Category: Physical Therapy

3 tips for getting rid of those pesky side stitches when you run
If you’re an avid runner, you’ve likely experienced a sudden pain in your side that can make it impossible to keep going. This intense abdominal pain is known as a side stitch, though it’s often referred to as a side cramp or ache.

A side stitch is an intense, possibly stabbing pain that’s felt temporarily underneath the lower edge of your ribs. It only occurs during exercises, especially exercises that require upper body twisting motions, such as running. While the exact cause of side stitches hasn’t been nailed down, there have been several tips shared throughout the health care and exercise industries that can help you get rid of them.

3 tips to help you get rid of side stitches while running

Side stitches don’t often last long, but they can still be frustrating while they’re occurring. With the right tips and tricks, you can help reduce the pain to get back to your run.

Here are three tips for getting rid of side stitches when you run:
- Practice breathing techniques — Having proper breathwork while running is essential, as rapid breathing can put too much pressure on the diaphragm, potentially leading to a side stitch. If you’re experiencing a spasm, you can try breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. You can also try switching up your breathing pattern.
- Slow down — It may be instinctual to immediately stop moving when you feel a side stitch, and that’s OK. But it can also be effective to slow down from a run to a walk so that your body can gradually cool down and allow your muscles to relax.
- Stretch your abdomen — Whether you’re experiencing a side cramp or trying to prevent one from occurring, stretching your abdominal muscles can make a difference. If you’re actively feeling the pain, stretch your arm up over your head and lean your body into the direction of the side stitch.
Panther Physical Therapy can help you learn how to get rid of side stitches while running

When you experience a side stitch while running, it can make you want to stop exercising for the day. But with the right techniques, such as breathing exercises, you can overcome the ache and continue your run.

At Panther Physical Therapy, we help runners learn how to address and alleviate side stitches. We’ll guide you through stretches and breathing exercises that may not only reduce side stitches, but also decrease the likelihood of one occurring in the first place.

Call us or request an appointment today if you want to get rid of side stitches.
November 13, 2024
Succeeding With Physical Therapy After Surgery

Many of us will need to have a hip replacement, shoulder surgery, or carpal tunnel treatment (or all of the above!) at some point in our lives. And while these procedures create a much better quality of life for patients after recovery, the results we might expect aren’t immediate.

Whether you’re anticipating a procedure yourself or getting ready to care for a loved one in recovery, here are a few things we want people to know about the physical therapy recovery process for post-surgery physical therapy.

Tailored, one-on-one post-surgery physical therapy

Perhaps the most obvious point to mention is that everyone’s surgery, and therefore everyone’s physical therapy recovery plan, is different. This means that you’ll be on a totally unique track that is aligned for your goals, lifestyle, and ability level, rather than being forced through a one-size-fits-all physical therapy regimen.

At Therapydia, we’ll work to schedule your PT sessions as quickly and regularly as possible as you recover strength and mobility. Especially in the early days, we can tailor pain management along with manual therapy to keep you comfortable as we continue to make progress.

One thing our patients appreciate about the way we handle post-op physical therapy is that we prioritize one-on-one training and rehab, so you’ll always have the same therapist who will adjust your treatment plan as you recover, ramping things up if you’re ready, or keeping things easy as you continue to heal.

Setting goals for successful post-op rehabilitation

We believe patients succeed and thrive when they help set the goals we want to achieve together. It’s true that we can’t accomplish anything without your effort and diligence, whether performing at-home exercises or attending appointments regularly. As your partner in recovery, we’re here to help you recover fully and quickly within the limits of your unique schedule.

We want you to imagine your life post-recovery in vivid detail from the first appointment, and from there, we’ll focus together on the treatment plan that allows you to get the strength, range of motion, and lack of pain you’ve been dreaming of.

Persevering on the road to recovery

Like many things in life, physical therapy after surgery is not a linear process; there will be moments of great success and progress, and weeks where you may feel like nothing will ever get better. We’ll encourage you to build a strong support network, including your Therapydia team, who will help you accomplish daily tasks, provide hope for positive outcomes, and help you navigate the emotional highs and lows that arise after a major procedure.

Post-op physical therapy is a constantly evolving project that can be most successful when we are most open and honest with our patients, and vice versa. If an exercise is too painful, let your therapist know. If your recovery timeline is different than your surgeon anticipated, we’ll communicate that clearly.

We want our patients to feel empowered to take ownership of the recovery process, both the triumphs and setbacks. We’ll be here to support you as your healthcare partner with advice, expertise, and a shared commitment to a successful recovery.

Physical Therapy After Surgery in Portland, OR

A robust but customized physical therapy plan is key to getting yourself mentally and physically back in shape after any surgery. At Therapydia, we want our patients to be informed and empowered to set their own realistic goals for post-op physical therapy and take an active role in this crucial partnership.

Our staff is here to support you or your loved one’s journey through rehabilitation and recovery at any of our Portland, OR locations. Call your local Therapydia office to learn more about your options after surgery.

November 12, 2024
3 ways physical therapy can help you with breathwork during exercise
We’ve all been out of breath after working out. Maybe you suddenly find it hard to breathe when you’re doing an activity, like playing a sport. When you’re exercising, breathwork is essential. If you find that you’re struggling with breathwork when working out, physical therapy is worth trying.

Many people only associate physical therapy with helping patients recover from injuries or manage chronic pain. However, it can also help to boost your physical capabilities and athletic performance. Read on to learn how physical therapy can help you improve your breathwork.

3 ways you can improve your breathwork during exercise using physical therapy

During your first appointment, your physical therapist will assess the aspects of your general fitness. They’ll determine what is impacting your breathwork and collaborate with you to determine the best ways to improve it. Treatment may include:
- Increasing lung capacity — Your lung capacity refers to the amount of air that your lungs can hold after inhalation. By improving your lung capacity, you’re able to move oxygen quickly throughout your body. This leads to better breathwork during exercise. A physical therapist can guide you through breathing exercises that can increase your lung capacity. Examples include diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing.
- Improving aerobic capacity — Your aerobic capacity is how your body uses oxygen efficiently during exercise to produce energy. A physical therapist can guide you through conditioning exercises that can increase your aerobic capacity. Possible exercises include resistance training and breathing exercises. These ensure that your lungs get the oxygen they need so you can continue breathing properly while working out.
- Learning proper warmup — We all know that warming up before exercise is important for reducing injury. However, it also plays a role in your breathwork. It helps your body prepare by gradually increasing your breathing rate so that you don’t suddenly feel out of breath. A physical therapist will show you how to properly warm up before exercising, including breathing exercises.
Panther Physical Therapy can help you stop getting out of breath when exercising

You likely don’t give your breathwork much thought on a daily basis until you suddenly feel like you can’t breathe while running. If you’re an athlete or you live an active lifestyle, working on your breathwork can play a huge role in your overall fitness journey.

