Adhesive Capsulitis /Frozen shoulder

Posted on July 30, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

The incidence of adhesive capsulitis in the general population is about 2% to 5%.It occurs more in women when compared to men and also people who are above the age of 45.People who gets adhesive capsuilitis in shoulder has a 20-30% probability of getting it in other shoulder.

How does it occur?

It occurs due to scar tissue which makes the shoulder stiff. It may result in loss of motion as well as pain with movement. Actual cause of frozen shoulder is a debatable matter. However, it is believed that it might be caused due to the inflammation of the lining of the joint (synovitis) or autoimmune reactions. Other causes may include reaction after an injury or surgery, painful conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis and rotator cuff tear which has caused you to stop moving your shoulder and, any other cause that prevent you from moving your shoulder for a reasonable amount of time such as a sling or surgery.

Symptoms may include pain that worsens over a period of time and loss of movement.

Pre- Freezing Stage

You have already had the symptoms for 1-3 months. You may feel pain with active range of motion as well as passive range of motion. You may feel pain in the shoulder at rest and the pain becomes sharp when you move it. You might have mild reduction in motion and you tend to protect it by moving it less. Reduction of motion is experienced in following movements: external rotation, flexion, internal rotation and abduction. You may experience pain at day as well as night.

Freezing

You had the symptoms for 3-9 month and the pain is increasing day by day. You may have some range of motion but is limited due to pain and stiffness.

Frozen

You have had the symptoms for 9-14 months. At the beginning of the stage, you may experience decreased range of motion coupled with substantial amount of pain. At the end of the stage you may feel less pain however, pain is felt only while moving shoulder (as far as you can move it)

Thawing

The symptoms have persisted for 12-15 month and there is a significant amount of decrease in pain (particularly at night)). You may feel at ease while doing daily activities involving over head motions even though you have limited range of motion at shoulder.

How physical therapy plays a vital role?

At the initial stages, physical therapy focuses on maintaining range of motion at the shoulder joint which in turn will decrease the pain. Physical Therapist will give you a blend of manual therapy as well as stretching exercise. Use of heat and ice by the therapist will help the muscles to relax. A home exercise program (HEP) is designed by the therapist to prevent loss of motion.
As the therapy progress your physical therapist may include strengthening exercise to the previous regime. At the final stages, therapy may include exercises which will help the patients to get back to their normal activities.

Maya physical therapy which serves Davie, cooper city, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and surrounding areas has the best and experienced physical therapist which will help you to recover from any conditions related to shoulder.

References

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) . (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2013, from Move Forward P.T: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=00661806-1fa0-4fc0-ba17-ea32751d7412

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Labral Tear

Posted on July 30, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

Instability of the shoulder joint causes labral tear. Labral refers to the ring of cartilage that surrounds the margin of glenoid cavity which is called the glenoid labrum. An injury to the glenoid labrum can cause pain as well make it harder for you to move your arm. Tear is caused by fall or repetitive movements or any sports that requires you to raise your arm above your head. In many cases physical therapy can provide a solution.

Anatomy

The shoulder joint has three bones: Scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle(collar bone) and the humerus(upper arm bone).The head of the upper arm bone rests in the shallow socket(glenoid cavity) of the shoulder blade .The head of the upper arm bone is much bigger than the socket and the labrum which is ring of cartilage that surround glenoid cavity provides stability to the joint. The labrum deepens the socket by 50% and hence the head of the humerus fits better.

What are the different types of tear?

Traumatic labral tear- It happens due to a single event that causes tear such as shoulder dislocation or heavy lifting. Weight lifters, gymnasts, and construction workers are more likely to have this kind of tear.

Non traumatic labral tears- It occurs due to the instability of the shoulder joint as well as weakness of shoulder muscles. When the shoulder muscles are weak, it puts more stress on the labrum and causes tear.

What are the symptoms?

People who have labral tear often experience pain at the top of the shoulder especially while doing overhead activities. Popping, catching and/or clunking with shoulder movements as the torn labrum has loose ends. People often experience weakness of shoulder, usually one side.

How physical therapy can help?

