Tag Archives: Physical therapy Clinic

Injuries Around Shoulder Joint

Physical Therapy for Shoulder injury

The mechanism of injury can be interpreted by asking about the mode of injury such as fall by asking about the mode of injury ,such as fall from height, road traffic accident, position of the limb or body at the time of injury, any rotational force acting on the body and the type of activity done by the time of injury.

The mechanism of injury, site of injury, pain and disabilities should be interpreted from the history.

Examination

Inspection: The patient should be examined in sitting position with his upper torso and upper limbs exposed upto the waist.

Attitude: The position of the limb on inspection should be noted. In fractures of clavicle and anterior dislocation of shoulder, the patient often supports the injured limbs with the other hand. The arm segment may appear short or long depending on in fracture neck of scapula, there will be lengthing of the arm.

Swelling or deformity: In anterior dislocation of shoulder, the anterior axillary fold may be abnormally prominent due to the presence of head of humerus. A swelling along the line of clavicle, diffuse swelling surrounding the proximal humerus may be seen in fractures of the underlying bones. The lateral end of clavicle may appear to be prominent in acromioclavicular joint injuries. The medial end of clavicle may be seen prominently in sternoclavicular injuries.

Shoulder contour: Normally, the shoulder has a round contour due to prominence of the greater tuberosity beneath the deltoid muscle. The greater tuberosity projects beyond the edge of acromion process giving the normal contour. In dislocation of the shoulder joint, due to loss of projection of greater tuberosity, the normal contour will be lost. This is a valuable sign of dislocation. In deltoid paralysis due to axillary nerve injuries, there may be wasting of the muscle causing apparent loss of contour of the shoulder. The shoulder contour may be masked by diffuse swelling associated with fractures of the proximal humerus.

Bony arch: The bony arch is formed by the clavicle, acromion process and spine of scapula. Any deformity in the bony arch should be noted for.

Palpation

The bony points to be palpated are: clavicle, proximal humerus, acromion process, spine and borders of scapula for signs of fracture.

Clavicle: By standing behind the sitting patient, the examiner places both his hands on the medial end of clavicle and runs his fingers along the shaft of both the clavicles. Any irregularity, gap or crepitus should be looked for. In acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the lateral end of clavicle may be displaced upward. On pressing the lateral end of clavicle, it depresses and bounces back like a piano key.

Proximal humerus: By standing on the side of the patient, the elbow is flexed and the proximal humerus is palpated bimanually by keeping one hand and the medial surface of arm and other on the outer surface of the arm. By standing behind the patient, the examiner slides his fingers down from the acromion process to the arm to palpate the greater tuberosity and proximal humerus. If the head of humerus is in normal position, then there will be a bony resistance to palpation. In dislocations, there will be an empty feeling in the shoulder region. The head may be palpable in either of axillary folds. Diffuse tenderness may be present in fractures of proximal humerus. In an intact humerus, the medial epicondyle will be in the same direction as that of the head of humerus.

Scapula: The acromion process and spine of scapula are palpated for irregularity, bony tenderness and crepitus. The axillary and vertebral borders are palpated for signs of fracture. The coracoids process is situated half an inch below the clavicle at its junction with medial two third and lateral one third. Fracture neck of scapula is diagnosed by axial pressure applied through the arm with the elbow flexed.

Movements

Both active and passive movements of the shoulder should be tested. In anterior dislocation of the shoulder, the patient will not be able to touch the opposite shoulder with his hand of affected extremity. This is called Dugas test.

Tests for detecting anterior dislocation of shoulder:

Hamilton ruler’s test: In normal persons, a straight ruler cannot be placed between the acromion process and lateral epicondyle because of the presence of greater tuberosity in its normal position. In dislocation of the shoulder, a ruler can be placed.

Callaway’s test: The vertical circumference of the axillary is increased in dislocation of shoulder due to the presence of head in the anterior axillary fold.

Measurements

The length of the arm is measured from the angle of acromion process to the lateral epicondyle.

