Our team understands how frustrating it is when an injury to the back, neck, shoulder, knee or ankle keeps you from the activities you love. Members of our team specialize in orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy for the treatment of injuries related to sports or other athletic activities, and pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. We can help you heal and rebuild strength and flexibility as well as show you how to minimize your chance of re-injury. Our focus is on hands-on care, complemented by state-of-the-art modalities and a supervised exercise program. We provide orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy and are equipped with strength training and cardio equipment to facilitate your rehabilitation.
Conditions We Treat (Click on the title below to see more detail)
Head/Neck
- Cervical Arthritis (Spondylosis)
Cervical arthritis, or spondylosis, is a very common condition that occurs when the discs and joints in the neck degenerate. Symptoms include neck pain, loss of neck mobility due to stiffness, and grinding or cracking of the bones. Cervical arthritis typically responds well to physical therapy treatment.
- Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes pinched or irritated due to wear and tear in the spine from conditions like arthritis, injury, and herniated discs. Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include radiating pain into the shoulder, numbness, and muscle weakness in the arm and hand.
- Vestibular issues/Dizziness
There are multiple causes for dizziness/vertigo including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, stroke, and Meniere’s disease. Vestibular rehabilitation is a patient specific exercisebased program that is tailored to each patient’s condition that focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness related problems. Dizziness can include lightheadedness, unsteadiness, spinning, floating, and vertigo that may occur with changing positions, moving head, or standing still.
- Headaches
There are many different causes of headaches but two of the most common types seen in physical therapy are cervicogenic and tension headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are related to a problem in you neck and is characterized by pain on one side of your head, pain with coughing and sneezing, and a stiff neck. Tension headaches, also known as stress headaches, are the most common type of headache in adults. These headaches can last from 30 minute to more than one day and are characterized by tightness and pressure in the forehead or the back of the head, dull pain, trouble sleeping, and mild sensitivity to light or sound.
- TMJ
Temporomandibular joint pain, known as TMJ, occurs when there is pain noted in the jaw joint or the muscles surrounding it. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the jaw, aching pain by the ear, pain with chewing, or locking of the jaw that causes difficulty with opening or closing the mouth.
- Cervical Strain
Neck strain, also known as whiplash, usually is associated with a motor vehicle accident but could be caused by any trauma to the neck that causes the head to violently jerk forward and backwards. This fast movement causes stretching and tearing of the muscles in the neck and can result in headaches, pain, tenderness, decreased range of motion, and tightness.
Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that stabilize and move the shoulder. When one or more of these muscles are torn, shoulder dysfunction and pain results. A repair may be needed depending on the severity of the tear. Most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear are pain at rest, pain at night especially when lying on the involved shoulder, pain and difficulty lifting the arm, weakness, and popping or cracking in the shoulder with certain movements. If the rotator cuff has a complete tear, the person may not be able to raise their arm at all.
- Impingement Syndrome
Impingement occurs when a tendon or bursa is being pinched between the bones of the shoulder and is usually caused by inflammation but could also be cause by dysfunction in the shoulder due to muscle imbalance. Impingement symptoms include difficulty with reaching behind the back, reaching overhead, and shoulder weakness.
- Shoulder Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon in the shoulder is inflamed or irritated. It can be caused by an injury or repetitive activity and if left untreated may result in a tendon rupture. Symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include pain and tenderness in the shoulder and difficulty with holding the arm in certain positions.
- Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion for bones, tendons, and muscles. When it becomes inflamed it is called bursitis and is usually caused by repetitive motions or trauma. Symptoms of bursitis include swelling and pain in the shoulder.
- Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms occur when a muscle contracts forcibly and involuntary without relaxing. It may be caused by muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weakness, or overuse. Symptoms of a muscle spasm can range from a mild twitch to severe pain and the muscle may feel hard to the touch. This can last for seconds or longer than 15 minutes.
- Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder that gradually becomes worse overtime. Movement becomes restricted due to the thickening and tightening of the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. Some people will develop this condition after being required to limit movement after undergoing a surgery on the shoulder. There are three stages for a frozen shoulder. The first stage is the freezing stage where all shoulder movement causes pain and range of motion starts becoming limited. The second stage is the frozen stage where pain lessens but motion is more restricted. The third stage is the thawing stage where range of motion improves.