Your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and rest until the final diagnosis is made. Physical therapy is effective when the symptoms are minor. Physical therapist will educate you about the movements and activities that need to be avoided. They may include strengthening exercises such as external rotation and internal rotation to provide support for the joint and to reduce stress on the labrum. Your physical therapist may include stretching exercises such as door way stretch or cross body stretch to increase the function of the muscles that surround the shoulder. They may also employ manual therapy to improve movement at the joint as well as decrease pain.

What if my case is severe?

If the conservative measures are insufficient your doctor may recommend you an arthroscopic surgery. After the surgery you may have to keep the shoulder in sling for about 3-4 weeks. A proper rehabilitation program is needed so that you can return back to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Reference

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Labral Tear. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2013, from Move forward P.T: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=99c2e561-5a77-450c-867a-2e2edaaa9b7c

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Hip Fracture and Physical therapy

Posted on July 19, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

Pelvic fracture occurs when one or more bones of the pelvis crack or break. It is also called hip fracture. In the United States, hip fracture isrelatively rare with an incidence rate of 0.3% to 6% of all fractures.

What are the two types of fractures?

Low impact pelvic fracture-It occurs in two age groups: Adolescents and elderly. The former age group usually experiences fracture of the tip of one of the pelvic bones. This type of injury occurs in adolescents who are involved in sports such as hockey, skiing, football or jogging. It can also occur after minor falls in people who have osteoporosis. In elderly most often injury occurs at the thicker part of the pelvic bones. This type of fracture is called pelvic ring fractures and is result of falling on to one side of hip. Usually, this kind of fracture occurs due to balance problems, unintended obstacles, general frailty, vision problems or medications side effects.

High Impact Pelvic fracture-These fractures may occur due to major accidents, or fall from high place. This type of fracture can be life threatening and needs emergency room care and extensive physical therapy care.

How physical therapists’ can help?

Recovery from a pelvic fracture often involves surgery and prolonged bed rest. Most often bed rest is recommended for weeks or even months and the patients tendto lose muscle mass, strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The main goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain level, improve hip, spine and leg motion, improve strength and flexibility as well as speedrecovery.

24-48 Hours

The use of crutches is recommended by your physical therapist in order to avoid weight bearing on fractured hip. Your physical therapist will teach you how to use crutches so that you can move around without putting weight on the injured hip. Patients with severe pelvic fracture may have to use wheel chairs.

Reducing Pain

Your physical therapist may use modalities such as electrical stimulation, ice, heat, and ultrasound to reduce pain. Physical therapist’s initial goal is to attain patient’s normal range of motion at hip and knee joints thorough passive range of motion exercises. Manual therapy may include soft tissue mobilization as well as “trigger point release”.

Improving strength and Balance

Individualized exercise program is designed in order to regain strength. Exercises which target muscles of hip and core are given by the physical therapist. Exercise protocols would include free weight training, treadmills and/or stationary bicycles. Improving balance is very important as muscles of hip play a vital role in balance as well as steadiness in walking. Over time stretching exercises are also added to the treatment to loosen up the tight muscles.

Help to prevent future problems

Your physical therapist may recommend a home exercise program (HEP), so that you can prevent future problems. Physical therapist may also educate you about fall prevention strategies. At Maya physical therapy our therapists are trained and experienced in choosing the right treatment for you, so that you can get back to your pre-injury state as soon as possible.

Reference

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Pelvic Fracture (Hip Fracture) . (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2013, from Move Forward PT: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=1388924b-8118-4182-b8e9-247463af00bf

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Parkinson disease and the importance of movement

Posted on July 19, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

After Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease is ranked the second among the degenerative brain disorder diseases. It is most prevalent in men when compared to women. Symptoms are usually seen when people are at 60s’.Most common symptoms are slowness with movement, balance problems, stiffness and shaking. Usually the treatment includes a combination of physical therapy and medication.

What is it?

It is related to loss of nerve cell in your brain which produces dopamine. Dopamine is a crucial factor in controlling movement. The precise cause of the disease is not known. However aging, exposure to certain environmental toxins and family history may contribute to it. It is a chorionic disease and the severity and nature of symptoms are different from one person to other

What are the signs and symptoms?

