physical therapy is so effective. Treatments are equally beneficial for residual pain from a previous injury or surgery.

It's a holistic approach that will be part of a multi-faceted treatment program that may also include nutritional and supplement recommendations. A variety of foods can result in an increased level of inflammation, along with medications and other substances.


Physical Therapy for Restful Nights and Pain Free Days
The use of physical therapy to alleviate pain and obtain restful sleep has a history reaching into antiquity. Hippocrates is believed to have been the first physical therapy practitioner. He developed treatments for gout, arthritic joints, and advocated manual therapy, massage and hydrotherapy treatments - all of which are still used today. The treatments he pioneered were later adopted by early Olympians.

There are more than 150 conditions that cause inflammation and pain to joints and the body's neurological system, along with current and prior injuries that can result in pain long after the initial injury has healed. Conditions run the gamut from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.

More than 116 million individuals suffer with pain from accidents, injuries and chronic conditions that result in sleep disturbances, lack of mobility, and curtail lifestyles. A physical therapist can assist patients understand the underlying cause of their pain and how it affects their body. Patients will learn new ways of performing everyday tasks for ease and convenience, along with ergonomic and adaptive strategies to lessen stress and pain on the body.


Neck Therapy

Sleep and Pain Relief is Within Your Grasp

One of the most important strategies for relieving your pain is a customized exercise program. Your physical therapist will create a program that factor in your strengths, areas that need improvement, any chronic conditions, and your fitness level.

Physical therapy will help ease pain, allow you to move better, and promotes restorative sleep necessary for the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. It's beneficial for preventing and mitigating the severity of recurrences and relapses. A neck and spinal alignment relieves pressure on joints and the neurological system.

Your physical therapist may incorporate a number of complementary techniques into your treatment. Exercise can include aerobic movements, clinical Pilates and yoga. Manual manipulation is available if your movement is limited or you're unable to participate in a traditional exercise program. The individualized plan will be adjusted to accommodate your progress.

Heat and cryogenic therapies may be utilized, along with ultrasound, electrical stimulation, acupuncture and dry needling. Water-based therapy is particularly beneficial if you have mobility limitations. You'll be buoyed by the water, thereby reducing the effects of weight and gravity on your body by approximately one-third. It's a gentle form of resistance training that can prepare you for more strenuous activities.

Your treatment may include therapeutic massage to ease pain, increase circulation, and maintain movement and flexibility. It stimulates the immune system, aids in detoxifying the body, stimulating the immune system, and relieves stress and inflammation.

Your physical therapy will alleviate pain during the day and promote restful sleep during the night. You don't have to suffer with pain and sleepless nights when relief through physical therapy is so close at hand.