One of the most common spinal conditions individuals may hear about is scoliosis. It’s a term medical professionals use to describe an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine. The curvature can range from minor to severe and doesn’t cause pain in most instances, but it does need to be monitored by a physical therapist who can determine if the curvature is getting worse and provide treatment if needed.

The human spine is a complicated construction that’s subject to a variety of conditions that disrupt normal formation, shape and alignment. Scoliosis is the most common, causing areas of the spine to form a C or S shape. In the severest forms, it can result in gait disruptions and disability.

Minor curvatures often go unnoticed and many cases may be mistakenly attributed to poor posture or activities such as playing video games unched in awkward positions. A physical therapist will look for signs they’ve been specially trained to identify that include one side of the body appearing to be tilted or “higher” than the other. Girls are more likely to develop scoliosis than their male counterparts.

Scoliosis Variables

There are three types of scoliosis. The first is infantile scoliosis that’s found in children from birth to 3 years and the second is juvenile scoliosis that appears between ages 3 to 9. Adolescent scoliosis is the most common, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases. It typically appears between 10 and 18 years of age during the rapid growth that accompanies adolescence.

Congenital scoliosis is caused by a bone abnormality, while neuromuscular scoliosis is the result of a muscle or nerve condition and can accompany cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Degenerative scoliosis results from a traumatic injury or thinning of the bones. The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis that has no discernable cause.

The degree of curvature and whether or not it increases will determine the amount and types of physical therapy that will be needed. The rate of curvature may grow slowly, rapidly or stop and it’s the primary reason that youngsters must be monitored so closely. It’s never too early or too late to begin physical therapy and it can even be employed with infants.

There’s no way to determine the degree of curvature that will occur or who will develop scoliosis. Treatment and management plans are customized to the individual, factoring in the degree of curvature, the child’s age and when treatment commences.

Treatment options

The usual treatment for scoliosis is a back brace for youngsters that aren’t skeletally mature. It won’t reverse the existing curvature, but the goal is to stop the progression as the child grows. Once a patient has stopped growing, further curvature typically stops, too.

Wearing a brace that’s discreet is a primary concern for children who want to fit in with their peers. We offer custom made braces that can be removed for sports participation or worn only at night.

Surgery is the last resort of scoliosis treatment and we provide a variety of therapies for healing and rehabilitation. Our therapists provide recommendations for ergonomic and environmental adaptations that reduce the risk of injury and enhance mobility.Advice on pillows, mattresses and sleep aids and devices is available for appropriate support.

Customized orthotic devices are available to address differences in leg length when the curvature has affected posture and a gait analysis is effective for pinpointing the exact location of potential points of concern. Our therapists assist patients in the use, care and operation of mobility aids, along with posture improvement and new ways to move.

Therapeutic massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and aquatic therapies are available to ease pain, maintain health of soft tissues and enhance flexibility. Clinical Pilates, yoga and prescription exercise programs help develop stability, balance and strength.

An early diagnosis and close monitoring is critical in the treatment of scoliosis. Our practice offers extensive expertise and advanced technology to treat patients with scoliosis at all levels of curvature and address the special considerations of children.

Most people immediately think of cosmetic surgery for remaining youthful, but a younger looking visage won’t help people stay mobile and active. No one wants to face the effects of aging and physical therapy has treatments and therapies to help you stay physically fit.

People with jobs that require repetitive motion, standing or sitting for long periods at a time, and employment that places unusual stress and strain on joints will eventually take a toll on the body and increase the risk of arthritis. Construction workers, musicians and dancers, along with mechanics, teachers and office workers are among the individuals that often find their bodies are demonstrating the signs of aging long before they’re anticipated.

Stress – The Bane of Youthfulness

Stress is one of the biggest factors that cause the cosmetic and physical effects of aging. When people are stressed, the body releases the hormones adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for a fight or flight response. The hormones take a toll on the appearance, but also cause the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise. The hormones can interfere with sleep that’s essential for the body to repair itself.

A physical therapist can help with treatments that:

• Reduce stress
• Helps with flexible and range of motion
• Relives pain
• Helps with mobility
• Reduces the potential for Alzheimer’s
• Aids with nutritional deficiencies
• Promotes better sleep

Many individuals who may be overweight or have chronic diseases avoid gyms and fitness centers out of embarrassment or self-consciousness, resulting in a cycle in which weight increases and physical fitness declines. That’s not a problem at a physical therapy office. Individuals have access to safe and comfortable therapeutic exercises under the supervision of a physical therapy expert.

