Results showed that spinal manipulation led to significant benefits for patients with acute LBP that lasted for at least six weeks. In particular, the treatment was found to be associated with reduced pain and improved function, and these improvements…
Current guidelines recommend getting about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise (like jogging) every week.…
Results showed that there were 8,023 older adults that had frailty, and of these, 38.6% were also depressed. Similarly, 2,167 older adults were found to have depression, and 40…
These findings support the use of exercise for patients with anxiety or stress disorder, and the researchers suggested that it should therefore be considered a viable opti…
Results showed that participants in the home-exercise group experienced significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness and strength compared to the control g…
Based on the data collected, it was found that the incidence rate of LBP was 82.7 for every 1,000 patients. Of the patients who had LBP, about 80% had no physical therapy, while 8.7% saw …
On the whole, results were supportive of both exercise therapy and manual therapy for SIS patients. For pain alone, studies showed that manual therapy was s…
Two of the five RCTs investigated the use of exercise programs, and researchers deemed that there was moderate-quality evidence that exercise does substantially reduce the …
Results showed that patients who followed the physical therapist-led exercise program experienced several significant improvements when compared to the control group. Most importantly, the angle of the curvature of the spine reduced by an average of 3…
If an injury of any sort does occur, it's important to carefully discuss the details of it with the player, and to include their parents. Although many players and parents may have difficulty accepting that playing time needs to be stopped for a perio…
After one year, results showed that patients in both groups improved in their scores for pain and muscle strength, but the eccentric exercise group experienced greater overall improvements. This was based on the fact that the eccentric group reported …
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a band of tissue that connects the inside of the upper arm bone to the inside of the forearm at the elbow. It helps to support and stabilize the arm during movements like throwing a ball, but is commonly injured …
Overall, results were supportive of the effectiveness of joint mobilizations for tennis elbow. In particular, high-quality evidence was found that showed two types of joint mobilization-mobilization with movement (MWM) and Mill's manipulation-were mor…
Overall, results were supportive of balance training in both applications. For the first focus of the review on athletic performance, the sports most commonly studied were soccer, basketball, and handball. The majority of these studies found signific…
A total of 54 RCTs with 39 different interventions focused on the risk of falls that caused injury, and the findings from these studies showed that some of the most effective interventions for reducing this risk included exercise, vision assessment, an…
Results showed that both aerobic and resistance exercises on their own were more effective than no exercise for reducing risk factors for falls such as balance, posture control, mobility and leg strength; however, combining these two types of exercise …
On the whole, results from the studies reviewed showed that balance training and bracing were both effective for reducing the risk and incidence of ankle sprains. Two of the three studies that evaluated bracing found that patients who wore these brace…
Researchers found that the first step in reducing fall risk is to identify at-risk patients. This is accomplished by having patients check in with their healthcare provider yearly to report any falls or difficulties with gait and balance and to have a…
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which cartilage that normally protects a joint gradually wears down over the course of time, which leads to pain and other symptoms when the bones begin rubbing against one another. OA can develop in any joint, bu…
Of the 52,504 NTKP patients examined, only 11% received any type of rehabilitation services for their condition at any time. Of the patients who were rehabilitated with physical therapy and other treatments, 52% began treatment within 15 days of their…
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)-sometimes referred to as runner's knee-is a painful condition that's particularly common in physically active individuals. Patients with PFPS typically experience a dull ache behind or around the kneecap that gets w…
Overall, exercise therapy and surgery were found to lead to similar outcomes in knee pain, function, and performance for patients with meniscal lesions. Exercise therapy, however, was more effective for improving muscle strength than surgery after a s…
Five years after treatment, patients in both groups experienced positive outcomes, and the results between the two groups were found to be very similar. In particular, scores from the quadriceps strength and single-legged hop test were high and did no…
Results from the systematic review showed that PNE did, in fact, lead to several benefits for patients with musculoskeletal pain. In particular, it reduced patients' disability and usage of healthcare and improved their pain ratings, knowledge of pain…
On the whole, results were supportive of quadriceps-strengthening exercises for PFPS patients, both alone and when combined with other exercises. It was found that when they were performed alone, these exercises were more effective for reducing pain a…
These findings clearly show that windmill pitching on consecutive days leads to declines in shoulder and elbow strength that are not recovered the next day, as well as significant increases in pain and fatigue. These changes can lead to shoulder damag…
Results from the tests performed prior to the physical therapy rehabilitation program revealed that many patients had weakness in a number of their shoulder muscles as a result of pain, swelling and inflammation from the shoulder dislocation. After th…
These findings suggest that when treating shoulder pain, psychological factors must be taken into consideration and addressed in addition to physical symptoms. Physical therapists can help by identifying these negative factors in patients early on in …
These findings show that even in middle-aged patients that have no signs of shoulder pain, labral tears are commonly found on MRIs. The unfortunate result of this fact is that a patient with shoulder pain can be told they have a labral tear and then g…
After completing treatment, participants in both groups experienced significant improvements with an increased PPT of several muscles of the upper back; however, the manual therapy group showed greater PPT improvements in these muscles than the shoulde…
In total, 170 patients (79%) completed the one-year follow-up and 123 (57%) completed the two-year-follow-up. At one year, both neck-specific groups displayed more clinically important improvements in pain, disability, and functioning than the PPA gro…
These results show that physical therapy has the lowest Medicare costs of the three treatments analyzed for LBP and that these costs are even lower if patients begin treatment within the first 15 days of being diagnosed. In some cases, this can wind u…
