Understanding Musculoskeletal Disorders in Younger Individuals

A musculoskeletal disorder is a painful condition that involves the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or other structures of the body. These disorders most commonly occur in joints like the spine, ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders, resulting in pain and limited mobility.

For children, musculoskeletal disorders are becoming a growing concern due to the demands of modern school environments, which can involve prolonged sitting, poor posture, and a lack of physical activity. As schools increasingly incorporate technology into the typical school day, children will continue to spend more time seated, which can lead to posture–related problems and pain. Therefore, a recent study investigated the role of therapeutic exercise for both preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among young individuals.

Therapeutic Exercise for Preventing and Treating Injuries

The study was conducted on 212 students aged 13–15 years and explored the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Half of the students were already experiencing symptoms, while the other half were not. These groups were further divided, with half being assigned to participate in an 8–week therapeutic exercise program (50–minute sessions, four times per week) and the others continuing their daily lives without a structured exercise program.

Results from the study showed the following:

• Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: students who participated in therapeutic exercise but with no prior symptoms showed a significant reduction in developing musculoskeletal issues
• Reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms: students with existing musculoskeletal disorders experienced marked improvements in pain, posture, and physical ability after participating in therapeutic exercise
• Improvement in physical activity: therapeutic exercise was also associated with increased physical activitylevels, suggesting that therapeutic exercise may improve overall fitness and contribute to better long–term health

Why Therapeutic Exercise Works

Therapeutic exercise involves a variety of structured exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. In this study, the program included mobility exercises, stretching, and endurance training, all of which contributed to significant improvements in participants’ musculoskeletal health. By targeting the specific areas prone to discomfort and misalignment, therapeutic exercise appeared to help reverse the damage caused by long periods of sitting and improper posture.

This study highlights the importance of integrating physical activity into the school day. Simple exercises like stretching and mobility training can improve children’s health while also reducing their risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Schools can introduce active breaks dedicated to stretching and other forms of movement, while also promoting programs that encourage physical activity beyond the classroom.

Give us a Call Today!

If your child is experiencing pain that may be due to prolonged sitting or poor posture, the best way to respond may be to introduce therapeutic exercise. Our team of physical therapists specializes in treating musculoskeletal disorders in children and can also provide guidance to help increase your child’s physical activity levels and reduce their risk for musculoskeletal pain. Contact Us Today For More Information.

For more information on this study, you can read the full article here.

About 25,000 people people sprain their ankle every day, and sports are involved in most of these incidents. Ankle sprains represent the most common injury in athletic activities, as they account for a whopping 45% of all sports–related injuries. But this risk varies widely between sports, with football, basketball, and soccer being associated with the highest rates of ankle sprains due to the high speeds and frequent changes in direction involved. In football, for example, ankle sprains occur at a rate of 1/1000 hours, meaning that one ankle sprain occurs for every 1,000 hours of participation.

What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?

Depending on its location in the ankle, a sprain can be further categorized as either lateral, medial, or high. Lateral ankle sprains take place on the outside part of the ankle, which is the most common site for a sprain (about 80% of all sprains). High ankle sprains are less common (up to 15% of sprains) and are often seen in football, downhill skiing, and other field sports, while medial sprains are the least common (about 6%). A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls inward, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. This type of injury is common in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes in direction, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Without proper treatment, a lateral ankle sprain can lead to chronic ankle instability, which increases the risk for re–injuring the ankle in the future.

But with so many treatment options available, it can be challenging for patients to determine the best course of action to ensure a safe and speedy recovery from an ankle sprain. A recent study shows that combining manual therapy with therapeutic exercise is an effective approach for improving outcomes in patients who sprained their ankle.

The Benefits of Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands–on approach that physical therapists frequently use to improve joint function, reduce pain, and restore range of motion. It typically includes techniques like soft–tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, which physical therapists apply to the injured or painful area. Manual therapy is known to improve clinical outcomes for patients with ankle sprains, but it is unclear how much of additional benefit it provides to a targeted therapeutic exercise program.

