Physical Therapists can help young athletes prevent Pitcher's Elbow

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Pitcher's Elbow
Pitcher's Elbow, also known as medial epicondyle apophysitis, is a common injury that occurs among young baseball players. Caused by "overuse" and "repetitive motion," Pitcher's Elbow causes pain and swelling inside of the elbow, and can limit one's range of motion.

Causes
The forceful and repetitive nature of overhand throwing for baseball players (pitchers in particular) can cause inflammation of the growth plate inside the throwing elbow, causing Pitcher's Elbow. Adolescent baseball players are most likely to experience this injury because their elbow structure (bones, growth plates, and ligaments) is not fully mature or developed. The following risk factors contribute to Pitcher's Elbow:

Age
Young baseball players (particularly between the ages of 9 and 14) are at greater risk because their elbow joint (bones, growth plates, and ligaments) are not fully developed and are more susceptible to overuse injuries.
Pitching too many games. The number of games pitched should be carefully monitored and the league's pitch count rules followed. Research has proven that overuse in baseball contributes to injuries such as Pitcher's Elbow.1 If pain occurs before pitch count limit is reached, the player should stop immediately. Rotating pitchers within games is a good idea to ensure adequate rest is given to each pitcher.
Curveballs and breaking pitches. Both of these types of pitches appear to put more stress on the growth plate than other pitches.2 These pitches should be limited, especially in players between the ages of 9 and 14.
Improper mechanics. Improper throwing mechanics can put undue force on the elbow joint. Proper throwing mechanics can help a young player avoid unnecessary injury and develop proper technique that improves their game.


How a Physical Therapist Can Help
Physical therapists are experts in restoring and improving mobility and motion in people's lives, and eliminating pain. For young baseball players, this means a physical therapist can work with you to help prevent Pitcher's Elbow from occurring, and recover if it has occurred.

In addition to following the guidelines for pitch counts and recommendations for rest, a physical therapist can help baseball players prevent the occurrence of Pitcher's Elbow by teaching them stretching and strengthening exercises that are indivualized for their specific needs. Everybody is different, which means Pitcher's Elbow may occur for different reasons for each person. A physical therapist can help a player recover, by designing an individualized treatment plan to regain range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

1Fleisig et al: am J Sports Med 2011
2Lyman et al: Am J Sports Med 2002

If your child has had a sports injury and you feel he or she may benefit from physical therapy, please call us at 540-316-2680, or submit an email inquiry by clicking on the button below.

For further information about physical therapy, or to locate a physical therapist in your area, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association website: www.apta.org

Physical Therapy Offers Tips to Golfers Coming Back from ACL Surgery

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Strength, Fitness, and Flexibility Are Key Factors to Recovery and to Avoiding Future Injuries

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers consumers information on what to expect regarding recovery from this major knee surgery.

APTA spokesperson Bud Ferrante Jr, PT, OCS, MTC, who works with both professional and amateur golfers at his private physical therapy practice in Carmel, CA, says that full recovery from ACL surgery typically ranges from six to eight months when the ligament is completely healed. "Of course, every individual is different," says Ferrante. "A typical golfer post ACL surgery could be back on the golf course as soon as six months following surgery -- if the golfer works with a surgeon and physical therapist and follows the plan of care."

Ferrante notes that the first week post-surgery is mostly about controlling swelling, pain, and getting patients to start moving as soon as possible. "Individuals who undergo surgery often use crutches for the first week following surgery to limit the weight-bearing on the knee and then progress to one crutch or a cane," said Ferrante.

Physical therapy starts immediately after surgery, several times a day at first, beginning with very gentle knee range of motion exercises, notes Ferrante. Depending on the extent of the swelling, a physical therapist will then work with patients who undergo surgery on progressive range of motion exercises that focus on regaining any lost knee motion. Once the knee is healed, the physical therapist would work on helping the patient strengthen the muscles around the knee, including the hamstring, and quadriceps muscles.