Results showed that manual therapy was found to significantly reduce pain, alleviate stiffness and improve the physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These positive effects of manual therapy occurred with less than four weeks of treat…
After completing the systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that exercise therapy reduced pain and improved the range of motion (flexibility) of patients with TMJs. The improvements in flexibility came primarily from programs that emph…
Results indicated that patients who underwent preoperative physical therapy experienced a number of benefits and better outcomes compared to those who did not. In particular, preoperative physical therapy patients reported significantly greater gains …
Based on the surveys analyzed, approximately 170 million patients visited a doctor for complaints related to LBP. From these visits, 17.1 million patients were referred to physical therapy, which equated to a referral rate of 10.1%. From 1997 to 2010…
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the BMI of adults with patellofemoral pain and knee OA was generally higher than the BMI of healthy individuals without knee pain that they were compared to. When it came to adolescen…
These findings support the use of preoperative physical therapy-or prehabilitation-in patients preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery, as it can reduce the need for patient care and its associated costs following the procedure. Individuals who …
Results showed that both treatments led to improvements, as patients experienced less pain, greater function, and fewer symptoms after completing the interventions. Patients in the manual therapy group, however, reported even greater improvements than…
Results of the systematic review and meta-analysis were generally supportive of the use of physical therapy after meniscus surgery. This was based on several studies that found a positive effect of various types of physical therapy treatments utilized…
Results showed that after 12 months, patients in the physical therapy group improved significantly more than those who received usual care. This was based on better ques…
After 12 weeks, results showed that both groups improved in all of the measurements taken. In particular, both the physical therapy and home-exercise group experienced similar improvements in grip strength and hand function, with no major differences …
Based on these findings, if you have knee pain that may be related to a meniscus tear, it appears that your best option is to see a physical therapist first and follow a course of exercise therapy. These carefully designed exercises will target your p…
Overall, results indicated that neither the muscle relaxant nor the opioid provided any added benefit to the NSAID for LBP patients. This was based on the fact that measur…
Overall, results showed that patients who received opioids improved to a very similar extent compared to those who received non-opioids. In particular, the opioid group improved from a sc…
The results of this study identified a number of treatments that were recommended by all of the guidelines reviewed. For acute LBP (pain that has only lasted for up to six weeks), the following recommendations were found in all the guidelines: advice …
Results showed that in the year prior to having knee replacement surgery, most patients (66%) received at least one of the analyzed treatments for their knee osteoarthritis, which cost an average of $506 per patient. The three most commonly used treat…
After completing the study, investigators found evidence of moderate quality that when physical therapists add booster sessions to exercise programs for osteoarthritis, adherence to the program may improve. Booster sessions are usually very similar to…
After one year, results showed that patients in both groups experienced improvements from their treatments. In particular, these patients reported less intense pain and less sensitivity to pain at both six and 12 months after treatment. The manual th…
Over the course of two years, the results primarily showed that physical therapy and surgery led to very similar outcomes for patients. In particular, the…
The results of this review generally showed that the proprioceptive training was in fact effective for reducing the risk for ankle sprains in active i…
Results showed that after one month, patients in the manual therapy group experienced significantly greater improvements in function, the seriousness of their symptoms and pinch grip strength than those in the surgery group. After six and 12 months, t…
In the other study, resistance training was found to be effective for reducing the risk for injury by up to 68%. Resistance training was also associated with improved sports performance and health measures, and helped young athletes develop better phy…
The results of these measurements showed when the patients performed the exercises at 20% above their pressure pain threshold, it increased the intensity of their pain immediately after the exercise. When the same exercise was performed at 20% below t…
Results showed that over six months, the soccer players in the RA group experienced substantially fewer hamstring strain injuries than those in the RP group, especially in…
On the whole, results showed that participants who received physical therapy improved more significantly than those who underwent usual care. In particular, the frequency of their headaches was significantly reduced after 11 weeks and remained at this…
Of the more than 800,000 patients in the database, only 7.1% were actually evaluated by a physical therapist within 30 days of their diagnosis. A total of 78% of the entire group of patients were between the ages of 30-59 years old, with women being 5…
After the study was completed, participants in both groups reported less knee pain overall, but the reductions were much more significant and lasting in…
After the immobilization removal, activity levels were unsurprisingly very low for injured patients. These levels increased within the first month, then increased slightly at the three-month mark, and plateaued by six months. These figures were found…
The findings of this RCT showed that although all participants improved, those in the experimental group experienced more significant improvements overall. This was found to be the case in all the outcomes measured, as experimental group patients repo…
This is just one of numerous studies that highlight the wide-reaching benefits of physical therapy for lower back pain. Time and time again, the research clearly shows that seeing a physical therapist first will help patients recover quicker, with les…
As we mentioned above, there is one incredibly important way to avoid the traditional course of care and all the costs that can come with it: rather than going to a doctor, see us first. Instead of sending you off to have unnecessary tests and potenti…
As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can take control of your situation and reduce your risk for back pain. To take it a step further, though, you may want to consider seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts at tre…
The results of this review found that several different interventions were effective for treating and preventing ankle sprains and CAI. There was evidence of moderate quality that exercise therapy was capable of reducing pain, swelling, and function i…
Results from the physical evaluation and fMRIs generally revealed that the patient experienced several positive changes following the neuroscience education session. In particular, her scores for back disability and pain catastrophizing (the tendency …
