Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as the swelling of one or more of the joints in your body. There are multiple types of arthritis however the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear to our joints over time.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself at the joints, eventually destroying the cartilage and joint structure.  Patients with arthritis tend to complain of increased pain, decreased range of motion, swelling, stiffness, and redness of that particular joint. 

Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate each patient individually and work alongside their patients to develop goals and a care plan to address their needs.

Our facility is outfitted with many pieces of equipment to address these deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, balance training aids, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Back Pain and Sciatica

The “backbone” of our body consists of your cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal segments ending with the support of our pelvis and sacroiliac joints.  Dysfunction at any of these segments can result in pain and decreased mobility.  Neck and low back pain can be debilitating and affect one’s day-to-day activities.  A comprehensive Physical Therapy evaluation is crucial in diagnosing causes or contributing factors for pain.  Pain can be caused by but is not limited to: a hypo (decreased) or hyper (increased) mobility of one or multiple spinal segments, scoliosis, abnormal kyphosis, spinal fusion surgeries, and postural dysfunction. Areas of muscular weakness, decreased flexibility or poor movement patterns can be identified and then treated accordingly. Sciatica is a term that indicates leg pain is present but does not identify the cause of this symptom.

Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat each patient as an individual and develop goals to address their unique needs.

In addition to the hands-on skill that our therapists will employ, our facility is equipped with many pieces of equipment to assist in addressing these deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Elbow and Wrist Pain/Injury

While it may not seem immediately obvious, elbow injuries, especially to the dominant side can be singularly disabling when there is a poor recovery post injury. Physical therapy is often necessary following injury to regain the ability to bend or straighten the elbow or to turn the palm up and down. Examples of elbow injuries including fracture, dislocation, or a simple sprain can result in the inability to accomplish formerly easy tasks such as bringing the hand to the body to be able to eat, wash your hair, or brush your teeth.

Hands and wrists differ from elbows in that physicians typically try to avoid surgery to these areas unless it is critical and the only option. When you injure your wrist or hand you may temporarily wear a splint or cast as part of the healing process. Physical therapy is vital to restoring joint motion and flexibility with reduced internal and external scarring after immobilization and surgical procedures. We may employ the use of ultrasound or electrical stimulation to assist in improving circulation and therapeutic exercise and manual therapy to address the limitations.

There are many conditions affecting the elbow, wrist, and hand that can benefit from physical therapy interventions. The hands alone each have 27 bones and 20 muscles as well as associated ligaments and numerous other structures vulnerable to injury as we use them for skilled tasks daily. A sampling of the conditions that could benefit from skilled rehabilitation include:

  • Arthritis
  • Tendinitis
  • Ligament Sprains
  • Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
  • Nerve Entrapments
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Fractures/Dislocations
  • Post -Surgical Management

Please contact Joint Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help with any of these or other conditions not named. Call or visit us today.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and Ankle Injuries are common in the general population and the prevalence increases for athletes and in the population over 55, where these injuries have a considerable impact on functional ability. In fact, studies have shown in the over 55 community, foot pain is rarely isolated to the foot but may lead to or be the result of hip and knee problems. For athletes, although the mechanism of injury may differ, foot and ankle injuries in an average sports medicine clinic can be as high as 25% of all injuries treated.

Rehabilitation of foot and ankle injuries is essential for full recovery, to prevent recurrence, and to minimize the risk of chronic disease and dysfunction local to the ankle or related areas in the body.  Physical therapy interventions may include modalities for thermal effects as well as electrical or mechanical agents such as interferential current, ultrasound, phonophoresis, or iontophoresis.  Exercises are designed to increase range of motion, improve flexibility, regain strength, and retrain the balance and proprioceptive systems.  The goal is to return first to a normalized gait pattern or walking. The next step in the program is designed to align with the patient’s goals.  Return to hiking on uneven terrain versus running or jumping requires an individualized program to perform these tasks confidently and safely without fear of reinjury.

After a comprehensive evaluation is performed, your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals. Our facility is equipped with equipment to address any detected potential deficits, including but not limited to lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, proprioceptive and movement training aids, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Geriatric Conditions

As we age, older adults face many different challenges that affect their everyday life.  Some of these challenges are medical (balance disorders, osteoporosis), and some physical (falls, gait dysfunction). 

One of the major issues that affect our elderly population is falling.  It is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65+ fall each year, and every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the ER due to falls.  Falls threaten the independence and safety of older adults.  Although falls are common it is NOT an inevitable result of aging.  Physical Therapists are trained to assess a patient’s fall risk and address the deficits causing it.   

Physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, balance, and activities of daily living to increase their safety and decrease their fall risk. Our physical therapists work alongside the patient/family, and physicians to work towards their individual goals, such as ambulation, stair negotiation, dressing, etc.

Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to address these deficits.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Headaches

A simple definition of the term headache refers to any type of pain that occurs in any part of the head and is common in the general population.  The challenge in managing headaches is identifying the type of headache, the cause and then the appropriate course of treatment. Most headaches are harmless and spontaneously resolve but some forms of headaches can be severe and diminish your ability to participate in routine daily life.

The international Headache Society lists several different categories of headaches including: cervicogenic, migraine or cluster, cranial neuralgia, and secondary headaches from an underlying condition such as sinus problems, infection, known neurological conditions (i.e., MS, stroke), or in a rare serious illness such as a tumor. Cervicogenic headaches are the most common form of headaches in adults and can be the result of a multitude of factors such as poor posture, fatigued muscles, jaw dysfunction, and decreased joint and muscle flexibility. It is this form of headache that is amenable to physical therapy intervention.

Joint physical therapists will collaborate with our neurology, orthopedic, dental, and pain specialist colleagues to determine the correct path of treatment to address your condition. If you are determined to have a cervicogenic headache, then a thorough evaluation is performed to examine your posture, movement patterns, mobility of the joints of the neck, strength, and range of motion. If you appear to have a type of headache other than cervicogenic, then your physical therapist will provide education and may refer you to another health care provider for appropriate care.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today.

Hip and Knee Injuries

Most people at some point in their lives experience hip or knee pain which can in part be attributed to the fact that the hip and knee are the largest joints in the body and serve to support your body’s weight. At the same time, these joints also must permit a wide range of movement and are subject to wear and tear issues.  Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of hip or knee pain. Hip and knee pain may occur separately or concurrently with one area directly influencing the other, even in the case of a direct injury to one specific joint. An example would be a twist and fall on the ice which injures the knee and then walking differently as a result, in turn, strains the hip. In the absence of injury, weakness at the hip can directly cause pain in the knee due to altered mechanics or shared muscles and thus knee pain would be treated by treating the hip.

A thorough evaluation and assessment of your condition is necessary to determine the proper approach to treating a hip or knee injury. Gait analysis, lower extremity strength, flexibility, range of motion, and many other factors must be considered when formulating a treatment plan. Our joints are linked to create a kinetic chain for motion and the role of the physical therapist is to evaluate and then prevent or correct a collapse of this kinetic chain.   Understanding and addressing the interdependence of these joints is crucial to the recovery of hip and knee injuries.

Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat each patient as an individual and develop goals to address their unique needs.

In addition to the hands-on skill that our therapists will employ, our facility is equipped with equipment to assist in addressing any deficits, including but not limited to lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, balance training aids, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Motor Vehicle Injuries

Although the rate of fatality associated with motor vehicle accident continues to fall an estimated 2.4 million people seek emergency room assistance every year for a motor vehicle related injury. Motor vehicle Injuries requiring medical consult totaled 4.5 million in 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have a resulting musculoskeletal injury, your physician may prescribe physical therapy to aid in your recovery. After you have established a claim with your auto insurance carrier and have been medically assessed by your physician, please contact us to schedule an evaluation.  Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat each patient as an individual and develop goals to address their unique needs

Joint Physical Therapists work with their patients to develop a program to address all their needs, whether that be a range of motion, strength, pain, or functional mobility goal.  Our Therapists specialize in manual therapy to provide our patients with one-to-one, targeted hands-on care.  Our state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address any and all orthopedic issues such as strength training, cardiovascular training, proprioceptive/movement training, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and much more to assist in restoring function.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Neck Pain/Injury

Neck pain can occur as the result of a single injury or as the cumulative effect of years of poor postural habits and wear and tear. The causes of neck pain are multifactorial and range from genetic influences to environmental factors to personal habits and activities. Research suggests that the prevalence worldwide is highest in the 35–50-year age group with no single contributing factor identified. It is estimated that approximately 30% of the population of the U.S. is affected by neck pain each year.

Neck pain can disrupt activities of daily life such as the ability to sit prolonged at a computer for work or school, turning the head as required for driving or to participate in recreational activities such as reading, playing an instrument, or playing sports. Neck injury can present with pain or numbness in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands. Weakness may develop in the arms and stiffness is a common complaint when trying to look up or over the shoulder. Pain may increase with reaching or attempting to sit and stand straight or to remain in one position for a long period of time.

Physical therapists are movement specialists, and the therapists at Joint Physical Therapy are trained to develop individual treatment programs to reduce or eliminate neck pain for return to full function. In addition to the hands-on skill of our therapists, your physical therapist may employ the use of thermal agents, supportive taping, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or other adjunct treatments to control pain and inflammation. A tailored exercise program will be devised that may include ROM (range of motion), upper extremity strengthening, stretching targeted muscle groups, and postural re-education

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today.