Physical Therapy for a Youthful Body

Exercise is a major component of maintaining a youthful body that allows you to engage in your favorite activities. Personal trainers at the local gym don’t have the extensive knowledge and training necessary to address the vast number of variables involved in your individual situation.

Clinical Pilates, yoga and other types of specialized exercise can be prescribed to improve flexibility, range of motion, better posture and relieve joint or muscle pain. Exercise aids in digestion, stimulates the immune system, helps maintain lean muscle, and helps increase bone density.

Your medical conditions, level of fitness, any limitations, and overall health will be factored into any exercise program. Hydrotherapy, manual manipulation, and electrical stimulation are all techniques that improve the body’s alignment and functionality. Cold laser therapy is an effective means of addressing pain and swelling.

To combat stress, your physical therapist may incorporate therapeutic massage. It improves circulation, stimulates the immune system, and promotes restorative slumber. It’s also beneficial for detoxifying the body and enhancing lymphatic drainage.

Your physical therapist can also show you ways of moving that lessens the stress on the body and provide orthotic devices that alleviates pain and aligns the spine for easier movement. Ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations can be provided that lessens the risk of falls and injuries. Your physical therapist can provide nutritional recommendations and dietary supplements to address any deficiencies and promotes development of healthy bones and muscles.

Aging gracefully encompasses more than a youthful looking appearance. If you’re not able to move freely and enjoy your life, you’re losing out on some of the most important years of your life. Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can severely curtail your quality of life and prevent you from doing what’s important to you.

Physical therapy is an investment in your health. It provides a variety of treatments to keep your body in good health and working correctly, allowing you to enjoy every stage of your life with a more youthful and functioning body

Incontinence is an embarrassing condition that affects men, women and children of all ages. A common symptom is the loss of bladder control when coughing, sneezing, lifting and laughing.

Incontinence can be temporary or persistent. Temporary loss of bladder control is related to diet, alcohol, caffeine and prescription medications. Underlying medical conditions such as urinary tract infections and chronic constipation also play a role.

Persistent loss of bladder control may be related to pregnancy, age-related changes in the bladder, menopause and enlarged prostate. Disorders of the brain and spinal cord like stroke and Parkinson’s disease can also cause loss of bladder control.

This has vast social implications for patients, who turn to adult diapers, medications and even surgical interventions.

Getting Back the ‘Mind-Muscle’ Link

Incontinence can be treated effectively with a variety of physical therapy techniques including, but not limited to:

Kegel Exercises – This involves controlled contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, using a hold and release pattern for a designated number of repetitions and sets. The frequency and intensity is gradually increased over time.

Clinical Pilates – These specialized exercises help strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles.

Electrical Stimulation – The use of mild electrical currents to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles tends to mimic the ‘hold and relax’ pattern of Kegel exercises.

Biofeedback – A technique used to build the ‘mind-body’ connection between the brain and the muscles of the pelvic floor. This helps patients identify, contract and control specific muscles surrounding the urinary tract.

Your physical therapist may use a combination of techniques, and may design a home exercise program to help you achieve results as quickly as possible.

Regaining Control of your Life

Incontinence can take an emotional toll on a patient. Social implications include feeling of guilt, shame, and depression in some cases. Family members and physical therapists must work together to support and help the patient prepare for ‘accidents’ by planning ahead prior to outdoor activities.

Incontinence is more prevalent than most people realize. It can be treated with a combination of traditional medicine and physical therapy. Mental health counseling may be required in some cases.

Physical therapy, in particular, plays an important role in the strengthening and retraining of the pelvic floor muscles. Therapy can also strengthen the lower back and realign posture to dramatically improve the quality of life.

If you or someone you know is suffering from incontinence, schedule a consult with us. Physical therapy will help you regain control of your life in more ways than one.

A wrist fracture has the potential to impact daily life for an extended period of time. Wrist fractures result from falls, sports activities and improper lifting. Owing to the complex architecture of the bones, muscles and ligaments in the wrist and hand, healing can take a while.

The wrist itself is not a bone, but a joint connecting the hand and the forearm. The type of treatment will depend upon the nature and the extent of injury to the bones, muscles and ligaments. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising especially with movement.

In some cases, nerve involvement can result in a tingling sensation in the fingers. It is important to rest and restrict motion to allow the injury to heal and to prevent displacement of bone fragments and other complications.

Wrist fractures are typically treated by applying a cast that holds the wrist in place, provides protection from movement and helps reduce pain. At times, surgery may be required.

Rapid Return to Function

During the healing period, the wrist is kept immobilized. This allows sufficient time for the healing process. The physical therapist will select the appropriate rehabilitation option to reduce pain and restore functionality. Some of the options include:

Exercise – After removal of the cast, patients may experience some discomfort and weakness as they start to use their wrist again. A customized physical therapy exercise program is a critical component for easing pain and building strength while restoring functionality and dexterity in the affected area.