Therefore, a study called a systematic review and meta–analysis was conducted in which researchers analyzed data from three clinical trials involving 180 patients with a lateral ankle sprain. The goal of the study was to determine if combining manual therapy and therapeutic exercise was more effective than therapeutic exercise alone for patients recovering from a lateral ankle sprain. The results were as follows:

• Increased range of motion: patients who received manual therapy plus therapeutic exercise saw significant improvements in their ability to bend the ankle forward and backwards compared to those who only completed therapeutic exercises
• Pain reduction: combining manual therapy with therapeutic exercises resulted in significantly less pain than exercise alone in both the short term and long term
• Improved function: those who participated in the manual therapy plus therapeutic exercise program experienced better ankle stability and function during and after treatment than the exercise–alone group

Why This Matters for You

These results suggest that manual therapy can enhance the benefits of therapeutic exercise, meaning this combination can provide a more effective solution for lateral ankle sprain recovery. Therefore, if you’ve experienced a lateral ankle sprain, it’s in your best interest to see a physical therapist, who will integrate manual therapy into your rehabilitation plan. Doing so is likely to help you experience faster pain relief, improved mobility, and a stronger, more stable ankle, as well as a reduced risk for another ankle sprain.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you’re dealing with an ankle sprain or chronic ankle pain, our team of physical therapists is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment approach for lateral ankle sprains or to schedule an appointment.

For more details on the study featured in this blog, click here.

It's no secret that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining optimal health, but did you know that it can also extend your life expectancy? According to a comprehensive study conducted as part of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, engaging in various physical activities can add up to 10 years to your life, with some athletic pursuits providing an even greater benefit than others.

The study tracked more than 8,500 individuals aged between 20 to 98 for up to 25 years. Participants were asked to regularly complete a detailed questionnaire about their physical activity habits, with a focus on tennis, badminton, soccer, jogging, cycling, calisthenics, swimming, and health club activities. Responses were then compared to participants' lifespan to determine what impact each physical activity had on their life expectancy. Results are provided below.

Tennis: The Top Physical Activity for Longevity

The leading finding from the study was that tennis ranked highest in life expectancy among all activities evaluated. Participants who regularly played tennis enjoyed an impressive average increase in life expectancy of about 10 years compared to those who led a sedentary lifestyle with minimal to no physical activity. Tennis is an attractive option because it is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that also involves significant social interaction, which is believed to contribute to its benefits.

Badminton and Soccer: Fun and Beneficial

Badminton and soccer were also associated with substantial benefits. Badminton players had an average lifespan that was 6.2 years longer than sedentary individuals, while soccer players' lifespan was 4.7 years longer. These sports are great for boosting heart and lung health and improving coordination. In addition, like soccer, they often include a social component, which may enhance mental health and wellbeing.

Cycling: A Low–Impact, High–Benefit Exercise

The study found that participants who cycled regularly lived on average 3.7 years longer than sedentary individuals. Cycling is a low–impact exercise, which means it's easier on the joints and is therefore ideal for those with lower limb pain. It's also a great way to get outside and explore your surroundings while getting a thorough aerobic workout.

Swimming and Jogging: The Classics Still Shine

Swimming and jogging are classic forms of exercise that have long been known for their health benefits. The study found that swimmers gained an average of 3.4 years and joggers gained an average of 3.2 years compared to sedentary individuals. Both activities are excellent for improving cardiovascular health, and they can also help to relieve stress and anxiety.

Calisthenics and Health Club Activities: Flexibility and Strength

For those who prefer to work out indoors, calisthenics and health club activities were also found to offer significant benefits. Calisthenics, which include exercises like push–ups and sit–ups, was associated with an average lifespan gain of 3.1 years. Health club activities, such as using treadmills and weight machines, contributed an additional 1.5 years. These activities are great for building strength and flexibility, and they can be tailored to suit any fitness level.

The Social Factor: Why It Matters

One of the intriguing components of this study is the role of social interaction in extending life expectancy. Physical activities that involve social components, like tennis, badminton, and soccer, showed the greatest benefits. This suggests that the combination of physical exercise and social interaction might be particularly effective in promoting longevity. Being part of a community or a team can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and make exercise more enjoyable and sustainable.

The key takeaway from this study is that the best exercise is the one you'll stick with. Whether you prefer the social aspect of team sports, the peacefulness of swimming, or the convenience of jogging or cycling, each of these activities offers unique benefits that can help you live a longer, healthier life. So it's best to find what you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

Contact us to learn more about the various benefits of physical activity or to schedule an appointment today!

For more details about how different sports can enhance your health and well–being, check out the full article here.

Neck pain is like an unwelcome guest that just won't leave, and nearly everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. It can stem from various causes like poor posture, an injury, or a chronic condition, and the resulting pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that significantly interferes with one's quality of life.

Patients with neck pain have numerous treatments available to them, from the least invasive (e.g., doing nothing) to the most invasive (e.g., undergoing surgery). Traditionally, medications were frequently recommended for neck pain, but recent research has shown that an overreliance on medications–especially opioids–comes with certain risks and potential side effects that caution their use. Movement–based interventions like manual therapy, on the other hand, can provide relief with minimal risk for side effects.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a conservative (non–surgical) intervention primarily used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. It involves hands–on techniques like joint mobilization and manipulation that are used to improve joint function, enhance muscle flexibility, and reduce pain.

Manual Therapy vs. Pain Medications

A recent study called a systematic review and meta–analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy compared to oral pain medications for treating neck pain. Researchers analyzed data from 9 trials involving 779 participants with the goal of determining whether manual therapy or pain medications was safer and more effective for relieving neck pain. Key findings included the following:

• Pain Reduction: The study found that manual therapy was more effective than pain medications in reducing neck pain both in the short term and long term. Participants who underwent manual therapy reported significant pain relief compared to those who took medications.
• Safety: Manual therapy was associated with a lower risk of side effects compared to pain medications. Medications, especially opioids, were linked to serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, respiratory depression, and dependency. Manual therapy, on the other hand, had fewer reported side effects.
• Long–Term Benefits: Medications primarily offered short–term relief only, while manual therapy was found to provide lasting benefits. The pain relief from manual therapy extended beyond the immediate treatment period, helping participants maintain a better quality of life over time.

The Importance of Making an Informed Decision

If you’re struggling with neck pain, it’s essential to explore all treatment options that are available to you. While pain medications can provide temporary relief, they don't technically resolve the mechanical issue responsible for your pain and also come with certain risks that should be considered. Manual therapy offers a safer and potentially more effective solution since it involves evidence–based techniques that have been found to alleviate pain and improve wellbeing when combined with other physical therapy interventions.

Contact Us Today

If you're dealing with neck pain and are interested in physical therapy, please give us a call. Our team of expert physical therapists will be happy to answer any questions you might have about treatment and get you scheduled for your first appointment.

For additional details on the study featured in this article, click here.

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing or clearing the mind with different techniques to reach a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It's often associated with mindfulness, which involves being present and fully engaging with whatever one is doing in the moment.

How Meditation Can Benefit Your Mental and Physical Health

• Cognitive Function: Meditation has been associated with significant benefits for the brain. MRI scans have shown that regular meditation can improve functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. It can also slow age–related brain changes to help you stay sharp as you get older.
• Immune Function: Perhaps one of the more surprising benefits of meditation is its impact on the immune system. Studies have found that meditation can reduce levels of inflammatory markers. By lowering these markers, meditation helps to strengthen your immune response, making it easier for your body to fight off illnesses.
• Lifespan: Meditation can also influence your genes. Research indicates that it helps maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Longer telomeres are associated with healthier aging, as they protect your cells from damage and death. This means that regular meditation could potentially help you live a longer, healthier life.
• Chronic Conditions: For people dealing with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or fibromyalgia, meditation can be a valuable component of a multifaceted treatment approach. Research suggests that it reduces stress, which is often elevated in patients with these conditions. In some cases, meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall physical health markers as well. For example, a study involving patients with high blood pressure and diabetes found that those who practiced meditation saw significant reductions in harmful LDL cholesterol and inflammatory genes compared to those who only attended educational classes.
• Mental Health: Meditation is also well–known for its mental health benefits. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post–traumatic stress disorder by promoting positive emotions and helping you manage stress more effectively. The practice encourages mindfulness, which can lead to a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing.

How to Start Meditating

Starting a meditation practice is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment. Here are some steps to help you begin:

• Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet place where you won't be disturbed.
• Sit Comfortably: Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.
• Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to your breathing. Notice the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your nostrils.
• Let Thoughts Come and Go: When your mind wanders—which it inevitably will—try gently bringing your focus back to your breath.
• Start Small: Begin with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Meditation is a powerful tool that has the potential to improve your mental and physical health. From elevating brain function and boosting the immune system to managing chronic conditions and enhancing overall wellbeing, the benefits of meditation are vast and well–documented. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, age gracefully, or simply find a little more peace in your life, meditation can help.

Contact Us Today for Any Lingering Physical Issues

Meditation can be a beneficial component of a healthy lifestyle, but if you're dealing with pain of any type that's slowing you down, other treatments are needed, and we strongly recommend physical therapy. Contact us today to learn more about our physical therapy services or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert therapists.

For more information about the benefits of meditation, click here.

A meniscus is a wedge–shaped piece of cartilage within your knee joints. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each of your knees, and the job of each of these structures is to stabilize the knee joint and absorb shock. If you've ever experienced a traumatic meniscal tear, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. For active individuals who suffer a meniscal tear, a common question that arises afterwards is: what's the best treatment for this type of injury? Should I opt to have surgery or try a course of physical therapy first? A recently published study provides some insightful answers to these questions.

What The Science Says: Surgery vs. Physical Therapy

A team of researchers conducted a study comparing the outcomes and cost–effectiveness of surgery versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears. The study involved 100 patients aged between 18 to 45 years who were randomly assigned to either undergo surgery or participate in a physical therapy program. Some patients in the physical therapy group had the option to undergo delayed surgery if necessary.

Findings: Quality of Life and Costs

The study followed these patients for 24 months to assess their quality of life and the overall costs of each treatment. Results showed that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery in terms of improving patients' quality of life. Although the differences between groups was minimal, patients in the physical therapy group reported slightly better outcomes than the surgery group.

From an economic perspective, the findings also supported physical therapy. The surgery group incurred significantly higher costs compared to the physical therapy group, without any additional health benefits. The cost analysis also indicated that surgery was not a cost–effective option for treating young patients with traumatic meniscal tears.

Risks and Considerations

Undergoing surgery comes with a certain set of risks, including infections, blood clots, and other possible surgical complications. Although these risks are relatively low, they should not be disregarded. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a noninvasive treatment approach that promotes natural healing through movement and is associated with minimal–to–no risks.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you've experienced a traumatic meniscal tear, results from this study suggest that it may be best to try a course of physical therapy first before considering surgery. Physical therapy appears to offer similar benefits to surgery, while also saving on healthcare costs and avoiding the risks associated with surgical procedures.

Call Us for Any Questions About Therapy Before or After Surgery

Dealing with a meniscal tear is often challenging, but understanding your treatment options can help you make an informed decision. If you're unsure about the best course of action for your knee injury, we are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today for more information and to learn how our physical therapy services can aid your recovery and improve your quality of life.

For more detailed insights into this study, you can read the full article here.

Introduction to Hip Arthroscopy and Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or hip impingement, is a condition in which the ball and socket of the hip don't fit together properly. This causes the bones to rub against each other during movement, which can lead to pain and limited hip motion. Although non–surgical interventions like physical therapy are typically recommended for patients with FAI, some eventually decide to have hip surgery if their condition does not improve. Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses small incisions to diagnose and treat problems of the hip, and it is frequently performed on patients with FAI.

Importance of Physical Therapy After Surgery

Following hip arthroscopy for FAI, physical therapy is essential for ensuring that patients will have a successful recovery. In the immediate aftermath of surgery, it helps patients regain the strength, flexibility, and function of their hip needed to return to normal activities. A recently published research paper investigated how different durations of physical therapy affect recovery using different measures, including the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), a questionnaire about a patient's ability to perform everyday tasks.

Duration of Physical Therapy: Key Findings

The study included patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and had at least two years of follow–up. These patients were evaluated based on how many sessions of physical therapy they completed. The key findings were as follows:

• Initial Recovery (0–13 sessions): The first 13 sessions were associated with the highest improvements in LEFS scores, which indicates significant gains in hip function and mobility.
• Moderate Recovery (14–27 sessions): Improvements continued, but at a slower rate compared to the initial sessions.
• Extended Recovery (28–40 sessions): Benefits from physical therapy continued, but were less significant.

Best Outcomes Based on Physical Therapy Duration

These results suggest that all amounts of physical therapy led to substantial improvements in hip function and mobility, but the greatest benefits occurred over the first 13 sessions of therapy. Results also indicated that patients who were discharged from physical therapy within 3–6 months reported better hip outcome scores and satisfaction with their treatment compared to those who had shorter or longer physical therapy durations.