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Pain affects many individuals in the United States.  The World Health Organization estimates that “musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with lower back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally.  Between one-in-three and one-in-five people (including children) live with a musculoskeletal pain condition.”  Physical Therapists are specially trained to assess every patient, listen to their complaints, and develop an individualized care plan to address their patient’s goals to decrease pain and restore function. 

Joint Physical Therapists specialize in manual therapy to provide our patients with one on one, specific hands-on care.  Our state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address any and all orthopedic issues such as strength training, cardiovascular training, balance, and proprioceptive training, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and much more, to work towards restoring function in all our patient’s goals.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

At Joint Physical Therapy, our philosophy is to address pending surgery with a two-pronged approach.  A growing body of research shows that patients who receive physical therapy prior to surgery experience better outcomes post-surgery.  The concept is “Better In, Better Out” meaning an improved physical status prior to admission for surgery will mean a quicker return to functional status post-surgery and often a decreased length of hospital or inpatient stay. Another key element we at Joint Physical Therapy deem vital is education and thus preparedness for the journey ahead. Knowledge of what to expect post-surgery allows you the time and peace-of-mind to perhaps sort out what clothing might be best after surgery, schedule transportation, rearrange items in your home, obtain a cold pack, or whatever else your therapist may advise to advance your care.

Post-op rehabilitation, including but not limited to, ACL/Meniscal repair, rotator cuff reconstructions, spinal fusions, joint arthroplasty, and foot/ankle reconstruction, all will require extensive neuromuscular re-education to not only restore strength and range of motion but to also normalize movement patterns and muscle control.  This allows us to optimize physical performance and return our patients to a higher level of function and performance. 

Joint Points Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate each patient individually and work alongside their patient to develop goals and a care plan to address their needs to return to work, daily living, or the sport of their choice.

Our facility is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address these deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, balance equipment, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Merits of exercise therapy before and after major surgery - PubMed (nih.gov)

Joint Replacements

Joint replacement surgeries are a common surgical procedure where partial or full removal of an arthritic or damaged joint is performed and replaced with a prosthetic one. The purpose of these surgical procedures is to replicate the body’s natural movements occurring in a normal healthy joint to restore function and decrease pain. Successful recovery following joint replacement surgery requires a partnership between the surgeon, the physical therapist and the patient. An individualized physical therapy program designed by the therapist according to the surgeon’s parameters and executed by the patient is a crucial product of this partnership.

Joint Physical Therapists work with their patients to develop a program to address all their needs, whether that be a range of motion, strength, pain, or functional mobility goal. Our Therapists specialize in manual therapy to provide our patients with one-to-one, targeted hands-on care. Our state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address any and all orthopedic issues such as strength training, cardiovascular training, proprioceptive/movement training, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and much more to assist in restoring function and meeting our patient’s goals.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint refers to the joint at the base of your spine forming your pelvis.  Sacroiliac dysfunction refers to an abnormality in this joint that affects movement.  Characteristics of this dysfunction include pain in your low back, hip, groin, and buttocks.  Individuals define the pain as ranging from dull to sharp and typically increases with activity.  Many describe the pain as debilitating interfering with the ability to get up from a chair, to sit, stand, or walk functional distances.

A comprehensive evaluation is critical to the management of this dysfunction as there are often overlapping areas such as the lumbar spine, the hip joint or even foot position that can influence this region or also be the root cause of the problem. Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate the musculoskeletal system globally and then regionally to pinpoint these factors. An individualized program is then developed with the patient to address their specific needs.

Our facility is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address the potential deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, proprioceptive/movement training equipment, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Shoulder Pain/Rotator Cuff Injury

General shoulder pain is the third leading complaint of musculoskeletal pain that results in a physician office visit. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that are responsible for moving and controlling the shoulder joint while also offering a stabilizing force. This muscle group is subject to repetitive strain and the long-term effect is then degeneration due to impaired blood supply, overload, and mechanical irritation from impingement by surrounding structures. All age groups are subject of rotator cuff pathology but the prevalence increases with aging from roughly 5-10% in the under 20 yr. old population to greater than 60% in patients over 80 years old.

While shoulder and rotator cuff injuries are typically due to overhead repetitive use, there are many factors to be investigated on the physical exam that will determine why a patient experiences dysfunction with overhead activity. Is it simply due to fatigue of a poorly adapted muscle? Weakness? Loss of flexibility? Poor posture? Improper movement pattern? These are just a few of the areas that your physical therapist will examine as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

The rehabilitation program will focus on restoring normal motion while reducing pain-producing movements. Progressive resistance will be implemented as the healing process allows. When strength and coordination of the appropriate muscles has been achieved then a measured return to overhead activity will resume. In addition to the hands-on skill of our therapists, your physical therapist may employ the use of thermal agents, supportive taping, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or other adjunct treatments to control pain and the inflammatory response.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today.