At Panther Physical Therapy, we can help you improve your athletic performance by guiding you through breathing exercises to improve your lung and aerobic capacity, as well as the effectiveness of your warmup.

Call us or request an appointment today to improve your breathing when exercising.
November 12, 2024
Physical Therapy Hip Strengthening Exercises
Despite their reputation for being a sure indicator of someone’s advanced age, the hips are the strongest area of the body and are remarkably resilient. As the muscular center of your body, the hips are vital in allowing you to walk, sit, and move well in general throughout your life. And while most of us take advantage of our hips’ strength and flexibility in our youth, at some point we recognize their importance when that strength needs some intentional intervention.

Benefits of hip strengthening exercises

The benefits of keeping your hips strong, resilient, and mobile are obvious when you’re in hip pain. Simple tasks such as getting out of bed, driving a car, and moving around your home are exponentially more difficult with stiff or painful movements.

On the other hand, the benefits of targeting your hips through functional exercise and physical therapy last beyond the time it takes to heal from an injury or hip surgery.

Strengthen joints weakened by aging

With few exceptions, when the muscles around your joints are strong, your joints are strong and resilient. A major part of the aging process is muscle atrophy and bone density decrease, which means your hips and other joints become increasingly vulnerable to injury and damage even from normal lifestyle activities.

The old saying tends to be true when it comes to your joints and muscles: “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” Wear, tear, and injury lead to pain and aches that make it harder for you to enjoy a normal life. On the other hand, continuing to move and strengthen joints at risk of atrophy allows you to keep moving pain-free for longer.

Prevent injury

When you prioritize your hips in your exercise plan, you safeguard the center of your posture, walking gait, and balance, helping you prevent falls. Having strong muscles in the hips also provides extra tissue cushioning and resistance to hyper-extending or dislocating the joints—injuries that otherwise become increasingly common as you age.

Improve quality of life

Another benefit of hip exercises is more anecdotal, but valuable for many people nonetheless. As people adopt a physical therapy routine or exercise plan, they tend to have more energy and a more positive outlook on life. Countless studies show people who are physically active on a regular basis are better at managing stress, have lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and even sleep better.

Examples of physical therapy exercises for hip

Stretching and low-impact exercises are key parts of a physical therapy routine for strengthening several hip muscles. Examples of hip strengthening exercises for physical therapy include:
- Sitting leg lifts
- Hip bridge – single or double leg
- Exercise band walk
- Clam shell
- Step-downs
- Chair squats
Increasing mobility also involves both static stretches and resistance stretching provided by a physical therapist. Hip stretches include:
- Kneeling hip flexor stretch
- Hamstring stretch
- Quadricep stretch
Not every exercise or stretch is correct for everyone looking to strengthen their hip muscles or rehabilitate after hip surgery. Especially after a hip procedure, the joint is vulnerable to injury and improper movement or strain can cause problems or make existing ones worse. This is why it’s important to consult with a licensed physical therapist before starting a new exercise or stretching routine.

Hip and orthopedic physical therapy in NC

Maintaining and improving your hip strength and flexibility can bring a host of benefits to your life both now and in the long run. Especially if you’re preparing for hip replacement surgery or another hip procedure, it’s always a good time to seek a personalized hip strengthening exercise plan. If you or a loved one is looking for professional guidance on how to navigate a unique set of health concerns, our hip specialists at Carolina Strong can help. Start a conversation with our team by calling one of our eastern North Carolina office locations today.
October 22, 2024
What types of exercises can improve your muscular endurance?
When you think about muscles, and how you can improve yours, you’re likely thinking about the strength of your muscles. Your muscles need to be strong enough to protect your joints and prevent injury. However, your muscular endurance is also important to consider.

Endurance refers to the ability to sustain your physical efforts for an extended period of time. Muscular endurance in particular means that your muscles are able to properly function and contract over the course of a physical task when there’s resistance.

When it comes to staying active and playing sports, muscular endurance allows you to keep doing a specific movement before you have to relax. A common example is doing several repetitions of a weightlifting exercise before you have to break your form.

But what types of exercises can be used to boost your muscular endurance? Read on to find out about particular types of exercises that can increase your muscular endurance. We’ll also discuss the benefits that muscular endurance can have on your overall health and quality of life. Then you’ll learn about how licensed physical therapists at Franklin Rehabilitation can help you reach your fitness goals, including increased muscular endurance.

Exercises that can help improve your muscular endurance

Muscular endurance essentially means asking yourself, “How long can I keep exercising?” The only way to improve that measurement is, ironically enough, through exercising. With the right exercises, you can boost your muscular endurance to continue working toward your health and fitness goals. It’s all about continuing to push yourself and challenging what you believe your body is capable of.

If you’re trying to boost your muscular endurance, a physical therapist can guide you through the types of exercises that can help you increase this ability in a safe and effective way. Here are types of exercises that are often recommended by physical therapists to boost muscular endurance:
- Planks — When you’re trying to improve your core muscle strength, planks are typically one of the first exercises that you’ll turn to. The average plank time is between one and two minutes. If you’re performing a plank for the average amount of time on a regular basis, you’ll increase the strength in your core. Planks benefit your glutes, lower back and quads as well. And maintaining this isometric position for a bit longer each time will improve your muscular endurance and maximize your results.
- Pushups — One of the most basic and effective exercises is a pushup. When done with proper form, this classic exercise is a resistance training exercise that can boost the strength of your triceps, chest and shoulders. Pushups also work to burn calories and improve your posture, and they’re often used as a way to test muscular endurance. They engage a variety of muscles while pushing the demand of the heart’s respiratory rate.
- Squats — When it comes to strengthening your core and leg muscles at the same time, squats are often the go-to choice. Variations of squats can help your body in different ways. For example, you can add dumbbells to increase muscle strength, or try single-leg squats for balance. Squats help to improve muscular endurance by working multiple muscle groups at the same time. That makes it a bit easier to push yourself a bit more and complete more repetitions. They can also come in handy for everyday function tasks that require squatting, such as carrying heavy boxes.
- Lunges — All lunges are beneficial in some manner, and walking lunges are especially helpful for people trying to boost their muscular endurance. Instead of making your legs tired very quickly, you’re gradually fatiguing multiple muscle groups. That makes it easier to push them further with time. Lunges also work to improve your functional strength, which comes into play when you’re doing everyday tasks, such as walking up stairs.
- Kettlebell swings — When people think of weights, they often think of dumbbells or barbells. But the benefits of kettlebells shouldn’t be underestimated. There’s a variety of kettlebell exercises that people often incorporate into their strength training. Kettlebell swings are especially beneficial for muscular endurance. Since you’re using one weight that tends to be lighter than what you would lift for dumbbells, it allows you to do more repetitions and engage hundreds of muscles for a long period of time.
Why does muscular endurance matter in your everyday life?

