Studies have suggested for years that routine imaging for low back pain is a waste of time and money – not to mention it can harm the patient. Unfortunately, according to new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, MRI and other high-tech scans for LBP increased by 50 percent between 1995 and 2015. So why does it persist?

Though there are many reasons, the medical industry being slow to change is a main cause along with the high occurrence of LBP in the U.S. Luckily, “ninety percent of patients with low back pain will respond to things like medication and goal-directed physical therapy, and they do not need imaging at all,” says F. Todd Wetzel, the chief of orthopedics at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, New York. Learn more about the state of high-tech imaging and what PT can do to help in this article.

According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is more common in women than men and is generally diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is often characterized by chronic widespread muscular pain and tenderness, symptoms of extreme fatigue and listlessness, poor sleep quality, and memory problems.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:  

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Numbness or tingling
• Irritable bowel or bladder syndrome
• Abdominal or pelvic pain and/or cramps
• Temporomandibular pain (pain in the jaw)

There is no specific test that can actually confirm or diagnose fibromyalgia. As a result, it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will conduct several tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These conditions include rheumatologic disease and thyroid issues.

Management of Fibromyalgia with Exercise

For a patient with fibromyalgia, every day is different. Symptoms can often come and go. Some days may be extremely challenging, while others are more manageable. A well designed exercise program plays an important role in the management of fibromyalgia but the fear of pain prevents individuals from exercising. This is where a licensed physical therapist can help.

Expect the physical therapist to evaluate current functional limitations and establish personalized goals. The physical therapist will also evaluate the 'body mass index' of the client and determine if weight loss can help reduce symptoms. In addition, the therapist will design a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program consisting of exercise and manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore function.

There are several added benefits with the pain relief associated with a physical therapy program. Clients find that they can sleep better, focus more effectively and experience a greater sense of wellbeing as compared to individuals who do not exercise.

The Universal Role of Physical Therapy

Whether you experience pain as a result of fibromyalgia or any other condition, your physical therapist can teach you to interpret the severity of pain signals and possibly reduce pain with structured exercise. You will discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, reduce pain and improve your sleeping habits.

As experts in restoring strength and improving mobility, therapists can develop a very specific and individualized plan of care based on the problems that clients are experiencing. This is true not only in the case of individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia, but those with any injury, pain, or lack of mobility and function for any reason.

As the premier providers of physical therapy in our community, our primary goal is to help you reduce pain and fatigue and improve your overall level of fitness. We want you to live a happy, healthy, and pain-free lifestyle and are committed to serving you. Call us today and give us a chance to show you what we can do for you.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. It can be associated with repetitive behavior such as hand-flapping or rocking. Low muscle tone and poor motor control can also be present. These impairments result in the inability to perform day to day functions and 'fit in' with society. Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of children with autism, especially in the early years by maintaining or improving the following:

• Muscle strength
• Coordination
• Daily living skills including sitting, standing and rolling.

Physical therapists are highly trained professionals in the field of rehabilitation and function. A physical therapist can help both adults and children cope with the physical manifestations of autism, empowering them to interact better with the people and the environment around them.

Improved Quality of Life with Physical Therapy

The physical therapist will not only teach, but also participate in a number of activities to help the child learn more effectively. Over a short period of time, the therapist is able to gain the trust and confidence of the child to facilitate results. All treatments are provided in a safe, controlled environment like a hospital, clinic, school or the child's home.

One of the objectives of therapy is the improvement of the child's social skills using group exercise and games involving other children. As they get older, the children are involved in more one-on-one training. In some situations, group therapy with other patients with autism is appropriate. In addition, therapy helps improve posture and addresses bone and joint dysfunction. The therapist may use methods such as dance therapy, aquatic therapy (exercises in a swimming pool) and home exercise routines to improve the following:

• Postural control and stability
• Sensory perception
• Coordination

The Importance of Continuity of Care

Working with children with autism requires a team effort between the physical therapist and family members. You can expect the therapist to be actively involved in teaching best practices to the parents and caregivers. This helps maintain continuity of care outside the clinic and in the child's home.

