Don’t Settle for Living with Hip and Knee Pain – Find Effective PT Relief

Move with Ease Once Again with Physical Therapy Treatments for Hip and Knee Pain!

The knee is considered to be a hinge joint while the hip is a ball-and-socket joint. They are both complex joints with a network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage, all working together to keep you moving.

With these many moving parts, it’s not surprising that, as we age or engage in strenuous activity, we sometimes experience pain.

Hip and knee pain can be difficult to live with. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee pain is a common condition resulting in 19.4 million pain-related visits to a physician’s office each year! If you suffer from hip or knee pain, it can make it difficult to do even the most basic daily activities.

Understanding the causes of hip and knee problems is often the key to effective treatment. Your physical therapist can help you reduce or even eliminate the amount of pain you’re experiencing if you’re struggling with hip or knee pain.

How can physical therapy help relieve hip and knee pain?

Physical therapy may offer a non-invasive solution for both hip and knee pain. Your physical therapist is likely to begin with an evaluation, in order to determine the cause of your pain. In the case of knee pain, the evaluation would probably focus on the area from the hip to the foot.

An evaluation of hip pain is also likely to include a spinal test. For both types of pain, the assessment may include a range of motion and strength measurements. Your physical therapist may also perform gait and mobility tests, in order to determine how to help you move around more easily and comfortably.

An individualized physical therapy program would then be created for your specific needs. The American Physical Therapy Association states that early rehabilitation for certain types of knee pain is associated with a lower use of opioids and knee surgery.

Various types of exercises are often used to reduce pain in the hips. Passive methods, such as icing or heat treatment, could also be used to eliminate pain. Sometimes soft tissues and joints in the hip or spine need to be manipulated to restore proper movement and to reduce pain.

A variety of exercises and stretches are also used to treat pain in the knee. Other treatments that your physical therapist may use include ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Here’s what you can expect from some common treatments for hip and knee pain:

  • Manual Physical Therapy – Hands-on techniques are used often in physical therapy to reduce pain in your hips and knees. This could include stretching exercises or a variety of massage techniques.
  • Ice and Heat Therapy – A physical therapist may use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat is also commonly used during physical therapy to help increase mobility and reduce pain.
  • Ultrasound Therapy – Ultrasound therapy can be used in physical therapy to provide soothing heat to deep tissues. A licensed physical therapist can also utilize ultrasound technology to easily identify specific areas of pain.
  • Laser Therapy – Laser therapy has become much more popular in physical therapy for pain management. It can help improve the growth and reproduction of cells, increase circulation, and also reduce inflammation.
  • At-Home Exercises – Did you know you don’t always have to be in a clinical setting to do physical therapy exercises? It’s true! Physical therapy techniques can be incorporated into a home exercise program that can become part of your daily routine.

Other forms of treatment for hip and knee pain

Surgery – Recovery from surgery can be painful and extensive. There’s always the chance of infection and sometimes surgery simply doesn’t produce the intended results. While surgery may be effective in some cases, it’s not without its drawbacks and should be used as a last resort.

Pain Medication – Prescription pain meds are sometimes used to treat knee and hip pain. Medication normally doesn’t solve the issue, but only temporarily reduces the pain. Medications, even over-the-counter meds, can be addictive and expensive.

So, why are you experiencing hip or knee pain?

Knee Pain – Injuries that include torn cartilage or damaged ligaments can cause knee pain. Fractures, tendinitis, and knee bursitis are all common knee injuries. Medical conditions such as arthritis or gout can cause mild to severe knee pain. You may be experiencing stiffness or swelling in one or both knees. It might be difficult to stand, walk, or fully straighten your knee. Sometimes knees will make popping or crunching noises.

Hip Pain – Hip pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions as well as from certain injuries. Inflamed tendons from over-exertion or an athletic injury can cause temporary or chronic hip pain. Tendinitis, dislocation, sprains, and pinched nerves can all contribute to or be the cause of hip pain. Hip pain may also result from repetitive injuries or poor posture.

Kick hip and knee pain to the curb today!

It is important to follow all the instructions of your physical therapist, including any stretches or exercises that can be done at home, for the best results.

Physical therapy can help you find lasting relief from pain in the hip or knee. Please, contact us today to get started!

