The Journal of the American Medical Association recently reviewed the evidence on the utilization of spinal manipulation for patients with acute back pain. Authors reported moderate evidence to support its’ use to both decrease pain and improve function. The majority of research on spinal manipulation is currently being performed by Physical Therapists to determine best...
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...
Patellofemoral Pain (pain under the knee cap) is the most common source of knee pain among active individuals and athletes. Symptoms are secondary to increased joint pressure between the knee cap and thigh during walking, hiking, squatting, kneeling, cycling or running. Most commonly this diagnosis is secondary to muscle imbalances including hip and knee weakness...
We have written previously on the limitations of back surgery to reduce pain, disability, and improve function in patients with back pain. The mismanagement of low back pain, including unnecessary surgery, can often be traced back to a clinician practicing outside of evidence based clinical guidelines. This unwarranted practice variation leads to higher health care costs...
In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we aim to help accelerate a patient’s recovery by optimizing outcomes in fewer visits. Consistent with the medical evidence, manual therapy in our practice rapidly reduces a patient’s pain allowing them to resume normal activities and exercise often in 1-2 visits. As clinicians, we know this rapid improvement is...
Traction has a long history of utilization for patients with neck and back pain dating to ancient times. A more contemporary use of this modality involves using traction to relieve pressure from symptomatic spinal joints, nerves, and soft tissues. In our experience, this treatment is best utilized in patients with symptoms including radiating arm or...
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...
Dry needling performed by Physical Therapists has grown in popularity over the past 10 years among researchers, clinicians, and patients. Dry needling uses a solid monofilament needle designed to disrupt the the taut band of muscle tissue causing a patient’s pain. This intervention uses a mechanical stimulus to create a neurological, chemical, and circulatory response...
Ankle sprains remain one of the most common orthopedic injuries seen in both physician and Physical Therapy offices. The majority of these injuries occur when the foot and ankle roll inward under the shin. Previously, a program of P.R.I.C.E. (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) was prescribed but new research has shown this strategy may...