Overall, the studies supported exercise as a beneficial treatment for MPS, but their low quality needs to be taken into consideration. The exercise was found to significantly reduce the intensity of pain in the short term when compared with minimal or…
Results of this review found strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and deltoid muscles were most effective for treating shoulder instability by reducing pain and instability, as well as increasing function. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons …
Overall, these findings show that using a brief intervention to advise and motivate patients with AS to become more physically active can be effective for accomplishing this task, while also leading to other positive changes. AS patients should, theref…
Results showed that both groups improved in all measurements taken, but the experimental group reported greater overall changes than the control group. This was found to be the case in scores for balance, flexibility, fear of falling and gait ability,…
On the whole, the results of this RCT favored physical therapy over steroid injections for tennis elbow. Physical therapy was found to have a greater initial cost since it was carried out over eight treatment sessions, but it was the only intervention…
After nine months of physical therapy and exercise, Mrs. J experienced significant improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life. She was also able to walk for 40 minutes and play lawn bowling—which she could not do before—w…
Results showed that patients who received four or more sessions of physical therapy following LTDR surgery (group 3) experienced the most significant improvements of all groups. In particular, these participants showed less functional disability, redu…
The data taken from the accelerometers and surveys showed that in general, workers were more physically active during the second two weeks of the study. The average number of minutes participants engaged in combined work-related moderate or vigorous p…
On the whole, there was not much strong evidence to support the use of exercises as researchers had hoped to find. Nonetheless, they identified studies of moderate quality that showed how effective various exercises can be for neck disorders. In part…
Results showed that resistance exercise led to significant benefits when compared to control treatments. In particular, these types of exercises were found to reduce pain, relieve stiffness and improve overall function for patients with knee osteoarth…
On the whole, DPP was found to be effective, as there was a 58% reduction in the rate of diabetes that developed in study participants compared to groups that received placebo or medications only. In addition, many of the patients from the initial stu…
Results from the systematic review showed that patients treated with thoracic manual therapy improved significantly more than those who received other treatments. In particular, the three RCTs found that they experienced a quicker recovery with reduce…
Researchers first pointed out that although patients were randomly assigned to have either surgery or physical therapy, they had a 3-to-1 chance of having surgery. This means that many more patients went on to have surgery versus physical therapy, and…
After four months, patients in the exercise group reported significantly better scores than the control group in most/many of the outcomes that were measured. In particular, they were found to have better muscle function, neck flexibility, and pain th…
Results showed that although both groups reported better overall scores in all the measurements taken, those in treatment group 2 experienced greater improvements than treatment group 1. This was based on lower levels of pain, better ankle stability a…
After comparing both groups of patients, it was found that those who received early physical therapy experienced better outcomes with less disability and pain than those who delayed it. This was found to be the case not only in their actual outcomes b…
Based on this, researchers said that getting 3,000-4,000 MET-minutes per week appears to be the ideal range for obtaining the most health benefits and the greatest reduction of risk for the five health conditions. More physical activity than this may …
After nine weeks, patients in all four treatment groups experienced significant improvements in all the outcomes measured. By one year, some of these effects had reduced, but for the most part, the improvements lasted. Despite this, the addition of b…
Results showed that the patients who received the combination of joint mobilization and stretching exercises experienced better outcomes than those who only had stretching exercises. This was seen in measurements for flexibility, pain, shoulder functi…
On the whole, mobilization techniques were found to be beneficial for patients with frozen shoulder. A combination of one approach called the Maitland technique with the mobilization of the spine and shoulder stretching appears to be best for reducing…
Results showed that after one year, the satisfaction of all patients with their treatment improved over time, regardless of the type of treatment they received. However, the patients who received neck-specific exercises were found to improve significa…
Results from this systematic review showed that physical therapy, either on its own or added to usual care, led to improved health. This was found to be the case in almost all studies included. Regarding cost-effectiveness, six out of eight studies f…
Results showed that after one year, no significant differences were found between patients who had surgery compared to those who had conservative treatment. This was determined based on scores for two separate measurements used for overall pain and fu…
Results showed that workers using the stand-capable desks were more productive than those who were using the standard seated desks. On average, the stand-capable workers had 0…
Results from this study showed that seeing a physical therapist instead of a general practitioner for a musculoskeletal condition was safe, as no patients experienced any negative e…
There are a number of reasons some physical therapists do not adhere to current guidelines when treating patients with low back pain, but one point seems clear: those that do save their patients money and time. Patients with low back pain should, ther…
Results showed that at 12 months, patients in the physical therapy group improved significantly more than those that received usual care. This was found to be the case d…
Overall, researchers found no significant differences between the two groups regarding return to sports. Some athletes returned to their sport faster after having surgery,…
Results from the meta-analysis revealed that both exercise therapy and manual therapy are effective for reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with hip osteo…
Although the review was supposed to cover a number of different musculoskeletal disorders, all the studies that were selected focused on spinal pain. Overall, there was evidenc…
After four weeks, it was found that stabilization exercises and manual therapy led to greater improvements in disability, pain intensity at night, neck range of motion and quality of…
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common medical conditions in the general population, and it serves as a major cause for disability in people who suffer from it. LBP is also extremely expensive, and most of the costs associated with it are due t…