Discover How You Can Become Healthier, Stronger, and More Active With Physical Therapy

A healthy, strong, and active lifestyle is what everyone strives for. However, it is not always easy to obtain, especially for those suffering from chronic pain. The very thought of going out and exercising with your aches and pains may leave you feeling uncomfortable. However, there is, fortunately, a simpler solution to gaining the active lifestyle you desire. Physical therapy can help you achieve optimum levels of health and fitness, all while reducing your pain. If you are looking for a healthier, stronger, and more active lifestyle, contact Synergy Rehab & Wellness today!

How do I begin?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes work, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier. For example, eating nutritious foods is one of the easiest ways to improve your health (although we know those sweets are hard to kick.) Physical activity is the hardest aspect to get in the habit of doing, especially if you are being held back by chronic pain. Some people try to mask their symptoms with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, while others, unfortunately, give up on the idea of being active altogether. Luckily, there is an alternative option: physical therapy.  With the help of a physical therapist, it is possible to reclaim your pain-free, healthy lifestyle, and get back to doing the activities you love. 

What exactly is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is generally comprised of three important phases: pain relief, strengthening, and functional integration. Some people are apprehensive toward physical therapy because they believe it will hurt them; however, the opposite is usually true. Physical therapy is aimed at pain relief and strengthening, and your physical therapist will make sure that your treatment plan won’t bring you any pain or discomfort. This is achieved through several treatment services, such as ice and heat therapies, stretching, bracing, and ultrasound. 

An active lifestyle is also dependent upon movement. Your physical therapist will cater your treatment plan around specific movements designed to increase your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. He or she will assist you with many of these exercises, but will also provide some simple ones that can be done at home. 

The end result of physical therapy is living the life you want, free from painful limitations. That can only happen when you apply the concepts you learn from your treatments to the outside world. Our physical therapist is as dedicated as you are, and will encourage you to achieve all the goals you set forth in the beginning.

How will physical therapy help me?

The purpose of physical therapy remains the same, no matter what you are seeking its services for. Perhaps you are still suffering from the lingering pain of an injury. Perhaps you are recovering from a surgery and trying to get your range of motion back. Perhaps your joints simply aren’t what they used to be, and you are looking for relief. Whatever the case may be, physical therapists are dedicated to relieving your pain and getting you back to your peak level of physical health. 

A physical therapist is a movement specialist, educated in analyzing mobility issues with walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching, and almost every other form of physical activity. Our physical therapist can pinpoint problem areas and create a customized treatment plan aimed at improving those areas. Through in-office sessions and at-home exercises, patients strengthen their muscles and joints, improve their balance, build endurance, and experience pain relief, all without the unwanted harmful risks of drugs or surgery. 

What should I expect?

Everyone has different needs based on the conditions of their bodies. There is no cookie-cutter approach to health and wellness, as one treatment plan may not work the same for one person as it would for another. Our physical therapist will work closely with you to evaluate your mobility, balance, range of motion, and severity of pain. Your physical goals will also be taken into account when creating your treatment plan, as well as any health risks that may be holding you back. At your initial evaluation, you may be asked to perform basic movements, such as sitting down, standing up, walking, lifting, stretching, or other motions. Once our physical therapist has a clear picture of what you need, he or she will begin constructing a treatment plan to help relieve your pain and achieve your goals. 

In the end, an active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists today and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!

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The 5 Simple Steps to Relieving Pain and Increasing Energy

Pain can be extremely limiting, as it can hold you back from many of the physical activities you’d like to do. However, there are luckily some quick and effective ways to relieve your pain and increase your energy, so you can get back to doing the physical activities you love. By incorporating physical therapy into your physical routine, you can achieve your goals as fast and painlessly as you’ve always dreamed! Contact Synergy Rehab & Wellness today to find out more about how our physical therapy services can help you.

1. Eat the right foods.

The food you eat is what fuels you throughout the day. Certain foods can provide you with more energy, in addition to relieving the pain you feel. A few of these include: 

  • Salmon. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve neck, back, and joint pain.
  • Ginger. The ginger plant has been known to relieve pain from migraines, as well as muscle aches and nausea. It is typically used as a spice and can be easily sprinkled into a meal.
  • Cherries. Cherries increase antioxidants, which can relieve pain and inflammation. 
  • Hot peppers. This spicy treat has been known to relieve arthritis pain. Even if you aren’t a fan of the spice, a serving as small as half a teaspoon could help bring some relief.

