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What is Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapy includes treatment of the musculoskeletal system (which
is made up of the muscles and bones of the body) that has been subject to injury or trauma. This
includes sprains, strains, post fracture, post surgery and repetitive injuries. The areas of the
body include the neck and back as well the extremities. Sports physical therapy is categorized as
orthopedic physical therapy but emphasizes re-training of the body for return to specific sports. At
Seabreeze Physical Therapy we are equipped to handle the needs of athletes on all levels--- from the
weekend warriors to the professionals.
How does Seabreeze Physical Therapy address these areas?
A primary goal of the initial evaluation is to determine what is causing the pain
or dysfunction. A comprehensive history of the injury and/or pain is assessed by reviewing details of a
patient’s exercise, work, and play activities. Next, overall strength, flexibility, posture and muscle
balance is examined.
Treatment begins with addressing the patient’s pain or acute issues such as
swelling and inflammation. Various manual therapy techniques are used to decrease pain, spasms, swelling
and improve mobility. Modalities are also utilized for relief of pain and inflammation to include
infrared light therapy, electrical stimulation including the ReBuilder System™ , traction, ultrasound,
iontophoresis and biofeedback.
Education on posture and flexibility are the beginning point of treatment; then as
pain and inflammation subside, an individualized exercise program may commence. Emphasis is on
isolation of muscles in need of strengthening. A program that addresses muscle balance may include the
use of a neuromuscular re-education system called Protonics®.
Protonics®:
The Protonics System is a device that is designed to alter the mechanics of the
pelvis to restore proper alignment of the spine as it relates to the hip, knee and ankle.
Patients who suffer from chronic knee pain and instability, back pain, hip pain or
bursitis, sciatica, and/or chronic ankle sprains often have a pelvic instability that can be helped with
the use of a Protonics System.
The Protonics device is a neuromuscular system that puts resistance across the
hamstring in a manner that causes the pelvis to reposition to neutral. As the anterior pelvic tilt
is reduced there is a de-rotation of the femur and tibia, which relieves compressive forces on the lower
back, sacroiliac joint, hip, sciatic nerve and the patella.
At Seabreeze Physical Therapy the Protonics System is used in conjunction with a
progressive exercise program designed to activate key muscles to function properly. As the neuromuscular
system is re-educated the patient’s strength is restored to allow a return to previous activities in a
pain free manner.
For more detailed information visit:
www.protonics.com and
www.posturalrestoration.com
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a disease of the nerves that causes pain and or
numbness or a tingling sensation usually in the feet and or hands. Neuropathy is most commonly
associated with diabetes and is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy occurs as a
result of the changes in glucose and insulin levels. Other types of neuropathy are idiopathic meaning we
aren’t sure of the cause and polyneuropathy meaning it is occurring in more than place.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy occurs when the nerves have been temporarily
deprived of oxygen. One or any of the following things can cause a temporary lack of oxygen to the
nerves:
- Pinched nerves: Nerves such as the
sciatic nerve can become pinched by larger muscles causing a lack of blood flow to the nerves
- Inflammation: This often occurs when
muscles have been strained or sprained as there is a lack of blood flow to the nerves
- Changes in blood glucose and insulin:
When changes in the levels occur nerve cells can swell and scar which displaces oxygen
- Toxins: Such as agent Orange, cleaning
solvents and other environmental toxins that have a lot of free radicals the make oxygen unusable
- Chemotherapy: that affects cancer and
other fast growing or functioning cells like hair and nerves
- Trauma: Accidents that change the
blood supply to the nerves including frostbite or prolonged standing on concrete
- Surgery; complications
- Drugs: Side effects that include
changes in metabolism
- Excessive uses of alcohol or tobacco
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy:
- Pins and needles, burning, or tingling sensation in
the feet or hands
- Numbness or a sense of heaviness
- Sharp pain or cramping that is often worse at night
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Muscle weakness as a result of disuse which leads to
loss of balance and confidence
- Increased sensitivity to touch and temperature
Treatment of Neuropathy:
Following a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist a
specific treatment program is designed in combination with the goals of the patient. Treatment goals
include decreased pain, increased sensation, increased strength, ROM and improved balance for safe
walking. Decreased pain and improved sensation are addressed through the use of Infrared light
therapy. Research has shown infrared light increases the release of nitric oxide which improves
circulation, increases sensation and promotes tissue healing.
Seabreeze therapy also utilizes the ReBuilder
electrical stimulation which works to re-polarize and re-educate the nerves. Once the sensation improves
and pain diminishes the patient is able to progress with strengthening and balance exercises enabling
the patient to have an improved quality of life.
TMJ pain and or dysfunction
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints are the joints of the jaw that allow the
mouth to open and close. Pain in one or both of these joints can make the simple tasks of talking and
eating very uncomfortable. TMJ pain has many causes, to include trauma from a car accident, or a blow to
the head or the chin. More subtle causes include stressors such as habitual teeth clenching or nail or
pencil chewing.
Increased tension of the muscles of the head and face can also cause pain and
swelling in the joints. As this problem progresses, headaches and neck pain may also be a component of
the pain.
What are common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
- Jaw pain or popping when eating
- Frequent headaches that become
worse with stress
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth
- Jaw Locking
- Pain after dentist appointments
How do we address TMJ pain?
