Farnsworth Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

sciatica

Getting on your Sciatic Nerves

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The “What” of Sciatica

So, what is your sciatic nerve? Well, it’s the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back down your legs, and ends at your feet. sciatica pains often feel like shooting pains down one side of your body. When you have mild sciatica, your symptoms can build up slowly. They may even go away from time to time on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms show up suddenly, or if they happen after an injury, it’s important to see your doctor and your physical therapist. These symptoms will most likely be severe since they are the result of trauma around your sciatic nerve. No matter what course of treatment your doctor recommends, it is very likely that they will also recommend that physical therapy.

At-Home Techniques

There are some techniques you can do at home that will help ease some of your sciatica symptoms. First of all, alternating ice and heat can help ease the pain. Also, you can sleep with a pillow between your knees which helps with pain and stiffness in those muscles. Going for a walk or other gentle exercises can also help you to loosen up your muscles. Stretching and warming up your muscles will keep you from getting too tightened up and worsening your pain.

(It is not necessary to walk silly in order to experience the benefits.)

Treatment

If doing simple exercises in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms last for more than a week without getting significantly better, then you should come in for physical therapy. If your symptoms get worse, don’t hesitate to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains.  We can help you get back to doing the things you need and love to do.

 

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

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

Traction Satisfaction

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Have you ever experienced a shooting pain that travels down your leg? Believe it or not, this pain can be related to a disc in your low back. If you have ever experienced this issue, you know it can be painful and debilitating. Luckily there is a treatment that can help ease your pain. Spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that may help relieve pain related to disc issues or sciatica. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine, which changes the force and position of the spine. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! In addition to providing relief, this change takes pressure off the spinal disks, retracts any bulging or herniated disks, and helps promote movement of water and oxygen into the disks so they can heal.

There are two types of traction a patient can receive; pelvic or cervical. Patients with neck pain may receive cervical traction, while patients with back pain may receive pelvic traction. The process takes about 15 minutes and is just a portion of the treatment you may receive here. The patient will lay face up on the treatment table, with a harness around their pelvis or neck. After the initial appointment, you may experience some mild discomfort. It is important not to get too discouraged if this happens! Be patient, relief will come with time.

Around your waist, we secure the pelvic harness.

 

The pulling can begin once the harness is securely in place.

Our goal is to get you feeling better as soon as possible. Because of this, we recommend attending multiple sessions over a period of 3-4 weeks. When it comes to physical therapy, consistency is key!  Treatment can vary when dealing with specific injuries, as every body is different. During your initial evaluation, your therapist will decide if traction is the right treatment for you. As always, if you have any questions you can reach out to us by phone and we would be happy to help you.

Post written by: Tom Farnsworth PT, MPT

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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