Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as sprain, strain, tendinitis, and arthritis. Ankle sprains and strains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. These types of injuries can occur on both sides of the ankle joint. Typically, sudden stretching or sudden twisting causes an ankle sprain or strain.
There may be a pain, swelling or even a tear. Usually, an x-ray is done to rule out a fracture. Treatment for an ankle sprain or strain generally includes applying ice, getting rest and limiting the amount of weight-bearing on the ankle. Anti-inflammatory meds can reduce both pain and swelling. If it’s severe, physical therapy may be part of the rehabilitation process.
Foot pain can be caused by three major types arthritis-osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and posttraumatic arthritis.
Physical therapists utilize a combination of therapy techniques to relieve foot pain and ankle pain. Soft tissue and joint mobilizations are done to restore muscle activation and proper joint mechanics. Manual therapy may be used to improve the mobility of the ankle and foot along with reducing pain. Therapeutic exercises are targeted to the affected foot structures. Balance training may also be implemented.
Some passive modalities that physical therapists use to treat injuries to the foot and ankle include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice and heat therapy, and massage. These treatment methods increase blood flow and circulation to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, reduce pain and improve mobility. When you first visit with your physical assessment, a full evaluation is done, goals are discussed and an individualized treatment plan is designed to target your specific needs.
Sprains and strains are among the most commonly experienced overuse injuries in the shoulder area. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. Strains and sprains can result in an ongoing shoulder pain that may make it difficult to partake in exercise or even daily tasks. If the strain or sprain is minor, it can sometimes be iced at home and healed with rest. More severe strains and sprains will often require physical therapy treatments. Additional shoulder injuries include a torn cartilage, dislocation, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and arthritis.
Your shoulders can accomplish several physical feats due to their structure – however, this also means that they are susceptible to an increased risk of injury because of their complexity. If something becomes damaged in the make-up of the shoulders, pain and discomfort can develop. This pain may range from a dull ache to shooting pains, depending on the severity of the condition. If you are experiencing severe pain, or pain lasting three months or longer, it could be indicative of a deeper issue.
If your shoulder is causing you discomfort, physical therapy is the best way to ensure the highest rate of relief. Our physical therapists are highly trained to help improve the flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder, in addition to relieving your pain and discomfort. This will be done through an individualized treatment plan designed specifically for you, and may include any combination of treatment methods as your physical therapist deems fit, including manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, electrical nerve stimulation, or ultrasound. Your physical therapist will also prescribe targeted exercises and stretches to help regain your optimal shoulder function.
Two of the biggest goals of physical therapy are:
1) to alleviate your pain and
2) to improve your function.
Your physical therapist will work with you to make sure that both of these are achieved throughout your physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy has been proven to manage the pain of several conditions, and in many cases, it has even been proven to eliminate shoulder pain altogether, thus making the need for harmful drugs or surgical intervention obsolete.