Farnsworth Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

knee

Patty Cake Patty Cake Baker’s Cyst

by

What is it?

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain increases when you fully flex or extend your knee or with increased activity.

A Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint. It can be caused by such problems as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker’s cyst.

Although you may experience swelling and it may make you uncomfortable, treating the probable underlying problem usually provides relief.

Symptoms

In some cases, this issue causes no pain, and you may not notice it. If you do have signs and symptoms, they might include:

  • Swelling behind your knee, and sometimes in your leg
  • Knee pain
  • Stiffness and inability to fully flex the knee

Your symptoms may be worse with increased activity and prolonged standing. And if they don’t improve with a kiss, it’s a strong sign.

 

When to seek help

If you have pain and swelling behind your knee, see your physical therapist.  Though unlikely, a bulge behind your knee may be a sign of a condition more serious than a fluid-filled cyst.

 

Causes

A lubricating fluid called synovial fluid helps your knee flex and extend smoothly by reducing friction between the moving parts of your knee.

The knee can produce too much synovial fluid, resulting in buildup of fluid in an area on the back of your knee (popliteal bursa), causing a Baker’s cyst. This can happen because of:

  • Inflammation of the knee joint, such as occurs with various types of arthritis
  • A knee injury, such as a cartilage tear

If you think you may be suffering from a Baker’s cyst, come in and see our therapists and we can get you on the mend ASAP.

 

Written by Clint Bunker PT

Total Knee Replacement

by

Knee Replacement

One of the most common things that we see patients for is total knee replacement. Our therapists are experts and can easily guide you through the therapeutic process.   At our office we also have specialized equipment aimed directly at helping our patients that have had knee replacements heal from surgery and get their mobility back.  Knee replacements are major surgery, but with our treatment plan you can have a successful recovery as quickly as possible.

Our Equipment

Recumbent bikes are easy to use, and put little strain on sore or injured, tendons, ligaments and joints. They also allow you to strengthen your muscles which is important after your surgery.  Our recumbent bike is a stationary bike with a bucket seat. Instead of sitting directly over the pedals, the pedals are out in front of you. This makes it easier to use, and it puts less strain on your back, knees, and hips.

This bike has adjustable pedals to help you get the customized fit that will serve you best.

 

The bender is machine that is designed to help you increase your range of motion.  It allows you to safely bend your knee and regain the flexibility that you need to get back to your everyday life.  This machine is set up with a display that shows you the angle of your knee in degrees.  You and your therapist will work together to come up with goals on how far you can bend your knee and how soon you can reach that goal.  Using that handlebars to assist your knee and leg muscles, you will soon be regaining maximum range of motion with your new knee.

Testimonial

Of course, it’s best to not take our word for it when it comes to how good we are at rehabbing knee replacements.  Instead, take the word of one of our recent patients:

“I came to Farnsworth Physical Therapy after a total knee replacement for rehab.  Everyone was professional, friendly, caring, and encouraging.  Tom, my therapist, was interested in making sure I met my goals.  They helped me to progress while they worked on lessening my pain.  I highly recommend this facility.”  -Christie Cobb

 

Written by Tom Farnsworth PT

Knee Time

by

Back to Sports

The sports world is beginning to return following the pandemic. But, athletes in all sports are finding that they are not in playing shape. After taking several months off, getting back into shape has been more of a challenge than expected. Unfortunately, this has led to several injuries. The knee is one of the most injured body parts not only for professional athletes, but the weekend warriors as well.

Knee Trouble

The meniscus in the knee is a cartilage space that sits between your shin bone, or tibia, and your femur.  The meniscus is C shaped and redistributes forces between the two bones. It does this when you are walking, running, or doing other sports related activity. People injure their meniscus when bearing weight and rotating, or twisting. This can lead to swelling and stiffness in your joint. People often complain about a clicking in their knee, as well as the inability to fully extend their knee. A lack of strength and stability in your knee is also common. There are different types of tears, however an X-ray and MRI are most effective to see what the issues are.

Treatment

Treating a torn meniscus depends on the location of the tear as well as the severity or size of the tear. Often, treatment is effective and include cortisone injection and physical therapy to help restore range of motion and strength.  If it’s serious enough, you will need arthroscopic surgery, in which the torn area of the meniscus is removed. After the surgery, physical therapy is required to help restore the motion and strength so you can return to normal activity.

Therapy for a torn meniscus focuses on the range of motion, or straightening of your knee. This often limits your motion. This is motion you need for all activities including walking and running for sports related activity and everyday life. Physical therapy will also focus on strengthening and stability of your quadricep muscle as well as stability of your hip and ankle as well. Over time, moving into sports related activity will happen to help you make a safe transition back to on field activity. A meniscus will heal in 6-12 weeks depending on the severity and whether or not you need surgery.