Neurological examination: In fracture of the clavicle, brachial plexus may be injured. In fractures and dislocations of humorous, axillary nerve may get damaged. Axillary nerve damage may manifest as paralysis of deltoid muscle and anesthesia in skin over the lower part of deltoid muscle.

Active physical Therapy providing state-of-the-art physical therapy throughout the state of Maryland having multiple locations located in (Aspen Hill/ Layhill Road, Clinton, Clinton WHC, College Park/ Berwyn Heights, Columbia/ Elkridge, Columbia Aquatic, Gaithersburg/ Germantown, Hyattsville/ Langley Park, Landover, Laurel, Oxon Hill/ Temple Hills, Rockville), Washington, D.C (Washington D.C. N.W./ Near GWU , Washington D.C. N.E./ Brookland CUA, Washington D.C. S.E./ Capitol Hill), Western Maryland (Frederick, Hagerstown), Southern Maryland (California/ Lexington Park, Fort Washington La Plata, Prince Frederick, Waldorf), and Baltimore Metro area (Baltimore/ Mt. Vernon, Dundalk, Glen Burnie, Rosedale/ Near Franklin Sq. Med. Ctr.). We specialize in evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic conditions of the Upper Extremity. Experienced, Qualified and Skilled Certified therapists and our dynamic clinical staff focus on providing personalized attention, individual care, and a positive friendly environment during your treatment session. You can also make your appointment online to start your treatment within 24 to 48 hours at Active Physical Therapy, For more information just visit our Website:-http://active-physicaltherapy.com/

Biceps Tendinitis

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Biceps Tendinitis is a common shoulder pathology which usually develops in younger athletic population due to repetitive overhead injuries. The patients suffering from this condition usually have to suffer pain, lesser range of motion & strength and impaired functional mobility. This pathology develops over the time with pain located at the front of the shoulder.

What do we mean by Biceps Tendinitis?

There are two parts of biceps muscles: the long head and the short head. The long head is usually affected with tendinitis. Biceps tendinitis is known as the inflammation of the tendon around the long head of biceps muscles. The most commonly irritated tendon is the one that attaches the top of the biceps muscles to the shoulder. Biceps tendinitis results due to the repetitive stress which in turn results into irritated, swollen and painful tendon.

What causes Biceps Tendinitis?

Excessive and abnormal forces applied across the tendon results into biceps tendinitis. Apart from this, several other conditions also contribute towards developing the condition including:

Tension and pulling of a tendon or muscle
Compression i.e. pushing, pinching or shearing
Weak rotator cuff and upper back muscles
Tight shoulder joints or muscles
Poor body mechanics
Overuse from certain types of work or sports
Gradual wear and tear
Continuous or repetitive shoulder actions
Abrupt increase in exercise routine
Age- relate bodily changes
Degeneration in a tendon
A direct injury to the shoulder.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Biceps Tendinitis?

Biceps tendinitis is common amongst the athletes involved in swimming, throwing, gymnastics and other contact sports. Workers who are involved in overhead shoulder work or heavy lifting are at greater risk. The sufferers commonly report symptoms including:

Sharp pain in the front of shoulder
Tenderness in the front of the shoulder
Pain radiating towards neck down the arm
Feeling pain after every activity
Weakness around the shoulder joint
Catching or clicking sensation near top of the biceps
Pain aggravating with flexion, forearm supination or elbow flexion.

What are the Physical Treatments to treat Biceps Tendinitis?

Once you are diagnosed with Biceps Tendinitis your physical therapy will develop a customized treatment program while keeping your specific goals and condition in mind. Your physical therapy may suggest:

Initially RICE; rest, ice, compression and evaluation may be suggested. He may also advice to avoid the activity aggravating the condition
Soft-tissue therapy, electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy may be suggested
Series of stretching or strengthening exercises may be suggested to regain lost range of motion
Postural corrections may be suggested to correct the sitting and standing posture.
Physical therapists may also employ hands-on therapy to gently move or mobilize your shoulder
Functional training would be provided to prevent future injuries. He would point out and correct your faulty movement.

