Health blog Category: Physical Therapy
Myth Busters – Physical Therapy Edition
Myth:
I need to see a doctor and get a script to go to physical therapy
Fact:
In the state of Virginia, you can be treated and seen for physical therapy for up to 30 days without a script from a doctor. After the 30 days is up, you will be required to have a signed script from your doctor to continue with your care if your PT provider has not already received one.
Read full blogCommon Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common across all populations. Whether you’ve stepped wrong off a curb, slipped in the shower, have trouble standing for more than a few minutes, or have noticed a structural issue physical therapy can help fix the problem. We’ve seen it all when it comes to foot and ankle injuries. A few of the most common are:
Common Injuries to the Foot
- Plantar fasciitis
- Fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes tight.
Common Hamstring Injuries
Before we even begin talking about common hamstring injuries, let’s talk about some anatomy and get an understanding of what the hamstring even is and what it helps us do!
Your hamstring is the group of muscles in the back of the leg. The hamstring is made up of 3 muscles including the:
- semitendinosus
- semimembranosus
- biceps femoris
These muscles help flex the knee and extend the hip.
Read full blogWhat is a Return-to-Sport Program? And Why is it Important?
A return to sport program is an integral part of a physical therapy program that helps you return to your higher-level, sports-specific goals. Here at LSTC, once you have progressed past basic strengthening, are pain free, and no longer need hands-on treatment, you will transition into the return to sport program. You will work with certified athletic trainers to assess your sports goals and get you back to play!
What does the program consist of?
Read full blogPatellofemoral Dysfunction
Pain around the knee or knee cap is generally referred to as Patellofemoral Dysfunction.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition in which the tissue or bone around the knee is damaged due to injury or overuse. This is commonly seen in athletes but can occur in nonathletes as well.
Causes:
- Muscle imbalances – ITB tightness, VMO weakness
- Alignment of the knee cap
- Overuse or repetitive activity – such as stairs, kneeling, squatting movements
- High impact activities – sports
Pain will generally decrease with rest and ice, but may return with resuming activity.
Read full blogWays to stay active this winter… even while being stuck inside!
If you are anything like me, I like to hibernate during the winter months and stay put inside and away from the cold weather. While staying at home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of staying on the couch and watching movies, sitting at your desk, and doing extra work or basically anything but exercise. Does this sound like you? Below we will discuss how to make moving and doing exercises fun even in the coldest of months or while you are staying home.
Read full blogTop 5 most functional movements to do until you’re 100
Squats
Squatting may be the most functional movement pattern. Now before you get nervous about the word “squat” we don’t mean you have to do heavy weight with a barbell behind your back. Squatting with weight is great if you have good form and are looking to build strength and muscle in the legs but squatting also means sitting down into a chair, getting up and down from the toilet and so much more.
Read full blogLower Back Injuries in Specific Sports
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and sports are one approach many people choose to use to get their exercise.
Lower Back Injury: The lower back is subject to a great deal of strain in many sports. Sports that use repetitive impact (e.g., running), a twisting motion (e.g. golf), or weight loading at the end of a range-of-motion (e.g., weightlifting) commonly cause damage to the lower back.
- Causes: A violent or jerking motion or an over-extension of the back muscles usually causes back muscle strains.
When Do I Use Heat VS Ice with an Injury?
When do I use heat VS ice with an injury?
We have all had the thought after we get inured – should I apply heat or ice to this? Will one be better than the other or will I make things worse if I use one vs the other?
Continue reading below to find out whether you should use heat or ice with these common injuries.
Acute injuries:
An acute injury is defined by an injury that happens suddenly and is usually associated with trauma.
Read full blogLateral Epicondylitis or ‘Tennis Elbow’
Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow is a commonly seen injury in physical therapy. This injury impacts the outside or lateral part of the elbow and can be very painful for those suffering from it. This injury can impact all ages and all activity levels, not only athletes.
Causes:
Lateral Epicondylitis is an overuse injury. It is caused by performing repetitive actions or vigorous actions that cause an inflammation of the muscle tendons on the outside of the elbow.
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