Low back pain is a frequent challenge for athletes who place high demands on their bodies, especially gymnasts, CrossFit athletes, golfers, climbers, and those involved in team sports. These athletes often combine heavy loading, explosive power, rotation, and end-range positions — all of which require the spine to transfer force efficiently. When mobility, strength, or...
By: Kristin Carpenter, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s and suddenly experiencing more joint pain, muscle aches, or back pain, you’re not imagining it. Many women notice new or worsening musculoskeletal pain during perimenopause, the hormonal transition leading up to menopause. These symptoms can feel confusing especially if...
By: John Crawley, PT, DPT, OCS The nature of TMJ related pain can be complex. Often manifesting from a combination of bio mechanical and behavioral factors. Based on a synthesis of peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews, the top five contributing factors or management components for TMD-related pain are: Muscle Disorders (Myofascial Pain): This is one...
Shoulder pain remains one of the most frequent reasons patients seek care from a Physical Therapist. Although many diagnoses create symptoms in the shoulder region, rotator cuff tendon pain is one of the most common. Descriptions of tendon pain such as tendinitis are being disproven by the research due to a lack of inflammatory process...
A significant portion of musculoskeletal pain can be attributed to our muscles themselves. Many authors have described persistent muscular pain (myalgia), but Janet Travell and David Simon’s work on trigger points is most frequently referenced. These irritable, sensitive bands (knots) within a muscle are frequent targets of lacrosse balls, soft tissue workers, and Physical Therapy...
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)....
Half of all individuals experience at least one headache a year and 15% of the population reports a headache on any given day. Headache causes are multifactorial but can be divided into groups such as cervicogenic (driven from the neck), migraine, and tension. Tension headaches remain the most commonly diagnosed headache sub group associated primarily...
Headaches are a universal experience, affecting millions worldwide. They come in various forms, from the dull ache of a tension headache to the debilitating throbs of a migraine. Sadly, these painful episodes significantly disrupt daily life, causing missed work, reduced productivity, and emotional distress. While medication delivers temporary relief, many seek long-term solutions. Fortunately, physical...
Achilles Tendon Problems Achilles tendinopathy commonly occurs in runners and jumpers, with up to 50% experiencing the condition in their lifetime(1). Not all those affected are active with 33% of individuals reporting a sedentary lifestyle(2). Individuals with this condition report pain, stiffness, and loss of function with daily and recreational activities. This condition was originally...
Neck pain is an area consistently under treated by clinicians. There are countless passive temporary remedies for neck pain including massage, manipulation, and dry needling, but only high level exercise is able to reduce the long term effects of neck pain. When patients remain under passive care for their neck pain they will experience more...