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal disease. Our treatment modules are planned and coordinated according to the needs, requirements and urgencies of our patients. The treatment modules co-ordinated by us will not only cure your current ailment but also pose a check on the further ones.

Juvenile Disc Disorder

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Most of the times, chronic back pain or long term back problems are associated with elderly or middle-aged people. But Juvenile Disc Disorder can also affect the people as young as 20 years of age. It means that if you are an adolescent, even then you cannot save yourself from this deformity. The fact is; some patients may inherit a prematurely aging spine.

What do we understand by Juvenile Disc Disorder?

Juvenile Disc Disorder is a condition, where end-plates of disc spaces are not that much strong to bear the pressures generated within the disc spaces. Such a condition leads to disc herniations into the vertebral bodies and triggers back pain at quite an early age.

The condition is very much similar to that of degenerative disc disease but with a difference that in this condition, degeneration starts at a much earlier age and generally, most of the discs of lumbar spine are involved as opposed to that of degenerative disc disorder, where only one or two discs are typically involved.

What are the causes of Juvenile Disc Disorder?

Following factors can lead to Juvenile Disc Disorder:

Injury to back
Weakening of discs due to wear and tear
Strain and stress you put on your backs
Changes in your discs and other spine structures
Decreasing of water in the discs
Discs become less spongy and much thinner
Space between the vertebrae above and below the disc gets smaller
Hypermobility of facet joints
Your genes; you may be pre-disposed to excessive wear and tear of joints.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Juvenile Disc Disorder?

Any part of your spine can get affected due to Juvenile Disc Disorder but low back or neck is most commonly affected parts. Other signs and symptoms of the disease include:

Chronic back and neck pain
Pain at the site of damaged disc
Pain radiating to another body part
More pain while sitting for a long time
Feeling of pain while bending, lifting or twisting
Feeling less pain while walking, running or if you change positions frequently
Pain subsides with rest.

What are the treatment options suggested by the Physical Therapists to treat Juvenile Disc Disorder?

Physical Therapy treatment to treat Juvenile Disc Disorder is much similar to that of Degenerative Disc Disorder. Most of the patients respond well to the physical therapy techniques and recovery is possible in about five-six weeks. Physicals therapists may suggest the following techniques to treat Juvenile Disc Disorder:

Physical Therapist may suggest rest or restricted activity but for few days only. Extended rest is not recommended and mild activity is suggested for better healing.
A daily hamstring stretching and aerobic conditioning may be suggested for the better healing
Deep tissue massage is recommended to release the tension in soft tissues like; ligaments, tendons or muscles
Heat therapy is suggested to remove the waste by-products caused due to spasms.
Cold therapy is used to lessen the pain and inflammation.
Spinal traction is administered to eliminate the pain caused due to the muscle tightness or compressed nerves.
Various exercises to improvise the flexibility, strength, core stability and range of motion are practised.
An individualized treatment program, taking into account your health and history is formulated
Your physical therapists will make you learn about various body mechanics to limit pain. Positions causing pain will also be made familiar to you.
Proper work ergonomics and posture corrections are taught to help you to take better care of your back.
Strengthening exercises to strengthen abdominal and back muscles are also recommended.

Juvenile Disc Disorder can wreak havoc on the back of an adolescent, so the parents should watch out for the early signs of the disease and if you find out any warning signs, should go for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal disease. Our treatment modules are planned and coordinated according to the needs, requirements and urgencies of our patients. The treatment modules co-ordinated by us will not only cure your current ailment but also pose a check on the further ones.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common nerve compression, caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The people, who repeatedly lean on their elbows or bend their elbows for sustained periods, are more likely to get affected by this condition. This condition is more common in men than women.

What do you mean by Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome affects ulnar nerve where it crosses the inside edge of the elbow. This inside edge is relatively unprotected area and ulnar nerve here is entrapped between bone and skin in the tunnel called ‘Cubital Tunnel’. When the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel gets compressed or irritated due to an injury or pressure, it called cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition affects the Baseball Pitchers more, as the twisting motion used to throw a slider can easily damage ligaments in their elbow.