Since autism impairs a child's movement and social skills, it's common for the child to experience a great deal of frustration in social situations. This is exactly why parents and caregivers play an important, supportive role for the child.

The good news is that physical therapists, with extensive training in the body's neurological and muscular system, can make things easier for the child and the family. Some physical therapists take advanced training courses and specialize in the treatment of children and adults with autism. Regardless, the sooner a physical therapist is involved, the better. As the leading physical therapy providers in the community, ww are committed to helping children (and adults) with autism live happy, healthy and successful lives. Call us today to learn more.

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative condition that causes patients to gradually lose their memory and, over time, other bodily functions. It is widely considered a disease that can rob individuals of their dignity and independence.

Traditional medicine has been unable to find a cure, although it is possible to slow down the rate at which the disease progresses. Exercise helps maintain quality of life, and it becomes even more important as the disease progresses.

Why physical therapy?

Physical therapists are licensed professionals, trained to help patients with several types of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's. The therapist can recognize the challenges associated with different stages of the disease and can design a treatment program as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment.

Living With Alzheimer's

The benefits of physical therapy include:

• Better balance and reduced risk of falls
• Improved muscle tone and strength
• Increased independence
• Planning for assistive devices to enable daily activities

Treatment approaches include:

1. Balance therapy

This consists of specific exercises to improve balance. These exercises can involve simple tasks like standing on one leg or standing with the feet close together. Assistive devices may be provided to improve safety. Supervised balance therapy enables the patient to improve gradually, and the dependence on assistive devices is gradually reduced.

2. Therapeutic exercise

Brisk walking and swimming are examples of exercises that can improve mobility, muscle tone and blood circulation. The therapist will supervise the patient at all times. Stretching exercises help to minimize muscle tightness.

3. Massage therapy

This form of treatment is primarily aimed at calming the patient and reducing stress level. Alzheimer's patients understandably experience a degree of frustration. Emotions can run high. Verbally calming the patient is useful, but the effect of touch and massage therapy is extremely useful.

4. Assistance with activities of daily living

In severe cases, the loss of independence is so significant that a patient cannot bathe or use the bathroom independently. Physical therapists are able to help patients learn to manage these tasks with a combination of exercises and assistive devices.

We are a Team

Physical therapy helps maintain the patient's independence and dignity as much as possible. The truth is, Alzheimer's gets worse over time and can affect memory, thinking and behavior. This takes a significant toll on family members from an emotional and physical standpoint.

As an integral part of the healthcare team, the physical therapist will design a home exercise program and work closely with family members to care for the patient. The therapist can educate family members about the do's and don'ts of exercises and daily activities, in addition to helping prepare a safe home environment for the patient.

The majority of Alzheimer's patients are aged 65 or older, but this is not a normal part of aging. If you suspect that someone may be suffering from Alzheimer's, have him or her give us a call.

We want to help everyone live with freedom and dignity. We are here for you and hope to be of service.

Multiple Sclerosis and the Burden It Brings

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a clinical condition characterized by a loss of the myelin tissue that surrounds the nerves and aids in normal conduction of electrical impulses.

Common symptoms include weakness in the arms or legs, loss of balance and problems with mobility and bladder function. While the condition itself cannot be cured, treatment is aimed at slowing down the progression of the disease and helping patients recover to a point where they are independent at home. Physical therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation process and improves quality of life for patients with MS.

The purpose of physical therapy is to ensure that the patient maintains a degree of functionality and is able to perform daily activities without too much difficulty

The Various Stages of Multiple Sclerosis

Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment process during the different stages of MS. During the initial evaluation, the therapist will determine if there are any limitations with skin sensation, muscle strength and overall function.

As the disease progresses, acute attacks are likely to occur and the patient may need to be hospitalized. In such cases, a physical therapist will work closely with physicians and other specialists in the healthcare team to complement their efforts and to ensure quick recovery for the patient.

MS can also present as a slow, progressive condition that relapses a number of times and seems to 'go away'. Don't be fooled, because it can cause severe limitations over time.

In some situations, the side-effects are minimal and daily life is not impaired. Each person's progression is different. Your physical therapist will always assess the most important functional problems affecting you and will address those needs in a comprehensive, customized treatment program.

