Farnsworth Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

pain

Piriformis Syndrome

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The Piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks area, underneath the gluteus maximus. It’s one of the muscles that helps rotate the thigh bone outward, like you do when you cross your ankle over your knee. The muscle runs from the tail bone and attaches at the hip bone.The sciatic nerve is a major nerve that begins in the low-back area and travels down the back of the thigh and continues down, branching off in the lower leg and foot. The sciatic nerve usually runs directly through the Piriformis muscle, although it may lie above or under the Piriformis.

The cause of Piriformis Syndrome is not entirely clear and may be a result of several different things. It is often associated with sacroiliac (SI) problems. Trauma, such as falling on the buttocks may incite the symptoms. Extended sitting can be a factor, as in the case of professional drivers or office workers. Other problems, such as hip bursitis, back strains, or gluteal tendonitis may bring on the condition.

Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the buttocks area. The problem may be on one or both sides. Sitting is often uncomfortable. Walking, running, and climbing or descending stairs is often painful. In some cases radiating pain may shoot down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg because of irritation to the sciatic nerve.

There are many treatment options for Piriformis Syndrome. Moist heat can help relieve and control pain. Ultrasound may be beneficial since it is a method of deep heating. Certain therapeutic exercises may greatly help to recondition the muscle. There are several stretches for the muscle that can help relieve the tightness. Avoidance of irritating factors is crucial. Manual techniques such as soft tissue mobilization are often helpful. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory injections may be needed.

With proper treatment and follow through, this condition can be resolved. In some cases it will resolve quickly, while in others it may be a lengthy rehabilitation. For more information consult your physical therapist.

Post written by Travis Rohner, DPT

Cup, Cup, and Away!

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Back in the summer of 2016, Michael Phelps was ending his decorated career as an Olympic swimmer. He won more gold medals at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics than 66 other countries participating that year. Despite his amazing accomplishment, all people wanted to talk about were the purple dots on his back. Did he have a fancy new tattoo? Or perhaps leprosy? Maybe he got in an argument with a vacuum cleaner? As it turned out, the purple dots on Michael’s skin were the result of an ancient Chinese healing practice called cupping.

Known in the medical field as myofascial decompression, cupping actually began as early as 400 BC in Greece. The Chinese made the technique more common, using cupping to treat internal disease, structural issues, and certain illnesses. They heated up glass cups with a flame and placed them over the body, causing fluid to rise toward the surface of the skin.

 

While some therapists still use fire, nowadays it is more common to use an air pump device to create suction. This device uses suction to pull the skin up, causing the decompression effect. After just a few minutes, the capillaries beneath the surface begin to rupture, potentially creating a circular bruise. Sort of like a medically induced hickey, for lack of a better term. Reduced soreness and a quicker healing process are just two of the benefits of this process. Because of this, all varieties and ages can benefit from cupping, including athletes, geriatrics, and everyone in between. Please call our office with any questions you may have about cupping and we will be happy to assist you,

Post written by: Casey Badder, DPT

But I Don’t Even Play Tennis…

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Aches and pains are a common problem in life, regardless of our activity level. In fact, most of us can point out something that is bothering us right this very second. Pain caused by repetitive stress is more common than that caused by a traumatic injury. Repetitive stress can occur in a lot of places on the body. Because we use our hands a lot during the day, especially in our work lives, it can cause discomfort in the elbow. Whether you have a desk job in an office, or if you’re an electrician, or a hair stylist. Our hands are very important and are essential to completing every day tasks.

Most of the muscles in our wrist, fingers, and forearm originate on the lateral aspect of our elbow. The everyday trials of life can often cause overuse of these muscles, causing us to feel pain. This is called Lateral Epicondylitis, but the more common term is “Tennis Elbow”. Tendons are at the ends of our muscles, attaching them to the bone. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to have this problem. Anybody who uses their arms, especially their dominant arm, can be at risk. This condition usually causes pain when you grip or carry items, or rotate your wrist and forearm. Because this is typically an overuse injury, these muscles can weaken, which causes pain and makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

That feeling when you realize your elbow pain isn’t going to get better on its own.

 One of the problems with this type of injury is that people tend to just grin and bear it until they can’t stand it anymore. Rather than seeking treatment, they reduce the pain with Advil. This is not a bad idea, but there are many additional ways to address the issue. Modalities like ice are good to reduce pain due to the anti-inflammatory properties they provide. Braces called Chopat Straps help to reduce daily pain with activity. Correct application of stretching is extremely helpful. To improve strength in the elbow, exercises can be performed. Posture and correct form are also very important. Another thing that can be extremely helpful is a treatment called ASTYM. This treatment is performed by a skilled physical therapist to help heal and remodel the soft tissue.

Regardless of what the underlying specific causes are, I recommend talking to a physical therapist. They can evaluate your symptoms and help you address them by setting up a plan of care that is specific to your injury. If you would like additional information, we would love to assist you and get you feeling better!