What are the common causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can occur due to following possible reasons:

Sustained bending of elbow during sleep
Leaning over your elbow for longer time
Fluid build-up in the elbow
A direct blow to inside edge of the elbow
Previous fracture, injury or dislocation of the elbow
Arthritis of elbow or bone spurs
Any cyst near the elbow
Repetitive bending, twisting or flexion of elbow during painting, playing an instrument or using power tools
Obesity or other health conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Typical symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may include:

Numbness and tingling sensation or intermittent pain in the elbow
Pain in the elbow extending to your forearm and hand
Weakness in hand and fingers
Being unable to straighten your ring and little finger
Tenderness in the inside edge of the elbow
Difficulty in gripping and holding the objects
Reduced ability to pinch the thumb and little finger
Claw-like deformity of the hand

How can physical therapy help to treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Physical therapy treatment for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome includes patient education along with identification, modification and limiting the causes resulting into nerve inflammation. Apart from this, physical therapists may suggest:

Ergonomic considerations and changes in patterns of activities causing the condition
Specific elbow padding may be provided for work and leisure activities as well
Splinting at night may be suggested to limit range of motion enhancing the compression
Ulnar gliding exercises and modalities are practiced to relieve the painful symptoms
Modification of job activities, if needed, may be suggested
Therapists will suggest you different ways to rest your elbow and also educate you about the ways to use your elbow without putting any extra strain in it.
Heat or cold treatments may be applied to ease the pain
Strengthen and stretching exercises are used to strengthen the muscles of the forearm
Range-of-motion exercises are used to help you to return full length of muscles that are shortened due to protective posturing

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problems. Our certified ad dedicated physical therapists design individualized treatment plans depending upon your condition and problem.

Physical Therapy Tips for Safer Springtime Cleaning

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Tips for Safe and Healthy Spring Cleaning

Spring is always a welcome change after cold and lethargic winters. The blue skies and warm temperatures also bring open windows, fresh air, blossoming flowers and above all the spring cleaning. Spring cleaning can be as hard and difficult as full-body workout as it involves good dusting, mowing of lawns; clearing gutters and many more. But the statistics show that great many numbers of people injure themselves during this annual cleaning. Active Physical Therapy suggests you to be cautious and observe the following measures to avoid any harm or injury to your body:

Do not perform similar motions repeatedly as this can result into sprains, strains or low back pain.
Keep your spine in line i.e. maintain a good posture and keep a wide base of support.
Avoid too much twisting or bending while lifting objects. Lift the objects properly by getting closer to them i.e. use your legs instead of your back.
Use long-handled tools, kneeling pad and stools while doing yard work and gardening as well.
Keep your properly hydrated throughout the cleaning session.
Wear skid resistant shoes to ensure proper footing on uneven surfaces.
Take regular breaks, in order to relax your tense muscles.
Use correct height ladder to minimize the risk of falls during cleaning your windows. Also make sure that ladder is placed on a levelled surface.
Move your feet and body while vacuuming, instead of reaching forward and sideways with your arms and trunk.
Use extension cords carefully. Do not drape them across the spans of crossing walkways to avoid tripping or falling.
Avoid twisting while bending, raking or thatching; instead use your legs to shift your weight from side to side.
To avoid slips and falls, always work in the yard wherever it is dry. Do not overfill bags or tarps as it can put pressure on your spine.
Do not over-exert yourself. Listen to your body and if you notice any symptoms like light-headedness, shortness of breath, sudden or severe headache, excess sweating, chest or stomach pain after or during cleaning, Contact Your Doctor immediately.

Prevention is always better than cure. Poor Physical posture, lack of exercise or warm-up, poor Physical condition can lead to injury or pain. So always do your best and follow good practices to save yourself form all such hazards.

Active Physical Therapy will be glad to help you with more spring cleaning tips or with any injuries or pain you experience during cleaning. Our diligent and expert physical therapists use state of art techniques to treat any of your musculoskeletal pains or injuries.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

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What do we mean by Radial Tunnel Syndrome? What are its potential causes, symptoms and treatment options?

Most of the athletes visit physical therapists for their lateral elbow pain. Physical therapists are of the view that Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS) occurs due to swelling or irritation of radial nerve because of the friction caused due to compression by muscles.

What do you mean by Radial Tunnel Syndrome?

Radial Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the radial nerve gets compressed where it passes through a tunnel near the elbow. This compression happens in proximal forearm where the radial nerve splits into PIN (main trunk) and sensory branch (minor trunk).

What are the causes of Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS)?

Pain of Radial Tunnel Syndrome occurs due to the pressure on radial nerve. Other causes of Radial Tunnel Syndrome include:

Injury
Bone Tumors
Inflammation/Swelling of surrounding tissues
Non-cancerous fatty-tumors
Too Small tunnel
Repetitive bending, gripping and pinching of wrist
Direct blow to the outside of elbow
Continuous twisting of arm

What are the potential symptoms of Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS)?

The symptoms of Radial Tunnel Syndrome start getting worse when you bend your wrist backward or hold an object with a stiff wrist. Following are the symptoms of Radial Tunnel Syndrome:

Tenderness and pain on the outside of elbow
Pain in the forearm and hand during activity
Minimized grip and forearm strength
Pain that worsens while rotating wrist
Cutting and stabbing pain at top of the forearm or at the back of hand, when you straighten your fingers
Numbness and tingling down the forearm

How can Physical Therapy be helpful to treat Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS)?

Fore mostly, the physical therapist will advise you to avoid the repetitive activities which involve your wrists. If Radial Tunnel Syndrome is caused due to your work site conditions, your work site conditions would be modified. Apart from these, following therapeutic techniques would be administered to treat the condition:

Stretching and strengthening exercises would be administered to reduce pain
Cold and heat therapies would be practiced
Range of motion exercises would be administered to restore tissue flexibility and normal functioning of the joints
You would be advised to wear night-splint to limit your elbow movements at night
Soft –tissue massage would be used to promote blood circulation
Modalities like ultrasound, moist heat and electrical stimulation may also be used
Spinal manual therapy may be used to improve neural mobility
Ergonomic interventions like; load management, postural awareness and workstation modification are used
Functional strengthening exercises are used to treat Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of your overuse injuries. Our certified and skilled physical therapists are always ready to help you with customized treatment plans as per your needs and requirements.

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

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Sinus Tarsi Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS) is a type of foot pathology, resulting either from the traumatic injury or recurrent injuries or sprain to the ankle during running or walking on a flat foot. It mostly hits athletes or dancers whose professions require a lot of jumping, sudden or quick movements and sudden stops.

What do we mean by Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS)?

The word ‘sinus’ commonly refers to cavity in the bone. The cavity, Sinus Tarsi, is a small cylindrical cavity outside the ankle between the talus and calcaneous bones. Swelling around the Sinus Tarsi region or injury to any of the surrounding ligaments results in Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.

What are the common symptoms associated with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

Symptoms related with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome arise gradually over a period of time. Its symptoms are worse during morning but start improving as you warm up. Its symptoms include:

Sharp and pinching pain at the top and/or outer side of foot and ankle
Pain worsens during the activities like; walking or jumping
Stiffness in the ankle
Instability is felt while walking or running on uneven ground or slopes and during jumping or changing directions
Sinus Tarsi region may be felt tender when touched
Pain during ankle movements; especially when you move the sole of foot inwards or downwards
Pain intensifies with weight-bearing

What are the causes of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

The exact reason of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome is still a matter of debate. Trauma to the ankle is considered to be the most common cause of this pathological condition. Other than this, below mentioned factors give arise to Sinus Tarsi Syndrome:

An inversion injury to the foot that is not treated properly
Over growth of nerve or fat tissues in the cavity
Deviations in bone structures
Bone Spurs
Arthritis and Bone bridges
Ganglion Cysts
Foot Deformities (like Flat Foot)
Sitting with your feet tucked under you
Poor foot Bio-mechanics
Inappropriate Footwear
Poor flexibility and muscle weakness

How can Sinus Tarsi Syndrome be treated?