Pre-operative physical therapy led to significant improvements in patients’ muscle strength and knee-related function. These findings show that having a course of physical therapy prior to surgery for an ACL injury may be of value to these patients …
When making any treatment decision, your doctor should always discuss the available treatment options and carefully explain the risks and benefits associated with each one. This is necessary to make informed decisions and avoid any unnecessary treatme…
Programs that took place in settings other than hospitals were found to lead to even greater effects than those performed in hospitals. This was also found to be the case with programs that included what's called progressive resistance training. This…
It seems that while any education may be helpful for patients after surgery, the “Your Back Operation” booklet can lead to a better overall mindset that will encourage them to get active and seek out rehabilitation from a physical therapist
When education is added to exercise, it appears that the combination is even more likely to reduce the risk for LBP. Unfortunately, this was not found to be the case with education alone, and it seems that it needs to be combined with exercise to have…
There was evidence of high quality that showed land-based exercise therapy can reduce knee pain and improve the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis for 2-6 months. There was also evidence of moderate quality that showed land-based exe…
The meta-analysis found that exercise therapy decreased pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis in the short term for up to three months. This was found to be the case for both land-based exercise and aquatic exercise performed underwater, which is m…
Results from this RCT showed that there were no major differences between the surgery and physical therapy groups when it came to relieving their symptoms and improving their function. Patients in both groups began to improve at 10 weeks, continued to…
Results from this study showed that neck-specific exercises helped patients improve more than general physical activity. Both the NSE and NSEB groups experienced greater improvements than the PPA group in pain intensity and neck muscle endurance. Nec…
Results showed that after completing outpatient physical therapy, both groups showed improved scores in their knee range of motion, walking speed and quality of life. When compared to one another, there were no significant differences in most of the o…
The results from this systematic review showed that a few different types of physical therapy treatments were effective for addressing some of the complications from breast cancer treatment. This was seen with treatment programs that consisted of stre…
Results from the meta-analysis supported manual therapy over pain medications. This was due to the fact that manual therapy reduced the frequency, intensity and duration of tension-type headaches more than pain medications in the short term. At a lon…
Results showed that proximal-strengthening exercises for the hip were helpful for reducing pain and improving function in both the short- and medium-term. When these hip-strengthening exercises were combined with the quadriceps-strengthening exercises…
After one year, the only significant difference between groups was actually in favor of the weight-bearing group, as they were found to have better health-related quality of life than the control group.
Results showed that immobilization led to good outcomes for all patients, and the re-tear rate was very similar in both groups: five tears in the four-week group and four in the eight-week group. At the final follow-up, there were no differences in ra…
Patients in the comprehensive group improved significantly more than those in the education-only group regarding pain and the perceived change in their condition. Unfortunately, these improvements found immediately after the intervention did not last …
Neck pain is a very common disorder that occurs in about 37% of the population. Some of these patients eventually go on to develop chronic neck pain, which means it’s long …
Results showed that lumbar disc herniation can in fact regress, or disappear completely, without surgery. The probability of this spontaneous regression occurring varied widely based on the specific type of disc herniation present.
The meta-analysis showed that four of the six studies in the review reported a positive effect on pain relief after laser therapy. Overall, this was taken to mean that the laser therapy led to a moderate reduction in TMJ pain, which was considered sta…
This selection process led to a list of 21 key messages about OA that were considered essential and ranked in order of importance. Of these, most (17 statements) referred to different treatment approaches for OA, and 12 of them were related to non-dru…
Four weeks after each program, both groups achieved highly favorable results in pain, disability, ROM and patient-reported improvement. Unfortunately, no significant differences were found between the two groups, which suggests that the focus on incre…
Results showed that 48-63% of patients with PHP demonstrated a successful response to physical therapy. Despite the fact that most participants were obese, high BMI did not predict a poor response to treatment.
Results showed that both groups improved in pain and disability to a level that would be considered worthwhile by patients.
Results showed that patients with chronic LBP displayed a few signs of hip muscle dysfunction, including gluteus medius weakness and tenderness of both gluteal muscles. Upon further analysis, it was found that the gluteus medius muscle weakness actual…
Results from the questionnaire showed that the patient group got about the same amount of moderate physical activity compared to controls, but significantly less vigorous physical activity.
Results showed that recovery times in the rehabilitation group were half of those in the surgical group, at a statistically significantly 12.6 weeks faster.
Results showed that when considering all athletes of various sports, regardless of their ankle injury history status, proprioceptive training was found to have a preventative effect on ankle sprains.
Results showed that the combination of the McKenzie method and MET was most effective overall in treating patients with chronic LBP.
The results from this study showed that significant deficits in quadriceps strength and overall functional performance may last long after ACL reconstruction.
Results showed that patients in the MWM group experienced significantly greater reductions in pain intensity while performing the shoulder movements compared to the sham group. This was accomplished in only four sessions, in which MWM was the only int…
Patients with knee OA that were 40 or older were evaluated for inclusion, and 66 fit the criteria and were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The exercise therapy without booster sessions (group 1) followed a treatment program led by a physical …
If FAI is diagnosed, a personalized physical therapy program is recommended to help patients return to running without the need for surgery. Patients should be educated on how to avoid positions that can aggravate pain and will not be allowed to run a…
Patients in both groups experienced improvements in both the short and long term. This was particularly seen in physical activity and pain levels during sporting activities, as similar improvements were found in both groups.
