Health blog
Our Pain Might Be From Tendonitis or Bursitis
We will experience some episode of pain at one point or another during our life. It’s common for a quick scan of the internet or visit to a doctor to reveal a vague diagnosis of tendonitis or bursitis as the primary cause of that pain. While these works may or may not reflect the correct cause of the painful symptoms, how many of us actually know what these terms mean?
Furthermore, and more importantly, do we understand what causes tendonitis and bursitis, how they are treated and how to prevent them?
Shoulder Issues and Their Symptoms
All of us have most likely experienced shoulder pain at some point in our lives. Shoulder issues, like pain and weaknesses are some of the most common reasons people seek help from a physical therapist. The design of our shoulder, is a ball and socket joint, giving it a wide degree of movement. That’s why our shoulder are often easily injured.
This joint is held together by an extensive group of muscles and ligaments that can be weakened by certain repetitive movements.
Prevent Long-Term Knee Problems
Having pain or stiffness in our knee can cause quite a few problems:
- Difficulty walking
- Pain going up or down the stairs
- Pain squatting
- Difficulty standing up from a chair
- Inability to kneel
Most likely those with knee problems will also have trouble lifting, pushing or pulling objects. Stiffness in the knee can cause pain in the morning, difficult moving after sitting in one position for a long time or problems sitting.
Read full blogOur Spines and Scoliosis
Here’s a riddle for you: What holds your body upright, is made up of a series of irregularly shaped bones, appears to be in a straight line but is also curved when you look at it from the side?
The answer: YOUR SPINE!
When the curves in your spine appear more exaggerated, it’s likely you’re looking at a spinal deformity. There are three ways that the spine can be categorized when it strays from the normal shape:
- Kyphosis
- Lordosis
- Scoliosis
Kyphosis and lordosis both refer to the excessive curvature where there is already a gentle curve in the spine.
Read full blog5 Ways to Strengthen Our Bones
Our bones change in their density all the time. Calcium is constantly being laid down and taken up by our bone cells on a daily basis. Bone growth is dependent on the amount of force and stress placed on the bones. This is why astronauts who are weightless lose a substantial amount of their bone mass in just a couple of weeks. Here is what we can do to ensure our bones are healthy and strong:
- Balance your calcium and magnesium intake.
Here’s Why Our Hip Hurts
Hip problems can make our daily activities such as walking, difficult and painful. The most common causes of hip pain are due to wear and tear, and overuse. This means that most hip problems are the result of repetitive movements we do on a daily basis. Because this joint is necessary for weight bearing activities like standing, walking and running, it can be a source of pain among all ages – not just the older population.
Read full blogAwkward Sleeping Positions could be the Cause of Neck Discomfort
Raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen asleep in an awkward position and had the unexpected pleasure of waking up to a “crick in your neck”. For years, I’ve used the phrase “crick in my neck,” and yet I never really knew what it referred to other than general neck discomfort. When most people complain of a “crick” in their neck, they’re referring to either pain or stiffness, most likely in the form of a cramp or spasm.
Read full blogHow to Determine if There is an Issue With Our Rotator Cuff
Your rotator cuff is responsible for the rotation and movement of your entire shoulder joint and all of your arm.
WHAT DOES A ROTATOR CUFF PROBLEM FEEL LIKE?
If you have ever had pain, soreness, stiffness, pinching, cracking or popping in your shoulder or in your upper arm, you most likely have had a rotator cuff problem. If you have ever felt stiffness, difficulty moving one arm as far as the other, weakness in your shoulder or arm, you have had a rotator cuff problem.
It’s Not Just Our Posture That’s Affecting Our Neck
With the high prevalence of desk jobs, everyday cell phone and computer use, as well as ample time spent relaxing in front of your TV; your posture certainly suffers more often than you realize. Over time, these repetitive tasks put you into a position called forward head posture, in which your head and neck protrude forward into a flexed position.
Neck problems, neck spasms and general neck pain are common complaints in the orthopedic rehab world, and we’ve certainly treated our share of patients who suffer from various conditions related to neck pain at LSTC.
“Living With” Low Back Problems
Many of us think low back problems are just something we have to “live with” so we try to push through the pain. However, physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for resolving our lower back pain thus greatly improving our quality of life.
When it comes to this condition, the number one complaint is pain and stiffness which gets worse when you stand, walk or are in one position for a prolonged period of time.
