If you are one of the 32 million Americans living with osteoarthritis (OA), you know how relentless joint pain can be. Whether it affects your knees, hips, hands or spine, OA can make everyday tasks—like walking, climbing stairs, gardening or even holding a coffee cup—feel challenging. What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of […]
I was invited to teach chair yoga to a lung cancer survivor group at a small regional hospital. Two survivors were in attendance: one with their brother and one with their husband. We started as I always do in yoga: sitting, breathing and becoming in tune with the body. After gentle warm-ups, we moved into subtle breathwork. I watched as survivors, who at one point struggled […]
Our hands and upper limbs play a crucial role in our daily lives, from simple tasks like buttoning a shirt to more complex activities such as typing or playing a musical instrument. When injuries or conditions affect these areas, it can significantly impact our quality of life. This is where certified hand therapists (CHTs) come into play, offering […]
Knee surgery can be life-changing, restoring mobility and alleviating pain for those suffering from joint issues. However, as with any surgical procedure, recovery can come with challenges. One of the most frequently reported problems after knee surgery is stiffness, often limiting your range of motion for a period of time. If you’re preparing for knee surgery or […]
March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of this condition and how it impacts patients. Our lymphatic system plays a crucial role in regulating fluid levels in our bodies and filtering out harmful organisms. When this system becomes damaged or ineffective, it can lead to swelling known as lymphedema. What is lymphedema? Causes […]
It was as normal a morning run as any for avid runner, Macy Sirmans, when she said she felt sick and stopped to take a breath. “It felt like I was coming down with the flu,” said Macy. “But after a few minutes and a quick phone chat with my boyfriend, I started to feel […]
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. They can even lead to headaches and difficulty chewing. Physical therapists often see patients with TMJ disorders. We are breaking down the common […]
Anterior knee pain is a common condition that affects many people, from athletes to sedentary individuals. It refers to pain or discomfort in the front of the knee, which can be caused by various factors such as overuse, injury or structural abnormalities. If you’re experiencing anterior knee pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment […]
Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower back down to the legs and feet, and when it becomes inflamed or compressed, it can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms of Sciatica The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the severity of the […]
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium which usually causes chronic inflammation and reactive fibrosis of the affected tissues. We all have a lymphatic system that is working to remove excess fluid from our circulatory system, which is made up of arteries and veins. When the lymphatic system is damaged, such […]
Everyone can benefit from physical therapy at some point in their life. If you’re an athlete, work a desk job or simply aging, physical therapy can help you improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being. But how do you know if you need physical therapy? Here are five signs that indicate it […]
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? Pelvic floor therapy involves physical methods of strengthening and/or relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor that support the urinary and reproductive tracts, helping improve core stability and control over urination, bowel movements and sexual function in men and women. Pelvic floor physical therapy uses a variety of different methods […]
When a doctor recommends Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy many people don’t realize the difference between the two. Both rehabilitation disciplines have the same goal; to help patients manage or eliminate pain caused by various factors such as illness, accidents, post-surgery recovery and to improve overall daily function. They both use similar modalities, however there […]
Are you an active person recovering from an injury? Chances are, you may be in need of physical, occupational and or speech therapy. The purpose to physical, occupational and speech therapy is to help a patient recover from an injury, address muscle dysfunction or improve functional outcomes. One tool in helping to achieve these goals […]
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease which impacts the brain’s motor neurons and ability to make smooth and controlled voluntary movements. Common symptoms of Parkinson’s include: Rigidity Slowness of movement Difficulty swallowing Reduced facial expressions Tremors Parkinson’s can also impact an individual’s speech and voice. Common speech/voice symptoms include: Quiet voice […]
It was the end of July 2020 when artist and volleyball player Rachel Gheorghies, 24, realized something was wrong. “I had massive headaches, double vision, and balance issues,” she said. “Our family is not one to run to the hospital, but my mom knew something was wrong.” Rachel was soon diagnosed with a brain bleed. […]
Physical therapists are neuromuscular specialists, or in other words — movement specialists. They help people preserve, improve, and restore mobility. Physical therapists don’t work alone – they work with you, the patient, to meet your goals. You are an integral part of your rehabilitation process. Your first session with your physical therapist is called an […]
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing foods and liquids, is a disorder that can involve the oral cavity, pharynx, or esophagus. Each year, as many as one in every 25 adults will experience a swallowing problem in the United States. What Are Common Causes of Dysphagia? Neurological Conditions – such as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis […]