Lumbar disc herniation commonly presents with symptoms such as lower back pain, radiating pain down one or both legs (sciatica), numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, weakness in the legs, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the location and extent of the herniated disc.
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose lumbar disc herniation through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. The physical exam may involve assessing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in the affected areas to pinpoint the source of the symptoms. Imaging tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the herniated disc.
If you live with chronic pain or pain lasting three months or longer, you are not alone. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, approximately 100 million Americans live with chronic pain. Unfortunately, that also means that the dependency on prescription medications is continuously growing. In 2013,... The post 5 Holistic Ways To Quell Pain With Physical Therapy appeared first on APEX Physical Therapy.
Posted by on 2024-01-20
Back and neck pain can occur for a variety of causes. Back pain can be caused by anything that causes the structure of the spine to alter, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar degenerative disc disease, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or osteoarthritis. Muscle strains, which can arise as a result of... The post Physical Therapy Can Help Ease Pain In Your Back and Neck appeared first on APEX Physical Therapy.
Posted by on 2024-01-10
You know how limiting pain can be if you live with it. Fortunately, you can reduce your discomfort while raising your energy levels by making simple lifestyle modifications. When you combine these exercises with your physical therapy treatments, you may help yourself heal from discomfort and achieve the physical goals... The post Want To Know The Secret To Decreasing Pain And Increasing Energy? appeared first on APEX Physical Therapy.
Posted by on 2023-12-20
Core strength training is an important part of physical therapy. The muscles in your core help in anchoring your center of gravity, which gives you the ability to balance yourself. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or running, your core muscles play an integral role in keeping you balanced. A weak core... The post Improve Your Core Strength Through Your Balance! appeared first on APEX Physical Therapy.
Posted by on 2023-11-10
Risk factors associated with developing lumbar disc herniation include age (most common in individuals between 30-50 years old), genetics (family history of disc problems), occupations that involve heavy lifting or repetitive bending, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors can increase the likelihood of disc degeneration and herniation.
In many cases, lumbar disc herniation can be treated without surgery through conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections, and lifestyle modifications. These non-surgical treatments aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine to alleviate pressure on the affected disc.
Surgical options for severe cases of lumbar disc herniation include procedures such as discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and artificial disc replacement. Discectomy involves removing the herniated portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerves, while laminectomy involves removing a portion of the vertebrae to create more space for the nerves. Spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement aim to stabilize the spine and restore normal function.
Specific exercises and physical therapy techniques recommended for managing lumbar disc herniation include core strengthening exercises, stretching exercises to improve flexibility, low-impact aerobic activities like swimming or walking, and proper body mechanics to prevent further injury. Physical therapy can help improve posture, reduce pain, and increase mobility in the affected area.
The recovery time from surgery for lumbar disc herniation varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the individual's overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. In general, patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after surgery, with physical therapy playing a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for a successful recovery and long-term management of lumbar disc herniation.
Orthopedic physical therapy can be beneficial in the rehabilitation of individuals with hip labral tears. By focusing on exercises that target the hip joint, such as hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, physical therapists can help improve range of motion, strength, and stability in the affected area. Additionally, manual therapy techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue mobilization can help reduce pain and improve function. By addressing muscle imbalances and biomechanical issues, orthopedic physical therapy can aid in restoring proper movement patterns and preventing future injuries. Overall, a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to the individual's specific needs can help individuals with hip labral tears regain function and return to their daily activities.
Orthopedic physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of individuals who have undergone medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. By focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and enhancing proprioception, physical therapists can help patients regain stability and function in the knee joint. Specific exercises targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles can aid in restoring proper alignment and reducing the risk of patellar dislocation. Additionally, manual therapy techniques, modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and gait training may be utilized to optimize outcomes and facilitate a safe return to daily activities and sports. Overall, orthopedic physical therapy is essential in the comprehensive care of individuals recovering from MPFL reconstruction surgery.
Exercises that are recommended for improving ankle plantarflexion strength include calf raises, heel raises, toe raises, and ankle circles. These exercises target the muscles in the calf, such as the gastrocnemius and soleus, which are responsible for plantarflexion of the ankle. Additionally, using resistance bands or weights can help increase the intensity of these exercises and further strengthen the muscles involved in ankle plantarflexion. It is important to perform these exercises with proper form and gradually increase the difficulty to avoid injury and maximize results. Stretching exercises for the calf muscles can also help improve flexibility and range of motion in the ankle joint, which can contribute to overall strength and stability. Incorporating a variety of exercises that target different aspects of ankle plantarflexion can help individuals achieve optimal strength and function in this area.
In orthopedic physical therapy for patients with shoulder instability, recommended modifications for kettlebell exercises may include focusing on stability and control, avoiding overhead movements, utilizing lighter weights, incorporating isometric holds, emphasizing scapular retraction and depression, and ensuring proper form and technique. These modifications can help reduce the risk of exacerbating shoulder instability while still allowing patients to benefit from the strengthening and conditioning aspects of kettlebell exercises. It is important for physical therapists to closely monitor patients during these exercises to ensure they are performed safely and effectively. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target the rotator cuff muscles and surrounding stabilizers can further support shoulder stability and function in this patient population.
In orthopedic physical therapy for patients with lumbar herniated discs, recommended modifications for Pilates exercises may include avoiding flexion-based movements that put excessive strain on the lumbar spine. Instead, focusing on exercises that promote core stability, such as pelvic tilts, bridging, and bird-dog variations, can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine without exacerbating the herniation. Additionally, incorporating modifications such as using props like stability balls or resistance bands can provide support and reduce the risk of injury during Pilates exercises. It is important for physical therapists to closely monitor and adjust the exercises based on the individual patient's symptoms and limitations to ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation program for lumbar herniated discs.
Orthopedic physical therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome by focusing on improving posture, strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and reducing nerve compression in the affected area. Specific exercises targeting the thoracic outlet region, such as shoulder blade retraction, neck stretches, and nerve gliding techniques, can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Additionally, manual therapy techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations can help improve range of motion and reduce muscle tightness. By addressing the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to thoracic outlet syndrome, orthopedic physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving overall function for individuals with this condition.