Physical Therapy Archives

Evidence Does Not Support Utilization Of Surgery Over Physical Therapy For Most Musculoskeletal Conditions

July 20, 2022

The vast majority of musculoskeletal conditions and diagnoses are not life threatening or time sensitive and allow for conservative treatments, including Physical Therapy, to be utilized prior to surgery. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we commonly see outcomes consistent with the current research on the utilization of Physical Therapy instead of surgery for common...

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Increased Risk of ACL Re Injury Among NSAID Users

August 18, 2016

In our previous posts we have detailed the risk factors for ACL injury and the effectiveness of Physical Therapy to reduce this risk especially among adolescents. A percentage of athletes who return to sport will re injure their ACL leading to further surgeries and Physical Therapy. A delayed return to sport allows the athlete more...

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Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Pain

July 22, 2016

Last year over 500,000 thousand arthroscopic knee surgeries (scopes) were performed in the Unites States making it one of the most common orthopedic surgical procedures. In a previous post we highlighted some of the evidence behind this surgery showing it is not superior to a sham or placebo surgery for degenerative meniscal tears. In addition,...

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Individualized Physical Therapy Saves Money Compared to Usual Care for Low Back Pain

July 19, 2016

As healthcare costs continue to rise, all stakeholders (patients, providers, and payers) are looking for ways to reduce costs associated with common conditions. In our field, we commonly see patients given generic, one size fits all exercise programs for common conditions including low back pain. Our previous post highlights the limitations of this approach including...

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Strength Training to Failure

March 9, 2016

A common question we receive in clinic is how many repetitions should I perform of this strengthening exercise? Clearly, enough repetitions are needed under a given load to promote beneficial changes within the tissues for improvements in both healing and performance. Ranges of repetitions range from < 5, 8-12 reps, and >15 reps depending on...

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PT Visits in Physician Owned Practices Comes at a Cost

February 26, 2016

Patients have a choice for where they attend Physical Therapy even if directed to a single PT practice by their physician. Unfortunately, physician owned physical therapy practices, either on or off site, are on the rise around the country and referrals are being driven to these practices due to financial incentives. These practices often utilize...

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Does One Size Fit All in Physical Therapy?

February 16, 2016

In our fast paced, instant gratification world we want solutions to our problems the same day as their arrival. This is no different in low back pain, a common, costly condition affecting over 90% of adults. Patient’s hurting from low back pain symptoms often turn to the internet, friends, or their primary care physician for...

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Timing of Physical Therapy and Patient Outcomes

January 20, 2016

Currently in the United States the majority of citizens can access their Physical Therapist without a prescription from their physician. As shown in the map above, arbitrary restrictions on this access has been put in place through state legislatures with strong influences from special interest groups. In Colorado, patients can access their Physical Therapist without...

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Jaw Pain and Physical Therapy Treatments

January 10, 2016

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ/TMD) Problem TMJ/TMD are a major cause of non dental jaw and facial pain. Approximately 18 million word days are lost annually per 100 million full time working adults due to symptoms of TMD (2). Women have a 3:1 greater ratio of incidence compared to men between age 30 and 50 (1)....

Exercise Physical Therapy

Exercise’s Impact On Brain Health And Memory

January 7, 2016

The physical benefits of exercise including decreased risk of disease and death, as well as, improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination are well known. The benefits of exercise on our emotional and mental health are promising and continue to be explored. The exercise and neuroscience medical evidence continues to produce great research behind the utilization...

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