2. Look at what you’re sleeping on.

Did you know that approximately ⅓ of your life is spent sleeping? Because of this, it is important to make sure that your mattress is right for you. The mattress you sleep on can affect the way your body feels when it’s awake. Since everyone sleeps differently, it is recommended that you choose a mattress according to your sleep style:

  • Soft mattress. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer mattress, as it is easier on their sides. 
  • Firm mattress. If you sleep on your back, a medium-to-firm mattress will help with those backaches.
  • Memory foam. If you toss and turn all night, or if you switch positions repeatedly, you may want to try out memory foam. It may help you stay in one place, as it forms to the shape of your body.

3. Boost your endorphins. 

When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. It may seem difficult to exercise when you are experiencing aches and pains, but even light movement can provide much-needed relief. You can also boost your endorphins by sniffing a soothing lavender scent, listening to your favorite music, or even eating chocolate. Win/win!

4. Minimize your stress.

While we are aware of the mental toll that stress can take on us, it can also exaggerate physical pain as well. Because of this, it is important to keep some stress-relieving techniques at the back of your mind for when you need them. A warm bath is a great way to simultaneously relieve stress and soothe any aching muscles or joints. Breathing techniques can also help you relax by calming your mind and body. A simple way to do this is to take in two or three deep breaths, releasing them slowly through your nose every time.

5. Visit our physical therapist. 

There are several advanced methods that trained physical therapists can provide for you, in order to relieve your pain and increase your energy. These physical therapy treatments address pain at its source, providing long-lasting relief. Some of the specific treatments that a physical therapist might use include:

  • Ice and heat therapies. Heat works to warm the muscles and tendons, making movement easier and less painful. Ice works to reduce inflammation, also providing soothing pain relief.
  • Massage therapy. A physical therapist is highly educated on painful areas of the body. Through massage, he or she can manipulate your painful muscles and joints, thus reducing inflammation and providing relief.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound produces sound waves that can assist in blocking pain signals to the brain.
  • Aquatic therapy. Water can stimulate nerves and provide resistance for exercise and strength training. It allows for easier movement, which can ease the stress on your body.

These simple steps can greatly enhance your daily routine by reducing your pain and increasing your energy level. If you are interested in learning more information about how you can improve your daily life and find long-lasting pain relief, contact Synergy Rehab & Wellness today! We’ll help you get to your best level of physical function.

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Pre-hab: What It Is and Why You Should Do It

Are you in need of surgery in the near future? Do you have a physically demanding job or sport that puts you at risk of injury? Are your muscles and joints simply not what they used to be, becoming frail and weak? If you identify with any of these scenarios, you should consider preventative rehabilitation, or “pre-hab.” 

Pre-hab is a form of physical therapy that conditions the body to help it heal quicker after surgery, speed up recovery processes, and prevent injuries from occurring. Pre-hab can be split into two different categories: pre-hab for injury prevention and pre-hab for surgical recovery. For injury prevention, pre-hab focuses on the patient’s problem areas and works to strengthen them in order to protect against physical damage.  For surgical recovery, pre-hab is done before the patient even goes under the knife – making the surgery itself much easier, along with the recovery. If you believe this treatment could benefit you, call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists!

How does pre-hab prevent injuries?

Pre-hab is a great resource for those prone to injuries, or for those at risk of developing injuries. To figure out where your problem areas are, you will complete a thorough evaluation with our physical therapist to determine what your treatment plan will consist of. These typically include a combination of exercises, stretches, and pain-relieving techniques that target areas where injuries are likely to occur. For example, those in the military are more prone to develop foot, knee, hip, and back problems due to the rigors of training and combat. Pre-hab can mitigate many of these injuries by teaching proper posture, effective core strengthening exercises, and correct lifting techniques that keep service members strong and healthy. The same can be said for firefighters, factory workers, and other employees in highly physical occupations.

Both pro and amateur athletes can also benefit from pre-hab treatments. Their treatment will focus on targeting poor technique and doing conditioning exercises to correct it. Their physical therapists will also focus more on the areas of their bodies that are repeatedly stressed and overused by their sport, determining their likelihood of injury and creating a plan to reverse that likelihood. Physical therapy treatments typically aim at mobility improvement and pain relief through strength and balance training. Pre-hab can help you improve your physical abilities in your sport or occupation, while simultaneously reducing your risk of injury.

How does pre-hab improve surgical recovery?

Many people fear the harsh recoveries that follow surgical procedures. This is especially true for anyone who has had a total joint replacement. Faced with the knowledge of time spent in a rehabilitation hospital, many people delay joint replacement surgery out of fear for the long, difficult recovery ahead. Fortunately, pre-hab can help significantly reduce recovery time. Did you know that by partaking in preventative rehabilitation, you can reduce your odds of needing inpatient rehabilitation by 73 percent? If you are stronger before surgery, you will meet your physical milestones much quicker after surgery, decreasing your recovery time by days or even weeks.