This is How We Help...

Supervised, controlled exercise is the foundation of physical therapy treatment. As patients tend to fatigue quickly, exercise plans are designed to be simple and gradual. Exercise programs are also designed to be intermittent to preventsudden 'attacks' of pain and discomfort. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy in MS.

1. Correction of posture and improved trunk control – Patients with MS are at risk of falling, so physical therapy is aimed at controlling posture and balance to minimize the risk of falls.
2. Increasing functional independence with walking aids – To improve independence and movement, a physical therapist may prescribe aids including walkers, canes, and custom made foot orthoses (supports). Conditions such as foot drop and loss of sensation in the lower extremities may warrant the use of additional orthoses.
3. Enhancing mobility – Mobility is an important prerequisite to patient independence. Joint and muscle stiffness (especially in the legs) can be corrected with stretching exercises. Stiffness in the neck muscles can affect neck and head posture and control, which can also be corrected with supports and exercise.
4. Restoration of muscle tone - Increased tone (hypertonia) or decreased muscle tone (hypotonia) is a result of the impact of MS on the nerves. A physical therapist may use manual techniques to improve joint sensation and restore normal muscle tone.

Physical therapists play an important role in the management of patients with MS and several other conditions affecting the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. If you or someone you know needs help, we are just a phone call away. There is a lot that physical therapists can do to help you (and everyone you know) live an independent, pain-free lifestyle. Give us a call today, and we'll show you what we can do for you.

Physical therapy can play a role in the treatment of breast cancer. Depending on the severity of the disease, extensive chemotherapy and sometimes surgery may be required. Following treatment, patients feel drained and worn out. This can lower the patient’s quality of life by significantly affecting day-to-day function.

Physical therapy helps with pain management, range of motion and muscle function. In fact, the American Cancer Society strongly recommends a structured exercise program and physical therapists are uniquely qualified to assess the need for, plan and implement such a program.

Post Surgery and Long term Care

Broadly speaking, the role of the physical therapist in breast cancer can be divided into two parts: input immediately after surgery, and long term care input.

Breast cancer surgery not only involves removal of the affected breast tissue, but can also include the nearby lymph nodes and some blood vessels as well.

1. Immediately after surgery

Exercise facilitates healing and helps restore function in the affected side. As soon as pain subsides, the physical therapist can help increase range of motion and encourage muscle contractions. Physical therapists will prescribe and teach certain stretching and strengthening exercises for surrounding joints like the shoulder and elbow to maintain mobility and muscle function.

Breathing exercises allow for increased expansion of lungs and movements of joints in and around the rib cage. Postural precautions (not sleeping on the side of the operation for a few days for example) are also provided by the physical therapist.

The prevention of swelling in the lymph nodes (lymphedema) reduces levels of fatigue, helping patients to remain active.

2. Long term treatment

A physical therapist can help patients regain confidence, improve lung capacity, move without pain, remain physically active and live happy, healthy and productive lives. This is achieved using a combination of exercise therapy, manual techniques and home exercise programs.

Patients may also be asked to participate in group exercise activities involving other cancer patients. A social environment is a good way to promote rehabilitation and allow the patient to recover in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

The Road to Recovery

Ask your doctor if exercise is right for you, and if the answer is yes, request a referral to a physical therapist.

Your physical therapist will teach you a gentle, progressive exercise program and will encourage you to work within your pain limits. Wear lose, comfortable clothes as you do some gentle exercises. Never push yourself to the point of pain. Always take long, deep breaths, and never hold your breath while exercising. In the first few weeks of recovery, always exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the road to recovery for patients with breast cancer. Give us a chance to help you, and we’ll show you everything we can do to change your life.

A traumatic brain injury (also known as TBI) occurs as a result of trauma to the head, leading to damage to the brain itself. Traumatic brain injuries can result from numerous types of injuries including automobile accidents, contact sports, or falls. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe; ranging from headaches and general confusion to partial paralysis and loss of sensation. In fact, any injury to the brain is a serious condition that requires hospitalization and immediate medical attention.

