Common Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is a commonly used area of the body, which means that it is prone to many different types of injury. Injuries to this region can be caused by deterioration, injury, and even disease. Some common afflictions that you probably have heard of include dislocation, separation, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff disease or tear, fracture, and conditions related to arthritis. Treatment can be very different for many of these injuries, but it is best to spot the symptoms early on to ensure that you get the most in-depth treatment possible.

When the shoulder is dislocated, a doctor might have to push the joint back into place. After this procedure, the shoulder may still be impaired. Physical therapy can help extend the shoulder back to it’s full range of motion. Certain exercises can prevent further injuries as well. The joint should be iced several times a day to accelerate the healing process and reduce swelling. A separation, just like a dislocation, can be caused by hard contact with the shoulder, but is a very different kind of injury. It involves the ligament between the shoulder an the collarbone tearing. A sling, ice, rest, and exercises can help repair this, but depending on the severity, surgery might be necessary.

Rotator cuff disease, often a combination of tendonitis or bursitis, can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or overuse of the joint. This causes the bursa, or a pouch of fluid that protects the joint to become swollen. Aspirin and ice can help treat this, as well as an ultrasound to improve blood flow. Surgery may be necessary if the condition does not show improvement over an extended period of time. A rotator cuff tear, another common injury, can be the result of old age or overuse. The treatment for a tear is very similar to that of rotator cuff disease, but also includes electrical stimulation of the nerves and muscles. As opposed to overuse, a lack of use can cause frozen shoulder. A lack of use can be the result of chronic pain or a rheumatic disease, or even tissue growing that prevents one from moving the shoulder. It can be treated with stretching exercises, cortisone injection, and electrical stimulation. Surgery may also be necessary in this situation if the condition does not improve.

A fracture is also common, but is usually repaired by a doctor putting the bones back where they belong, and putting the arm in a sling. Strengthening exercises are useful in this situation once the joint has healed. Above all, the shoulder is a crucial part of the body. Anything irregular including pain or discomfort, or reduced motion should be addressed immediately. Physical therapy can be a great, non-invasive method of treating shoulder injuries before resorting to surgery. Call a therapist today to see if physical therapy can be the right choice for you.

Parkinsons and PT

   

Parkinson’s disease is a very scary and limiting degenerative disease that affects up to 60,000 Americans every single year. It can cause tremors, stiffness in movement, or moving more slowly than before. While it is best to be caught early on, it is often hard to spot, as it also does not affect most people who will get Parkinson’s disease before they hit their 60’s. There is no known cure, but there are treatments that make the symptoms more manageable, and allow people to live as comfortably as possible.

Physical therapy as well as exercise are great methods of dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Simply going for walks or participating in aerobics can slow the progression of the disease, as well as make a person more fit and capable to perform everyday activities. As far as physical therapy goes, every person is different. Your physical therapist will perform a series of tests to gauge how your strength, posture, coordination, and balance have degenerated with the disease. Then formulating a treatment plan that is right for you. Their main priority is to improve your strength as well as help you perform everyday activities, as efficiently and easy as possible. Simple tasks like getting out of bed can be a challenge with Parkinson’s disease, but a physical therapist can give you advice to make it easier. They can also help you prepare for activities or hobbies you enjoy participating in, by helping improve coordination and balance, or giving you strategies to help you cope.

Parkinson’s disease is no laughing matter. If you think you are experiencing any symptoms, and fall within the criteria for the disease, seek a doctor immediately. The quicker it is caught, the quicker and more effectively it can be managed. Physical therapists can be a huge asset in coping with Parkinson’s disease, so call Park Physical Therapy today and see if a treatment plan is right for you.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Meniscal tears are one of the most frequently occurring injuries of the knee. They are very common in people who play contact sports, but anyone can be afflicted. The meniscus are two rubbery pieces of cartilage in-between where the thighbone and the shinbone meet in the knee. They act as shock absorbers and keep the joint stable. There are many different types of meniscal tears, but it is important to remember that they can happen to almost anyone.

Generally, instantaneous tears happen in athletes. This can happen after twisting a knee or being tackled in a contact sport. Degenerative meniscal tears are more common in senior citizens. The cartilage can deteriorate over time and be more prone to a tear. Almost any sudden shock to the joint can cause the meniscus to tear if they have deteriorated enough.

There are many, often overlooked, symptoms of a torn meniscus. Pain and swelling in the knee, the knee locking or giving way, or a loss of a full range of motion are all symptoms of a torn meniscus. If left untreated, the joint can get worse over time, causing popping, slipping, or locking in the knee, which is why it is crucial to see a physical therapist immediately. Depending on the severity of the tear, an expert can recommend several routes of treatment. The RICE method, or rest, ice, compression, elevation method is among the most common for sports injuries. They might also recommend anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. If surgery is necessary, then there are several options. Either the torn tissue is stitched together, or it is cut away. Rehabilitation times may vary, but can take up to three months.

Above all, it is important to remember to never overlook an injury. The earlier it can be treated, the better, as it can only get worse on its own. Call a physical therapist today!


Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Exercising Outdoors

Spring is finally here and the weather is great! After a long winter of staying indoors, we can finally go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Did you know that it is proven that the more time you spend outside, the better it is for your health? Who doesn’t love spending time outside when the weather is nice?

Here are a few reasons why spending time outdoors is beneficial for your health!

-Spending time outside makes you happier and less stressed.

-Exercising outdoors changes up the scenery that you constantly see indoors.

-Running or walking outside burns more calories-settings on a treadmill do not compare to the elements of outside.

-You do not even have to exercise knowingly, it is proven that gardening will help you shed pounds and put you in a great mood at the same time.

-Taking a walk on the sand is guaranteed to make you feel both happier and healthier.

-Taking in the scenery and the warm breeze is a great way to feel great and less stressed.

-Sunlight lowers blood pressure.

-Vitamin D can decrease your chances of asthma and arthritis.

All of these reasons for spending more time outdoors are great for your health, and if you still don’t believe it, go and try it! So instead of staying indoors on a nice spring day, get outdoors and take in the beautiful weather while staying healthy at the same time!

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

May is National Fitness and Sports Month

Physical Activity is very important, regardless of age or body type. Everything from cardiovascular health, bone condition, increases in muscle mass, and even brain functions, can be improved from physical exercise. There are many small changes one can make in their daily lives to make a huge difference. A short walk after a meal or push-ups after waking up and before going to bed are small ways to change your physical health.

It is recommended that adolescents get 60 minutes of activity a day, as they are still developing. Kids who do, have been proven to do better in school, as well as obviously, are in better shape. As adults, it is recommended that there is at least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week. This can also be spread out into smaller increments. 30 minutes of running or jogging per work day is an easy way to reach this number. Not only will you feel good about it, your body will reward you, as adults who reach this threshold have been proven to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, less of a risk for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, as well as strengthening bones.

Physical activity doesn’t always fall into the category of exercise. Simple things like mowing the lawn, household chores, or dog walking are all forms of physical activity. Not only are they beneficial to your health- they’re also beneficial to your everyday life. You get to feel good, while chores are being done. Exercise can also be fun. May is National Fitness and Sports Month, and sports are a great way to do exercise as well. There are local teams in many areas, and joining is usually inexpensive, or even free! It is very important to remember your physical health this month, and every month, as it affects everyday life, as well as your future.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Preventing Golf Injuries

Spring is upon us and with that comes…golf! one of the most popular sports in the United States today. Golf is also one of the leading sports to cause injury. With non-professional weekend golfers usually hurting themselves from poor swing mechanics and lack of proper warm ups and stretches. Even professional golfers get injury from overuse so there are a few things to keep in mind next time you pick up the club.

An important golf motion tip is to make sure to move the hips and shoulders together! This motion with prevent the hyperextension and bending of the spine. Choosing the appropriate equipment to your size and skill level is also imperative. By using the wrong size equipment you can make you body work harder and in ways it is not accustomed to- therefore straining muscles and possibly causing injury. Any exercise can not only help your general health but improve your endurance and golf performance. Specifically strengthening your core muscles- abs and spine, should help prevent injury and improving arm strength will help keep your swings numbers down. Proper conditioning and stretching is important for standing out on the course for hours. After a long, cold winter your muscles are tense and need to be eased back into the golf routine.

Before your next 18 hole day take a brisk walk to get the blood pumping and muscles moving. Loosening up your body is extremely beneficial before any physical exercise or sport. You do not want to cause an injury in the beginning of the season so take care of yourself and happy golfing!

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Cycling Injuries

Cycling is an activity that many people of all ages can participate in. Whether it be for fun, or for sport, it is important to take the proper precautions before going cycling, as serious injury could occur. Constant, repetitive motions can cause injuries in many areas and joints, including the neck, back, feet, and elbows. At Park Physical Therapy, we recommend that you take these precautions before participating in the fun activity of cycling.

Stretching is crucial when it comes to any sort of physical activity. It is important to also do the correct stretches at the correct times to lessen the likelihood of a serious injury. Dynamic stretching comes first, before cycling. You never want to be throwing your body parts around during dynamic stretches. You begin by warming up your muscles, and gradually get faster while moving through your range of motion. You should end stretching with race-like movements. Post-cycling comes static stretches. Static stretches should come after a short cool down. These consist of taking muscles to the end of their range of motion, holding stretches for 20 seconds, and repeating 3-4 times. These stretches should not be painful.

The equipment you select to go cycling is also very important. Improper gear can lead to injury, or an inefficient workout session. The bike and helmet you choose must suit your needs, and it is important not to forget a water bottle and sunglasses and sunblock. Little things such as these can make a huge difference in your cycling experience. Park Physical Therapy is capable to handle any injuries that come out of the cycling experience, but hopefully after following this guide, injuries will be kept to a minimum.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.