Results showed that CROM decreases significantly in all directions in the decade of 50-59 years when compared to people younger than 40. Unsurprisingly, the largest difference for all directions was found between 20-29 and 50-59 years, as there was a …
Since the patient did not improve much, researchers devised a new program of eccentric hamstring strengthening exercises to be performed on a treadmill. While performing these exercises, the patient was instructed to provide enough resistance to repro…
Results showed that all groups improved in all measurements taken, but the manipulation and mobilization groups experienced more significant improvements than controls.
The accelerated rehab group reported better mobility, strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores than the standard rehab group. Improvements were noted within the first eight weeks after surgery, and were considered statist…
Results showed that both programs had similar positive effects on reducing pain, improving exercise capacity and enhancing QoL, but patients in the aerobic group experienced greater benefits in pain and physical function than the balance group.
Overall, the amount of time patients were followed-up for was 2.6 years. During that time, patients in the physical activity group experienced significant reductions in their mobility disability compared to the health education group.
All groups were found to improve in various measures immediately after treatment and at the 16-week follow-up; however, experimental group 2 experienced the greatest improvements overall in neck disability scores, as well as in measurements for fatigue…
Low back pain (LBP) affects about 80% of the population at some point, and it's associated with major economic consequences.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in which protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears away, causing pain and weakness.
Falls are one of the most important issues the elderly population faces, as a fall can lead to serious injury and long-term dependency.
Anterior knee pain, which occurs at the front and center of the knee, is one of the most common knee complaints in physically active people.
Shoulder pain is quite common, with one-third of adults experiencing it every year. It ranks fourth behind low back, knee, and neck pain in terms of the most prevalent painful conditions encountered.
Back pain is a prevalent condition in the entire population, as 80% of people will experience it at least once.
Falls and resulting injuries are one of the most common causes of disability, reduced functioning, and lower quality of life in older adults.
Mechanical neck pain, which means the source of the pain is in the spine or the structures that surround it, is one of the most common types of neck pain.
Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a general term used to describe numerous conditions that cause shoulder pain.
Patellofemoral pain (PFP), which describes pain at the front of the knee, is one of the most common knee disorders in athletes.
Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a condition that results from a compressed (squeezed) spinal nerve that leads to pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
Ankle sprains are common injuries often caused by participation in sports; in the U.S., about 23,000 ankle injuries occur daily.
Neck pain, like back pain, is a common disorder that can reduce patients' quality of life. For some patients, this extends into the night and may affect sleeping habits.
Chronic low back pain (CLBP), meaning pain that lasts for at least 12 weeks, is one of the most common medical conditions out there.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition that involves pain in the front of the knee, and it's particularly common in people who are physically active.
Type 2 diabetes is a common disorder in which the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body can't use insulin well enough, which can lead to many physical problems.
Low back pain (LBP) affects 84% of adults at some point and can weigh heavily on their lives.
The olecranon bursa is a sac filled with a small amount of fluid in the elbow that helps to cushion bones and tissues in that area and allows for their smooth gliding against one another.
Low back pain (LBP) and hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), a painful condition in which the protective cartilage in joints wears away, are some of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition affecting about 80% of people at some point, while roughly 35% of the adult population is currently obese.
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a painful condition in which tissues surrounding the shoulder become inflamed and stiff, making it difficult to perform activities that require shoulder rotation.
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common conditions out there, as 80% of the population will experience it at least once.
Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, joints and muscles and consist of a variety of issues, including low back pain and osteoarthritis.
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a type of surgical procedure used to treat patients with back problems like herniated discs and is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain, which can be defined as continual pain for more than six months, or pain that extends beyond an expected period of healing in the muscles or bones, is a major concern in the healthcare industry.
A diagnosis of nonspecific, or common low back pain (LBP), means that the pain is not related to another condition and usually leads to painful limitations in movement, with occasional pain down the leg as well.
For patients who need to have surgery of any sort for one reason or another, the period of time afterwards is usually associated with reduced physical abilities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, and it's specifically activated to a great extent in sports like swimming, baseball and tennis.
For patients with severe back issues that don't respond to other forms of conservative (non-surgical) treatment, deciding what to do next is difficult.
Specific guidelines highlight importance of different exercises for chronic neck pain
Physical therapy proven to play a key role in stroke rehabilitation
Non-surgical treatment may be just as effective as surgery for common shoulder pain.
Temporomandibular disorders can be effectively treated with manual therapy and home physical therapy
Moderate or vigorous physical activity in leisure time may lead to less low back pain and disability.
Deep massage administered by physical therapists is helpful for managing heel pain.
Studies show that combining different types of exercises is most effect when treating unstable ankles.
Two recent randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), considered the gold standard for clinical trials, found that glucosamine and CS led to significant improvements in function and reductions in pain for patients with knee OA.
Theses outcomes show that a structured physical therapy program using MDT is effective for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation, and it should be utilized before surgery is considered.
Though falls are common and potentially dangerous for older individuals, the good news is that they can often be prevented if certain precautionary steps are taken.
Pain alone was not found to be correlated with a CTS diagnosis, and researchers therefore believe it should not be listed as a common or primary symptom of CTS.