Written by Casey Badder PT

Fore Ways to Improve Your Golf Game

by

Lower Your Score

The Arizona Golf Association estimates that approximately 8 million rounds of golf are played in Arizona each year. As the weather begins to get warmer in Arizona, there will be an increased number of tee times booked for the local golfers. The age range of the golf community can span from 10 years old and younger to more than 100. For some, playing golf is a daily or weekly event. For others it could be the first time you pick up a 5 iron in months. Golf is a complicated game. It requires a number of body movements that coordinate into one fluid motion. So, what can you do to prevent injuries while golfing and to potentially lower your score?

  1. Eliminate Pain: Often times, people may have lingering injuries that prevent them from an activity like golfing. It is important to address the pain that you may have. Too much pain can lead to compensating and causing yourself further injury.

 

  1. Improve Mobility/Flexibility With different moving body parts throughout the swing, it is essential that your body can move well at each individual joint. However, your joints must then work and move together to allow your golf swing to occur effectively.

 

  1. Improve Strength: Strength is required to create motion at the joints. It also ensures that all your body parts are aligned to hit the ball straight. Your core strength is essential to start and control your movement.  Strength in the distal limbs can help address swing faults.

 

  1. Improve Balance: Dynamic balance is the ability to coordinate all the movements performed at each individual joint while maintaining a good position for follow through. Balance is key to making your golf swing happen and eliminating the risk of injury.

It’s important to lower frustration levels too.

We Can Help

All of these aspects should be practiced and incorporated into your daily routine in order to help your everyday life. They are also crucial to your golf swing.  The coordination of all of these things will help reduce the risk of injury. The same principals apply whether you are a seasoned golfer or someone who is picking up the club for the first time. If you are a golfer athlete and feel that one of these things can benefit you, feel free to contact our office to see how we can assist in improving your game.

Written by Casey Badder PT

The Bee’s Knees

by

Patella Femoral Dysfunction (PFD) is a condition that affects the knee, resulting in pain in the front part of one or both knees. It may be caused from a mechanical difficulty in the knee itself, or from improper formation of the bone in the hip area. High or flattened foot arches can also contribute to this issue. Improper alignments of the hips, knees, or feet can place excessive forces on the kneecap. As the kneecap moves across the end of the leg bone (or femur) the surfaces become irritated and painful.

Most commonly found in young women and adolescent females, PFD is a condition that can affect anyone. A softening of the cartilage on the back side of the kneecap, or imbalances in the muscles that control the movement of the kneecap may also cause PFD. Improper force can be placed on the kneecap and femur if outside portions of the quadriceps muscles are stronger than the inside portions. Symptoms usually include pain with kneeling, walking, running, or climbing up or down stairs. Patients usually describe their pain as “aching” and “deep”. One can also experience tenderness and swelling around the knee area. When bending or straightening the knee, you may feel a creaking or crunching in the area.

Rehabilitation first begins with controlling the pain and symptoms such as swelling. Icing the knee will help control swelling and pain. You an read more about icing here. Electrical stimulation treatments may also help ease the pain. As much as you can, try to avoid activities that increase your pain. For instance, try taking an elevator instead of using the stairs. Painful activities may need to be modified but will be resumed gradually during the course of treatment. In some cases, a knee brace is issued to help control the movement of the kneecap and decrease irritation.

In most cases, strengthening or stretching exercises will help correct muscle imbalances. Be careful, as too much resistance during exercises can sometimes make the problem worse. Everyone reacts to exercise resistances differently. Because of this, it’s important to communicate any pain increases  to your health professional during the course of treatment so modifications can be made. Another intervention may be a detailed foot evaluation, and correction of any problems found in this area, including orthotics. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that help correct improper foot mechanics directed to the knee.

It’s important to remain optimistic and patient while treating patellofemoral issues. PFD symptoms can flare up very easily. Another responsibility you have is to be very consistent with your treatment visits and home program so the knee can gradually adapt and heal. The condition can be difficult to remedy, but in most cases relief and return to your activities can be achieved.

Post written by: Travis Rohner, PT

Footer Insurance

We accept most insurances!

See a list of our preferred providers.

Sub Footer

Areas Served:

Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Tempe, Globe, Gold Canyon

Postal Address

Gilbert Office
730 N. Greenfield Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Phone: (480) 633-0666

Mesa Office
342 N Val Vista Dr. Suite 106
Mesa, AZ 85213
Phone: (480) 325-3310