Heat or ice for sciatica? Which works better?

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, causing a pain that radiates out from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. Experts estimate that between 10% and 40% of people experience sciatica at some point during their lifetime. Symptoms typically last anywhere from one to six weeks, […]

The value of a physical therapy mentorship program

A mentor can be a valuable resource for any physical therapy clinic. Mentorship programs can help shape a new physical therapy graduate who has recently started working at your practice. They are instrumental in helping sharpen your team’s workplace skills and expertise.  If you’re a physical therapy clinic owner considering implementing a mentorship program at […]

Burning sensation in your lower back? Here are 5 potential causes

Back pain can take many forms. Sometimes your lower back muscles feel tight and stiff. Other times you experience a sharp pain when standing up. Often, back pain takes the form of a burning sensation in your lower back. In this article, we’ll offer some explanations for why that burning sensation in your lower back […]

How do physical therapists treat crushed foot injuries?

A crush injury is one that has been named quite literally. When a crush injury occurs, it involves a high amount of force or pressure being applied to an area of the body. This type of injury is most common for hands and feet. When you have a crushed foot injury, this just means that your foot […]

Back hurts when you sneeze? Here’s why and what to do about it

Does your back hurt when you sneeze? Wondering why? There are a few different types of sneeze-related back pain. In some cases, you might feel like you pulled a muscle when you let out a big sneeze. In other cases, you might feel soreness or a stinging sensation every time you sneeze. To help you identify […]

How to improve patient satisfaction scores with better physical therapy services

Hospital-based physical therapy helps patients who are dealing with a wide range of issues find improved functioning and increased range of motion at a critical phase of the recovery process. By receiving inpatient physical therapy, people staying at a hospital can get a jump on the healing process, which can often lead to better outcomes. […]

5 foam roller exercises and stretches for your lower back

Lower back pain can have many causes. It can stem from an injury, surgery complications, or any number of conditions affecting your spine or hips. Wherever your lower back pain stems from, a foam roller may be able to help. These polyethylene tools can help to loosen your muscles, ease soreness and reduce inflammation in your lower […]

Sciatica ice packs: Do they work, and where do you put them?

Sciatica is a condition that affects the lower back through the feet where the sciatic nerve runs through the body. When the nerve becomes inflamed or compressed due to another underlying condition, it can result in serious pain. It’s a fairly common condition, affecting a large portion of the American population. There is not a cure for […]

Can plantar fasciitis cause knee pain (and what do I do about it)?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue located at the bottom of the foot. The tissue that becomes inflamed for those with this condition is called the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis typically results in sharp pain in the heel, and for most people, symptoms are the worst in the morning. The condition is fairly […]

Which specific body parts are considered part of your upper extremity?

Upper extremities (UEs) are parts of a unit of the body that function in conjunction with each other. They are broadly categorized into three different parts, each with smaller systems or structures within it. Health and strong upper extremities are extremely important to people’s daily lives. Research indicates that UE strength is necessary to complete everyday activities […]

How to stop limping when I walk: 3 ways PT can help

About 10% or more of people aged 60 or older walk with a noticeable limp. Many factors can alter a person’s walk, including neurological issues, injuries, arthritis and infections. Unfortunately, walking with a limp can lead to other complications, like balance issues, joint damage and muscle weakness. Various physical therapy methods can help limit limping […]

Shin pain after a knee replacement: Why you might get it and how your PT can help ease it

Research suggests that nearly 800,000 people receive knee replacements in the U.S. every year. It can take, at best, almost six months to recover from this type of surgery, but it could take a full 12 months to get to a state where you can fully return to previous physical capabilities. If you experience complications […]