Post written by: Rod Walker, DPT

Ice, Ice, Baby

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Unlike the characters in The Year Without a Santa Claus, heat and ice can work together to help you heal quicker.

Heating and Icing are important tools in your recovery.  They can reduce pain and inflammation and help your body to heal.  Icing and heating are mild, drug-free treatments that will likely be a part of your treatment.  Applying ice helps to calm down damaged tissues, lower your pain level, and reduce swelling.  Using heat relaxes muscles, reduces stress, and relieves stiffness.

Though heat and ice are a part of the treatment you receive in the office, they are also tools you can use at home. Injuries typically hurt most in the morning when your body is stiff. Because of this, we recommend heating the injury right when you wake up. If you don’t have a heating pad at home, don’t worry! You can heat the affected area by taking a warm shower. It is important to ice your injury whenever you have pain or swelling. These are typically symptoms that occur at the end of the day. Try icing your injury for ten minutes after dinner while you watch your favorite tv show. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can fill a plastic bag with ice cubes.

Sometimes it is tempting to leave the heat or ice on for extended periods of time. Be careful of this, as too much can sometimes be a bad thing. We recommend using heat and ice for ten minutes at a time. If needed, you may do this once every hour.  It is important to remember to put a buffer between your skin and the ice pack. Try wrapping the ice pack in a pillowcase, t-shirt, or towel to avoid an ice burn. Likewise, if using a heating pad, there should also be some material between the pad and your skin to avoid burning.

Do you know when to ice your injury and when to use heat? Should you use both?  Generally, ice is used to treat injuries, especially a recent injury, while heat is used for chronic pain and tension, but there are exceptions!  Your therapist will evaluate your injury or ailment to discern whether you need icing, heating, or a combination of both.

Post written by: Tom Farnsworth, PT

The Straw That Broke The Camel’s Back

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Back pain is one of the most common ailments we treat at our office. “Back pain” is a simplified term for something that can be rather complex.  While arthritis, disc problems, and surgeries are some of the more common causes of back pain, sprains and strains are also to blame. A strain is injury to a tendon, while a sprain is in an injury to a ligament. Improper lifting, falls, and motor-vehicle accidents are the most common causes of these types of injuries.

Strains are mild injuries involving the muscles. The good news is, blood flow in the muscles can aid in a quick recovery. Even still, this type of injury can be very painful. Pain causes the muscles to tighten up, which can result in spasms. More severe injuries involve the ligaments as well as muscles and tendons. When ligaments become torn or stretched, the bones of the spine become less stable. Instability leads to irritation which can cause severe pain.

Age, level of activity, and work conditions are all contributing factors to the treatment you may receive for your injury. During the beginning stage of healing, modalities such as heat and e-stim can help relieve pain. Low-level therapeutic exercises help promote range of motion and mobility. Manual therapy such as soft-tissue massage, mobilization, or myofascial release may be utilized throughout all stages of recovery. As your injury begins to heal, modalities will be used less frequently, and a higher-level exercise program will be implemented.

Like back pain, the truth hurts!

Decrease in range of motion, strength, and endurance are common occurrences with back injuries. Buttock and leg pain may also occur. Overall function may be limited, depending on the physical demands of your work and daily activities. All this to say, back injuries are THE WORST! While no injury is fun, the possibility of relief through physical therapy is comforting. With proper diagnosis and treatment, consistent attendance, and consistent application of the home exercise program, your back injury can improve.

Post written by: Clint Bunker, DPT

If At First You Don’t Succeed, Dry Dry Again

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Dry needling is a type of therapeutic technique. A specially trained physical therapist will insert small, thin needles into myofascial trigger points on the body, as shown in the videos below. If this sounds scary to you, fear not! The process is not as painful as it sounds. Generally, the needle insertion is painless. What can sometimes be felt is a small twitch response. This response is your brain sending impulses to the trigger point. The feeling is more like a shock or cramping sensation than pain. An added bonus is the release of endorphins and other hormones that help to reduce pain and relax your mind and body.  Still, you may be wondering why anyone would choose this type of treatment for their condition.

There are many benefits to dry needling, which is why it may be recommended by your doctor or therapist. The stimulation of blood flow that occurs when the needle is inserted stimulates your body’s natural healing process. Patients who have been through a number of dry needling sessions will see an improvement in their range of motion and joint mobility. A lot of athletes have turned to dry needles to improve and maximize their performances, as have patients who have suffered a reduction in mobility through injury. Dry needling can also reduce myofascial pain.

Dry needling can help treat a wide range of injuries and conditions. Some of the more common ones include tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, headaches, and back or spine problems. In addition, it speeds up the recovery process by releasing muscle tightness and reducing inflammation. There is not a set number of treatments required to improve each condition. Everyone will have a different experience because our injuries are specific to our own bodies. It is common to notice a small change after the first session, and within 3-4 sessions you should know if the treatment is right for you.

A view of the needles in the skin.

Post written by: Casey Badder, DPT

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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