Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most debilitating and costly to treat. An estimated half of Americans over 18 will develop a long-term injury of the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. These conditions can be painful and affect movement and quality of life. But you don’t have to be hurt to benefit from physical therapy. Preventative physical therapy identifies and targets potential problems before they become chronic issues. This form of physical therapy helps people of all ages and activity levels build strength, mobility, and flexibility to lower the risk of injuries. Adv ..read more

The knee joint is a complex structure vulnerable to trauma, injuries, and other conditions that cause pain and swelling. Knee effusion, or swelling, can affect how you move and function throughout the day. Everyone is likely to experience a swollen knee at some point. Exercises to reduce swelling may not cure the underlying condition, but they can ease your discomfort and get you moving again. What Causes Swelling in the Knee? The knee joint is surrounded by a thick liquid called synovial fluid, which provides nutrients for joint structures, cushions the ends of bones, and reduces friction dur ..read more

Vertigo is a condition in which you feel like everything around you is spinning, even though it is not. It is quite common, affecting nearly 40% of adults at least once during their lifetime. People experiencing vertigo may feel so dizzy, nauseous, or unbalanced that they have difficulty going about their everyday activities. Fortunately, exercises for vertigo and dizziness are available to help reduce symptoms and provide immediate and often long-term relief. What Is Vertigo? Vertigo is not a disease. It is actually a symptom of other conditions affecting the body’s vestibular system, which r ..read more

Scar tissue that develops after trauma to the body is a natural and unavoidable part of the healing process. However, over time, scar tissue buildup can be painful and impact movement and range of motion. Fortunately, there are a wide range of effective treatments to reduce scar tissue pain, tightness, and sensitivity. What Is Scar Tissue? An injury to the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones triggers the body’s wound-healing response. This response helps to clean the injury site and bring in new cells that will form healthy tissue. During the last phases of wound healing, cells at the ..read more

Nearly 16 million adults in the U.S. have chronic back pain. Persistent back pain interferes with everyday activities and can impact their quality of life. Some people with back pain find long-term relief with nonsurgical spinal decompression. Keep reading to find out how these treatments work and if you may be a good candidate for back decompression. What Is Decompression Therapy? The spine is the bony structure that supports the body, protects the spinal cord, and allows the body to move. It is made up of the spinal cord, vertebrae (bones), joints, discs, soft tissues, and nerves. Different ..read more

Pickleball has been sweeping the nation in recent years, and for good reason, it’s loads of fun for individuals of all ages. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, but there are many common pickleball injuries physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for. Before beginning any type of exercise or stretching routine, you should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Take a look at some interesting facts about pickleball, see why it’s an emerging sport, and learn how physical therapy can help you alleviate pickleball-related pain and injuries. What ..read more

Motor skills are basic movements that utilize the body’s muscles to perform a specific task. They require the brain, nervous system, and muscles to function together seamlessly. Throughout development we learn basic skills first, and then build upon them to complete more complex tasks. Practice and repetition help us perform motor skills with accuracy and efficiency. Motor skills delays or impairment can occur for a variety of reasons in people of all ages. However, it is often possible to improve motor function with physical therapy and occupational therapy. What Are Gross Motor Skills? There ..read more

Joints are the areas of the body where our bones connect. They consist of bones and soft tissues that support and connect them: cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Our joints support the body and help us move. But joint damage caused by illness or injuries can make movement difficult and painful. Learn about the most common joint pain causes and ways to find relief. Understanding Joint Pain Joint pain is a common condition that has several possible causes. It can occur in one or several joints. It can be a constant problem, or symptoms can come and go. People experience joint pain differently ..read more

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain located under and around the kneecap. Also known as “runner’s knee” this condition affects people of all ages and abilities—not just runners. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments available for patellofemoral pain syndrome symptoms to help you feel better and get moving again without knee pain. Knee Joint Anatomy The knee is among the most complex joints in the human body. It is formed by the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), the calf bone (fibula), and the kneecap (patella.) Tendons and ..read more

If an injury is keeping you from working, you may be wondering if and when you can return. It’s important to determine your current ability to perform work-related tasks and other activities that could slow or complicate your recovery. A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a standard assessment that measures your physical abilities in relation to your typical job tasks to evaluate if and when you can resume working. Here, we explain why FCEs are ordered and what to expect from your own evaluation. What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation? Workers who become injured on the job may be eligib ..read more