Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries encountered by Physical Therapists working in sports medicine practices. Prior research has shown 85% of these injuries will involve the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain is graded on a 3 point scale which describes the degree of ligamentous injury....
Achilles tendinopathy is the most common tendon injuries seen in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice. Patients often present with pain along the mid portion of the achilles tendon during walking, hiking, running, or jumping activities. The greatest risk factors for this condition include a loss of ankle flexibility (dorsiflexion) and calf weakness. Both of these...
A recent clinical practice guideline was published advising clinicians and patients on the management of achilles tendon injury (tendinopathy). These guidelines are based on both the available medical research and medical opinions from experts in the field. The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy reported the following for management of mid portion achilles tendinopathy...
Plantar fasciitis (fasciosis) is a painful diagnosis limiting a patient’s ability to stand, walk, or run. The -itis of the name is a misnomer because very few cases of plantar heel pain involve an inflammatory process. Instead, a breakdown of soft tissue fibers and cells is noted in the plantar fascia reflecting the sequential stages...
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Background Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis is the most common cause of heel pain. Patient often complain of pain upon their first steps in the morning, sharp pain under the heel which may spread into the arch of the foot. These symp- toms are often worse on a return to standing or walking after...
Hip Pain associated with Impingement and Labral Tears Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) is defined as the mechanical abutment of the femoral head against the acetabulum1. This contact is either structural (cam or pincer lesion), functional or a combination of both and results in pain, loss of motion, and disability. Researchers have questioned if the findings...
Ankle Sprain Injuries Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopedic injuries with an annual incidence of 7 sprains per 1000 individuals(1). Lateral ankle sprains involving the outside of the ankle account for 85% of these sprains (see picture) and involve flexed and inverted foot(2). Authors reports up to 72% of individuals who sustain...
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in the lower quarter affecting with an estimated 2 million cases occurring each year in the U.S. Manual therapy and exercise remain the gold standard of care for these injuries due to their ability to accelerate a patient’s recovery from the injury compared to usual care...
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...
Patients in chronic or persistent pain often do not meet national guidelines for exercise each week. In particular, patients with chronic low back pain have been shown to reduce daily, occupational, and recreational activities due to their symptoms and fear of re injury. Aerobic and strength training exercise remains one of the most important interventions...