We’ve already discussed how muscular endurance is essential for people who work out on a regular basis. By improving your muscular endurance, you can exercise longer and harder. But how does it actually benefit your everyday life?

Muscular endurance plays a larger role in your health and wellness than you may think. Here are a few benefits you can gain from performing exercises that improve your muscular endurance:
- Improved posture — By helping your body adjust to unexpected weight for longer periods of time, you can improve your stability and have an increased awareness of your posture. Good posture plays a role in reduced muscle pain and risk of injury.
- Increased aerobic capacity — Being able to use the maximum amount of oxygen in your body during exercise is referred to as your aerobic capacity. Your muscular endurance can help you use your muscle groups for a longer period of time as they are supplied with oxygen.
- Reduced risk for heart disease — The risk of developing a type of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, can be decreased with muscular endurance. It can strengthen your heart function while lowering your blood pressure.
- Reduced anxiety — Exercise is positive for your physical and mental health. Not only is exercise a healthy coping mechanism for anxiety, but it can also improve your mood by releasing endorphins. With muscular endurance, you’re able to regularly reduce your stress, which can also lead to better sleep.
- Improved muscle recovery — One of the best feelings is knowing that you just pushed your body as hard as you could. But it’s also important that your muscles get the rest they need for reduced soreness. With muscular endurance, you can boost your muscle’s ability to properly rest. That way, they can return with as much strength as possible.
Franklin Rehabilitation can help boost your muscular endurance with the right exercises

Physical therapy does more than reduce pain from a medical condition or help you recover from an injury. It can help you improve the overall quality of your muscles for the best function possible. It can help increase your strength, flexibility, coordination and muscular endurance to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Muscular endurance is something that’s built up with time, patience and effort. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll start off by evaluating your muscular strength and endurance, as well as your overall function and mobility. Then we’ll discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing that are interfering with your muscular endurance along with your medical history and fitness goals.

We’ll combine the insight from your initial evaluation with our own expertise to design a personalized exercise program just for you. It will likely include some of the exercises that we discussed above, such as lunges and squats. We’ll also add in other safe and effective strengthening exercises.

Not only will you have improved muscular endurance as you go throughout your sessions with us, but you’ll also see an overall improvement in your functioning during your daily activities and your active hobbies.

Call us or request an appointment today to learn muscular endurance exercises from Franklin Rehabilitation’s physical therapists.
October 20, 2024
4 physical therapist-recommended core exercises that can help you build strength
Core strength can play a vital role in your overall health and wellness. Your core muscles include your lower back, hips, stomach and pelvis. When you perform exercises that focus on these muscle groups, you can improve your posture and balance while reducing the risk of injury.

While there are many ways to build strength in your core, there are a few core exercises that are recommended by physical therapists, making them safe and effective while improving your muscle strength. We’ll walk you through core strengthening exercises that are often utilized in physical therapy sessions.

4 core strengthening exercises recommended by physical therapists

Core strengthening exercises are often used in personalized physical therapy treatment plans for conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction and back pain. They can not only reduce symptoms, but they can also improve the overall quality of the affected area to reduce future issues.

Here are four physical therapist-recommended core exercises that can help you build strength:
- Planks — Lower yourself to the floor on your hands and knees; then, lower yourself down to your forearms while lifting your knees off the floor until you’re balancing on your toes. Your head, torso and legs should be aligned while your spine is in a neutral position. Hold the position for as long as your physical therapist instructs before returning to your resting position.
- Bridges — Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet planted on the floor approximately hip width apart. While keeping your arms at your side, lift your hips by tightening your buttocks. Once your hips are aligned with your shoulders and knees, hold the position for as long as your physical therapist instructs before lowering your hips back down.
- Superman — Lie face down on the floor. Your arms should be extended over your head so that your shoulders are next to your ears. Lift your head along with your left arm and right leg at the same time. When they are approximately 5 inches off the floor, hold the position for as long as your physical therapist instructs before returning to your starting position. Repeat with your right arm and left leg.
- Partial situps — Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and hands crossed on your chest. Lift your shoulders, neck and head by tightening your abdominal muscles. Hold the position for as long as your physical therapist instructs before lying back down.
Excel PT can guide you through core strengthening exercises

When you’re trying to build strength and reduce pain, the benefits of focusing on your core muscles shouldn’t be underestimated. That’s why it’s important that you’re guided through them properly with the help of a licensed physical therapist. That’s where Excel Sports & Physical Therapy comes in.

Call us or request an appointment today to learn core strengthening exercises.
October 13, 2024
11 tips to avoid developing carpal tunnel syndrome
There’s a narrow passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel houses your median nerve, which sends signals to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of your ring finger. When the tissue around the median nerve swells, it can get squeezed in the carpal tunnel. This is a common condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. It affects up to 10 million people and can cause them to experience:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger.
- Pain that can travel up the arm.
- An aching or burning sensation in the palm.
- Clumsiness or difficulty grasping objects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by several culprits, including:
- Bad posture.
- Repetitive motions.
- Certain health conditions.
- Pregnancy.
- Trauma or injury.
- Genetics.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they’re having an impact on your life, it’s important to consult a health care professional. Early intervention and diagnosis can help prevent the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome. While there aren’t proven strategies to completely avoid developing carpal tunnel syndrome, there are ways you can help lessen the stress on your hands and wrists. There are also beneficial treatments to help ease this frustrating condition.

Tips for conquering carpal tunnel in the office

In this digital age, our hands are constantly working with keyboards, smartphones and other devices, increasing our risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are some tactics you can use to help keep your wrists happy:
- Watch your posture — Good posture is important to help ward off strain on your wrists and hands. Sit with your elbows at a 90-degree angle and your wrists straight, keeping your forearms parallel to the floor. Use a chair with good back support, and keep your keyboard and mouse positioned at the right height to help boost your good posture habits.
- Take breaks; shake it off — A great method to help you incorporate rest breaks into your routine is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away from you. Take this time to stand up and stretch your fingers, wrists and arms. You can make finger circles, shake your hands out and do some gentle wrist rolls. This allows you to give your hands, fingers, wrists and eyes a break, which can be great if your job involves looking at screens and doing a lot of repetitive hand movements.
- Adjust your grip — Relax your grip on your keyboard and mouse. You don’t have to clench them like you’re holding on to a prize fish for dear life!
- Use proper technique — It’s essential to learn and use the correct technique for things like typing on your work computer. Using appropriate techniques can help reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
- Practice hand exercises — Wrist and hand stretches can help you improve your flexibility and reduce tension in your muscles and tendons. You can do stretches like wrist flexors and extensor stretches. These exercises can help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Tips to help you game without grumbling about pain