For example, patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery are typically expected to walk 500-1,000 feet 24 hours after their procedure. This may sound like a difficult task; however, those who participate in pre-hab before their surgery are much more likely to meet this demand than those who do not. Pre-hab provides patients with the stretches, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving techniques they need for a smooth and speedy recovery. 

If you are interested in our preventative rehabilitation services, give our office a call today! We would be happy to discuss how physical therapy could enhance your physical function and reduce your risk of injury. Schedule a consultation today to get started on the first steps of your treatment plan!

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Say NO to Opioids and YES to Physical Therapy!

We’re all aware of the opioid crisis plaguing the nation. It’s scary – it’s as if every time we turn on the news, we hear another story about the epidemic. In 2016 alone, opioid overdose claimed the lives of 116 people each day. Approximately 11.5 million people in the United States misused the painkilling drugs they were prescribed, costing an estimated $504 million in economic costs. According to researchers, it is believed that numerous people are even being denied jobs due to a failure to pass opioid-free drug tests. 

As frightening as this sounds, for some people the pain relief from opioids may seem like the only option. However, physical therapy has been a proven method for providing long-lasting pain relief – without the risks of harmful drugs. Give our office a call today to find out how you can rid yourself of opioids and start on a natural, easy, and beneficial pain-relief plan!

The risk of opioids:

It may be difficult to understand why opioids are so dangerous for so many people – to understand, you have to know that the processing of pain goes deeper than what you feel physically. Much of the pain you feel is processed by your brain. 

For example, every time you stub your toe on a coffee table, pain receptors are sent to your brain. You feel the physical pain, and as a response, your brain releases chemicals to try and ease it. These chemicals act as natural opioids by slowing your breathing, blocking the pain signals, and bringing you back to a state of well-being. 

However, if you are suffering from chronic pain, surgical recovery, or a severe injury/trauma, your brain cannot produce enough opioids to keep up with the demand for pain relief. Because of this, pain-killing medications are often prescribed. Prescription medication mimics the chemicals your body naturally produces, acting to relieve pain – but it does not help your body heal. Since your condition will remain the same without an alternative form of treatment, people often feel as if they need to take higher doses as their bodies become used to the drug. This is the main reason why overdoses occur. 

The benefits of physical therapy:

With physical therapy, you will not only find ways to relieve your pain but also ways to improve your overall function. Physical therapists work hard to get to the root of your problem, in order to correct it. Unlike opioids, physical therapy helps to enhance the healing of your body – providing long-term relief, as opposed to short-term. 

Our physical therapist will employ a series of treatments for your condition, which may include ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, stretches, or ultrasound. Your treatment plan will also address strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, in order to get you back to your normal physical function. 

Over 116 million people struggle with chronic pain, which greatly hinders their abilities to stand, walk, run, work, and move as they wish. Our physical therapist will address all of these functions and will work with you to get you back where you want to be. One of the main goals of physical therapy is to improve the overall quality of life, which our physical therapist will be dedicated to helping you achieve. 

Saying yes to physical therapy:

Opioids mask pain without treating the underlying cause of it. Physical therapy not only helps with relieving pain but also addresses the condition that is causing the pain in the first place. A physical therapist is a medical professional, trained in the science of movement. Through advanced diagnostic procedures, our physical therapist can uncover the source of your pain and find ways to address it for long-term health and mobility.

The effects of physical therapy also don’t stop with the body – it helps to improve your mental health, as well.  Chronic pain and prescription pain medication use can lead to depression, anxiety, and isolation. Physical therapy will help get your body moving and working normally again, releasing feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Working with a physical therapist will also give you a partner in your pain relief journey. This sense of community can help address the mental toll pain takes on a person, in a way that opioids cannot.

Physical therapy is a drug-free way to manage your pain while improving your health. Pain medication may seem like a simple solution, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. Don’t let yourself be a part of the opioid epidemic. If you are ready to say NO to opioids and YES to physical therapy, call our office to schedule a consultation with a physical therapist today! They would be more than happy to discuss how they can help you achieve a full, pain-free, and functional life.

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Sprains and Strains

We’ve all been there – walking down the street, not paying attention when suddenly your ankle slips off the curb. There’s immediate pain, but it’s difficult to determine if it’s an injury that will go away on its own with a little RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) treatment, or if a visit to the doctor will be necessary. The best way to find out if you’re experiencing a sprain or strain that warrants medical attention is to consult with a physical therapist.