A mild TBI may be associated with a change in the mental state of the individual or a short-term loss of consciousness. A severe TBI may result in a coma, memory loss and loss of muscle control. Over a period of time, this can cause loss of muscle strength and a deterioration of balance, which can lead to falls.

Although the severity of a brain injury can vary immensely, the importance of physical therapy cannot be overstated. Some brain injuries may require a few weeks of rehabilitation; while severe injuries can require several months of neurological re-education under the supervision of an experienced physical therapist.

Every instance of TBI is unique and different and a physical therapist can conduct a detailed evaluation to determine the extent of impairment. This initial evaluation will help determine extent of sensation, consciousness, body awareness,memory, muscle tone, movement, balance and gait.

Based on the evaluation, the physical therapist may design a program consisting of neuro-developmental training, joint mobilization, functional training and self-stretching exercises. The five most common benefits of physical therapy include:

1. Memory assessment and improvement.
2. Motor function and muscle strength increase.
3. Improved responsiveness to sensation and awareness of the surrounding.
4. Lifestyle counseling to enhance independence with daily activities
5. Improved balance to facilitate standing and walking.

With brain injury, time is of the essence. Don't delay – seek medical attention and start working with a physical therapist as soon as possible.

A brain injury has the potential to affect the quality of life and limit the individual’s ability to do simple things. Expect your physical therapist to work closely with other members of the healthcare team to improve your 'brain health' and speed up the recovery process.

The goal is to help the individual resume full function in a gradual, controlled manner under the supervision of the physical therapist. Your therapist can recondition your brain and nervous system, bridging the gap between medical intervention and full recovery.

The bottom line - physical therapy treatment will help regain function and improve quality of life. As your physical therapists, there is a lot that we can do a lot for you; including boosting your 'brain health'. Call us today and we’ll show you what we can do for you and your brain.

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health problem characterized by the body’s inability to break down sugar due to inefficiency of the hormone insulin.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the toll of diabetes is significant if left unchecked.

1. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
2. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
3. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults.
4. The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes. About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems.

Role of the Physical Therapist in Diabetes

Physical activity, healthy nutrition and stress management are important factors in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Your physician may prescribe medication to assist with the treatment of diabetes.
Your physical therapist can create a safe, progressive exercise program that enables your body to become more sensitive to insulin and effectively remove extra glucose from your bloodstream. The goal is to normalize your blood glucose levels and improve your hemoglobin A1C readings.

Here are just some of the benefits of regular physical activity:

1. Decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels
2. Reduces the risk for heart disease and stroke
3. Increase in calorie expenditure to enable weight loss
4. Strengthening of the heart and better blood circulation
5. Strengthening of muscles and bones.

You can experience all these benefits after you consult with your physical therapist.

Five Tips for Safe Exercise

Here are five exercise tips for individuals with diabetes.

1. It is essential to avoid injuries and remain hydrated. It is also important to have some fast acting sugary food available in the event of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. This is critical for individuals who are on insulin and have type 1 diabetes. As your physical therapists, we can advise you about the best, and safest type of exercise.
2. As a general rule, we will encourage you to warm up for 5 minutes before starting to exercise and cool down for 5 minutes at the end. You will be advised to drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity to stay hydrated.
3. If you feel uncomfortable, you should rest for a few minutes and see if you feel. We'll train you to understand your energy levels and listen to your body.
4. Use the “talk test” to make sure you are not pushing yourself too hard. If you become short of breath and you can’t talk, then slow down. As your fitness level improves over time, you’ll be able to exercise at a higher intensity and chat with others while you do it.
5. Make sure to wear shoes and clean socks that fit you well. Look inside your shoes before wearing them to make sure there is nothing in them that might hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable. Always examine your feet before and after activity for blisters, redness, or other signs of irritation. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience pain or notice a blister, cut, or sore.

If you know someone who has diabetes, or is at risk for diabetes, the best thing you can do for them is to ask them do is to call us and schedule an appointment. We are here to help. If you know someone who has diabetes, or is at risk for diabetes, the best thing you can do for them is to ask them do is to call us and schedule an appointment. We are here to help.