Gamers can rejoice. You no longer have to choose between epic victories and healthy wrists. Here are some tips that can help you keep carpal tunnel syndrome at bay:
- Opt for controller comfort — Choose a controller that fits comfortably in your hands and allows a relaxed grip. You can also experiment with different hand positions to avoid repetitive stress on the same muscle groups. This can help your hands and wrists, both in the moment and in the long run.
- Take breaks, champ — Just like office workers, gamers need breaks too! (Especially if you’re a gaming office worker! Those fingers, hands and wrists are working overtime in work and play.) Gamers can also follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, set your controller down and take a break to stretch out your wrists, hands and forearms.
- Use an ergonomic keyboard — If you’re a PC gamer, you can invest in an ergonomic keyboard designed to promote healthy wrist positioning. Make sure you use a relaxed grip at your keyboard too.
- Strengthen your hands — You can use therapy putty or grip strengtheners to help strengthen your hand and forearm muscles. These tools can improve overall hand function, reduce fatigue, and build endurance in your fingers, wrists and forearms.
- Change your game — If a particular game requires a lot of repetitive motions, try to take a break or switch to a different game that requires less hand strain.
- Listen to your body — If you experience any pain or numbness while gaming, stop and take a break. Ignoring warning signs can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Beneficial treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome

If you’re already experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, early intervention is key. Some beneficial treatments you can consider are:
- Wrist splints or braces — Wearing a wrist splint or a brace can help keep your wrists in a neutral position, especially while you sleep. This neutral position can help relieve pressure on your median nerve. You may find it easier to sleep peacefully while wearing a brace or splint.
- Medications — Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help you manage your pain and reduce the inflammation in your wrists.
- Physical therapy — A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your wrist and hand muscles, which can help improve your mobility and reduce your pain.
- Corticosteroid injection — In more severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, your health care provider may recommend a corticosteroid injection that delivers steroid medication directly to the affected area. It’s intended to temporarily reduce inflammation around your median nerve and can provide you with temporary pain relief.
- Surgery, as a last resort — In severe cases, if conservative treatment options haven’t provided you with adequate relief, your health care provider may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery.
Physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

Physical therapy is a beneficial treatment to help manage carpal tunnel syndrome and alleviate pain. Techniques used by physical therapists to help carpal tunnel syndrome may include:
- Therapeutic exercises — These exercises are intended to target the wrist and forearm muscles to help improve flexibility, mobility and strength. Stretching techniques help address tightness in muscles and tendons that can compress the median nerve. Strengthening exercises can help improve your overall hand function and stability, which can reduce stress on the nerve.
- Nerve gliding exercises — Nerve gliding exercises involve gentle, controlled movements designed to help improve the mobility of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Your physical therapist will guide your hand and wrist through specific movements to enhance nerve gliding. By promoting better gliding ability of the nerve, these exercises can help reduce tension and alleviate symptoms like numbness and tingling.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy incorporates a variety of hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. Your physical therapist will use these techniques to help target flexibility limitations, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow in your wrist and forearm. Boosted circulation can help bring oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the affected area to promote healing and reduce pain.
- Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation involves low-level electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on or around the affected area, which can help interrupt pain signals from reaching the brain and offer temporary pain relief. Electrical stimulation can also promote muscle healing and improved blood flow.
- Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization approach. Your physical therapist will use specialized stainless steel tools to target specific areas of scar tissue, muscle adhesions and trigger points in your forearm and hand. These tools can help break down the scar tissue and adhesions that can be behind the tightness and pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Improved tissue mobility can also potentially reduce the pressure on your median nerve.
Your physical therapist will assess your individual condition and design a customized treatment plan that may combine a variety of techniques that can include one or more of these techniques. Your treatment plan will be created with your specific needs and treatment goals in mind.

Panther Physical Therapy can help keep your hands healthy

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to be a gamer’s or office worker’s worst nightmare. By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to remember that even with preventive measures, carpal tunnel syndrome can still happen. If you’re experiencing struggles with carpal tunnel syndrome, our expert team of physical therapists at Panther Physical Therapy can help. We’ll assess your unique situation and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and get you back to gaming or working more comfortably. Take control of your hand health and enjoy the comfort you deserve!

Call us or request an appointment today for help with carpal tunnel syndrome pain.
July 12, 2024
A beginner’s guide: The Graston Technique®
If you’ve been injured or are experiencing pain in your soft tissue, you will likely be looking for a treatment that can help relieve your pain and promote healing. You may find yourself looking at physical therapy as a treatment option and may be overwhelmed by the names of all the available treatment approaches. Your physical therapist may use the Graston Technique® to help you in your treatment.

What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique was created out of necessity. It was developed in the 1990s by David Graston, an amateur athlete and chiropractor who had a debilitating knee injury from a waterskiing accident. During his recovery from surgery, he was frustrated that he wasn’t seeing the progress he hoped for. He decided to take things into his own hands and created instruments he hoped would help his soft tissue injury.

The success he had in his recovery, thanks to the specially designed stainless steel instruments, led to medical trials with Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University in Indiana. During these trials, the Graston Technique was created. This evidence-based therapy technique uses these specially designed tools to locate trigger points in the soft tissue. Trigger points are knots in the tissue that can be caused by muscle tension or scar tissue. Once the trigger points are found, your physical therapist will use the stainless steel tools to help break up and release these knots. This can help reduce the pain you’re experiencing and can help improve your functioning and range of motion in the affected area. It may also help boost your recovery time.

How does the Graston Technique work?

You can think of your muscles and connective tissue as a highway system for your body’s movement. When an injury, overuse or certain conditions create roadblocks in this system, you may experience pain and stiffness. These roadblocks can be caused by:
- Scar tissue — This is tough, fibrous tissue that forms during the healing process. While scar tissue is essential for healing, it can sometimes become excessive or disorganized. When this happens, it can restrict movement and cause pain.
- Trigger points — These are hypersensitive spots in muscles that can cause pain and tightness in other areas of the body. When the pain happens away from the trigger points, it’s called referred pain.
- Adhesions — These are sticky areas where tissue becomes stuck together and limits mobility.
The Graston Technique can help break up these roadblocks by using six different tools. Your physical therapist will use these tools to apply pressure and friction to specific areas to help:
- Increase blood flow to the affected area to help promote healing.
- Break down scar tissue and adhesions.
- Stimulate the nervous system to help reduce pain and promote the body’s natural healing response.
- Improve the function and ability of your muscles and joints.
The stainless steel instruments used in the Graston Technique have a unique design and purpose. Standard instrument shapes include:
- Straightedges — These are used for broad strokes across larger muscle areas.
- Spoons — These are designed to help target deeper tissue and break up adhesions.
- Veins — These can be ideal for following along the contours of muscles and tendons.
- Hooks — These can be effective for reaching into specific areas and applying focused pressure.
Your physical therapist will use the appropriate instruments based on your specific condition and the areas being treated. The Graston Technique can also be used in combination with other physical therapy modalities.

