Ask The Doctors
“How do I stay physically active in the winter months?”
During the winter months, the cold temperatures, snow, and road conditions drive most of us indoors. Our physical activity decreases while our caloric intake increases. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. It also reduces stress and improves your overall sense of well-being. Don’t Let the winter stop you! Continue your exercise indoors by walking at the mall, joining an exercise group or local gym, or developing a home exercise program. Invest in good clothing that allows you to continue exercising outdoors or take up a winter sport like skiing, snow-shoeing, or skating.
“How do I choose a running shoe?”
Selecting the correct running shoe can enhance your performance and reduce your risk of injury. Shoe fitters have traditionally used foot type (neutral, under-pronator, or over-pronator) to determine the correct running shoe. However, recent research suggests this theory may be flawed. Basic guidelines include selecting a shoe that is correctly sized (not too tight); light-weight, has proper cushioning; and minimal heel-to-toe drop. Approximately 37.8 million people in the US run for exercise. About 56% of recreational runners will sustain a running-related injury each year. Poor running mechanics and improper footwear increase your risk of injury. Adjusting/correcting your running mechanics can reduce the overloading of tissue/joints that results in injury.
“Can exercise help my low back pain?”
Many people experience lower back pain in their lifetime. Pain can result from injury, poor posture (postural dysfunction), or age-related arthritic changes. In almost all cases there is weakness in the “core” (stomach and back) muscles. The core is important in providing support to the spine, thereby reducing/stress on the spine and slowing down degenerative changes often associated with postural dysfunction. Thus, strengthening the core will help to reduce back pain. A properly prescribed exercise program will target specific core muscles to increase strength and stability. A program should also include lower body flexibility exercises and instruction on proper body mechanics and posture.
“Can Physical Therapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?”
Plantar fasciitis is usually identified by pain in the arch or heel on the bottom of the foot. A typical characteristic is pain with the first steps in the morning / after inactivity, but it can also occur after prolonged weight-bearing activity. it is commonly treated as a symptom of “tight heel cords/achilles” by using a night splint, stretching, and/or orthotics. While these may be helpful, they may not address the underlying cause of Plantar Fasciitis. A skilled PT will also typically identify problems with ankle joint mobility, mobility of the big toe, and/or issues with gait mechanics. Treatment will likely include ultrasound, manual therapy exercises, and possibly electrical stimulation, taping, or shoe or insole recommendation.
“I’m 65, is my risk of falling increased?”
Studies indicate that one-third of people over 65 and about half of people over 80 will fall at least once this year. Injury resulting from a fall can diminish your independence and reduce your quality of life. Risk factors for falling include but are not limited to gait defects, balance deficits, visual deficits, neurological deficits, muscle weakness, age, and medications. A physical therapy examination that includes functional/balance tests, neurological screening, and specific muscle testing can help determine your risk of falling. Interventions to reduce your fall risk should include specific strengthening exercises, balance training, and gait training.
“Can Physical Therapy Help My performance with golf?”
Yes! Physical therapy can assist you in addressing areas you may be lacking physically and facilitate a more complete golf game. Physical Therapists are trained to assess movement and function. Our office also has physical therapists that have been trained by the Titleist Performance Institute. The golf swing requires balance, flexibility, and strength, areas which golfers of all ages may have a need for improvement. Loss of balance is one of the largest factors in decreased ability in the aging golfer. Your physical therapist can evaluate you for deficits in motion and strength and create a training program that can improve your likelihood of a successful game!
“What should I expect following knee replacement surgery?”
The rehabilitation process following a knee replacement plays a crucial role in your overall surgical outcome. Your rehabilitation will begin the day after surgery and will eventually transition to outpatient physical therapy at a clinic of your choice. Physical Therapists will use various treatments including manual techniques, therapeutic exercises and patient education to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals. Treatments are focused on reducing pain and swelling while gaining mobility and strength to allow you to return to most daily activities. Typically your outpatient therapy will last 2-3 months, with up to 12 months before you achieve full recovery.
“Can I reduce my risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury?”
The ACL is a major stabilizing structure of the knee, ACL tears can occur from contact or non-contact mechanisms, but most occur during sports-related activities and about 80% of those are non-contact. Non-contact usually result while pivoting or landing from a jump. Risk factors for ACL injury include anatomical, hormonal, neuromuscular, and environmental. Athletes can reduce their risk of injury by participating in a custom-designed prevention program. Programs should include strength training, balance/agility exercises, landing training (technique), and power training (a combination of strength and speed). Proper screening of an individual’s risk factors will guide the development of an appropriate prevention program.
“How should I go about choosing a Physical Therapist?”
You can choose to see any physical therapists as long as they are contracted with your health insurance provider, regardless of where your doctor referred you. It is beneficial to select a physical therapist who is APTA Board Certified in a specialization related to your problem. Research has shown that more experienced Physical Therapists with Board Certification in Orthopedics (OCS) demonstrate greater knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions than therapists without a specialty certification. It is also important to find a facility that is conveniently located. In addition, you may want to consider the hours of operation; availability of appointments, and continuity of care (seeing the same therapist each time).