Intervertebral Disc

You have heard of slipped disc, herniated disc, pinched nerve and degenerative disc disease as causes of back pain.  If there is one area related to back pain that is involved with a significant discomfort or pain it is the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc is a structure found between the vertebral bodies in the […]

Physical Activity Plays a Greater Role in Obesity Than Caloric Intake

An article published on August 2014 in the American Journal of Medicine, “Obesity, Abdominal Obesity, Physical Activity and Caloric Intake in US Adults: 1988 to 2010, reported interesting findings related to weight gain.  These findings state” researchers found that while rates of obesity climbed, caloric intake “did not change significantly over time for women or […]

Neck Description

The neck is a very flexible area of the body.  It is made up of seven small vertebrae, discs, ligaments and muscles.  The spinal column in this area is very flexible as it connects the head to the trunk.  Because of this flexibility, there is a greater range of motion which allows you to move […]

Peripheral Neuropathy Signs/Symptoms

Peripheral Neuropathy can cause a balance deficit.  Signs and symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy depend on what type of nerve is affected.  The three main types of nerves are sensory, motor and autonomic. Sensory nerves are associated with pain, numbness and other senses.  Motor nerves are associated with movement and autonomic nerves are associated with the […]

Hip Pointer

What is a hip pointer?  It is simply pain over the iliac crest or upper hip bone.  This type of injury can be painful. It can be caused by a traumatic blow to the hip bone like getting hit in sports or running Into furniture.    This in turn will create a contusion or bruise […]

Musculoskeletal Low Back Pain

Some estimate that over 80 percent of the population will experience low back pain at some time.  Most low back pain is related to musculoskeletal pain or pain relating to the muscles, bone and soft tissue.   Examples include muscle strain, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, unstable spine and disc involvement.   There are certain common complaints related […]

PT and Obesity

If you are overweight, a  physical therapist can help you: Reduce pain. A designed personalized exercise program can help you safely perform activities with the least amount of pain. Just getting up and getting moving can help relieve pain! Improve cardiovascular fitness. develop a “heart-healthy” aerobic exercise program for you to elevate your body’s metabolism […]

Patella Subluxation

If your patella (or knee cap) dislocates and slides toward the outside of your knee you are experiencing Patella Subluxation.  This can be caused from a traumatic event or a congenital defect. You may complain of knee pain or experience the feeling of your knee giving away.  You may also have some swelling and tendon […]

Ankle Sprain Grades

You have rolled your ankle and it is painful and swelling.  You get it checked out and are told it is a Grade I Ankle Sprain.  What does that mean? Ankle sprains are graded as follows: Grade I:  Range of motion is decreased but your strength is within normal limits.  There is mild swelling and […]

Knee Anatomy/Ligaments

The knee is designed for both stability and mobility.  Basically, it is two different joints in one. The femur (upper leg bone) and tibia (lower leg bone) comprise one joint while the femur and patella (knee cap) comprise the second joint.  It is connected by various ligaments, tendons and cartilage.   There are four main ligaments […]