Exercise prescription including type of exercise, reps, sets, frequency, and intensity varies between each patient with knee pain. Many factors influence this prescription including knee diagnosis (arthritis vs. patellofemoral pain), patient function and symptoms, as well as, the available medical evidence supporting the use of exercise to both reduce pain and improve function. A recent...
In our previous blog post we described how few (16%) partial rotator cuff tears progress over time. Understanding the non progressive nature of the injury allows patients an opportunity to explore non surgical options including Physical Therapy. In this study they followed partial rotator cuff tears over time, but a more recent study followed patients...
Previous research has shown an improvement and regression of lumbar disc injuries with conservative treatments including Physical Therapy. Based on clinical practice guidelines and the available evidence, few patients with back and leg pain require surgical interventions for a lumbar disc injury. Many who pursue surgical intervention seek relief of their associated leg symptoms, but until...
Hip impingement, or the compression of the soft tissue or bony structures of the hip joint, has become the flavor of the week in orthopedic surgery. Surgical rates have risen 18 fold over the past ten years outpacing the available research on the condition. Previous research has shown up 68% and 67% of asymptomatic hips...
Similar to Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster science may also be putting another myth to rest. In our previous posts, we have written on the lack of data supporting the idea running leads to wear and tear or arthritis. In fact, some research has shown running may have a protective effect on joints with...
Cutting movements utilized in soccer, football, basketball, and lacrosse are one of the most common mechanisms of non contact knee injuries. Athletes who cut with poor mechanics demonstrate larger hip and knee angles placing the ligaments of the knee, such as the ACL, at greater risk of injury. These movements at the knee are driven...
Patellar tendonitis (tendinopathy) is common among jumping athletes requiring repetitive jumping, landing, and squatting movements. This overuse injury was thought to have a inflammatory component (ex. tendonitis) but more current research supports the term tendinopathy. This term indicates a disruption in tendon fiber characteristics and alignment leading to a loss of its’ tensile strength. Resting...
Posture has a controversial and complex role in musculoskeletal pain. Some research studies have found zero to weak correlations between posture and pain while other studies have shown it can both impact pain and function. One area of the body where posture may have a larger role is with shoulder function. Individuals with limited mid...
Muscle injuries (strains) are a common injury among both inactive and active people. These injuries can become recurrent and lead to significant losses in function and sport participation. Research has previously shown injections such as PRP (platelet rich plasma) are costly and ineffective to treat these muscular injuries. Conversely, these injuries require Physical Therapy and...
Previous research has found no significant difference at either 1 or 2 year follow up between Physical Therapy or surgery for rotator cuff tears. One disproven argument you may still hear against the conservative care of these tears is they may worsen over time including larger tear sizes or further movement of the torn ends...