Is the Graston Technique dangerous? Is there evidence it works?

While the stainless steel instruments can look intimidating, the Graston Technique is considered a safe and effective treatment when performed by a trained professional. As with any treatment, there can be a chance of minor discomfort, inflammation or bruising. This can be due to the pressure being applied by the instruments during the treatment session.

Studies show that the Graston Technique can be a beneficial treatment for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis. It is not an appropriate treatment for all conditions or injuries that can bring you in for physical therapy treatment. Your physical therapist will determine if it’s an appropriate technique to add to your personalized treatment plan.

Who can do the Graston Technique?

Only certified practitioners who have completed specialized training in the Graston Technique should use it. Practitioners go through a series of training sessions to become certified. Training begins with the basics like learning the instruments and how to apply the techniques. As they progress through the training, they learn how to incorporate this treatment with other therapeutic modalities. Once they have their certification, continuing education is encouraged to help build on the knowledge gained during their initial training.

The Graston Technique is used in a variety of disciplines and can be performed by certified:
- Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.
- Athletic trainers.
- Chiropractors.
- Occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants.
What conditions can be treated with the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique can help treat soft tissue conditions or issues including, but not limited to:
- Achilles tendinitis.
- Back pain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Golfer’s elbow.
- Hamstring injuries.
- IT band issues.
- Jumper’s knee or patellar tendinitis.
- Muscle strains and tears.
- Neck pain.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Post-surgical scar tissue (once healed).
- Rotator cuff tendinitis.
- Tennis elbow.
- Trigger finger.
- Women’s health issues like C-section scarring or post-mastectomy.
What are the benefits the Graston Technique can provide?

The Graston Technique is an evidence-based manual therapy approach. When used by a certified practitioner, patients can see up to 90% improvement. Benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Quicker recovery time — By increasing the blood flow and bringing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the affected area and breaking down scar tissue, the Graston Technique can help accelerate the healing process for a variety of soft tissue injuries.
- Reduced pain and inflammation — The technique can help to decrease pain signals and reduce inflammation, leading to improved comfort and function of the affected area.
- Improved range of motion and flexibility — By addressing scar tissue and adhesions, the Graston Technique can help improve your range of motion and flexibility in the affected area.
- Improved function and performance in daily activities — Improved mobility and reduced pain can allow you to return to your daily activities and hobbies with more ease.
- A drug-free approach — The Graston Technique is a noninvasive treatment approach that doesn’t require medication. This can be appealing for those who prefer to avoid medication or lessen the need for pain or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Shorter treatment time — Going hand in hand with a faster recovery time comes a shorter time needed for treatment.
- Improved chronic conditions — Conditions previously thought to be chronic can be helped or resolved with the Graston Technique added to a patient’s treatment plan.
- Activated nerves — Pressure from the instruments can help activate certain nerves in the affected area. These nerves can help your body strengthen and repair muscles.
What can I expect during a Graston Technique session?

Your first session with your physical therapist will involve a consultation and thorough evaluation. They will ask about your medical history, symptoms and goals for your treatment. The evaluation will involve assessing the affected area and determining if the Graston Technique will be an appropriate addition to your treatment plan. Your physical therapist will explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Your entire session will depend on the severity of your condition and treatment plan and may involve:
- Undressing to expose the treatment area or wearing loose-fitting clothing to easily access the area.
- Applying lotion or gel to the skin for better instrument glide.
- Using the instruments to apply pressure and friction to the specific area.
- Incorporating stretching or strengthening exercises to help improve mobility and function.
The number of treatment sessions you’ll need will depend on your individual condition and its severity. Your sessions will be spaced as recommended by your physical therapist. It’s important to be open and honest with your physical therapist about your progress and any concerns you may have.

Franklin Rehabilitation can help you find relief with the Graston Technique

Here at Franklin Rehabilitation, we have certified Graston Technique practitioners. Our licensed physical therapists understand the importance of a holistic approach to healing, and we’ll work with you to integrate the Graston Technique with other modalities to help you see optimal results. We will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs to help you improve mobility, manage your pain and reach your therapeutic goals so you can get back to living your best life.

Call us or request an appointment today for your physical therapy needs, including the Graston Technique.
July 11, 2024
3 key differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy
Your body is amazing and allows you to run, jump, climb, create masterpieces and explore the world around you. However, sometimes things don’t work quite as smoothly as they should. Maybe you tweaked your ankle, or everyday tasks like getting dressed or cooking have become more challenging. This is where two incredible rehabilitation therapies come in — physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). Both are dedicated to helping people regain their ability to function and live life to the fullest; however, the approach varies slightly. Let’s jump into the world of PT and OT and see how they can help you get back on your feet, literally and figuratively.

What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

It can be a common mistake for physical therapy and occupational therapy to be confused for each other. While both PT and OT focus on helping people regain function, there are some key differences in their approach:
- Focus — Physical therapy focuses on the mechanics of movement, strength and coordination. Occupational therapy focuses on how you use those movements in activities of daily life.
- Conditions treated — Physical therapists typically work with people recovering from injuries, chronic conditions that affect movement like arthritis, and people who need post-surgical rehabilitation. Occupational therapists work with a wider range of people. They can work with children who have developmental delays, adults recovering from strokes or other neurological conditions, people with mental health conditions, or individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living due to injury or disability.
- Treatment techniques — Physical therapists use a lot of hands-on techniques and exercises to help people improve their physical abilities. Occupational therapists often incorporate strategies like adaptive equipment training, cognitive therapy and splinting to help people adapt and function in daily life.
Are there similarities between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

While there are several distinct differences, there are also some similarities between the two rehabilitation therapies:
- Goal — Both professions aim to help people regain their independence, improve their quality of life and participate fully in the activities they enjoy.
- Patient-centered care — Both PTs and OTs take a patient-centered approach. They listen to your needs and concerns to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Communication and education — OTs and PTs emphasize communication and education. They take extra care to teach you the exercises and techniques you need to continue your recovery at home. It’s important to do exercises or use techniques as directed to get the best benefit and ensure your safety.
What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists can wear many hats. Here are some of the things they can help you with:
- Injury recovery.
- Pain management.
- Balance training.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Neurological conditions.
- Sports physical therapy.
When is physical therapy needed?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from physical therapy.
- Pain in your muscles, joints or bones — From a dull ache to a sharp pain to a burning sensation, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist can find the source of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to address it. This plan may involve manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain, therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles and tissue around the affected area, or other modalities like electrical stimulation to manage pain and promote healing.
- Difficulty moving due to injury, surgery or chronic condition — Injuries, surgeries and chronic conditions can significantly limit your mobility. PT can help you regain strength, flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. A physical therapist can design a safe and effective exercise program tailored to your specific needs. This program may focus on strengthening weakened muscles, improving flexibility to prevent stiffness and restoring your full range of motion. Your therapist can also teach you proper movement patterns to help prevent future injuries and ensure that you’re using body mechanics safely and efficiently.
- Balance problems and risk of falls — Falls are a serious concern, especially for older adults or people with certain medical conditions. If you have a balance problem or feel unsteady on your feet, PT can be helpful. A physical therapist can assess your balance risk factors like muscle weakness, joint stiffness and inner ear problems. They’ll develop a program specifically designed to improve your stability and coordination. Improved balance can significantly reduce your risk of falling and help you maintain your independence.
What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists can help you with a wide range of challenges, including:
- Learning or relearning how to do activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and cooking.
- Managing pain and improving your ability to function with chronic conditions.
- Overcoming developmental delays and learning new skills.
- Developing coping mechanisms and strategies for mental health conditions.
- Using adaptive equipment to stay active.
When is occupational therapy needed?