Physical Therapy treatment under the guidance and surveillance of expert Physical Therapist is the best treatment option available to treat Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. Therapeutic techniques employed by Physical Therapists not only speed up the recovery but also reduce the chances of recurrence. A complete Physical Therapy Treatment plan consists of:

Initially, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy is advised to to reduce and eliminate pain and to help tissues to heal
Activity triggering pain and swelling is identified and eliminated to reduce muscle tension
Stable shoes, an ankle sleeve or brace and over the counter or special orthotics are recommended
Electrotherapy, laser therapy and cryotherapy is employed

After the pain and swelling are subsided, physical therapists perform following exercises to enable the patient to return to normal activities:

Joint mobilisation exercises are performed to reduce stiffness
Stretching exercises including; calf stretches and strengthening exercises are performed
Balance Training is provided to prevent instability
Bio-mechanical correction is advised
Flexion exercises are administered to strengthen the muscles

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art and effective treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problem and disorders. Our proficient physical therapists create and develop customized treatment plans while taking into view your needs and urgencies.

Turf Toe

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What do we mean by Turf Toe?

Turf Toe is the condition referring to the sprain of ligaments around the big toe joint. The injury is referred to as ‘Turf Toe’ as it generally affects the athletes who play on the artificial turf like; football, soccer or baseball players. It is also a common form of injury among the dancers.

But it does not imply that Turf Toe happens to athletes only; anyone whose big toe gets stubbed or jammed suddenly with enough force can develop this condition.

What are the causes leading to Turf Toe?

This injury occurs, when an athlete jams his toe forcefully into the ground or repeatedly pushes it off or bends it backward beyond the normal limits. Apart from these, another contributing factors to Turf Toe Include:

Jamming of the foot on the ground, while rest of the body is pushed forward.
Wearing soft-soled foot wears, offering little or no protection to the fore foot.
Running and jumping on the hard artificial fields lead to the jamming of big toe and hence to the turf toe.
Repeated sprain over the ligaments with enough sudden force can lead to turf toe.
Body weight of the person
Direct injury that damages the bone under the cartilage.
Previous toe or fore foot injuries
Positioning of the body while playing sports
Yours ankle’s range of motion

What are the symptoms of Turf Toe?

The symptoms of Turf Toe include:

Pain at the base of the big toe
Tenderness in the ball of foot and big toe
Swelling of toe and ball of foot
Popping sound can be heard at the time of injury
Decreased mobility
Bruising of ball of foot and big toe
Inefficiency to put weight on the ball of injured foot
Failure to push off on the big toe

What are the treatment methods prescribed for Turf Toe?

The best way to treat Turf Toe is to keep the weight or pressure off the toe during the healing process. Treatment methods may include:

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) therapy may be administered to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area.
Athletes are advised to use orthotics or wear stiff soled shoes to secure the toe from more sprain or hyperextension.
Strapping or taping of the injured toe to the other toes to provide support and stability.
Doctors may immobilize the injured foot in a cast or special walking boot, in order to protect the affected joint

After a period of immobility and rest, to re-establish the functioning of affected toe; physical therapists practice the following rehabilitation exercises:

Passive range of motion exercises are performed to regain function and mobility
Flexion and Extension exercises are performed
Strengthening exercises like; toe raises, calf raises, squats and lunges are performed
Conditioning and Agility exercises are performed

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the proficient treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problems or injuries. Our proficient and eminent physical therapists create customized treatment plans to help you to regain your health and agility.

Treatment for DeQuervain’s Tendonitis

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What do you mean by DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons running from the back of your thumb down the side of your wrist get swollen and irritated. This swelling in turn, constricts the canal at the base of your wrist. So, every time when you turn your wrist to hold something or make a fist, it starts aching or hurting.