Practical Takeaways

If you're planning to undergo hip arthroscopy for FAI, here are some practical tips to consider based on these findings:

• Commit to Early Physical Therapy: The first few months of physical therapy are crucial for helping you achieve an optimal recovery.
• Aim for 3–6 Months of Physical Therapy: Completing physical therapy within this timeframe appears to result in the best long–term outcomes.
• Monitor Progress: Regularly check in with your physical therapist to adjust your physical therapy plan as needed and ensure your recovery is on track.

For more details on this study, click here.

Call to Action

If you're scheduled for an upcoming hip arthroscopy procedure, physical therapy can make a significant difference in helping you return to your normal physical activity levels. To learn more about how physical therapy can help you recover from hip surgery and improve your quality of life in the process, contact us today.

Understanding the Risk of Falls

Falls are a major concern for older adults, as they can lead to serious injuries such as hip and wrist fractures. In the course of the natural aging process, older adults may experience reduced muscle strength, balance issues, and other bodily changes that increase their risk of falling. In the U.S. and Canada, falls are responsible for more than 3.5 million emergency department visits and approximately 40,000 deaths each year.

Economic Impact of Falls

Falls not only affect the health and wellbeing of older adults but also have significant economic implications. The total medical costs associated with fall–related injuries have been estimated at $50 billion annually, with nonfatal falls accounting for most of these costs. These numbers highlight the importance of effective fall–prevention strategies to reduce both health risks and financial burdens.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy–based fall–prevention programs offer a promising solution to this issue. By improving balance, strength, and mobility, physical therapists can help reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in older adults.

One study examined the economic impact of this type of intervention and showed that the average net benefit of physical therapy–based fall–prevention exercises was estimated to be $2,144 per episode of care. The cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained–a metric commonly used in economic analysis research–was $13,425. This indicates that physical therapy is a cost–effective intervention.

Components of Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention

Physical therapy for fall prevention typically involves a multifactorial assessment and a personalized exercise program. This can include:

• Static Balance Exercises: Focus on stabilizing the patient in specific positions to maintain balance.
• Dynamic Balance Exercises: Involve movements like walking and turning to improve the body’s ability to react to sudden changes.
• Strength Training: Targets lower extremity and postural muscles to support balance and mobility.
• Walking Programs: For those with adequate balance, walking programs can help prevent future falls.

Additional Strategies for Falls Prevention

In addition to physical therapy, other strategies that can help reduce the risk of falls include:

• Review and Modify Medications: Certain medications can cause side effects that may increase the risk of falls, so if you’re experiencing any dizziness, lightheadedness, or balance issues, it's best to ask your doctor to review your medications and if you should make any changes.
• Address Nutritional Deficiencies: Ensuring proper nutrition can improve strength, mobility, and visual acuity.
• Address Hazards in Your Home: Do a home walkthrough to identify any potential hazards that could increase your risk for a fall–such as loose rugs,clutter, poor lighting, or extension cords–and either address them yourself or have a friend or family member help you.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

During a physical therapy session, a trained therapist will assess your condition and create a personalized exercise plan. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The therapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve your balance, strength, and mobility, and provide tips for staying safe at home.

Fall–prevention programs are a safe, effective, and cost–efficient way to reduce your risk of falls and improve your quality of life. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can enjoy better mobility, less pain, and greater peace of mind.

Contact Us Today For More Information

Ready to find out how physical therapy can help you or a loved one reduce their risk for a fall? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert therapists.

Additional details on the benefits of physical therapy for preventing falls can be found here.

Knee osteoarthritis is an issue that many people are familiar with. For some, it's the reason they can't keep up with the running regimen they've worked so hard to establish, while it may prevent others from simply going for a walk with friends or doing some basic yard work. Whatever the case may be, most patients with knee osteoarthritis often experience some type of activity limitation that can impact their quality of life, and it's therefore essential for these individuals to understand which treatments are most effective for their condition.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy involves hands–on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation that are administered by a physical therapist. It's a conservative treatment method frequently used in physical therapy to alleviate pain and improve function in various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.