This provides evidence of the benefits of early physical therapy for LSS patients and shows it's associated with a lower rate of surgery over one year. It is therefore advisable to recommend physical therapy to LSS patients in order to improve their c…
With this, Americans should be aware that accessing physical therapy directly could save them significant time and money, and may provide greater improvements on pain and movement disorders without dealing with a middleman.
All of these points can heavily influence the legitimacy of health news stories, but by being careful and knowing what to look for, you can ensure clear understanding of what you're reading.
These results suggest that on the whole, physical therapists showed improved knowledge of optimal management strategies for LBP than physicians.
For personalized, dedicated care that's empathetic to each patient, see a physical therapist first the next time you experience any aches, pains or movement issues.
Based on these findings, it appears conservative treatment—which may also include physical therapy—can lead to impressive outcomes for patients with lumbar disc herniation. It can therefore be considered a reasonable alternative likely to lead to …
Low back pain (LBP) is defined as pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower region of the back near the hips.
Dynamic standing balance is the ability to keep your the body balanced while changing its position.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition in which protective cartilage in the knee wears away over time, causing the bones to rub against each other and resulting in pain and difficulty with walking.
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most important issues in healthcare, as up to 80% of Americans will experience an episode of LBP at some point in their lives.
Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports. It's estimated that they account for...
Waiting too long for surgery makes matters worse for those with osteoarthritis
For people who work in an office setting, much of the time in any given day is spent sitting in a chair. All this time sitting is believed to possibly strain the neck, and office workers report a particularly high rate of neck pain
Distraction could be the key to overcoming painful components of therapy
Good sleep is critical to your health. To make each day a safe, productive one, take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night's sleep.
When it comes to supplements, avoid any potential risks and play it safe by doing your research and consulting your doctor about any supplements you're taking now or thinking about taking before doing so.
When it comes to food and physical activity, what you say and do around your children can have a lasting effect. Work together as a family to make healthy habits easy and fun.
Think about all the movements you do every day: walking, climbing stairs, typing, turning doorknobs and lifting. This article helps you understand the study of movement.
There ongoing research that helps us better understand, prevent and treat concussions. While this research continues, it's important to learn to recognize the symptoms, and make sure that people with signs of concussion stop their activities and seek …
The short answer is that it depends on when you engage in rehabilitation. Researchers at Dalhousie University Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center in Halifax conducted ten studies to determine which group of patients had better recovery results: …
Patients who are diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis are often told to engage in regular physical exercise to improve activity and function within the joints; however, joint pain often makes it difficult for patients to complete these exercise regimens.…
While additional study is needed, the results are encouraging in terms of reducing the need for surgery As there is little difference in results for patients who undergo ACDF and physcial therapy versus patients who undergo physical therapy alone, thi…
Studies Demonstrate The Effectiveness of At-Home Exercises in Minimizing Kinesiophobia.
new research argues that ESIs might actually be damaging to patients' healing and recovery over the long-term, as it makes it difficult for patients to recover from surgical treatments.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee conditions, with an estimated 9 million sufferers in the United States alone.
We all know that healthy eating and physical activity are critical for raising happy and well-adjusted children. Learn how to make small changes that can help.
In osteoarthritis, cartilage-the hard, slippery tissue that protects the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint-wears away. The bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, the joint also may lose its normal shape. …
If you're still considering hip replacement surgery, be sure to talk to your family as well as your doctor to determine if it's the right decision for you.
Many high school students today are believed to have abused prescription drugs, with some 10 percent having admitted to using Vicodin during the past year for recreational usage.
If you feel you have joint pain you can discuss it with one of our physical therapists or your doctor so that it can be addressed. It is better to catch it right away rather than let it go on. Conservative care is the first line of intervention in mos…
"The World Around You: Use What You Have to Stay Healthy and Fit." It offers real-life suggestions and tips covering such topics as eating better and being more physically active.
Becoming more mindful is easier than you may realize and can be done anywhere.