First we do a thorough evaluation of the entire body to determine if other
imbalances in other areas may be contributing to the pain pattern. Overall posture and work and
recreational habits are also assessed in order to determine all possible causes of the pain and or
dysfunction.
Treatment includes education about posture and positioning to help alleviate pain
and prevent future problems. Various treatments are used to decrease the pain, inflammation and muscle
spasms. These include infrared light therapy, electrical stimulation and ultrasound. The patient also
receives manual therapy and/or myofascial massage with mobilization of the areas involved. Biofeedback
may also be used to assist the person in understanding muscle tightness and how to relax the muscles.
Exercises are also included to promote proper jaw alignment and strengthen and stabilize the posture
muscles.
Women's Health
At Seabreeze Physical Therapy
We specialize in the treatment of health issues unique to women. Among them are Pelvic Floor
Pain, Osteoperosis/Osteopenia, and Incontinence. Please see the below sections for specific
information on each of these women's health issues.
Pelvic Floor Pain
Pelvic floor pain has different causes and
occurs at various stages of a woman’s life. Since the pelvic floor is made up of both the muscles and
organs in the abdominal and pelvic areas, there can be muscle spasms or pain in that region.
Typical female pelvic pain diagnoses include
Interstitial Cystitis,Vulvodynia, Coccygodynia and Dyspareunia.
Among the ways such pain is treated are manual
therapy and/or biofeedback which involves placing electrodes in the area of the muscles to be treated.
These painless electrodes send signals to a computer which analyzes the information being recorded.
Any weakness or tightness in the muscles can then be corrected by electrical
stimulation and/or an exercise program designed by the therapist to specifically address the woman’s
need to strengthen or relax the area.
Osteoporosis/Osteopenia:
What is it?
Osteopenia is the
precursor to Osteoporosis, both of which involve a thinning and
weakening of the bones. Osteopenia is the beginning of
bone loss that is identified by performing a bone density test. Osteoporosis is the
progression of bone loss. Once Osteoporsis has been identified a
person becomes more at risk for fractures--- particularly of the spine. Your grandmother’s loss of
height wasn’t really poor posture but a series of fractures that developed over time.
What you should know about Osteoporosis:
It is preventable by a
diet that includes calcium, proper minerals and vitamins in addition to regular exercise that stimulates
the production of bone.
- It is preventable
by a diet that includes calcium, proper minerals and vitamins in addition to regular exercise that
stimulates the production of bone.
- Risk factors
include smoking, menopause, sedentary lifestyle and the use of certain medications, such as
Prednisone, for prolonged periods.
- Changes in estrogen levels which occur during
menopause effect bone mass. It is important to work closely with your
doctor to develop a plan that addresses your estrogen needs
How we address the problem:
First we fully and carefully evaluate the strength and flexibility of each
patient. Our physical therapists then design a specific program, with special attention to posture and
balance for each person. As the patient’s tolerance changes, the treatment plan for both clinical visits
and the home program are also adjusted.
Incontinence
What
is Incontinence?
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and occurs for many
reasons. Incontinence is usually classified as Stress, Urge or Mixed Incontinence which is
a combination of the first two types.
Stress Incontinence is defined as urine loss that occurs when
coughing, laughing, or exercising as a result of pressure on the bladder. Urge Incontinence
results in a sudden uncontrollable need to empty the bladder. Unfortunately many women are too
embarrassed by the problem to mention it to their doctor. As the problem progresses women often become
less social, less active and dependent on medications or adult pads and diapers.
To support normal bladder functions, a woman must have strong pelvic muscles.
Weaknesses in the pelvic muscles are due to changes that happen in normal aging; during and after
pregnancy; and also with or after illness, stress or surgery.
How we address the problem:
Most Incontinence problems can be treated without medication or surgery.
An evaluation by our caring and sensitive female physical therapists often includes using biofeedback to
determine the amount of strength in the pelvic floor muscles. After determining the level of strength
the patient is given a specific program of strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques and behavioral
strategies to assist in overcoming the problem. Other modalities such as electrical stimulation may also
be included for patients with extremely weak muscles and or a need to reeducate the pelvic muscles.
Chronic Pain:
Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain are diagnoses frequently given to
patients with chronic pain when test results for other problems are negative.
There is no specific test for these diagnoses other than tenderness of various
points throughout the body. Often physical or emotional trauma can contribute to this type of extremely
devastating and debilitating pain. Frequently doctors prescribe medications which may add to the
patient’s general malaise, fatigue or depression. This type of pain is often under treated or treated
inappropriately with medication because the patient does not “look” sick.
How does Seabreeze Physical Therapy address this difficult problem?
On the first visit to Seabreeze Physical Therapy each patient receives an
extensive evaluation to address all pain issues and determine all contributing factors. There are
often postural issues, muscle imbalances and or misalignment issues that need to be identified.
After a thorough intake process by our caring therapists these issues are
addressed with a combination of unique stabilization, strengthening and flexibility exercises designed
to minimize the dysfunction.
Each patient is taught how to manage pain through various pain relieving
modalities including infrared light therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and manual therapy.
Manual therapy includes myofascial massage to the areas of pain and
muscle spasms as well as mobilization of joints for increased mobility. Treatment begins in the comfort
of one of our private treatment rooms for pain relief; and progresses to our fully equipped gym to help
strengthen muscles in a comfortable and controlled environment.
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