The Effectiveness of Manual Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

A recent systematic review and meta–analysis evaluated the safety and effectiveness of manual therapy for relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study included data from 25 randomized controlled trials involving 2,376 participants. Here's what they found:

• Pain Relief: Manual therapy significantly reduced pain compared to usual care and exercise therapy. Patients experienced notable pain reduction, particularly when the treatment period extended beyond four weeks.
• Short–Term Benefits: Manual therapy was shown to be more effective in the short term (up to nine weeks) compared to other treatments.
• Safety: No serious adverse events were reported, indicating that manual therapy is a safe option for managing knee osteoarthritis.

How Does Manual Therapy Work?

Manual therapy includes various techniques designed to improve joint function and reduce pain, such as:

• Massage Therapy: Involves the manipulation of soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
• Joint Manipulation: Involves applying controlled force to a joint to restore mobility.

By targeting the muscles, ligaments, and joints around the knee, manual therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, allowing for easier movement and less pain.

Additional Benefits of Manual Therapy

• Non–Invasive: Unlike surgical options, manual therapy is non–invasive and poses fewer risks.
• Complementary: It can be used along with other passive and active physical therapy interventions in a comprehensive treatment approach.
• Personalized: Manual therapy can be tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

If you're currently being held back by knee osteoarthritis, it might be time to visit a physical therapist to get started on a treatment program that will likely include manual therapy. During a typical session, a trained physical therapist will assess your condition and apply various manual therapy techniques to the knee and surrounding areas. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to one hour and will include other interventions as well, such as strengthening and stretching exercises.

Manual therapy offers a promising option to manage knee osteoarthritis pain safely and effectively. By participating in a physical therapy treatment plan that involves manual therapy, you can expect to experience less pain and better knee function over time.

Contact Us Today for More Information

Ready to witness how manual therapy can help with your knee osteoarthritis? Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our expert physical therapists.

For additional details on the study featured in this article, click here.

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common cause of shoulder pain that affects many individuals, especially those engaged in repetitive overhead activities. If you happen to be an athlete or someone who frequently works with their arms raised, it's important to understand how SIS develops and which treatment options are best for it.

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

SIS occurs when the shoulder's soft tissues–such as the rotator cuff tendons–become compressed or “impinged” between the bones. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and decreased range of motion. If left untreated, SIS can result in more severe conditions like a rotator cuff tear.

SIS may be caused by one or more of the following: narrowing of an area within the shoulder called the subacromial space, abnormal motion of the shoulder, or muscle weakness. Patients who develop SIS typically experience pain when lifting the arm, weakness in the shoulder, a reduced range of motion, and/or discomfort when performing activities involving overhead motion.

Effective Treatments for SIS

The best way to treat SIS is through a combination of physical therapy interventions. Recent research has shown that a combination of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise leads to beneficial outcomes.

• Therapeutic exercise: Strengthening and stretching exercises help improve shoulder function and reduce pain. These exercises target the muscles around the shoulder to restore balance and support proper movement.
• Manual therapy: This encompasses a variety of hands–on techniques performed by a therapist to improve mobility and reduce pain. Manual therapy can also enhance capsular extensibility–the ability of the joint capsule to stretch–which allows the shoulder to move more easily.

The Study: Manual Therapy and Exercise Combined

A recently–published study examined the effects of combining manual therapy with exercise therapy on patients with SIS. Thirty–two participants with chronic SIS were divided into two groups: one received only stretching and strengthening exercises only (control group), while the other received manual therapy in addition to these exercises (treatment group). Sessions lasted 45 minutes for the treatment group and 30 minutes for the control group and took place five days per week for four weeks. All patients were assessed for pain, flexibility, and shoulder function with various rating tools before the intervention and then again after it was completed.

Results: The treatment group reported greater improvements in pain, functional capacity, and shoulder range of motion than the control group. The findings suggest that combining manual therapy with therapeutic exercise is more effective than exercise alone.

Benefits of Combining Therapies

Based on these findings, it appears that adding manual therapy to therapeutic exercise offers numerous benefits:

• Pain reduction: Manual therapy helps alleviate pain, making it easier to perform exercises.
• Improved mobility: Stretching and strengthening exercises restore range of motion.
• Enhanced function: Patients regain better control and function of their shoulders, leading to improved quality of life.

For additional details on this study, refer to the original publication .

Contact Us to Get Started on Your Path to Shoulder Relief

If you're experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with SIS, it's best to see a physical therapist who will combine manual therapy and a personalized exercise program to significantly improve your condition. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.