Therapy

Post Surgical Pain and Rehab

July 13, 2021

What is it?

It is best to try physical therapy before having surgery. In some case, surgery cannot be avoided, and physical therapists are here to help. Often physical therapists will work with patients following surgeries including rotator cuff repair, joint replacements, scopes, and any other surgery that disrupts the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapy is commonly used to help get you back on your feet after surgeries.

Information and causes?

Typically, surgeries such as knee replacements take place to improve joint pain and function after other measures have no longer helped.

Surgeries can heal on their own without a physical therapist. However, the outcomes will not be as successful. For instance, after a knee replacement, it is typical for the body to respond with compensations during activities such as walking, this can continue even after removal of crutches. A physical therapist will be there to guide you as you learn to walk again (correctly!)

The signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms following surgery can vary. Here is a list of the most common symptoms:

• Pain in the surgical area or other areas due to overcompensating
• Swelling and bruising
• Stiffness
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty performing usual activities
• Scar healing at the incision site

Treatment?

It is key that a person receive physical therapy shortly after surgery to restore strength and mobility early on. The Physical Therapist will initially focus on educating the patient about the surgery and expectations. Research shows that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better coping abilities. Furthermore, your therapist will work to initially decrease pain and improve mobility and gradually improve strength and function to return to life pain free and with full function. The physical therapist will design a program that is right for you and your goals.

Expectations?

At your first visit you should expect a physical therapist that is there to get to know you, your current complaints, and your goals. Using this information and the information they gather during their evaluation they will set up an individualized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals and get back to your life faster. Treatments could include modalities for pain control, manual therapy to help relieve muscle tension and promote healing, exercises to restore strength and motion, and muscular retraining to improve core activation and stabilization.

References

https://www.choosept.com/didyouknow/detail/arthroscopy-not-recommended-degenerative-knee-dise

Workplace Injuries and Physical Therapy

July 6, 2021

Workplace injuries are common among all ages. In many cases an employee who is injured on the job can receive worker’s compensation to allow for a means to pay the bills and live comfortably during recovery. Physical therapy is commonly used to help get you back on your feet after a work injury.

These injuries typically resolve quickly. However, many workers do not take proper steps to get well or over-do it which can lead to more serious problems down the road and a longer healing time frame.

Workplace injuries are typically caused by overuse through repetitive movements performed during work. Other injuries can include falls, injuries following equipment malfunction, and vehicle related accidents.

The signs and symptoms of workplace injuries vary widely due to different types of workplace injuries. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Pain in any area of the body due to repetitive overuse
• Swelling and bruising
• Stiffness
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty performing your usual work activity

It is key that a person receive physical therapy shortly after a work injury to restore strength and mobility early on. The Physical therapist will initially focus on educating the patient about the injury. Research shows that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better coping abilities. Furthermore, your therapist will work to initially decrease pain and improve mobility and gradually improve strength and function to return to work pain free and with full function. The physical therapist will design a program that is right for you and your goals.

At your first visit you should expect a physical therapist that is there to get to know you, your current complaints, and your goals. Using this information and the information they gather during their evaluation they will set up an individualized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals and get back to your life faster. Treatments could include modalities for pain control, manual therapy to help relieve muscle tension and promote healing, exercises to restore strength and motion, and muscular retraining to improve core activation and stabilization.

Physical Therapy Can Keep You Healthy For Life!

The following blog is being re-shared from the PPS APTA website:

You know that physical activity is good for you. The benefits are well researched and the list is impressive. Here’s just a sampling:

• Releases endorphins to make you feel good and fight depression
• Helps control weight
• Prevents diseases like stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer
• Improves sleep
• Helps you live longer

Recent studies even show that physical activity strengthens your immune system, with a protective effect against COVID, and that staying active through middle age protects your brain as you age.

Physical activity is a wonder drug. If it was a pill, you’d buy it and take it every day. But even though activity is free, less than 25% of Americans meet the CDC recommendations for activity. We clearly need help.

Physical Therapists Are The Experts in Human Movement

To be active, you need to be able to move. Physical Therapists do more than help you recover from surgeries or major injuries. They are the experts in human movement. Sure, you could see a strength coach to lift weights, hire a personal trainer, go to a yoga class to work on your flexibility and balance, and see a chiropractor for adjustments. But that seems like a lot of people when a PT can help you with all of these things and more. Nobody knows more about human movement or looks at your health the same way a PT does. Your PT can help you with every aspect of movement including strength, range of motion, flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination.

As medical professionals they can help you with injuries or other issues. Your PT can work with your doctor to help use activity to manage things like diabetes, cholesterol levels or blood pressure instead of prescriptions. Your PT is also trained to work with people of all ages, so you can develop a long-term relationship and they can continue to adjust and modify your routine as you age or your goals change.

Stay Healthy For Life

Staying active has a long list of benefits both now and in the future. But chances are you’re not moving enough to make the most of those benefits. Most people need help. Physical therapists are the most qualified professional in existence to help keep you healthy now and in the future. So don’t think of your PT as someone you see when you need help with pain or an injury. Think of them as your partner and coach working to help you stay healthy for life.

Hip Pain

June 22, 2021

What is it?

Hip pain can be caused by a variety of things which can lead to inflammation, pain, and, ultimately, dysfunction in the hip joint or surrounding area.

Information and causes?

Hip pain can have various causes such as bursitis, arthritis, poor posture, overuse injuries, sprains/strains, weakness, and obesity.

The signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of a hip pain include the following:

• pain and tenderness in the front, side, or back of the hip
• tenderness to palpation
• stiffness, particularly after long periods of rest
• pain, poor gait and balance when walking or running
• pain sitting with legs crossed
• pain lifting the leg to the side

Treatment?

It is key that a person receive physical therapy for their hip pain to properly restore strength and mobility. Many people with hip pain may think there is no cure. For instance, arthritis has no cure, but there are treatments which include physical therapy to improve quality of life. The physical therapist will initially focus on educating the patient about the sprain. Research shows that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better coping abilities. Furthermore, your therapist will work to initially decrease pain and improve mobility and gradually improve strength and function for sport or occupation. The physical therapist will design a program that is right for you and your goals.

Expectations?

At your first visit you should expect a physical therapist that is there to get to know you, your current complaints, and your goals. Using this information and the information they gather during their evaluation they will set up an individualized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals and get back to your life faster. Treatments could include modalities for pain control, manual therapy to help relieve muscle tension and promote healing, exercises to restore strength and motion, and muscular retraining to improve core activation and stabilization.

References:

www.vanthielmd.com/unexplained-hip-pain

Knee Pain and Sprains

June 15, 2021 – Knee pain can be caused by a variety of things which can lead to inflammation, pain, and, ultimately, dysfunction.

A knee sprain happens when the ligaments in the knee are overstretched and tear to a certain degree. There are three degrees of a sprain: mild, moderated, and severe. Ligaments are fibrous tissue cords that attach the upper leg bone to the lower leg bones.  

What causes knee pain and sprains? Knee pain can have various causes such as arthritis, overuse injuries, sprains, weakness, and obesity.

Knee sprains can lead to knee pain no matter what degree of tear you may have. Many people think of a knee sprain as being caused by overuse or trauma injuries in sports. These things can happen outside of sports as well. Weakness, poor flexibility, poor balance, improper gait or running form are among some of the causes of knee sprains. Without proper training for a sport or daily life, a sprain is more likely to happen. Improper footwear, prior sprains, and contact sports can increase your chances of sustaining a sprain.

The signs and symptoms or a sprain include the following:

• pain and tenderness in the knee
• stiffness, bruising, and swelling in the knee
• instability when walking
• “popping” noise at the time of injury

How can these be treated? It is key that a person receive physical therapy following a knee sprain to professionally restore strength and mobility. The Physical therapist will initially focus educating the patient about the sprain. Research shows that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better coping abilities. Furthermore, your therapist will work to initially decrease pain and improve mobility and gradually improve strength and function for sport or occupation. The physical therapist will design a program that is right for you and your goals.

At your first visit you should expect a physical therapist that is there to get to know you, your current complaints, and your goals. Using this information and the information they gather during their evaluation they will set up an individualized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals and get back to your life faster. Treatments could include modalities for pain control, manual therapy to help relieve muscle tension and promote healing, exercises to restore strength and motion, and muscular retraining to improve core activation and stabilization.

References:

https://www.sports-health.com/sports-injuries/knee-injuries/what-knee-sprain

https://www.thedigitalwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/knee-pain

Fibromyalgia

June 8, 2021 – Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome involving many signs and symptoms. It presents as multiple painful areas in the body. It can also be accompanied by general fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy or motivation.

The root cause for fibromyalgia is unknown. However, it is thought to be due to changes in the nervous system and how it perceives pain. This can be triggered by a trauma, surgery, infection, or major emotional event, and can progress over time.

The signs and symptoms include widespread pain often described as a dull ache, multiple points of tenderness in the body, muscle stiffness particularly in the morning, headaches, “brain fog”, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain or cramps in the abdomen or pelvis, irritable bowel and bladder, disturbed sleep, jaw pain, and numbness or tingling. Most often, life’s stresses cause the pain to become worse.

Physical therapy will initially focus educating the patient about the syndrome. Research shows that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better coping abilities. This education can include learning how the body perceives pain and how to take control of the pain. Pain management through various type of exercises such as aerobics, manual therapy, stretching, and deep breathing can help improve overall function, general health and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia. Your physical therapist will design a program that is right for you and your goals.

At your first visit you should expect a physical therapist that is there to get to know you, your current complaints, and your goals. Using this information and the information they gather during their evaluation they will set up an individualized treatment plan that will help you reach your goals and get back to your life faster. Treatments could include modalities for pain control, manual therapy to help relieve muscle tension and promote healing, exercises to restore strength and motion, and muscular retraining to improve core activation and stabilization.

Witte Physical Therapy has the therapists and tools to treat fibromyalgia. From manual therapy and exercises to our aquatic therapy programs we can help you cope with your fibromyalgia. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation today!

References:

Memorial Day

June 1, 2021 – Every Memorial Day weekend I find myself reflecting back on the past year and the past in general. It is a weekend of remembrance. It has turned into a holiday weekend of getting together with friends and family to kick off the summer. In past years it seems like the “get togethers” had gotten in the way of the true reason for this holiday weekend. However, after this past year I believe that these gatherings were a much needed part of healing and getting back to normal.

I want to take the time to thank those that have served our country. This little blog doesn’t do that thank you justice, but it is a very small start. We have been fortunate to employ and work with veterans as patients. It is an honor to try to help them get back to living a pain free life. We have met many great people through the business and it remains a very exciting part of our job. We are forever in debt to those that have served and lost their lives. We have been able to hear some of their stories of bravery and sacrifice from our employees, families, and patients who have or continue to serve. 

I also want to thank all of those patients, friends, and families who have trusted Witte Physical Therapy with their care, helped us get to where we are today, and been the support we have needed. This includes the staff that I get to work with and their families. Physical therapy can be a long, but rewarding road for both patients and staff. It is great on this weekend to take the time to think back about where we have started and where we are now, who we have seen and where they are now, and to reflect on what we can do to improve ourselves and our business for the betterment of our patients and communities.

Please know that at Witte Physical Therapy we are never stagnant and are always looking for the newest and best techniques to use with our patients in order to provide them with the best service and care possible. At Witte Physical Therapy we are always looking for new ways to become involved and give back to our communities, because we want to be a reason they are strong and we want to help facilitate that strength.  

5 Facts Entrepreneurs Should Know About the Importance of Self-Care

May 25, 2021 – You’re taking care of business, but are you taking care of yourself? Unfortunately, if you’re like many entrepreneurs, you may be overlooking self-care in the process of getting your business up and running. That can be a huge mistake. Especially for your mental and physical health.

That’s because self-care isn’t selfish, and it isn’t negotiable. You need self-care to maintain your body and mind, and in turn, you need self-care so you can be the best at running your new business. If you’ve let self-care fall by the wayside, here’s what Witte Physical Therapy wants you to know.

Witte Physical Therapy specializes in traditional P/T, aquatic therapy, dry needle treatments and a variety of other options that can help you get back control of your life. If you are in the Louisville area and in need of physical therapy, be sure to check out their current services.

Stress Can Lead to Heart Disease

Entrepreneurship and stress pretty much go hand in hand. While not all stress is bad, too much stress can be bad for your health and your heart. Research shows that those who are exposed to chronic levels of stress are more at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Business Tools Can Reduce Stress

So how do you avoid high levels of stress when you’re setting up a new business? One way is to use a formation service for your LLC needs, rather than spending a small fortune on attorney fees. You can use these services to look up LLC Nebraska rules and requirements for every other state. Then you can fill out and file the necessary forms online in a matter of minutes. Other ways to reduce stress include outsourcing tasks to specialists (e.g. marketing, web design, accounting, etc.) and even hiring a virtual assistant.

Regular Exercise Can Also Provide Relief

Saving time when it comes to your business can relieve tension. Another trick you can use to reduce the negative impacts of stress is to exercise on a regular basis. When you’re burning calories on a treadmill or with other workouts, you are also burning off excess stress. If you find a regular fitness routine, be sure to couple your workouts with the benefits of physical therapy.

Entrepreneurs Also Need to Eat Healthy

When you’re constantly on the run, you also need convenient food and snack options. Before you reach for premade and processed foods, however, you should know what those choices can do to your body and mind. You may feel a quick energy surge after eating or drinking these treats but you’re also more likely to crash. Then you’ll feel groggy, sluggish and unfocused. Instead, think about setting aside some time on the weekend to prepare healthy meals.

Mindfulness Makes You a Better Business Owner

You may already know that being mindful is good for your brain, but it turns out that this effective self-care tool can also be good for your business. When you cultivate mindfulness with meditation and other practices, you awaken more focus and creativity in your brain. You may also begin to feel more comfortable communicating under pressure and learning from failure. Each of these improvements will build your entrepreneurial skills and boost your business.

Burnout Can Sneak Up on Entrepreneurs

Sometimes you’re just too busy to think about self-care. If you constantly find yourself forgetting about or neglecting your basic needs, being busy may not be the main issue. You could be suffering from burnout. Common signs that you’re on your way to burning out include overlooking basic self-care, avoiding friends and family, a lack of creativity and/or focus, and finally, feelings of physical and mental collapse. Once you get to those last symptoms, taking time off is your best bet for refreshing yourself. That and making more time for regular self-care.

You could put off self-care as you build your business, but why put your health and happiness at risk? Not to mention the success of your new venture. Look for simple and practical ways to fit self-care into your daily routine, so it doesn’t just feel like more work. Finally, don’t make the mistake of thinking that self-care is selfish. After all, your business is depending on you!

Author: Amy Collett 

Photo Credit: Pexels

5 Tips for a Healthier You!

May 18, 2021 – America has seen a staggering increase in obesity rates over the years. “From 1999–2000 through 2017–2018, the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4%, and the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%.” (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html)

Today, more than ever, it is important for us to reflect on what a healthy lifestyle looks like and consider taking steps to becoming healthier. Whether you are struggling with weight (this can mean underweight, borderline-overweight, overweight, or obese), decreased strength, chronic pain or fatigue, poor blood panels, or heart conditions such as high blood pressure a lifestyle modification should be in order. Healthy lifestyles can help prevent these issues from worsening and prevent overmedicating in the future.  “More than 131 million people — 66 percent of all adults in the United States — use prescription drugs.” (Source: https://hpi.georgetown.edu/rxdrugs/) According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Americans consume 75 percent of the world’s prescription drugs. Nearly three in five American adults take a prescription drug at any given time. To reduce the use of prescription drugs and improve overall health, it is important to find ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips to get you started!

1. Get up and move at least once every hour for 5 minutes or more if you are working in the same position for multiple hours. It is important to break up the same posture through movement to boost energy levels and prevent pain.
2. Check your posture regularly! This might require setting an alarm on your phone every 30 minutes as a reminder to sit/stand up straight with your head and shoulders back. Avoid that forward head posture to prevent future complications
3. Drink enough water. The recommended intake for fluids is half of your body weight in fluid ounces and at least half of those needs to be water. For a 200-pound individual that would require 100 fluid ounces a day and at least 50 fluid ounces of that should be water.
4. Exercise on a regular basis. According to the American College of Sports Medicine all healthy adults aged 18–65 years should participate in moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days per week, or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minute on three days per week. Every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for a minimum of two days per week.
5. Eat well! Feed your body with nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These whole foods will provide you with the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and energized. Consider growing a garden this summer to save money on produce and promote quality recreation for you and your family or friends. If you are having difficulty with nutrition and would like more assistance, visit a nutritionist near you for guidance.

If you need assistance with any of these or if just getting these started is tough for you please contact us at Witte Physical Therapy to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what we can do to help you get started!

Resources: 

https://ieltsonlinetests.com/essay-samples/government-should-ensure-healthy-lifestyle-people

What is Chronic Pain?

May 11, 2021 –

You’ve been diagnosed with “chronic pain”. Now what? This blog will discuss what chronic pain is, how it is caused, signs and symptoms, treatment, and expectations.

Chronic pain is any bodily discomfort that lasts for more than three months or beyond normal healing time for that particular condition. Chronic pain can cause brain changes. When pain is constant or chronic it causes the nervous system to be on “high alert”, causing more sensitivity to pain. This can cause cells in the nervous system to be on high alert which makes the brain interpret normal sensations as “painful”. This cycle allows a person to stay in a constant or chronic state of pain. The brain’s job is to protect you from potentially harmful sensations, but with chronic pain the brain reacts to non-harmful stimuli in a negative way making the individual feel like something is really wrong when actually nothing is torn or broken.

      Common complaints include:

• “everything hurts”
• Sudden stabbing sensations of pain
• Pain may “have a mind of its own”
• Symptoms can appear even if you are not doing anything to cause them
• It feels worse when thinking about it
• It feels worse when you go through upsetting or stressful events in your life
• You may feel more anxious and depressed
• Symptoms may feel like they are spreading from one area to another
• You may feel fatigued and afraid to do your normal activities

These complaints are common, but do not necessarily mean your physical condition is worsening. It may just mean your nervous system is sensitive.

      Signs and symptoms can include:

• Fearfulness
• Body stiffness
• Deconditioning
• Decreased circulation
• Weight gain and/or a worsening of other conditions
• Feeling the need to increase medication use

 How can physical therapy help?

            The physical therapists at Witte Physical Therapy will work with you and educate you about chronic pain, find solutions about how to improve quality of life, and get you moving pain free again. Chronic pain is experienced differently for everyone and your physical therapist will tailor your treatment to meet your needs. Treatment may include education, strengthening and flexibility exercises, manual therapy, posture awareness and body mechanic instruction. Chronic pain does not happen over night and it will take some time for it to go away. The best thing you can do is be patient and trust that adhering to treatment with consistency will give you the best results.

            For more information visit https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-chronic-pain-syndromes#WhatIs or call the therapists at Witte Physical Therapy for more information.

Resources:

https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-chronic-pain-syndromes#WhatIs

Chronic Pain and Physical Therapy – Capital Area PT & Wellness