Most common symptom is tremor in one hand. It can also occur in jaw or leg. It is more visible when you are rest and goes way when you are moving. As it progress, you may develop the flowing symptoms such as shuffling when you walk,arms swinging less when you walk and your handwriting may also get affected by the disease. You may also feel stiffness or rigidity in your muscles which causes pain in neck, shoulders and trunk. Postural instability caused by PD will result in poor balance and risk of falling. As the symptoms advance your movement becomes slower which makes daily activities more challenging. You may develop stoop posture and might find difficult to speak loudly. Other symptoms may include depression, lack of motivation, inability to concentrate on a particular task for long period of time, fatigue and light headedness.

What is the treatment for it?

Physical therapy in combination with medication has proven to be more effective than any other interventions. Physical therapist will do a thorough examination which includes testing your flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Your physical therapist will work with you to battle the symptoms of PD and will help you to stay active and independent. Depending up on the type and severity, your physical therapist may focus on following objectives

To improve patient’s overall fitness level as well as flexibility and strength

Work on patient’s strategy of getting in and out of bed

Teach techniques so that the patient can turn over in bed at ease

Teach patents how to maneuver efficiently so that they can avoid falls

Improve fluidity and coordination in walking

Educate patient how to climb and descend stairs without falling

Improve aptitude to perform hand movements

Educating patients family about patient’s condition

Improve trunk rotation

Prescription medications which are used to treat Parkinson disease will have an immediate effect and typically movements are easier shortly after taking PD medications. To get bet result your physical therapist will schedule the treatment based on the effects of medication. Physical therapist may recommend cane or a walker as some patients benefit from it. In addition, physical therapist can also make suggestions on changes to home environment so that you can manure effectively and prevent injuries.

Reference

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Parkinson Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2013, from Move Forward : http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=98297eb9-eaa1-452e-9489-b46eedf27e80

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Inversion Therapy

Posted on July 12, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

What is it?

Most of the people suffer from neck and back pain. Some of the factors that might contribute to it are poor posture, muscle spasm, weak abdominal muscles and back muscles. Root cause might point towards that one force we battle every day and the force is called gravity. Inversion therapy can provide solution for your back and neck problem.

What is the science behind it?

Inversion therapy puts you in a position where the gravity works for you; by keeping you in line with the downward force. This will help to elongate your spine and as a result the space between the vertebrae increases. This will take off the pressure from the Intevertebral disc, nerve roots and ligaments. Spasm of the muscles of the neck, shoulder and back, headaches and other problems are caused by stress and tension. This will decrease the blood supply to the muscles and hence muscles receive less oxygen. Eventually, this will result in the accumulation of waste chemicals in the muscles. Inversion therapy will increase the lymph flow and will help to flush out the waste chemicals in to the blood stream. It also increases the blood supply to the muscles.As soon as the waste chemicals are removed from the blood the stiffness and pain in muscles is receded

Is there any evidence that suggests the effectiveness?

A study done by a physical therapist L.J Nosse found out that an inversion as little as 25 degree for few minutes can relax the muscles and relieve pain. He used an electromyogram (EMG), and instrument to record muscle activity to detect the activity of the muscle.The results indicated that muscle pain decreased 35% within 10 seconds after attaining inverted position. A study done by New Castle University indicated that about 70% of patients who suffered from back pain were able to cancel their back surgery after few session of inversion therapy.

Can I do it by myself?

Even though the answer is yes, it is always recommended to seek professional guidance before you do it by yourself. This is because a professional guidance from a physician or a physical therapist cannot substitute for any other information you get from websites or other sources. A physician or physical therapist makes sure that you don’t have any contraindications before you use the equipment. Physical therapist will increase the angle of inversion as the treatment progress. Some times patients are not fully inverted as it may cause farther injuries to their back .It is always recommended to complete few sessions with your physical therapist before you do it by yourself.
Inversion therapy is an alternate way to treat you back and neck problems.At Maya physical therapy, our experienced physical therapist will guide you through inversion therapy. If you are skeptical about the benefits of Inversion therapy, you can give it a try and experience the immense benefit of it.

References

Are Inversion Table Effective. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2013, from The Healthy Back Institute: http://www.losethebackpain.com/blog/2010/04/27/do-inversion-tables-work/
Inversion Table Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2013, from The comfort store: http://sitincomfort.com/inthinthbein.html

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Degenerative Disk Disease

Posted on July 3, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

What is Degenerative disk disease?

