Health Blog

Foot Pain due to Foot Drop

Oct 11^th  2012 

Foot pain can be felt from different parts of the foot. It can start from the toes to the Achilles tendon at the heel. The pain might be minor or it can also be severe. It can also be serious as a result of an injury or due to certain chronic medical conditions.

For simple foot pain, a massage might do the trick. Massaging the foot is a great for keeping it loose.

Aquatic therapy

Oct 11^th  2012 

Aquatic therapy includes exercises and activities done in a pool with controlled temperature. It involves techniques that aim to apply proper rehabilitative methods for patients with specific injuries or disabilities.

Conditions that can be treated with aquatic therapy include joint-related problems like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and dislocations. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis stroke as well as sports injuries like rotator cuff problems.

Walking as part of aquatic therapy is a good aerobic exercise.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation

Oct 5^th  2012 

Patients who are recovering from a serious illness, injury or surgery will require physical therapy rehabilitation to regain their strength, for skills re-education or to find new ways to do normal things and activities.

Rehabilitation is a process of using physical therapy to help in regaining fitness, mobility and strength.  In some cases, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy can also be applied depending on the injury or illness.  Physical therapy rehabilitation can also be used to reduce and relieve pain.

Sports Injuries

Oct 4^th  2012 

Sports injuries can be classified as those injuries that occur during any organized sports events.  These events could include competitions, fitness activities and training sessions.  Physical therapy for sports injuries is a common treatment to ensure that the injured patient can get back to his or her normal life and to prevent any permanent damage.

There are two types of sports injuries.  The first type is classified as acute traumatic.  This type of injury normally results from a single and strong application of pressure or force.  Physical therapy for sports injuries treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity.  Some injuries do not require physical therapy at all.

Arthritis and How Physical Therapy helps

Sep 27^th  2012 

Patients suffering from arthritis complain of stiff joints.  They normally avoid movements since it increases pain.  But the pain and stiffness will only worsen if the arthritic joints are not moved.  Physical therapy can help with the stiffness without adding damage to the joints.

The primary goal of a physical therapist is to help a patient with arthritis get back to doing daily normal activities pain free.  Maintaining a good range of motion is important so the patient can still have the ability to do his or her daily activities.  Building strength especially in the muscles around the affected joints is also important.  Stronger muscles are needed to stabilize the weakened joint better.

Shoulder Injury

Sep 27^th  2012 

The shoulder is a very flexible joint in the body.  It is made up of a ball and socket joint that allows the arm to move in a wide range of movement.  Shoulder instability can often lead to injury.  Any shoulder injury can affect your range of motion and physical therapy can help you with this condition.

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles that works to stabilize the shoulder.  The four muscles affected by the rotator cuff shoulder injury are supraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor and infraspinatus.  The first two are called internal rotators and the last two are the external rotators.  Internal rotators are used to pull the arm towards the body and to rotate the arm with palms face in.  The external rotators are used to do the opposite action.

Neck pain – Treatment of Neck Pain

Sep 20^th  2012 

Being a common issue, neck pain can be caused by multiple conditions.  Treatment is based on the cause and the severity of the condition.  For simple neck pain problems, self-care treatment can be done at home.

Simple or acute neck pain can occur often but it is not a symptom of or caused by a serious illness.  It is commonly caused by an uncomfortable sleeping position or bad posture.  A simple remedy for this type of neck pain is to move the neck muscles and keep them active.  Painkillers can also help with the pain.  Prevention can be done by sitting or standing upright.  A firm pillow to support the neck and the head can also help.  Using more than one pillow might put the neck at an angle so it is best to use just one.

Home Exercise Program

Sep 13^th  2012 

Home exercise program (HEP) are good and popular ways to involve patients in their physical therapy programs.  When a patient starts or ends their treatment plan, the therapist will slowly introduce patient education.  In reinforcing education, tools like a home exercise program may be used.  These exercises are meant to continue the treatment at home once a patient completes the treatment plan with certified physical therapists.

Home exercise program are created differently for different types of patients.  It can feature a set of exercises and relevant tips for patients suffering from back pain or neck pain or it can focus on patients recovering from stroke.