The take-home message is that if you have back pain, you don't have to sign up for yoga. Physical therapists put together range of motion and stretching routines for low back pain patients all of the time and in most cases your insurance will cover it…
One point of interest is that currently available drug therapies don't provide all the answers. Many people find that medications don't fully relieve their chronic pain, and they can experience unpleasant side effects. Evidence on a number of fronts,…
Meanwhile, researchers continue to work to develop new, more effective approaches. In one experimental rehabilitation strategy, now in clinical trials, scientists have created a "virtual reality" grocery store. It allows people with balance disorders…
For those that have already begun to make that transition, it's also important to educate and direct patients towards it. Finally, though a gradual movement into a more eHealth-based paradigm will certainly have countless benefits, the face time and h…
Though visits to physicians are still required in certain situations, especially those in which serious injuries or illness are involved, patients with minor-to-moderate conditions needing treatment should be aware that (in most states) they can see a …
Based on this review, it appears caffeine can serve a purpose on both ends of the spectrum. On the positive, effective end, it can be an adjuvant analgesic to certain medications and assist them in their pain-relieving properties, and it can help reli…
While some recent literature has shown debridement and arthroscopic acromioplasty to be successful, no high-quality trials have compared these outcomes to that of conservative treatment. Therefore, more high-quality research on the treatment and diagn…
As always, future studies are needed for additional support of physical therapy's effectiveness and to further investigate specific modalities, but for now, these recommendations should serve as a useful set of guidelines in helping physical therapists…
Though a few details of the current study require further analysis in the future to better understand specifics, the outcomes provided here should serve as encouragement to coaches and physicians to implement such programs for these athletes with the i…
While the reduction in migraines was not massive for the exercise group, it was very similar to the other groups. Since the other treatments are considered to be the best out there, this study makes a case for putting exercise therapy in the same cate…
Results showed that of the 15 patients needing thoracolumbar orthosis, all (100%) obtained excellent results at the final follow-up, and of the 19 who didn't use it, 13 (68%) obtained excellent results, 4 (22%) obtained good results, and only 1 each (5…
Strengthening programs for hip abduction that begin with isometrics and progress to standing abduction against a resistance band may help patients with PFPS, as will hip coordination programs that work towards similar goals. It appears to be clear fro…
Analysis didn't prove favorable for the therapies. One study compared ultrasound to lumbar traction and low-power laser in patients with LBP and leg pain, and found them all to lead to the same results in pain and disability. The other three RCTs foc…
These findings can be applied on a more universal scale by pointing out which factors can lead to health problems for young men trying to be active anywhere, whether for military service or not. By focusing on these factors, young men can improve thei…
Based on this, it's clear that the potential side effects and risks of ACL reconstruction can make it a less-than desirable option for patients. Though conservative treatment doesn't guarantee a flawless recovery either, the risks are fewer and the co…
After diagnosis is confirmed, the best current treatment option for ACA that has been proven effective is physical therapy focused on active and passive ROM, as well as ankle joint mobilization techniques. Only when conservative care fails should arth…
This study should serve as a model for physical therapists and patients engaged in a rehab program after surgery, encouraging participation of the highest possible level to help bring about optimal recovery and positive overall health behaviors.
While chronic pain is an issue that needs to be addressed, it doesn't seem to be a major one. This is mainly due to the fact that other studies show most instances of pain in school-age children are either not chronic or don't lead to disability. Non…
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common pains experienced in adulthood, and a recent study has released important new evidence on how it's managed, and how older people feel about the best ways to treat it.
The false perception that pain …
Analysis of work participation and health care usage showed that many would only take off work as a last resort since they couldn't afford it, and most claimed that the health-care system did not provide them with any benefit since some physicians...…
Clearly, these findings point out a definitively beneficial role of exercise for improving the mental wellbeing of older people. The authors of the review go on to suggest a minimum of two, 45-min. sessions per week of light-to-moderate intensity…
Overall, patients were ambivalent towards pain induced by exercise and mobilization, as some regarded it as necessary to help them improve, while others viewed it as excessive and not always constructive. Many patients could process the pain according…
In the future, better criteria with clearer definitions on safe a successful returns to sports are needed, as are more evidence-based studies to determine these important timetables. More valid evaluation instruments tailored for different sports and …
It appears not all athletes are able to return to sports within 12 months after surgery, and that this matter needs to be investigated in greater detail. Athletes and physicians should be aware of these findings and hesitate from rushing a return to s…
Outcomes show that those with knee osteoarthritis who undergo surgery generally experience more falls than others, and may also be more likely to have a higher risk of falling due to deficits in strength and proprioception as well as a greater fear of …
In the elderly population (adults aged 65 and older), engaging in habitual moderate-intensity physical activity is considered one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. Its benefits are multifold: it enhances quality of life and pro…
On the whole, medical professionals need to educate patients on the best exercise programs based off of evidence-based guidelines and proper doses for analgesics, and patients need to be receptive to that education and follow the instructions given
Based on these findings, it appears there is no proven association between knuckle cracking and hand OA. None of the analyses showed any sort of connection between the two, and the control group reported knuckle cracking at a similar frequency
...the intervention was proven effective in preventing AKP in this setting, and it's possible that an exercise program like this can also have similar effects on AKP prevention for other athletes.
...compliance and commitment to a rehab program will spell the best possible functional improvement and quickest return to a healthy lifestyle.
...sufficient evidence is produced that shows exercise interventions can have a significant impact on decreasing pain and improving overall posture for elite swimmers.
Therapeutic exercise administered through physical therapists is a proven treatment with evidence to support it, but just over...
These findings show that maternal exercise does not produce any harmful effects on developing fetuses, and should therefore be deemed safe. Nevertheless, we recommend you ask your doctor before you start any exercise program.
Bottom line, if you hurt your back, try to see a physical therapist as fast as you can. Physical therapy treatment is all natural, affordable, effective, and has little to no side effects.
In addition, patients may attain better outcomes if therapists adhere to proven effective treatments like exercise, massage and manipulation over traction and bracing.
These findings make it clear that contemporary TKA in conjunction with pain management protocols and intense rehab improves pain and function, and can reduce the amount of time needed to return to driving to as low as four weeks.
If you are experiencing knee pain with running, please give us a call. We've helped many others in the area and chances are, we can help you as well.
Recommended methods to reduce injury risk for obese young athletes center on weight loss, improved physical fitness and improved postural stability. Due to the negative impact of impaired postural control on obese children, balance training is conside…
So, what should you do if you sprain your ankle? Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are a good place to start and that may be enough. If further intervention is necessary, a thorough examination of your motion, strength, and balance should be perf…
If you are having an acute episode of low back pain, the message is to keep moving and if your symptoms persist there are options to get you back doing what you love.
A simple thing can change your life, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet spot on the kitchen floor. If you fall, then you might be like the thousands of older men and women each year who break, or fracture, a bone. A broken bone might...
