Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (pain on the front the knee and around knee cap) is the most common source of knee pain among active individuals. Patients often complain of pain with running, stair climbing, squatting, and during prolonged sitting. The natural history of this diagnosis is not as short as once thought with 90% of patients...
Evidence demonstrates equal long term outcomes between Physical Therapy and surgery for non traumatic rotator cuff tears. Patient’s most appropriate for surgical repair include patients with larger tears, greater disability and limitations with arm use, and those with a low expectation for recovery with conservative care. Among those patients opting for surgical interventions up to...
Hip impingement, femoracetabular impingement, is a common source of pain for patients. Much research is needed on this more recent diagnosis secondary to the high rates of impingement found in pain free athletes. In addition, more research is needed on the comparison of conservative versus surgical management of the condition. Patient’s undergoing arthroscopic surgery to...
Photo Credit: phoenixmanualtherapy.com 1. What influenced your decision to start a private practice? The primary drive behind the decision to start a private practice for me was that I had invested completely in becoming skillful at what I did, I saw no plausible rationale for pursuing a profession at an average level. I found myself...
Physical Therapists at Mend are both board certified in orthopedics and fellowship trained in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Our prior post documented the superior outcomes found when patients are treated by fellowship trained Physical Therapists. This data shows patients’ pain and disability were treated more efficiently and effectively by fellowship trained PT. A recent study...
Dry needling is an effective Physical Therapy intervention for the treatment of muscle pain and injury. Our previous post described a recent review article supporting its’ use for the reduction of short term pain and disability in multiple body parts including the spine and hip. Painful trigger points and muscle pain can also be treated...
Low back pain is the most common reason patients seek out the care of their primary care physician and Physical Therapist. Physical Therapy has been shown to be an effective first line treatment for both managing the symptoms of low back pain, as well as, preventing their recurrence. Manual therapy techniques performed by Physical Therapists...
In prior posts, we have discussed the importance of hip strengthening among runners. There is a strong correlation between hip weakness, especially the hip abductors, and knee pain. Studies have questioned if these strength impairments are present before pain develops or occur due to the onset of pain. In addition, some research has demonstrated runners...
Total knee and hip replacements are among the fastest growing surgeries in our country. Physical Therapy remains the first line treatment for patients with knee and hip arthritis, but in patients with severe osteoarthritic pain and loss of function joint replacement remains a good surgical option. In prior research among patients undergoing these procedures there is...
Over 200,000 Americans undergo a total hip replacement often as a result of severe hip osteoarthritis. Patients who enter the surgery in a weakened, less functional state have worse outcomes up to 2 years post operatively compared to their higher functioning peers (Fortin et al. 1999, 2002). This is concerning because the most rapid recovery...
