There are many benefits to physical therapy, a medical practice traced back to ancient Greece. PT can make the difference in recovery from injury and surgery. It promotes overall health through strengthening and exercise, and is used to bring relief from many conditions ranging from stiff muscles to back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and even stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Manual

Introduction Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Anatomy The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body, stretching from the bones of the heel to the calf muscle. This tendon allows you to extend your

Introduction Plantar Fasciitis is a painful foot condition that occurs when the tissue at the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated and inflamed. Anatomy The plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue located on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue is responsible for supporting the arch of the

Introduction Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones, or the tiny bones embedded in the tendon of the foot and surrounding areas. Anatomy The sesamoid bones are located on the bottom of the foot beneath the big toe joint, and they aid in the movement of the toe. When these bones become inflamed, severe pain and swelling occurs. Causes The

Discomfort in the arms, wrists or hands can really affect day-to-day activities like getting dressed, working at a computer, housework, taking care of a child, eating, and more. All of our physical therapists are qualified to treat injuries to these regions, even after surgery, and offer specialized exercises to get you back to normal function. We have outlined some diagnoses on our

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Anatomy The median nerve and several tendons run from the forearm to the hand through a small space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls

Introduction De Quervain’s tendinitis occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb become irritated or constricted. The irritation of the tendons causes them to swell, which in turn can thicken the tendons and cause pain and tenderness. Anatomy Two of the main tendons to the thumb pass through a tunnel located on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons

Introduction Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve in the arm is compressed. The radial nerve travels through the radial tunnel located on the top of the forearm. The nerve can be compressed or irritated in the radial tunnel due to repetitive movements, forceful forearm movements, or injury. Anatomy Your radial nerve originates from nerve roots in the neck which then

Living with daily pain is no picnic. A common treatment for many chronic pain conditions is physical therapy. Our therapists understand your discomfort and are here to help. Manual therapeutic massage techniques combined with other therapies can ease discomfort and help you get moving easier again. Common conditions we treat in this area include: Arthritis Fibromyalgia

Introduction Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves painful inflammation and stiffness of the joint. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, but two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Anatomy Arthritis is a disease of the joint, and a joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. Arthritis can be

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Anatomy Fibromyalgia can be present in most areas of a person’s body, and women are more likely to develop

Pain in the elbow is not so funny, as the term “funny bone” suggests. Most frequently the pain felt is due to overuse of this joint and its surrounding tendons. Repeated motions relating to manual labor and sports activities can lead to discomfort and pain over time. Seeing a physical therapist can relieve tension and teach you how to avoid future injury. At

Introduction Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The pain may spread into the forearm and wrist. Anatomy The group of muscles at the front of the forearm are commonly called the forearm flexors. These muscles

Introduction Tennis elbow is inflammation on the outside of the elbow where the tendons insert into the elbow bone, and is a common condition in those who overuse their arms. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone.  The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, which means inflammation at the bony prominence on the outer side

Introduction The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in throwers. Injuries of the UCL can range from minor damage and inflammation to a complete tear of the ligament. Athletes will have pain on the inside of the elbow, and frequently notice decreased throwing velocity. Anatomy On both the inside and the outside of the elbow, there are

Gait training is learning how to walk again after injury or with a disability, and it is something all physical therapists are trained to do. At Ortho PT, we offer tools such as parallel bars, treadmills and other support devices to use as an aide until you are ready to move more independently – the ultimate goal of gait training. Gait training can be

Dealing with headaches, migraines and muscle tightening can be debilitating. While medications and muscle relaxants can help, in many situations the source of tension is not being addressed and the pills only mask pain. Tension from the head, neck and jaw muscles can be released with manual therapy. At Ortho PT, we firmly believe manual therapy, or therapeutic massage, is a vital

Introduction Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. Anatomy The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of the head. The joints

The hip is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint and is built to withstand repeated motion, wear and tear.  However, it is easy over time for the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip to be overused.  Along with pain, you may experience swelling or a limp. We recommend you see your physician before starting physical therapy to rule out any more serious conditions or

Introduction A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the femur (thigh) bone. The extent of the break depends on the forces that are involved. The type of surgery used to treat a hip fracture is primarily based on the bones and soft tissues affected or on the level of the fracture. Anatomy The hip joint is a ball-in-socket

Introduction Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction refers to a condition that causes pain in the SI joints from a variety of causes.  It is common for pain from the SI joint to mimic disc or low back pain; however it is truly located in the pelvis, or hip joint. Anatomy The sacroiliac joints are formed by the connection of the sacrum

The knee joint is one of the most stressed in the body, and one of the most common areas we treat at Ortho PT. Injuries can result from sports activities, too much weight on the joint, arthritis, and can stem from something as common as twisting the wrong way when climbing the stairs. Stabilization, strengthening, and manual therapeutic massage are ways

Introduction Knee bursitis is inflammation of a bursa located near your knee joint. A bursa is a small fluid-filled, pad-like sac that reduces friction and cushions pressure points between your bones and the tendons and muscles near the joints. Anatomy Each knee has 11 bursae. While any of these bursae can become inflamed, knee bursitis most commonly occurs over the kneecap or on

Introduction The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. Ligaments are strong non-elastic fibers that connect bones. The ACL crosses inside of the knee, connecting the thighbone to the leg and provides stability to the knee joint. Anatomy The knee is composed of three bones. The femur, or thighbone, sits on top of the tibia,

Introduction An MCL tear is where the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee gets overstretched and damaged. It most commonly happens when there is a sudden twisting force through the knee which damages some or all the fibers of the ligament. Anatomy The MCL is one of four ligaments that helps stabilize the knee and is found