Our spine is made of 33 vertebrae that are stacked up on top of one another. There is a rubbery piece of cartilage between these vertebrae and is called the intervertebral disk. Imagine disk as a tire with gelatin kind of substance on the hole of the tire. The tire (outer part) is called the annulus and the gelatin type of substance is called the nucleus. As we age, or due to some injury, wear and tear occurs and we start to lose gelatin type of substance and hence the volume of the disk decreases. As a result, the space the vertebrae decreases and the disk becomes flatter and less flexible .When the rough surface of the vertebral joint rub together, inflammation occurs and may feel pain as the nerves get compressed or irritated. It may occur throughout the spine or may confine to one disk.

Who is at risk?

People who smoke

People who are obese

People who does heavy physical work

People who does not exercise

Aging

What are the symptoms?

People who have degenerative disk in the neck usually feel pain in the arm, shoulder or neck region. A degenerative disk in the low back might cause pain in the back, buttocks or legs. Most often pain gets aggravated by sitting, bending and reaching. The symptoms is at it peak in the morning or it worsens by continuous sitting or standing. In several cases, since the nerve gets compressed, it may lead to numbness, tingling and even weakness in arms and legs.

Physical Therapy Treatments

An experienced physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation and will design a treatment program based on the evaluation and your personal goals. The primary goal of a physical therapist is to help you to get back to daily activities.

Stretching and flexibility exercises will increase the mobility in the joints and muscles of your spine and extremities. This is very important to relieve pain. Strengthening trunk muscle provides support to spine and strengthening muscles of arms and legs, helps to take the work load from the spine. Aerobic exercise has also proven to be very helpful in managing degenerative disk disease as it promotes healthy body weight, and increase overall mobility and strength. Manual therapy is also included in the treatment to improve mobility of stiff joints and tight muscles that may be contributing to your symptoms. You physical therapist will correct your posture and will provide movement education. It may help to relieve pain as well as manage condition on your own. Physical therapist may also use heat therapy, cold therapy and electrical stimulation to manage pain. Once the pain has declined it is very important that you may continue the posture corrections and movements habit which was initially taught by the physical therapist to keep your back healthy.

Reference

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Degenerative Disk Disease . (n.d.). Retrieved July 01, 2013, from Move Forward: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=514086b4-1272-4584-8742-ec6d2aa8f8cb

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis

Posted on July 3, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

What is Lateral Epicondylitis?

Epicondylitis occurs when the tendons that joins the forearm muscles on the outside part of the elbow gets inflamed. Tendons attach muscle to bone. The muscle, extensor carpi radialis which helps to extend and stabilize the wrist is involved in this condition. The tendon may get degenerated where it attaches to rounded projections of the bone (epicondyle) and causes greater stress on the area. As a result, pain is felt while lifting, griping or grasping as the muscle is active during these movements.

What are the Causes?

Overuse- Any repetitive movements that places stress on the tendon attachments, through stress on the extensor muscle tendon unit increase the strain on the tendon. It can be either from holding too large racquet grip or other repetitive movements such as a meat cutting, plumbing, painting, weaving etc.

Trauma-It can also occur due to direct blow to the elbow which leads to swelling and consequently degeneration. The tendon can also get injured by a sudden extreme action, force or activity.

Who gets it?

The age group which mostly get lateral epicondylitis is between 30-50.It may occur in younger and older age groups irrespective of gender.

What are the signs and Symptoms?

People with epicondylitis may feel pain at outside aspect of elbow. They may also feel weak grip strength. Often the symptoms are aggravated by forearm activity. They may also feel stiffness in the elbow. The symptoms may develop gradually but it worsens over period of time. Most often the dominant arm is affected, but it can also affect both arms.

Physical therapy treatments

Your physical therapist will design specific programs to speed your recovery. They may include modalities such as iontophoresis/ phonophoresis, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation manual therapy, paraffin bath therapy, ice packs/hot packs or both. Your therapist may design a specific strengthening exercise program for you. Therapist may recommend you use of proper elbow/wrist support or orthotics. They may prescribe you home exercise programs (HEP) so that you can continue stretching and strengthening at home.

Improving mobility

A physical therapist use manual therapy to increase the mobility of the joint so that you can move freely without pain.

Improving Strength

Most often, insufficient muscle strength can lead to tennis elbow especially; wrist and forearm. Sometimes, the root cause may point to insufficient strength of core muscles. In fact, you may find that, how important is to improve overall level of fitness to improve your elbow condition.