Some situations where OT can be beneficial include:
- Pediatric care — Children with developmental delays may struggle with basic skills like dressing, eating and handwriting. Occupational therapists can work with children and their families to develop strategies and routines that help promote independence and participation in daily activities.
- Stroke recovery — A stroke can affect a person’s ability to move, speak and think. OTs can help stroke survivors relearn basic skills like getting dressed, bathing and preparing meals. They can also work on cognitive impairments like memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
- Mental health conditions — Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can make it difficult to complete daily tasks. OTs can help people develop healthy coping mechanisms and routines to better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
- Activities of daily living — If you have an injury, disability or chronic condition that makes it hard to do daily activities like dressing, bathing or cooking, an occupational therapist can help you find ways to adapt and keep your independence. They can teach you how to use assistive devices, modify your home environment and develop strategies for managing your condition.
- Sensory processing disorders — Children with sensory processing disorders may have trouble processing sensory information from their environment, which can make it challenging for them to participate in everyday activities. OTs can use specialized activities and techniques to help these children regulate their nervous system and better understand sensory stimuli.
The power of teamwork: Combining occupational therapy and physical therapy

Physical and occupational therapists can collaborate to create a comprehensive treatment plan for you. For example, imagine you’re recovering from a hip replacement surgery. A physical therapist may help you rebuild strength and flexibility in your muscles. An occupational therapist can teach you how to safely use a walker or shower chair and navigate your home environment with more ease. This teamwork can help ensure a smoother recovery and help you regain independence faster.

How to know which therapy is right for you

The best way to determine if you need PT, OT or a combination of both is to talk to your doctor. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Some additional tips to help you decide include:
- Be clear about your goals — What do you hope to achieve through therapy? Do you want to regain strength and mobility after surgery? Are you looking for help managing daily activities due to a chronic condition? Knowing your goals can help your doctor determine the right type of therapy.
- Ask questions — Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about PT, OT or other treatment options you may be considering. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions about your care.
- Consider a team approach — Physical and occupational therapists can work together. If your situation requires addressing both physical limitations and challenges with daily activities, a team approach may be the best option for a well-rounded recovery plan.
Continuum Wellness can be your partner on your journey to well-being

At Continuum Wellness, we understand the path to well-being is a journey. We offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to health care, offering both physical therapy and occupational therapy. Our experienced and dedicated therapists use a wide range of evidence-based techniques to help address a variety of issues. Our goal is to help you reach your full potential. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or simply looking to improve your daily function, we want to help you get back on track and move toward a healthier future.

Call us or request an appointment today for your physical therapy or occupational therapy needs.
July 9, 2024
How can PT help stop your joint pain when it rains? 7 helpful treatments
Joint pain is any discomfort, soreness or stiffness in any part of your body where two or more bones meet. It can be caused by many factors, including injury, inflammation, infection or other underlying condition. It can range from mild to severe, and may come and go or be chronic. Millions of people deal with joint pain each year. Conditions commonly associated with joint pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. Joint pain is a widespread problem that can have a big impact on your quality of life or ability to do your daily activities.

Why do I have joint pain when it rains?

Are you one of the people who insist they can predict the weather based on their joint pain? Research hasn’t confirmed a link between weather and joint pain, but it may be due to factors like:
- Barometric pressure changes — When it rains, the barometric pressure drops. This drop can affect the fluid in your joints, causing them to expand. When the fluid expands, it can cause increased pressure and discomfort. People with sensitive joints may experience increased pain during atmospheric changes.
- Humidity — Rainy weather usually comes with changes in humidity and temperatures. These changes can make inflammation in joints worse. Increased inflammation can lead to heightened pain sensitivity. This can make people more susceptible to pain on rainy days.
- Temperature changes — Cold and damp weather can cause joints to become stiff and less flexible. This can make joints more likely to be painful. Changes in temperature can also affect nerve endings, which can increase pain perception. People with preexisting conditions may be more likely to experience joint pain with temperature fluctuations.
- Physical activity — You may be less likely to do physical activities when it’s raining. A decrease in activity leading to more sedentary behaviors can lead to stiff and achy joints. On the flip side, you may be inspired to stay overly active when you’re cooped up inside because of the rain. Overexertion can also cause existing joint issues to be painful.
- Psychological factors — Rainy weather can cause you to become more stressed, anxious or depressed, which can, in turn, influence your pain perception or even make symptoms worse. Psychological distress can also leave you with tense muscles, which can further irritate joints.
Why does my shoulder hurt when it rains?

Some people experience widespread joint pain when it rains. Others may experience pain in a localized joint like the shoulder joint. If you’re plagued with shoulder pain during rainy weather and wonder why, it could be due to:
- Rotator cuff sensitivity — The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that can be prone to injury and inflammation. Changes in barometric pressure or temperature with rainy weather can make this existing condition worse.
- Arthritic conditions — Osteoarthritis or other arthritic conditions can affect the shoulder joint. They can flare up during rainy weather due to atmospheric pressure changes or humidity.
- Muscle tension — Muscle tension in the neck and upper back can radiate to the shoulders. Poor posture and decreased activity levels during rainy weather can make muscle pain worse and affect your shoulder joint.
- Bursitis — The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help cushion and lubricate joints. When they become inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort, especially during rainy weather. Changes in atmospheric pressure can make bursitis symptoms worse.
- Tendinitis — The tendons are fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones and can cause pain and tenderness when they become inflamed. Rainy weather can make tendinitis worse due to the changes in barometric pressure and temperature.
How to help joint pain when it rains

