Health blog Category: physical therapy
Avoid a strain or sprain with outdoor activites
By, Devin Wurman, DPT
Now that the weather is getting better and we are finally able to say good-bye to winter, more and more of us are planning to spend an increased amount of time outdoors. This also means that we need to be more cognizant of our bodies when participating in outside activities such as gardening.
Some of the most common injuries that we see in therapy are associated with the knee, shoulder, and/or back.
Lifting and carrying items uncomfortable
Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems we see in physical therapy. It’s not just athletes like baseball players or swimmers either; we treat patients of all ages for shoulder problems. This condition can be the result of repetitive overuse of muscles in the shoulder, poor posture or traumatic injury to the shoulder.
Repetitive overuse of muscles can lead to tendinopathy or irritation of the tendons that attach at the shoulder. Some example of common repetitive activities include:
- Gardening and yard work
- Throwing (think about a baseball player)
- Carrying/lifting
Poor posture can lead to impingement of the rotator cuff tendons and is often seen in individuals that sit at a desk for long hours each day or spend a lot of time at the computer.
Read full blogHave a Knot in a Muscle that Just Won’t Loosen?
By: Devin Wurman, DPT
Ever had a stubborn knot in your neck, back, leg, really anywhere in the body? These knots can be painful and make daily motions difficult and uncomfortable. But what do you do when you can’t seem to stretch our that knot? As physical therapists, we are always looking at different techniques and exercises to incorporate into our sessions with patients. We challenge and work their bodies so they become stronger, more flexible, and more mobile.
Three tips to stand up straighter with less discomfort
By: Devin Wurman, DPT
These days, more people are working sedentary jobs at a desk and/or using mobile technology for their day to day communications. Think about how you sit when you do these things. How is your posture? It’s so easy for us to slip into a poor posture when we’re mindlessly reading emails or sending texts. The problem is that these poor postures are a direct cause of neck discomfort.
How a Tree Trunk Relates to the Upper and Lower Body
Many people will experience some form of lower back pain in the course of their life. There are many factors that can contribute to lower back pain. Some of the most common sources include:
- Muscle Strains
- Overuse Injuries
- Disc and Skeletal Issues
- Poor Posture
When treating lower back pain, it is important to address body mechanics and more importantly, strengthen your core. Focusing on core strength is one of the most effective ways to help ease lower back pain.
Read full blogPlans to Golf, Garden or Get Outside
The weather is getting warmer and more people are headed outside, which means it’s that time of a year for an increase in patients with elbow injuries. Many people have heard of and will use terms like ‘tennis’ or ‘golfer’s’ elbow. But what exactly are these conditions and what’s the difference?
The truth is, not much. Tennis and golfer’s elbow are both overuse injuries that are caused by any activity that requires repetitive motion of the arm and wrist.
Popping, crunching, grinding in the joints
By Angie Austin, LPTA
Knee problems are something that everyone will experience at some point in their lifetime. Having knee pain can be the result of many factors and affects all ages. As physical therapists, we work with patients to educate them about their problem in addition to how it can be corrected. So don’t sweat it! We are here to help!
The knee is a large hinge joint that gives you the ability to bend and straighten your knee.
Discomfort Checking Blinds Spots When Driving
Neck problems are becoming more common due our sedentary lifestyles. How often do we use computers and phones throughout the day? Now think about your posture whenever you use these devices. Chances are, there’s probably room for improvement there.
Posture plays a large role in maintaining neck health and limits your chance of developing problems that can negatively affect your daily activities. Issues with your neck are commonly associated with pain, headaches, and general stiffness. Stiffness will cause difficulty looking over your shoulder, looking up or down.
Difficulty Reaching, Lifting or Throwing
By: Rachel Herrmann, DPT
Difficulty reaching, lifting or throwing? The shoulder is a common region in which people complain of pain. It can often be a confusing region to have pain, too. Some people describe their shoulder pain along the top of their shoulder to their neck. Some people have shoulder pain around their shoulder blade. Others describe their shoulder pain along the front of their shoulder or the top of their shoulder or the back of the shoulder or radiating down the shoulder to arm, elbow and even all the way to the hand at times.
Sitting at Work Uncomfortable?
By Cierra Washington, ATC
Is sitting at work uncomfortable because of back pain? Back pain is a very common reason people some to Loudoun Sports Therapy Center. Why are we focusing on my core if I’m here for a back problem? This is a question we often hear in physical therapy and with good reason. Wouldn’t you wonder why you were being instructed to strengthen a part of your body that isn’t necessarily where you’re feeling pain or discomfort?