Sports Injuries

Exercise is sometimes referred to as the “best medicine,” however it can also cause injuries, whether that be due to sports activity, gym classes, or one of the fads or fashionable exercise programs of the moment.  Improper training, ill-fitted equipment, poorly educated instructional staff, accidents, and muscular imbalances are just a few of the many reasons some of these injuries occur. 

The most common sports injuries are:

  1. Sprains and Strains
  2. Knee Injuries
  3. Swollen Muscles
  4. Achilles Tendon injuries
  5. Pain along the shin bone
  6. Rotator cuff injuries
  7. Fractures (broken bones)
  8. Dislocations

Joint Physical Therapists are specially trained to evaluate each patient individually and work alongside the patient to develop goals and a care plan to address their needs to return to the sport or exercise activity of their choice. Assessment of strength, ROM (range of motion), muscle flexibility, and movement analysis are just a few of the methods employed for return to “game ready” status.

While manual therapy remains a hallmark of our care, our facility is also equipped with many pieces of equipment to additionally address these deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, balance and proprioceptive challenges, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

For more information on sports injuries visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/sportsinjuries.html

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The thoracic outlet is the space between your lower neck and first rib, where nerves, arteries, and veins pass through.  Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a term used for multiple scenarios in which these nerves or blood vessels traveling through the thoracic outlet are compressed, irritated, or injured.  Individuals with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may experience numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, discoloration/lack of color in the hand, or temperature sensitivity within the arm, hand, and/or fingers.  Common causes of this condition include but are not limited to trauma as would be associated with motor vehicle accidents, significant postural dysfunction, sports related activity, anatomical variance including an extra rib, and pregnancy.

Physical therapy is utilized to restore function and decrease pain. Treatment is variable however, because there are multiple structures in this region that can cause compression of the blood vessels or nerves. The treatment pathway for improvement is dictated by the results of a comprehensive evaluation. Joint Physical Therapists are licensed professionals trained to perform musculoskeletal evaluations to arrive at a physical therapy clinical diagnosis.

Our facility is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address any detected potential deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, proprioceptive and movement training aids, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

TMJ Dysfunction

The Temporomandibular joint, located just in front of the ears is a critical link between the head and neck and can often be a source of pain. Complex biomechanics are involved in the control of posture and its role in the health of the cervical spine and the movement of the joint itself. Disorders in this area require a thorough musculoskeletal and intraoral assessment to identify the movement dysfunction at the source of the problem.

Common complaints of patients with TMJ dysfunction are

  1. Tenderness in the face, jaw, and neck when swallowing, chewing, biting, talking, yelling, or yawning
  2. Loss of range of motion in the jaw upon opening or attempting to eat or yawn. There may also be limited ROM (range of motion) in the cervical spine. In some cases, patients may experience a “lock” in the open or closed position due to a pathology of the disc within the joint.
  3. A “clicking” sensation in the face or ear while moving the jaw.
  4. A sense of “fullness” or pain within the ear.
  5. Headaches may be present even in the absence of facial pain.
  6. Tinnitus and/or dizziness

Joint Physical Therapists collaborate with our Dental colleagues to ensure that patients have a comprehensive approach including a thorough dental assessment. The clinician will then carefully develop an individualized treatment program of manual interventions and exercises for restoration of normalized motion.

Stop in and discuss with our therapists if this could be the root of your jaw or headache pain and if physical therapy could help return you to a pain-free life.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today

Work Injuries

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics cites 2.8 million non-fatal work place injuries in 2019. Days away from work due to injury often result in financial hardship to the individual as well as the private employer.  Multiple research studies within the past 5 years have highlighted the following points:

  • Prompt referral of primary care physicians to PT resulted in decreased use of advanced imaging, surgery, injection, and prescription pain medications.
  • Early PT intervention post injury resulted in better patient outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced readmissions/reinjury

Joint Physical Therapy will work with you, your physician, and your case manager to ensure prompt treatment to address your work-related injury. Our goal is your goal – to return you to the level of function required to successfully resume your role in the work place.

After a comprehensive evaluation is performed, your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that incorporates a return-to-work strategy. Our facility is equipped with many pieces of equipment to address any detected potential deficits, including but not limited to upper and lower extremity weight machines, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upright bicycle, upper extremity bicycle, proprioceptive and movement training aids, stairs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

To learn more about how we can help, call or visit us today