If you’re prone to joint pain when it rains, you’ll be on the lookout for effective ways to help relieve your pain. Ways to help alleviate rainy day joint pain can include:
- Staying active — It may be tempting to curl up and snooze the rainy day away. However, doing some gentle exercises and movements can help keep your joints flexible and reduce stiffness. Even on rainy days, you can improve your mobility and reduce your joint pain by exercising inside, walking in the mall, or doing yoga.
- Hot and cold therapy — Applying a heating pad to the affected joint can help relax muscles, boost circulation and alleviate pain. It can help loosen stiff joints and provide you with temporary pain relief. Using a cold pack on affected joints can help reduce inflammation, numb pain and decrease swelling to provide you with temporary pain relief. It’s important never to place a cold pack directly on the skin. Always use a barrier to help prevent frostbite or nerve damage.
- Medications — Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or topical creams and ointments can help manage joint pain and inflammation on rainy days. Pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort. Topical treatments with ingredients like menthol or capsaicin can help alleviate discomfort by numbing the area and reducing pain sensations. It’s important to consult your health care provider before starting any new medications.
- Physical therapy — A physical therapist can do a thorough evaluation to determine if there is an underlying cause of your joint pain that’s triggered by rainy days. They can create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific joint pain needs. PT can be an effective option to help you manage your joint pain and improve your quality of life.
Physical therapy for joint pain when it rains

Physical therapy can be a beneficial treatment to help alleviate joint pain when it rains. Beneficial techniques in your treatment can include:
- Cupping — Cupping is a technique that can help relieve joint pain and stiffness associated with rainy weather. It can help circulation to the affected area, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Your physical therapist will place special cups onto your skin to create a gentle suction. As the cups do their magic, you can feel the tension melt away from the muscles around your joints. It can leave you feeling lighter and more mobile, even on rainy days.
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — IASTM involves your physical therapist using specially designed tools to apply pressure to and manipulate your soft tissue. This helps break up scar tissue, improve circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. With each precise stroke over the affected area, the tools help loosen tight muscles. This helps restore your flexibility and range of motion.
- Therapeutic exercises — In the capable hands of your physical therapist, they can guide you through a series of tailored exercises. These exercises are intended to be like building blocks. They can help strengthen the muscles around your joints. You may be able to slowly see improved flexibility and overall joint function. With each stretch and bend, you can feel your pain and discomfort fade away. You may also have improved strength and stability.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a toolbox full of different techniques that can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain and help restore your normal function. Your physical therapist can tailor techniques to coax your joints back into alignment. They’ll use their hands to guide you through gentle stretches, joint mobilizations and subtle soft tissue manipulations. Their healing hands can help ease tension and restore balance to your body.
- Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation therapy uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles around the joint affected by rainy days. This gentle stimulation can reduce pain, improve circulation and promote your body’s natural healing. As your muscles relax and spasms melt away, you can feel relief in your achy joints, leaving you more comfortable than you were.
- Myofascial release — Myofascial release techniques can help release the tightness in your muscles and promote flexibility in your stiff joints. This can help reduce the discomfort that can be associated with rainy weather. Your physical therapist will use their hands to apply gentle pressure to your fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and joints. With each targeted touch, they can help release knots of tension to help restore smooth movement and flexibility.
- Aquatic therapy — Aquatic therapy involves doing exercises and movements in a heated pool to use the buoyancy and resistance of water to reduce stress on your joints. The warm water will provide a gentle resistance against your muscles, allowing you to strengthen and tone them without strain. The warmth of the water can also help soothe tense muscles, further boosting the effectiveness of aquatic therapy.
Whatcom PT can help you find relief from joint pain during rainy weather

Joint pain when it rains can have a large impact on your overall well-being. Using proven PT strategies and treatments, our team at Whatcom PT can help you effectively manage and alleviate joint pain. We offer compassionate and personalized treatment plans to help you regain control over your joint health and improve your quality of life, rain or shine.

Call us or request an appointment today for help with your rainy day joint pain.
April 1, 2024
4 common types of soft tissue injury and how PT can help them
Experiencing chronic pain or other persistent symptoms after being injured? You may have a soft tissue injury. A soft tissue injury is any injury that affects the soft tissue in your body. When this tissue is injured, it can lead to discomfort and impact your physical abilities. The severity of your symptoms will typically depend on the nature of your injury. If your injury impacts vital soft tissue in your leg, for example, you may have trouble doing things like walking and running. After sustaining a soft tissue injury, treatment is essential. Receiving fast and effective care can be crucial to making a full recovery.

When seeking treatment for a soft tissue injury, it is important to find the right solution. Some kinds of treatment, like pain medications, might help temporarily alleviate your symptoms, but they may not address the root cause. For lasting results, physical therapy can be an excellent option. To ensure that you receive the best care for your condition, it can help to learn more about the most effective PT treatment types.

What is a soft tissue injury?

Soft tissue injuries are a relatively broad category encompassing a variety of more specific injury types. In general terms, a soft tissue injury is an injury that causes damage to any of the soft tissue located throughout the body. Soft tissue includes muscles, blood vessels, fat, tendons, nerves and more. You can think of soft tissue as the counterpart to the “hard tissue” that makes up your bones.

In your body’s daily functioning, your soft tissue serves a range of purposes. It helps keep all your systems connected, supported and healthy. Not sure if your condition is a soft tissue injury? Learning about common kinds of soft tissue injuries can help you become an informed participant in the treatment process.