What are the causes of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis occurs when you continue with the activities which put strain on your tendons at back / outer aspect of thumb. Factors and activities listed below lead to DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

Sports activities like; golf, ten pin bowling, rowing
Manual work like; painting, chopping wood, sewing, knitting, use of vibrating machinery
Constant lifting of children
Direct injury to wrist tendon
A fall or forceful movement
Injury to thumb, wrist elbow, neck, shoulder and upper back
Excessive training
Weakness of muscles
Muscle Stiffness
Tightening of joints
Faulty sporting technique
Bad posture
Poor ergonomic set up
Insufficient warm up

What are the potential signs and symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

Following factors can be stated as potential symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

Ache or tightness at the back of thumb or wrist
Swollen tendon
Feeling of pain when tendon is touched
Occasional pins and needles feeling in the thumb
Weakness in the wrist, hand and thumb
Numbness in the Index finger
Movement of thumb and wrist is hindered due to pain and inflammation

How physical Therapy can help to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis is treated using medications, physical or occupational therapy. Discontinuing the activities that affect and worsen your condition, can also help a lot to cure and heal the ailment. Following techniques are employed by the physical therapists to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

Initially, the physical therapist will advice to rest your thumb and wrist to reduce inflammation. At times, splint and braces are used to keep them straight.
Manual hands- on therapy is used to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis.
Soft tissues massage, Trigger point releases, Joint mobilization therapies are administered to improve functioning and relieve strain on tendons.
Flexion, Extension and Rotation exercises are performed to strengthen the tendons.
Range of motion exercises are administered to loosen and mobilize the stiff tendon.
Strengthening exercises are performed to restore functioning and promote healing as well.
Stretches are administered to improve the flexibility of the affected tendon.

At Active Physical Therapy, our eminent and skilled physical therapists are always ready to help you out with any of your musculoskeletal ailments and disorders. Your wellbeing is our top most priority. We are always ready to serve you with best of the treatment plans as per your needs and requirements.

Lumbar Stabilization Program

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Lumbar Stabilization: Physical Therapy Treatment & Management

Lumbar Stabilization is an exercise based program including variety of strengthening and flexibility exercises to heighten a person’s range of motion and as well to strengthen his muscles to support spine. This technique not only improvises his current physical conditions and symptoms but also acknowledge him about efficient movement and safe postures. Lumbar Stabilization program further helps you to find and maintain neutral spine position.

Role of a Physical Therapist

Before planning and designing a well suited Lumbar Stabilization program, a physical therapist along with your referring physician; thoroughly examines and evaluates you, as the conditions of each individual are unique and specific. Thereafter a multi- dimensional program including strengthening, training, flexibility and endurance exercises is prescribed accordingly to the individual.

Objectives or Goals of Lumbar Stabilization Program :

To attain a neutral spine position
To lower or lessen low back pain
To cure soft tissue injury like muscle strain
To lessen or eliminate lower back injuries that occur due to sudden jerks or movements
To exercise control over the forces acting on spine
To promote and heighten functional stability

Exercises involved in Lumbar Stabilization Program

During all the exercises performed under Lumbar stabilization program, a neutral spine position is attempted to attain and maintain. As the patient learns to maintain a neutral spine position during current exercise, he is progressed to the next exercise. All the exercises performed under Lumbar Stabilization are patient specific. Following exercises may be recommended under Lumbar Stabilization program :

Hamstring Stretch :This is a passive form of exercise, where little muscle effort is used or employed.
Pelvic Tilt : An active form of exercise making use of abdominal muscles to move the spine.
Arm or Leg raises : A dynamic exercise form, making use of arm or leg movements while maintaining neutral spine position.
Stretching and aerobic exercises are also incorporated in Lumbar Stabilization physical therapy program.
Flexibility training is promoted to train muscles and to attain neutral position sine position.
Cardiovascular conditioning is combined with Lumbar Stabilization to promote total body strength and endurance.

At Active Physical Therapy, our professional and trained physical therapists ,plan and co-ordinate treatment modules which are designed according to your preferences, capabilities, needs and urgencies. Our treatment modules will not only heal your current ailment but also poses a check on the further ones.