VIDEOS

Exercises to Improve Balance

What causes balance problems?

Disorders of the inner ear, nerve damage, muscle weakness and joint instability are some of the many conditions that can cause problems with your balance. Losing your balance and falling can lead to further injury.

Can physical therapy improve my balance?

Physical therapists can help identify the cause of your balance issues. Balance problems arising from muscle weakness, joint instability and nerve damage can be treated with exercise.

Muscle weakness can arise from fractures or ligamentous injuries of the hip, knee, foot or ankle, including meniscal tears, ACL reconstructions, and patellar subluxations. Joint instability results from ligament laxity (loose ligaments), joint injuries, and fractures. Nerve damage can result from crush injuries to the lower extremities and spinal disc injuries.

Video: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your balance.

Post-surgical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear

Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear

Patients with a meniscal tear may experience pain, swelling, locking or buckling of the knee.

Treatment of a Meniscal Tear

Some patients may benefit from knee surgery to repair a meniscal tear. Clinical Director Hector Mayo explains how physical therapy can help restore knee function after a partial meniscectomy.

Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, and it is the most common diagnosis given to patients with medial heel pain.  The plantar fascia originates on the calcaneus (heel bone) and plays an important role in stabilizing the foot during walking.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

Factors that can increase tension on the fascia and lead to symptoms include:

  • Acute trauma or strain to the fascia
  • Excessive or prolonged pronation
  • A high-arched foot

What is a heel spur?

Chronic tension to the fascia where it inserts on the heel can lead to a heel spur, which is a buildup of calcium. Common symptoms of a heel spur include:

  • Pain in the heels that is worst when first getting out of bed in the morning, and that eases gradually with walking
  • Pain upon standing after sitting five minutes or more
  • Pain that is worse with activity or increased weight-bearing and is usually relieved with rest

Treatment of plantar fasciitis

Cortisone injections can give temporary relief, but finding the cause and eliminating it is more effective. Physical therapy can help. Treatment may include:

  • Stretches for calf muscles while maintaining an arch in the foot
  • Increasing the strength of stabilizing muscle groups.
  • Use of a night splint to maintain calf muscles on stretch during sleep
  • Providing support and control by taping the bottom of the foot or using an orthotic
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Shoulder Instability and Weakness

Shoulder instability may follow a traumatic injury, or it can result from repetitive motions that weaken the shoulder joint.

What is shoulder instability?

The shoulder is the connection of three bones: the arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone (clavicle). The head of the humerus is a ball that fits into a socket, and it is held in place by muscles, ligaments and tendons. Weakness in the joint increases the risk that the ball will pop completely out of the socket (dislocation) or come partway out (subluxation).

A fall may cause the initial dislocation or subluxation, and the injury weakens the shoulder’s supporting structures. The joint then becomes susceptible to subsequent dislocations or subluxations. Repetitive motions involving the shoulder can also cause weakness and instability. Sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer increase the risk for injuries that lead to shoulder instability.

Treating shoulder instability with physical therapy

While surgery is sometimes necessary, most cases of shoulder instability and weakness can be treated with physical therapy. Strengthening exercises, heat, cold, massage, ultrasound and electrical stimulation are some of the treatments that may be helpful.

Don’t let your golf game cause back pain

The twisting motion of a golf swing can cause back pain. Golfers are particularly susceptible to lumbar strain and oblique abdominal strain.

Golfers can benefit from stretching the hips and trunk before and after playing. These stretches improve your ability to rotate your trunk. Core strengthening exercises can also help golfers avoid back pain, and should be done three to four times per week.

A physical therapist can evaluate inherent weaknesses that may contribute to muscle strains. The therapist can then tailor an individual exercise program to improve strength and flexibility. This reduces the risk of injury.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Oblique Abdominal Strengthening

 

Strengthening the muscles that support the spine can reduce back pain caused by lumbar radiculopathy.