In the earlier stages, when you still have pain, physical therapist may recommend passive exercises in which your wrist and elbow is moved without using your muscles. As the symptoms declines physical therapist may focus on Active ROM exercises. Once the muscles get stronger and the symptom diminishes exercises using weight and bands are given by the therapist.

A physical therapist can help you to remain active by teaching you how to modify your daily activities to avoid pain and farther injury. They may also educate you the importance of taking stretch breaks so that your muscles get rest from the repetitive movement. Only an experienced physical therapist can analyze the source of the problem and find a solution for your problem.

Reference

Physical Therapist’s Guide to Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) . (n.d.). Retrieved July 01, 2013, from Move Forward: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=32f9930b-798e-4bdc-b322-15ec6803d22b
Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis. (n.d.). Retrieved July 01, 2013, from American Societ of Surgery of Hand: http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/TennisElbow.aspx

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

All about Plantar Fasciitis

Posted on July 3, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot. Plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis is seen both in men and women however, it is seen mostly in active men of age between 40 to70 compared to others.

How does it occur?

It occurs when the plantar fascia is overstretched or overused.

Who is at risk of getting plantar fasciitis?

If you have arch problems, both flat feet and high arches. If you are long distance runner, especially, running through uneven surfaces. Also, sudden weight or obesity contributes to plantar fasciitis. In addition, tight Achilles tendon and wearing a shoe with a poor arch support may also increase the incidence of getting plantar fasciitis.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. You may feel the pain, when you take first few steps in the morning. Pain can be felt while climbing stairs or quickly after doing an intense activity. You may also feel pain with standing or sitting continuously, for a short period of time.

Does Physical Therapy play a vital role?

In a recent article published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy by Cleland etai, indicated that manual therapy along with exercises proved to be more effective compared to that of traditional ones. Manual therapy includes deep soft tissue mobilization to the plantar fascia as well as joint mobilization and manipulation to the foot, ankle, knee and hip. Other therapies such as cold therapy and taping also help to decrease pain. As soon as the pain and swelling declines, physical therapist starts you on stretching exercises. Stretching exercises such as Gastro stretch, soleus stretch and intrinsic stretch will help you to attain flexibility of the muscles of the foot. Once flexibility is attained a physical therapist will prescribe you strengthening exercises. This will help you to prevent reoccurrence of the condition. An experienced physical therapist can guide you through proper rehabilitation using modalities such as ice pack, hot pack, electrical stimulation, ultrasound,phonophoresis,iontophoresis, and manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and proper home exercise program (HEP)

References

Plantar fasciitis. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from PubMed Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/
Plantar Fasciitis. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from Nicholas Institue of Sports Medicine and Atletic trauma: http://www.nismat.org/patients/injury-evaluation-treatment/lower-body/plantar-fasciitis
Study Shows Plantar Fasciitis Sufferers Improve More With Manual Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2013, from Results Physiotherapy: http://www.resultsphysiotherapy.com/study-shows-plantar-fasciitis-sufferers-improve-more-with-manual-physical-therapy/

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

Importance of Physical therapy before and after Total knee replacement surgery

Posted on June 25, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

Total Knee replacement

It is a surgery, where the end of the bones at the knee joint (Bones-tibia-femur) are replaced with artificial parts. Physical therapy before and after surgery ensure best results.

Physical Therapy before surgery

It is really important to be in shape before surgery. It increases the possibility of fast recovery. During Pre-OP conditioning physical therapist may concentrate on strengthening exercise targeting the muscles around the joint as well as flexibility. This plays a very crucial part in recovery. Physical therapist will also discuss precautions that need to be taken, as well as home adaptations. For example, removing loose rug or strategically placing the furniture, so that you can maneuver without any difficulty.

Physical Therapy after surgery

While in the hospital physical therapist will show how to walk with walker or crutches. They also teach you, how to safely get in and out of bed. In addition, they will help you to continue with the exercises which were learned by you, before surgery. During this period, it is very important to control swelling at the knee joint. The incisions are carefully examined by the therapist for any infections. Electrical stimulations are performed, where the electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate nerves around knee joint. This will help in reducing pain and swelling which in turn promotes healing. Applying cold and wearing stockings is recommended by the therapist. However, it is important to know that swelling can occur occasionally for up to 3 months.

