Health blog Category: Physical Therapy
Ever Noticed Bruising or Swelling in this Large, Lower Body Muscle…
I’m sure there have been numerous times you have watched a sporting event, or even participated in a sport yourself and heard the statement, “I’ve pulled my hamstring!” They often grab the back of their leg and have to hobble off of the field or court in pain. So it begs the questions, what is the hamstring and why is it injured so often?
The hamstring complex is made up of three muscles that originate from the ischial tuberosity (bone in the buttock region), proceeds down the back of our leg, and then crosses the knee on either side.
Trying to increase your physical activity level?
By Cierra Washington, ATC
What exactly is patellofemoral pain? Patellofemoral pain is a general term used to describe pain that resides in the front of the knee and around the kneecap, also known as the patella. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, PFPS, is also known as both runners’ and jumpers’ knee due to the type of athletes who commonly complain of the problem. Based on the nicknames of PFPS, most people tend to believe that it can only occur in athletes or those who participate in high intensity sports, however it can also occur in the older and more sedentary populations.
Problems in the body’s largest ball and socket joint
By: Jessica Freedman, ATC
The hip is the largest ball and socket joint in the human body. The joint consists of the head of the femur articulating with the rim of the pelvis, with a ring of cartilage (the labrum) sitting between the two bones. When functioning properly, the hip joint allows us to move our legs smoothly in many different directions. However, if something is disrupting the hip, these motions can become very painful, making activities such as walking, running, or even standing difficult.
Is Clicking and Popping in my Shoulders Normal?
Is that clicking and popping in my shoulder normal?
This is a question that physical therapy clinicians hear often at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center. There can be multiple reasons for clicking and popping in the shoulder. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The shoulder is capable of multi directional movements, which can also make it very unstable and prone to injury.
Read full blogIT Band Syndrome or Lower Body Discomfort Impacting Activities
By Cierra Washington, ATC
You’ve probably heard of IT Band syndrome. But what is it exactly? Let’s start with the name. The ‘IT’ refers to the iliotibial band that runs along the outer portion of the thigh. When people refer to the IT band, they often have the misconception that it’s a muscle. Actually, the IT band is the long tendon of the tensor fascia latae (TFL). The TFL performs multiple hip functions and also helps stabilize our torsos.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the more common foot injuries we see here at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center. The pain can be caused by injury or an insidious onset. Some of the most common symptoms include stabbing or dull pain on bottom of foot or by the heel, many times greater in the morning. You may also feel or notice that the tissue on the bottom of your foot is tender to touch.
Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- Performing a new activity too much too soon too fast
- Improper footwear
- Poor foot/ankle mechanics
- Insidious
Common Q&A
What is the Plantar Fascia?
Read full blogTendonitis: What is it and why does it hurt?
Tendonitis is a common problem you may have heard of or even experienced before. It occurs when the tendons that attach your muscles to your bones become inflamed. Tendonitis can happen to any tendon in your body but is most commonly seen in the following areas:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Knees
- Ankles
Tendonitis can affect all ages and fitness levels.
There are many reasons why tendonitis occurs.
Discomfort radiating down the lower body?
By Devin Wurman, DPT
Back pain is one of the most common complaints that patients have when they are coming to physical therapy. It is not only affecting middle-aged adults, but becoming more prevalent in the younger adult population. Most patients that come in report dealing with the pain for at least a month or more because they believe “it will go away on its own”, however more and more people have sedentary desk jobs or are performing activities without addressing core muscle strength.
Preparing for off-season, preseason, competitive season, post-season
By Cierra Washington, ATC
One primary culprit of injuries in athletes, or anyone for that matter, is a lack of proper conditioning. Let’s focus on athletic injuries. Particularly at the start of the fall, winter or spring seasons, we see an influx of patients who have some kind of pain or problem often linked to the fact that they have been relatively inactive in their weeks leading up to those tryouts. This lack of physical activity means general fitness levels decrease significantly, making the return to any sports season more difficult.
How to Bounce Back from a Muscle Strain
Lower back problems are one of the most common complaints we encounter in physical therapy. The majority of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. The back pain they experience may only last a short time or it could linger for months. Back pain affects men and women equally and can even be seen in children and teenagers. There are many different structures that are at risk for injury in your back.
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