It was then deduced from the information noted above that subjects with a family history would be 26 times more likely than those without one who often wore high heels to develop hallux valgus.
The study's conductors therefore suggest that for those who enjoy stretching or believe it reduces soreness or increases looseness, these findings support their habits enough for them to carry on stretching regularly. Those who don't enjoy stretching,…
In regards to a preventative strategy, despite the lack of direct evidence, maintaining hydration and adequate electrolyte levels is strongly suggested. Monitoring an athlete's body weight is an easy method of ensuring adequate fluid replacement and I…
Recently, I spend about 45 minutes scanning the summaries (abstracts) of popular journals. Within that short time frame, I found three articles that people with chronic low back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain should be aware of.
...it may be deduced that for younger athletes, a specific, structured rehab program administered by an experienced physical therapist may be just as effective in treating an acute ACL tear as reconstruction surgery...
Results of the survey showed that all health-care professionals who responded to the survey thought that exercise was good medicine for expecting mothers, however...
A common question that comes up when physical therapists treat patients is, "Are there any foods that can help me out?" Read more about a food that may be great for your health.
Physical fitness is important - at every age. Getting started exercising doesn't have to be difficult but it does require a little knowledge to do it right. Before you begin an exercise program, we need to cover a few things.
...this is the first study of its kind and now plans to seek funding to test these findings on a much larger group of runners to further confirm that hip-strengthening exercises can have a major impact on alleviating knee pain.
Due to its rise in popularity, resistance training has experienced intensified scrutiny, with some questioning its impact on developing bodies, and its fundamental need in the first place. Contrary to these doubts, however, research proving its safety…
You might feel like we report on this too much but considering that 90 billion dollars is spent annually, and even with the Internet's ability to share information rapidly, doctors, policy makers and even our patients are slow to adopt new health care …
The ultimate goal of patient communication should be to give strength to the patient and enable them to be more self-reliant as they prepare to deal with whatever's coming at them. By taking the time to evaluate word choice, approach and their eventua…
What may be most notable about this investigation is that anxiety reduction isn't the primary purpose of exercise, but another one of its numerous benefits. Authors of the study stress the importance of patients adhering to recommended exercise progra…
By becoming aware of these common mistakes and taking measures to prevent their occurrence, marathon and half marathon runners will have a much more likely chance of completing the race successfully and without incidence.
One thing, however, is for certain: the potential downsides of taking vitamin C are limited, and negative side effects usually occur only when daily dosage exceeds 1,000 mg or with patients on dialysis. Therefore, a specific dosage of 500 mg of vitami…
While critics of EBM exist, accusing it of being old-fashioned or cook book medicine, there's no refuting the proven science of the system. Health care providers that understand the concept of EBM in its entirety, recognize that EBM is ...
By further developing the understanding of injury's impact on youths and treating the whole individual, the intent is that young athletes will return to sports and continue to be physically active.
Of the 51 female office workers who participated in the study, 82% experienced neck pain in the last 12 months. According to findings from the measurement tool, average scores were about 20.2%, which indicated that most of these participants had mild …
Visit www.exerciseismedicine.org and get moving. We are here to help. If you have any questions, give us a call. Before you start any exercise program ask your physical therapist or contact your doctor.
"In patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, exercise therapy produces better results regarding pain and function at 3 months and at 12 months than usual care."
Recent study reveals that leg bone breaks are often due to parents going down a playground slide with the infant on their lap.
I was watching 60 Minutes the other night and while the main topic of the piece was about Americans and end of life, I was more focused on some of the comments about the cost of health care. If you read past news feeds, you probably will get my drift …
A recent review, by medical doctors, of several clinical research studies on corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis, concluded that while you may experience some relief, it is likely to only last for about a week.
Leaders from 18 countries endorsed the research which concludes that accessing a physical therapist first is safe, effective, and has the potential to save Americans millions and perhaps even billions in health care expenditures.
For non-specific low back pain, MRI very, very rarely provides any information that would could help your doctor decide if you are appropriate for surgery. In other words, MRIs just aren't the right test to order for non-specific low back pain.
Click here to watch the video to see why PT is your best choice for conservative care of low back pain.Consult with your physical therapist
The take home message is that both men and women are likely to decrease the risk of developing knee pain, stiffness and loss of function if they keep their thigh muscles strong.
"Exercise programs starting 4 to 6 weeks postsurgery seem to lead to a faster decrease in pain and disability than no treatment."
The American Physical Therapy Association recently held a rally regarding the need for physical therapists to participate in the debate on health care change.
34 Billion Spent on Alternative Care - are you throwing away your money on remedies that don't work? Click here for the whole story.
Many patients are looking for ways to avoid having a knee replacement surgery, but are not given other options if medications fail to control their symptoms. This study shows that by implementing preoperative total knee replacement rehabilitation, many…
The hospital wasted no time treating Beth Lauderdale. She was getting physical therapy for severe back pain just two hours after she phoned in.
Manual physical therapy in combination with exercise is the exception. Make it your first choice for conservative care of your neck pain.
Low-back pain without indications of serious underlying conditions does not improve clinical outcomes.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)recommend physical therapy and NSAIDs for lower back pain before considering surgery.
A little resistance training goes a long way to help diabetics manage their sugar levels.
If you've ever been to the doctor because of neck pain, you may have received a pamphlet about your problem.
Article for a popular orthopedic journal.