As you begin to recover a proper rehabilitation is required for recovery. The therapist mainly concentrates on following exercises

Range of motion exercises

Initially, swelling might slightly prevent you from doing ROM exercise.

Active ROM

A physical therapist will teach you, how to do active ROM exercises to improve knee, hip, and ankle mobility after surgery. Active ROM is extremely important after surgery to maintain muscle tone, increase blood circulation, decrease swelling and prevent DVT-deep vein thrombosis (blood clot).Teaching/learning a good home exercise program(HEP) is very important after knee surgery.

Passive ROM

Passive ROM is done by the P.T. An experienced P.T will know how much to push and when to stop.

Strengthening exercises

Strengthening exercise is very important as you may feel weakness of muscle of the thigh and lower leg due to inactivity.Exercises such as quad sets, hamstring curls, straight leg raises, knee extensions, wall slides, and step-ups will help you regain the muscle strength. In some cases, Russian electrical stimulations are used to gain back the muscle strength.

Agility and balance exercises

When you are able to put full weight on the knee without pain, physical therapist may progress you on to agility exercises. Physical therapists add exercises which require making quick starts and stops, turns and changes in direction. In addition, they include activities which challenge your balance, usually using a balance board.

Functional Training

At this level therapist will add activities which were done by you, before knee pain started, limiting your movements such as crossing a busy street, getting on and off of an escalator. The activity level is based on the physical examination of the knee and personal goals. Depending on the job requirements or physical activity level, a physical therapist can tailor the exercise programs to meet with your goals.

Reference

Move Forward PT. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2013, from Move Forward.
Physical Therapist’s Guide to Total Knee Replacement. (n.d.). Retrieved 2013, from Move Forward.
Physical Therapist’s Guide to Total Knee Replacement. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2013, from Move Forward: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=aba13452-8eec4fcb-adb8-53e3a5456e3f

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619

What do you know about Arthritis?

Posted on June 24, 2013 by mayaphysicaltherapyadmin

What is Arthritis?

The prefix arthr- stand for joint and the suffix–itis stands for inflammation and hence the meaning of the word
arthritis is joint inflammation. According to CDC arthritis is the most common cause for disability, limiting the activities of about 21 million adults. It is a short hand word used for arthritis and other rheumatoid disease which affects the joints, tissues around the joint and other connective tissue.Rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness around one or more joints. In certain type of rheumatic conditions immune system and various internal organs of the body are involved.

What are the risk factors?

Non-modifiable- age, gender and genetics
Modifiable-overweight and obesity, joint injuries, occupation and infection

What causes arthritis?

Studies indicate that elevated uric acid and other specific infection causes joint inflammation. Other factors are unknown and scientists are still studying if arthritis is correlated to genetics, life style and environment.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

The most common form of arthritis in the Unites States is osteoarthritis followed by gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis

Can we prevent arthritis?

Certain steps can be taken to prevent arthritis such as maintaining body weight. It has shown to decrease the risk of getting osteoarthritis. Protecting joints from injuries and also reducing overuse can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are developed suddenly or gradually. Most often arthritis is a chronic disease as the symptoms come and goes, but persists over time. Symptoms include inflammation around one or more joints, stiffness and pain.

How is it diagnosed?

It requires a detailed examination of past and current symptoms, physical examination X-ray and blood work.

How physical therapy can play a vital role?

The primary goal of physical therapy is to help regain the ability to perform daily activities.In order to do that,the physical therapist focuses on increasing the range of motion at joints. Physical therapist design programs to strengthen the muscles around the joint, since stronger muscles can only provide stability to the joint. You will be well informed about your condition and will be provided with tools to maneuver with walking aid such as cane or walker. Thermal modalities such as heating packs, cold packs and deep heat provided by ultra sound will help you to reduce local pain. Heat also relaxes the muscle spasm around inflamed joint. Applying hot packs before exercise will help you exercise more easily. Above all; exercise is most important treatment which is more effective when done properly and a physical therapist is the most apt person to assist you.

Reference

Arthritis . (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2013, from Centers For Disease control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm#16
Osteoarthritis Health Center. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2013, from Webmed: http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/physical-occupational-therapy

Author
Dr. Sanjay Nadu (http://mayaphysicaltherapy.com/), Maya Physical Therapy Inc, 5745 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Phone:(954) 252-9619 .

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