Elbow/Hand
- Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is when there is inflammation in the tendon on the outside of the elbow. This occurs due to repetitive motions of the wrist and elbow that results in tiny tears in the tendons. Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis include pain on the bony area on the outside of the elbow that can radiate to the forearm and wrist, weakness, and difficulty with gripping, turning a doorknob, and holding onto items
- Medial Epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, occurs when there is inflammation in the tendon on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive motions of the wrist and hand. Causes of medial epicondylitis include damage to the muscles and tendons of the wrist and fingers and improper mechanics with lifting, throwing, and certain occupations. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the inside of the elbow that may radiate to the forearm, stiffness, weakness in the hand and wrist, and numbness or tingling that goes to the fingers
- Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage on the palm side of the hand where the median nerve and tendons of the hand go through. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when the medial nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the arm and hand and weakness that causes difficulty with gripping.
- Rhematoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect the lining of the joints leading to pain, swelling, and joint deformity due to thickening of the synovium and weakening and stretching of the tendons and ligaments. Other symptoms include tenderness, stiffness that is usually worse in the morning or after decreased activity, and fatigue.
- Wrist Sprain
Wrist sprains occur when the ligaments that support the wrist are stretched and/or torn. The severity can range from a mild grade 1 sprain (where there are only stretched ligaments) to a severe grade 3 sprain (where the ligament is completely torn or pulled off of the bone). Symptoms of a wrist sprain include bruising, swelling, tenderness, and popping or a feeling of warmth in the wrist.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a type of chronic pain that develops after injury, stroke, or surgery and is characterized by pain that is of greater severity than the injury. Symptoms of CRPS include pain that is burning or throbbing, sensitivity to cold and touch, swelling, changes in skin color, texture, and temperature, changes in growth of hair and nails, muscle spasms and weakness, and joint stiffness.
Back
- Low Back Pain/Muscle Strain
Low back pain can be the result of many different conditions of the back. Strains and aches of the muscle are by far the most common cause of lower back pain. Improper body mechanics with lifting and bending or repetitive use can cause a muscle strain. Fortunately, a few days or weeks is all that’s needed to fully recover from most muscle problems.
- Lumbar Disc Degeneration
A disc is located between each of the lumbar spine’s vertebrae. These are structurally spongy pads and act as shock absorbers. When these discs degenerate, they cause pain due to decreased space. Symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration include pain that becomes worse when sitting, bending, lifting and twisting, numbness and/or tingling in legs, and weakness with the possibility of drop foot if there is damage to the nerve.
- Lumbar Herniated Disc (may include Sciatica/Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Herniation is most common in the lumbar area compared to the rest of the spine and occurs when the disc breaks down and may then press on a nerve root. A herniated disc may occur due to heavy lifting, an injury, or routine gradual wear and tear of the spine. Symptoms of a disc herniation include back pain that may become worse with movement or standing for extended periods of time, muscles spasms in the back, sciatica that originates in the back or buttock and travels through the leg to the foot, leg weakness and/or numbness, and possible changes in the function of the bladder or bowels.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint, commonly called the SI joint, is located where the lower spine and pelvis connect. The problem in this joint is caused by either dysfunction that allows too much movement in the joint or dysfunction that restricts normal movement. Lower back pain and/or sciatica pain are often the symptoms noticed and can be aggravated by prolonged standing and walking.
- Lumbar Stenosis
Bone spurs and joint swelling from osteoarthritis are the most frequent causes of the narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to lumbar stenosis. Other common causes are disc bulges, herniation, and spondylolisthesis. There are 2 types of stenosis:
- Lumbar Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Foraminal Stenosis: Nerve roots exit the spinal column through small openings, or foramina, at each level of the spine. Foraminal stenosis occurs when these passageways become narrow. The most common symptoms of stenosis are leg pain, tingling, numbness, and even difficulty walking.
- Osteoarthritis
The gradual deterioration of the cartilage covering the facet joints can be due to the aging process where wear and tear makes it worn and frayed. Excessive friction on the worn facet joints results in bone spurs and joint swelling. Most common symptoms seen with osteoarthritis are limited range of motion, joint pain, tenderness, and nerve issues.
Hip
- Piriformis Syndrome/Sciatica
The piriformis is a muscle that is located in the buttock region that when irritated can cause the sciatic nerve to become pinched. This results in muscle pain and sciatica. Numbness and tingling in the back or side of the leg may be the product of sciatica and pain may become worse with sitting or climbing stairs.
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome, or IT band syndrome, is caused by overuse of the connective tissue on the outside of the thigh and knee. This condition is usually seen in runners or people who perform activities where repetitive bending of the knee occurs (i.e. cycling and hiking). Symptoms of IT band syndrome include clicking where it rubs against the knee, tenderness to the touch, and pain with running.
- Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the outer hip bursa, a fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion, leading to pain in the hip. It can be due to injury of the hip, overuse, poor posture, bone spurs, or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain in the hip and buttock, pain when laying on the involved side, pain with pressure, and pain that worsens with activity
- Arthrits of the Hip
Arthritis can occur in the hip and cause pain due to the loss of cartilage that allows the bone to glide in the socket. People who have arthritis of the hip may find it difficult to walk, have stiffness in the hip, and note stabbing, sharp, or dull pain in the groin, buttocks, thigh, or knee. Lifestyle modification and exercise can help to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
- Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement occurs when cartilage and bone are replaced with artificial components. Arthritis of the hip causing pain is the most common reason to have a hip replacement. Physical therapy can help to restore strength in the hip and leg and improve mobility to allow for return to previous activities.
- Muscle Impingement
Impingement of the hip occurs when there is contact between the ball and socket of the hip that can result in pain in the groin. This is due to the pinching of a tendon or muscle. Symptoms include popping or clicking in the front of the hip or pain that radiates along the side of the thigh.
Knee
- Total Knee Arthroplasty
Total knee arthroplasty, or total knee replacement, is performed to relieve severe pain that is due to osteoarthritis that causes limitations in walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from chairs or in and out of a vehicle. In some cases, there may be pain at rest. The procedure requires the removal of damaged bone and cartilage in the knee and replacing it with an artificial joint. After surgery, many people will require the use of a cane or walker and may note decreased range of motion and strength.
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the protective cartilage that acts as a cushion in the knee degenerates over time causing pain. This results in bone rubbing on bone and deterioration of the connective tissues that provide stability for the joint and attach the muscles to bone. Other symptoms include stiffness in the knee especially after prolonged inactivity, tenderness, decreased range of motion and flexibility, swelling, popping and cracking in the knee, and difficulty with walking. The damage cannot be reversed, but the symptoms of osteoarthritis can usually be managed by staying active.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
The condition where there is pain in the front of the knee that is around the kneecap (also known as the patella) is called patellofemoral pain syndrome and is most common in individuals who participate in repetitive activities such as running and jumping. Other causes of patellofemoral pain include weakness and muscle imbalances where the kneecap is not properly aligned resulting in patellar tracking issues, injury resulting in dislocation or fracture to the patella, or certain knee surgeries. Pain may increase with running, performing stairs, prolonged sitting, and squatting.
- ACL Repair
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in front of the knee and provides stability for the joint. An injury to the ACL may require surgery depending on the severity. A grade 1 sprain is considered a mild injury and a grade 3 diagnosis occurs when the ACL is completely torn. ACL injuries may result from quick direction changes, improper landing, pivoting, or stopping suddenly. Symptoms include popping in the knee, severe pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and feeling that the knee will give out.
- Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is the C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion in the knee joint. A meniscus tear is a very common knee injury that occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted. It may also tear during kneeling, deep squatting, or heavy lifting. Degeneration of the meniscus may occur in older adults leading to meniscus tear with no trauma present. Symptoms of a torn meniscus include popping, pain, swelling, stiffness, feeling a catch that causes issues with fully extending the knee, and giving out of the knee.
- Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shinbone and works with the thigh muscles to extend the knee. When the patellar tendon becomes injured or inflamed it is known as patellar tendonitis. Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain between the kneecap and shinbone, pain that is worse with activity, swelling, and decreased ability to perform daily activities.
Foot/Ankle
- Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia in the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, tenderness, tingling or burning, and is noted to cause increased pain with weight bearing. Most of the time exercises can help to decrease pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls or twists in an awkward way causing injury to the ligaments. A sprain can occur on the inside (medial ankle sprain) or the outside (lateral ankle sprain) of the ankle. Symptoms associated with ankle sprains are pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising.
- Achilles Tendonitis
Overuse of the Achilles tendon can result in Achilles tendonitis where the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This is usually seen in runners who suddenly increase intensity or length of the run or in people who play occasional sports. Symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis are pain that occurs right above the heel and pain that becomes worse with prolonged running.
- Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis results from damaged or deteriorated cartilage in the ankle. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with walking. Moving around first thing in the morning or after prolonged inactivity may also be painful. Physical therapy can help slow the progression of arthritis and aide in decreasing symptoms.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is strained or compressed and may be the result of flat feet, swelling, arthritis, varicose veins, ganglion cyst, tendon irritation, or bone spurs. Symptoms include foot and ankle pain, burning or tingling, and numbness that can occur with standing and walking.
- Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia occurs when there is inflammation in the ball of the foot and may be related to foot deformities, arthritis, or running and jumping. Symptoms mainly include pain and tenderness. Working on gait mechanics and stretching may decrease pain caused by metatarsalgia.
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