What are some common types of soft tissue injuries?
- Muscle and tendon strains — Feeling pain around a muscle or a tendon? You might have a strain. A strain can happen when a muscle or tendon stretches too far or tears. The tissue damage can lead to pain, swelling and other symptoms. As a result of the tissue damage and swelling that follows, you may notice your range of motion is restricted around the injury site. Straining your biceps, for example, can hinder your arm’s ability to move at the shoulder and elbow. To prevent muscle and tendon strain, it is important to know your physical limits. These injuries are often caused by repeated stress and overexertion. Rough sudden movements can also cause strains. If you are an athlete or someone who does physical labor, you might be at a heightened risk for strains. Understanding how these injuries happen can be a good way to keep yourself safe.
- Ligament sprains — A sprain is similar to a strain. The key difference is the kind of tissue each injury affects. Instead of muscles and tendons, sprains affect the ligaments. A ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that works to hold things in place. Ligaments connect joints, bones and cartilage throughout your body to help everything work cohesively. When a ligament is damaged, typically through a twisting or wrenching motion, the result is a sprain. You may experience swelling and bruising around the injury site. Other common symptoms include persistent aches, pains, and joint instability. If you have sustained a sprain, finding relief from your symptoms is essential. With the right kind of treatment, you can address your symptoms while working toward a rapid recovery.
- Bruising — Bruising is one of the most common physical injuries. Bruises, sometimes called contusions, are typically caused by blunt force trauma. Bruises involve damage to blood vessels, leading to discoloration in the surrounding tissue. The visual aspect of bruising can make it easy to identify compared to some other kinds of soft tissue injury. After a rough fall or other major impact, you might notice the skin in the affected area changing color. Bruises tend to change color over time after the initial injury. Depending on the severity of a bruise and when it happened, your bruise might be red, green, yellow, purple, black or blue. The discolored area will typically feel swollen and very tender to the touch. While bruises often heal on their own, particularly intense bruising can require professional attention. Knowing when to get help is important for maintaining your health. If you have bruises that are causing major disruptive symptoms for extended periods, it may be time to seek treatment.
- Tendon injuries — Tendons are the connective cords of tissue that attach your muscles to your bones. If you tear a tendon, you should seek treatment right away. You may notice pain, reddish discoloration and tenderness radiating from the injury spot. With the right treatment, you can work to efficiently address these symptoms. Not all tendon injuries are sudden. In the case of tendinitis, which is the inflammation of the tendons, the condition tends to develop gradually. Overuse and improper exercise techniques are common causes of tendon irritation. For most tendon injuries, rest is an essential part of the recovery process. Physical therapy can also play a pivotal role.
What is the best PT treatment for a soft tissue injury?
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy can be a great way to address your injury. Techniques that involve a physical therapist using their hands to mobilize and manipulate tissue are collectively called manual therapy. With a range of manual therapy techniques, your physical therapist can select those best suited for your particular soft tissue injury. Your therapist can help alleviate your symptoms through controlled pressure and gentle motions applied to your soft tissue. These motions can also promote circulation, which can accelerate your body’s natural healing processes. From pain relief to enhanced joint mobility, manual therapy can offer many benefits.
- Therapeutic exercise — Physical therapy can be a great way to address physical issues while also improving your overall fitness. Therapeutic exercises are just one example of PT’s multifaceted holistic approach to care. Working one-on-one with your physical therapist, you can develop a treatment plan that includes exercises tailored to your needs. These might include light stretches and strengthening workouts that address the areas affected by your injury.
- IASTM technique — Want to take your manual therapy to the next level? One PT technique involves physical therapists using specialized tools instead of their hands alone to address soft tissue injuries. This technique is called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). With high-quality ergonomic instruments, your physical therapist can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation around your injury. By addressing the root of your symptoms, IASTM can offer long-term relief from aches and pains.
- Dry needling — When it comes to pain relief after an injury, dry needling can be an excellent treatment option. Dry needling is a technique that involves the insertion of dry, sterile needles into your injured tissue. Rather than delivering medication, the needles themselves are the treatment. Dry needles are designed to elicit a positive physical response from your body. They can help reduce inflammation, relieve stress and trigger healing processes.
Get treatment for your soft tissue injury at Continuum Wellness

Ready to get your injury treated? At Continuum Wellness, we are ready to provide the treatment you need. Our clinic is devoted to offering tailored care that improves the well-being of each patient. With a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your needs and goals, we can help you work toward a great recovery.

Call us or request an appointment today for top-notch rehabilitative care.
April 1, 2024
The 3 differences between a physician’s diagnosis and a PT’s diagnosis with examples
Experiencing chronic pain or other symptoms and you don’t know why? Getting a professional diagnosis can be an excellent starting point for treatment. Once you understand the cause of your symptoms, you can start to seek treatments tailored to your particular condition. Getting a diagnosis is not always straightforward, though. When seeking a diagnosis, it can be hard to tell what makes different kinds of diagnoses different. Getting a diagnosis from a primary care physician is fairly common. However, it is not the only kind of diagnosis. Physical therapists are also trained to diagnose conditions. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, for example, your physical therapist can help identify the cause.

Your primary care physician and your physical therapist serve different roles in supporting your wellness. Though both can serve a vital role in keeping you healthy, their approaches differ significantly. The same is true for their diagnoses. A PT’s arthritis diagnosis, for example, might be very different from a physician’s. Before making an appointment, it’s important to understand how different medical professionals make diagnoses. Many people choose to get multiple expert opinions. This might mean receiving a diagnosis from your physician as well as your physical therapist. Regardless of what you choose, understanding the difference between a physician’s diagnosis and a PT’s diagnosis can help you make an informed decision.

Differences between physician and physical therapist diagnoses
- Scope of practice — Physicians and physical therapists differ in scope. Physicians tend to focus mainly on medical issues like diseases and infections. Their goal is to understand the cause of symptoms in the body and provide medical interventions. To make a diagnosis, a physician may use tools like an X-ray machine or an otoscope. A physical therapist, on the other hand, will focus more on your functional condition. Before making a diagnosis, a physical therapist will assess things like body mechanics and movement patterns. For example, a PT diagnosis of knee bursitis would be made based on a thorough examination of the patient’s knee functions. The physical therapist might assess the tissue around the knee and test the knee’s capacity to move. A physician, on the other hand, may use methods like ultrasound and blood tests to make a bursitis diagnosis. This method is very different from the example of PT diagnosis.
- Treatment methods — After providing a diagnosis, medical professionals typically provide a treatment plan. The methods used in your treatment plan will vary depending on who made the diagnosis. Physicians tend to employ medical treatments like medication and surgery. If your physician is not able to address your condition, they may refer you to a specialist. Physical therapists focus on more noninvasive treatment methods. Common PT treatments include targeted exercises and manual therapy. When treating chronic back pain, for example, a physical therapist will develop a holistic treatment plan after diagnosis. The treatment plan will be tailored to your particular needs and goals. The methods involved may range from patient education to cupping therapy.
- Care approach — Looking for a particular treatment approach? Physical therapists and physicians have fundamentally different approaches to care. A care approach goes beyond specific treatment methods. It is reflected in a medical professional’s priorities and relationship with the patient. When making a diagnosis, physicians sometimes take a generalized approach. Ordering various tests is a common element of a physician’s diagnosis regardless of the condition. Once a diagnosis is reached, your physician may prescribe a general, one-size-fits-all treatment. This goes against the physical therapy approach. Physical therapists work to provide a specialized diagnosis based on a patient’s musculoskeletal condition and overall well-being. Each patient is given a comprehensive assessment to ensure that any unique facets of their condition can be identified and addressed. Experiencing knee pain? A physician might run a few tests and prescribe pain medication. A physical therapist, in contrast, will make a rigorous assessment of your gait, biomechanics and knee condition. This assessment can provide insight into factors that may contribute to your pain. The example of a knee pain diagnosis can illustrate what makes PT stand out.
Get a professional diagnosis at Continuum Wellness

Want to find out what’s behind your symptoms? The expert physical therapy team at Continuum Wellness can help. We take diagnosis seriously. Our patient testimonials offer many examples of successful PT diagnoses and treatments. Receiving an accurate diagnosis can enable you to receive effective treatments tailored to your condition. To help ensure that your diagnosis is accurate, our team conducts comprehensive evaluations with each patient. After being diagnosed, you can work with us to develop a personalized treatment plan as you work toward finding relief.

Call us or request an appointment today to learn more about PT diagnosis.
March 29, 2024