Whether you’re a professional athlete or a senior trying to slow down and relax, injuries do happen. When they do, swelling is almost always sure to follow. In most cases, swelling clears up after a few days, but what happens when it doesn’t? How long should swelling last after an injury before...
One of the more debilitating muscle injuries that people frequently encounter is called a “pulled groin.” More medically savvy, an adductor muscle strain. I see these injuries often in the clinic with active individuals, whether they got injured playing pickleball or playing in a high school...
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve (which travels through the arm), caused by swelling as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a tight area in the wrist. This leads to symptoms such as numbness, pain, or tingling in the thumb, first finger, middle finger, and half of the...
The most prevalent area of arthritis of any joint in the body is the 1st CMC joint which occurs at the base of the thumb. This joint is unique in that it is a saddle joint. One side is a dome and the other side is shaped like a U that fits on the dome. This allows the thumb to bend forward and...
When you've had any type of hip surgery, the best way to get back to the activities you love is to keep up with your rehabilitation and hip strength exercise program. Physical therapy will help ease pain and swelling and bring you closer to recovery. Recovery after hip surgery usually takes around...
As a runner or hiker, it is very important to take good care of your feet. Our feet are under a significant amount of stress and load with running or hiking, literally with every step/stride. Besides the knee, foot injuries are second most prevalent in runners. So why do most runners and hikers...
Roughly about 15% of women of childbearing age in the United States, report having pelvic pain that has lasted at least six months. Up to 30% of these women have severe pain causing them to miss work. Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than you think as age and childbirth take their toll on a...
Are you having trouble sticking with your exercise program because you’re bored with your usual program? Do you feel there’s just not enough time to exercise? Or maybe it’s just too hot? There are a ton of excuses that we make up for not exercising. Living in the desert heat doesn’t make it any...
When sprains, muscle strains, inflammation, and general pain come at you, knowing exactly when to use ice or heat can significantly shorten your recovery time. So what do you choose, ice or heat? This is a common question asked by patients of their physical therapists during initial evaluations....
Why should senior citizens perform balance exercises? Consider this scenario: Mary is 76-years-old and lives alone in a single-level home. She recently had 2 near-falls but was able to steady herself. Her children provided her with a Life Alert and encouraged Mary to keep her cell phone on her at...
