Videos

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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Lumbar Radiculopathy

Oblique Abdominal Strengthening

 

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

Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Repair

After surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, physical therapy helps restore full function in your shoulder.

Physical therapy techniques

Some of the physical therapy treatments you’ll receive include shoulder oscillations, passive range of motion, Codman’s exercises, external rotation exercises, internal rotation exercises, and manual resistance exercises.

When will I see results?

View the video to learn more about the timeline for results. The goal of physical therapy after rotator cuff repair is to get back to full function.

How to Treat Frozen Shoulder

What is frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and stiff.

Frozen shoulder symptoms

Loss of motion is the most common symptom of a frozen shoulder. Patients often have pain also, and sometimes experience inflammation around the joint.

Treatment

Physical therapy may be the best way to treat frozen shoulder. Your therapist may provide moist heat, range of motion exercises, and joint mobilization exercises to loosen the shoulder. Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Learn more about physical therapy for frozen shoulder by watching the video below.