Sprains and strains: what’s the difference?

That’s one of the most common questions people ask when they hurt a part of their body: is it a sprain or strain? While they may seem similar, the distinctions are actually easier to make than you may think. In order to know the differences between a sprain and a strain, you much first know the differences between a tendon and a ligament.

Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect bone to muscle. Ligaments are similar connective tissues to tendons, although instead of connecting bone to muscle, they connect bone to bone.

 A strain occurs when the tendons attaching your muscle to bone are stretched too far or torn. A strain can be acute, meaning that it happens as an immediate response to an injury, or chronic, meaning that it has developed over time due to performing the same repetitive motions over and over. 

A sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting your joints are damaged. This can affect your ankles, knees, elbows, or wrists. With a sprain, the joint is so violently twisted that the tissues are stretched or torn. The pain may be mild, subsiding in a few minutes or hours, or it can be more severe, requiring physical therapy or even surgery.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals in the field of movement. They can help you recover from your sprain or strain, in addition to helping you prevent further injury in the future. Physical therapy is a proven and efficient way to provide relief, and in many cases it eliminates the need for harmful drugs or invasive surgery. 

For a sprain or strain, physical therapy treatments typically follow three steps. In the beginning, pain relief is the primary goal. Our physical therapist will provide you with one or several pain-relieving services, such as ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, stretching, or ultrasound. 

After the pain has been managed, our physical therapist will focus on healing the injury. He or she will help you regain your range of motion in the joint that was sprained, or will help strengthen the muscles that were strained.

Once your injury is healed, the focus will be on preventing future injury. Unfortunately, once you have sprained a joint or strained a muscle, you are much more likely to do it again in the future. However, physical therapy can help prevent that from happening! By providing strengthening exercises, our physical therapist will help you build muscle around the injured area, greatly reducing your risk for injuring it again in the future. 

If you have a sprain or strain that needs treatment, give our office a call today. We will set up a consultation with one of our physical therapists for you, so you can discuss what treatments may benefit you. Don’t wait to seek treatment – find relief today!

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3 Indicators That Your Sciatica May Require Physical Therapy Intervention

Your sciatic nerves run from your lower back down your legs. People who suffer from sciatica typically describe a “shooting pain” sensation on one side of their body. While this condition does not always require medical treatment, physical therapy can help ease your pain and lessen some of your other uncomfortable symptoms. So, how do you know when you should seek treatment? Some common indicators include:

1. When at-home treatments fail to bring relief.

There are some common home remedies you can try, to help ease some of your sciatica symptoms. For example, alternating with ice and heat compresses, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help alleviate some pain and stiffness. Sitting in a reclining chair can also help provide some relief, as it redirects the pressure from your lower back. Going for a walk or taking part in other gentle exercises can also help in getting your body moving so it doesn’t become too tight. 

These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management, but they, unfortunately, do not always work. If your home treatments are having little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, you should seek the aid of a physical therapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains. 

2. When symptoms change from mild to severe.

The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Symptoms may include severe shooting pain, weakness or numbness on one side, or the inability to move your feet. If your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder and/or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with both your primary doctor and our physical therapist to discuss a treatment plan for easing your pain and getting you back to your normal function. Your doctor may also run a number of tests to rule out any other underlying conditions. 

3. When the pain is a symptom of an injury. 

With mild sciatica, your symptoms can build up over time, and they may even go away on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms show up immediately, following an injury or trauma (such as a car accident, sports injury, or harsh fall), it is important to consult with your doctor and our physical therapist. These symptoms will most likely be severe since they are the result of an intense impact surrounding the sciatic nerve, and it is important to analyze the extent of the damage. No matter what course of treatment your primary physician recommends, it is likely that he or she will also recommend physical therapy.

Give us a call today:

Physical therapy can act as a lifeline for those suffering from persistent or severe sciatica. Our physical therapist will teach you exercises that will help in strengthening the muscles in your lower back and surrounding the sciatic nerve. This will help to ease pain and prevent future injuries from occurring. Your posture and range of motion will also be improved through these treatments, helping to keep sciatica symptoms at bay. 

Are you looking to manage (or banish) your sciatica symptoms? Contact us today to speak with an experienced physical therapist about how our treatment programs can alleviate your painful sciatica flare-ups. We’ll help you get started on the path toward long-lasting relief!

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