Introduction The menisci are cartilage structures in the knee joint that act as buffers between the bones. The menisci are vulnerable to injury, especially during twisting motions used for sports. Anatomy The knee joint is composed of three bones. The thigh bone (femur) sits on top of the larger leg bone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) glides in a groove on the end

Introduction Osgood-Schlatter Disease is actually a type of overuse injury and not a disease.  It affects the knees of growing children and adolescents who play sports that involve running or jumping.  The main symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter Disease are pain and swelling. Anatomy The knee is composed of three bones. The thighbone (femur), sits on the larger leg bone (tibia). The kneecap

We understand that living with back or neck pain can make daily activities excruciating. Most people at some point in their lives will be stricken with this kind of pain, and it happens to be the majority of treatment cases we see at Ortho PT. As uncomfortable as it may be, there is hope. Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways

Introduction The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in the back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible, but when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. Anatomy Herniated discs can happen in any part of your

Introduction Low back pain, or lumbago, is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives. Although back pain may be severe, most low back pain is not due to a serious problem. Anatomy Low back pain can happen anywhere below the ribs and above the legs. The lower back is the connection between the upper and

Introduction Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Anatomy Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where

Introduction Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Everyone’s spine curves a little bit, but people that suffer from scoliosis have a spine that curves too much, often times resembling the letter “C” or “S”. Anatomy A person’s back is naturally supposed to have curves in the spine, but these curves go out and in rather than side to side. If

Introduction Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. Anatomy When stenosis occurs in the lower back, it is called lumbar spinal stenosis. It often results from the normal aging process. As people age, the soft tissues and bones in the spine may harden or become overgrown. These

Introduction Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebrae in the spine slips out of proper position onto the bone below it. Anatomy Slippage of discs most commonly occurs at the L4-L5 level, and the next most common area is the L5-S1 level. Causes Spondylolisthesis is usually caused by a birth defect or by sudden trauma to the spine. Certain activities such

It’s not easy to hear your child complain about pain or receiving a diagnosis from their pediatrician that requires additional treatment. A parent may feel unsure about how physical therapy can help their child. At Ortho PT, our therapists are all qualified to treat children with the same orthopedic conditions we see in adults. We also treat a variety of conditions affecting young

Physical therapy helps people recover both physically and mentally post-amputation. If you are an amputee and have questions about how our therapy works, please contact us and ask to discuss your situation with Olivier Chassin, DPT. When is the right time for physical therapy? Physical therapy can help throughout a person’s recovery. This includes: After surgery and before getting a prosthesis: this

The nervous system can be damaged by injury, structural defects, infections, degenerative disorders and more. Part of the treatment of neurological conditions in most situations includes physical therapy, which can help improve or restore mobility so you can move forward with your life. Our team of caring providers will help support you both physically and mentally along the way. Common conditions we treat

Introduction Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that occur when nerves that carry messages to the brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body become damaged or diseased. Anatomy The peripheral nerves make up an intricate network that connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs. Peripheral nerves come out of the spinal cord

Introduction A stroke occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain is blocked. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die after a few minutes. Sudden bleeding in the brain also can cause a stroke if it damages brain cells. Anatomy A stroke can occur anywhere in the brain or just outside it. The symptoms that a stroke

The fastest thing to slow an athlete down is an injury. At Ortho PT we can diagnose and treat many kinds of injuries incurred in team and individual sports. The key to getting better is getting treatment early on, and not waiting until it gets worse. It is common for athletes to try and push through pain, but we want to be sure

Introduction Patellofemoral Syndrome is pain in the knee that occurs from poorly aligned knee structures, trauma, or overuse. It is also called runner’s knee and Chondromalacia patellae. Patellofemoral syndrome results when the cartilage behind the kneecap is overstressed or deteriorates and causes pain and loss of function. Anatomy There are three bones that comprise the knee structure. The femur (thighbone) is positioned on

Introduction A stress fracture is an overuse injury. It occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock.  Eventually, the fatigued muscle transfers the overload of stress to the bone causing a tiny crack called a stress fracture. Anatomy Most stress fractures occur in the weight-bearing bones of the leg and foot. More than 50 percent of all stress

Introduction Shin splints is the term used for pain that occurs on the front or inside edge of the tibia, or shinbone. Anatomy The leg contains two bones, a larger bone (tibia), and a thinner bone (fibula). The tibialis anterior muscle connects at the front of the tibia, which is the muscle responsible for moving the foot upward and controlling the lowering

Introduction A sprain is an injury in a joint, caused by the ligament being stretched beyond its own capacity. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary. Anatomy Sprains involve the tissues that connect bones together (ligaments). Strains involve a

Whether you need a joint replacement due to arthritis, fall or accident, the process can be long and tiring. Luckily, once you reach the point of outpatient physical therapy, there is light at the end of the tunnel! Your Ortho PT therapist will take over where your home therapist left off and lead you to function without the limitation and pain you

Introduction Hip replacement surgery, also called total hip arthroplasty, involves removing a diseased hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.  Hip replacement surgery can be performed as a total replacement or a hemi (half) replacement. Anatomy Hip prostheses consist of a ball component, made of metal or ceramic, and a socket, which has an insert

Introduction Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. During knee replacement, a surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. Anatomy The femur and the tibia meet together to form

Introduction Shoulder replacement, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant.  This joint replacement surgery is usually conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage. Anatomy The shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder

Shoulder discomfort means activities that seem as minimal as getting dressed become a chore. There are several types of injury involving the shoulder joint from dislocation to multiple tears in the surrounding tissue. Our physical therapy team has vast experience in dealing with shoulder injuries. Keep in mind, certain injuries take longer than others to heal, so be prepared to invest time