Hot and Cold Therapy – Hot and cold packs are used to alleviate pain and swelling once the cast is removed and throughout rehabilitation.

Mobilization – A therapist performs manual therapy techniques to relieve joint stiffness and restore a normal range of motion.

Ultrasound – Soft tissue is stimulated below the surface of the skin using audio waves to accelerate the healing process through cellular regeneration while decreasing pain and swelling.

Electrical stimulation – This method is an effective tool for alleviating pain, strength training and rehabilitation for joints that have been inactive for extended periods of time.

Therapeutic Massage – Therapeutic massage offers many benefits. It can relieve stress in stiff joints (giving the patient a better range of motion) and enhances the body’s own ability to heal itself. Depending upon the needs of the patient, a variety of massage techniques can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Don’t Get Sidelined

Often, patients seek over-the-counter painkillers to deal with wrist pain, since it’s an inconvenience.

Sometimes, patients are reluctant to schedule time to have a wrist examination, despite significant pain. Getting the wrist checked as soon as possible is important since it can help avoid serious complications down the road.

Wrist fractures are painful and affect the ability to perform daily tasks. Without proper strengthening and rehabilitation, recovery can be a long, painful process. If you are experiencing pain from a wrist injury, we can create a customized treatment plan that will reduce pain, restore mobility and facilitate recovery. Call us today to ensure a quick and speedy recovery.

Did you know the face has 43 muscles? These are tiny muscles that control facial expressions like smiling, smirking and frowning. In fact, there is a condition called Bell's palsy that affects facial muscles, as a direct result of nerve damage.

The dysfunction affects a primary cranial nerve that controls facial muscles, resulting in temporary paralysis for some, but others experience lingering effects that can last several years.

Causes include brain tumor, stroke or Lyme disease. Other causes include viral infections like herpes simplex 1, chickenpox, German measles and mononucleosis. In some patients, no definitive cause can be found contributing to Bell's palsy.

Patients may experience difficulty blinking and closing the eyes, raising their eyebrows, and smiling and frowning. This can also affect taste. Individuals may also experience balance problems, tingling of the face, memory problems and weak muscles. Bell's palsy can appear as a single condition or as part of a larger neurological dysfunction.

Some patients achieve a spontaneous recovery and regain near-normal function. Patients may have lingering problems such as the inability to close one or both eyes, necessitating protection to prevent the eye(s) from drying out. Hearing loss is also common. Men and women are affected, and those with diabetes or upper respiratory ailments face additional risk.

Various physical therapy methods can be used to help patients with Bell's palsy. It’s essential to begin physical therapy as soon as possible. Options include:

Acupuncture/Dry Needling – Used to stimulate specific nerve and muscle sets to maintain facial tone, ease pain, and release stress. Reduces the potential for further neurological damage.

Electrical Stimulation – Stimulation of muscle and nerve groups to maintain tone and improve function. Reduces muscle 'wasting' or atrophy.

Facial Muscle Exercise – Mild facial exercises maintain facial tone and reduce muscle weakness. Activities are tailored to each individual. Improves coordination and maintains 'muscle memory'.

Clinical Pilates – A loss of balance and coordination can be treated with a specialized exercise program that focuses on small movements to build strength and regain balance.

Heat Therapy – Supervised application of hot packs helps circulation around nerves and muscles.

Biofeedback – Helps individuals regain movement control by identifying and isolating the pertinent muscles. Helps increase patient awareness of facial muscles.

The face is the most recognizable part of the human anatomy.

It provides others with insight into our feelings. The muscles of the face allow verbal and non-verbal communication.

The loss of control over facial muscles (or any injury to the face) can be extremely intimidating, but we are here to help. A physical therapist is a specialist in movement control for all joints and muscles in the body. We can help you regain function and control. We can also help prevent potential complications.

If you suspect you may be suffering from Bell’s palsy or know someone who is, don't hesitate to call us. We treat a wide variety of diseases, syndromes and conditions to alleviate pain and restore functionality. The sooner you begin, the better. Call us today, and together, we'll help you face the world.

Torticollis is a clinical condition characterized by tightening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle on one side of the neck, resulting in the tilting of a child’s head to one side. It can occur due to abnormal positioning of the baby within the uterus or due to injury to the SCM muscle. It may also be associated with other conditions affecting the skull, neck, and spine. Over time, torticollis can result in permanent shortening of the muscles and may require surgery, so it is best to treat this condition as quickly as possible.

The condition is usually diagnosed in the first 3 months after the birth of the baby, and treatment should be initiated as quickly as possible.

A physical therapist is a licensed expert in the musculoskeletal system and can put together a treatment program for conditions involving the bones, joints, and muscles. Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of children with torticollis. The therapist will prescribe a variety of exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the neck and treat torticollis.

Physical therapy helps to restore the quality of life for adults and children.

Gentle stretching exercises and manual techniques are used to gradually increase the length of the muscle fibers. Such treatment techniques reduce pain, increase movement, improve posture and prevent the deterioration of this condition.

A well-known form of exercise for children with torticollis is called 'tummy time'. The child is encouraged to spend more time on its tummy. This promotes core strength and helps stretch the muscles in the neck.

A physical therapist will also work actively with caregivers and parents. Parents are made aware of what is required at home. A coordinated approach enables the child to receive the right care 24 hours a day.

The goals of physical therapy in the treatment of torticollis

The primary objective is to increase movement in the neck region. In essence, the child should be able to tilt the head side to side, rotate the neck, look up, and touch the chin to the chest. Restoring posture in the head and neck region also helps with balance and normal development in weight shifting methods such as sitting, standing and walking.

To get the best outcomes as quickly as possible, children need to feel comfortable and safe in a treatment environment. A physical therapist can make the treatment experience fun and reward for your child using the right environment, tools, and language to make your child receptive to the activities involved in recovery. All this can be achieved while measuring progress and achieving milestones. The result - your child gets better, faster.

Parents play a big role in the treatment process. The right home environment includes positioning devices such as neck pillows, blankets, and foam wedges to facilitate symmetrical positioning of the head and neck. Correct positioning of the child during day-to-day activities, active stretching techniques and careful monitoring for signs of regression are important responsibilities for parents. The good news is - you are never alone as a parent. Your physical therapist is always here to help.

Physical therapy is an important part of our lives, for children and adults. Your physical therapist has an arsenal of treatment options such as stretching, strengthening, manual techniques and more. Call us today to learn more. We can help you, your child and your whole family.

Foot drop syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weak muscles in the front of the lower leg. This can result in partial or total loss of control over the foot. This affects the ability to lift the foot at the ankle.

Damage to the nerve fibers that allow the flexing of the ankle and toes can cause several problems. For example, the toes point towards the floor when the foot is lifted up from the ground. When patients attempt to walk, they tend to drag the foot along the ground. They further compensate by lifting the knee higher than usual.

Foot drop can often be the sign of a major underlying complication, rather than a 'simple' inability to raise the foot. It can be caused by a nerve injury, spinal or brain disorder or muscle disorder. Foot drop can affect one foot or both feet and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of foot drop. It allows patients to experience better mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise is the primary treatment for patients with foot drop. Strengthening exercises of the muscles within the foot and the lower limbs help maintain muscle tone. Such exercises will help strengthen and stretch the foot while returning mobility to the ankle.

Stretching exercises are an excellent treatment for foot drop. Physical therapists will advise patients to sit on the floor, place a towel around the foot, hold onto both ends and gently pull the towel towards them. This helps stretch the muscles of the calf and foot.

Other exercises include leg flexes and toe curls. Several sets and repetitions are required to stimulate the muscles sufficiently.

Electrical Stimulation

In some patients with foot drop, physical therapists may advise a treatment regime that includes electrical stimulations of the nerves and muscle fibers. This helps generate electrical impulses within the muscles and can, to an extent, help increase the tone and the contractility.

Gait Training

Gait signifies the way a person walks. A gait abnormality is a deviation from normal walking.

Gait training is recommended for those patients with significant gait problems. This treatment helps a patient walk more efficiently and improve stability by incorporating different strength and balance exercises.

At times, gait training requires the use of walkers, canes and parallel bars to safeguard the patient.

A gait belt is an assistive device used to help a patient maintain balance during training.

Braces and Splints

For individuals with limited control over their foot muscles, an "Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (AFO)" is used to help improve gait. AFO are L-shaped braces designed to support the function of the ankle and foot by keeping them perpendicular (at an angle of 90 degrees). This helps to keep the foot off of the ground while walking.

Foot drop can be rather debilitating for patients and can affect mobility to a great degree. While there are several causes of foot drop, physical therapy is the most effective treatment option.

Long-term outcomes vary but many patients can regain significant function and mobility following a physical therapy plan of care.

As your trusted healthcare professionals with several years of experience in treating muscular and neurological conditions, we promise to take good care of you. Together, we will walk the road to recovery.

Don't hesitate, reach out to us today and give us the opportunity to show you how physical therapy can change your life.