"The most important thing following ACL surgery is that patients avoid any type of twisting motions of the knee and not overdo the activity in the first few weeks of healing. The knee takes about four to six weeks to heal. If swelling increases, this could impede recovery," said Ferrante. Post-surgical ACL patients need to be careful going down stairs and to avoid certain exercises such as knee extensions.

How to Avoid ACL Surgery

APTA says that awareness of proper posture and the importance of fitness and flexibility are just as important for weekend golfers as they are for the pros. Golfers should have access to a physical therapist who can assess their physical abilities and provide individualized training programs that address musculoskeletal balance, body mechanics, strength, posturing and cardiovascular fitness.

Just as in professional tennis, there has been a significant increase in injuries among professional golfers, primarily because the game has changed so drastically and training has become so intense. According to APTA, it is now the norm, not the exception, for professional men and women golfers to work with physical therapists on improving these factors. But, warns APTA, it is vital that these programs be tailored to their individual skills.

Professional golfers make it look easy, but the golf swing is actually one of the most difficult and complicated movements in all of sports, requiring stability in some joints and flexibility in others. Having proper motion, strength, and function throughout the swing play a large role in preventing injuries. The payoff of a better swing is a more accurate ball strike, greater distance, and reduced stress on the muscles and joints.

Consumers can learn more about how physical therapists can get them back on the green as well as how to "Find a PT" by going to http://www.moveforwardpt.com/.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) is a national organization representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research.

If you live in northern Virginia and would like more information to see if you may benefit from physical therapy, please call 540-316-2680 to speak to a physical therapist. Or if you prefer to submit an inquiry via email, click on the button below.

Germinate Your Garden & Your Health This Spring

APTA Offers Tips for Pain‐free Gardening

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As Americans anxiously await the arrival of spring’s milder temperatures, many are also looking forward to springing back into the garden. A place where plants, veggies and flowers thrive, a garden is also where people of all ages, fitness levels and shades of green thumb can enjoy physical activity. As with all types of exercise, there is a risk of injury if done improperly. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), it is important that gardeners take a health‐conscious approach to both prevent injuries and reap the health rewards of gardening. “Many gardeners injure themselves because they don’t view gardening as a workout,” says APTA spokesperson Mary Ann Wilmarth, PT, DPT. “Gardening is a strenuous activity and it is very easy for people to overdo it, especially for seniors or those who have pre‐existing conditions, limited mobility or who are normally inactive.” Common gardening tasks, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints, primarily in the shoulders, back, neck and knees. APTA recommends the following tips to minimize the risk of injury:

• Warm up before you begin. Get your heart rate up by taking a 10‐minute walk followed by some stretches for your upper and lower back, neck, arms and legs. Roll your shoulders back in a circular motion and slowly move your head from side to side a few times to loosen up.


• Don’t overdo it. Be mindful of how your body feels. If you experience an aching back or neck, then slow down and stretch or stop and switch to a different task.


• Use a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move tools and heavy planting materials.


• Don’t kneel on both knees. Keep one foot on the ground to give your back more stability. If you have to kneel, use knee pads or a pillow to absorb some of the pressure.


• Change positions and take frequent breaks to avoid stiffness or cramping.


• Start with smaller projects and build gradually. Don’t try to do it all at once.


• Practice proper body mechanics. Bend at your knees when you grab something or pull a weed, bend your knees and contract your abdominal muscles to avoid straining your back.


• End your gardening session with a short walk or some light stretching. Take a warm bath or shower to help prevent next‐day soreness.


• If you experience pain, contact your physical therapist.

For more tips on a variety of activities and to learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat visit http://www.moveforwardpt.com/.

Consumers are also encouraged to follow APTA on Twitter (@moveforwardpt) and Facebook. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 77,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide.

If you feel you or someone you know may benefit from physical therapy, or if you have a question, please call 540-316-2680 to speak with a physical therapist. Or click on the button below to submit an inquiry via email.

Dr. Oz reports on Vaginal Panic Attacks

Dr. Oz recently spoke about “vaginal panic attacks” on his television show. You can see a video of this segment at this link: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/vaginal-panic-attacks

The medical term for vaginal panic attacks is Vaginismus, which is an involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles resulting in tightness of the vagina during attempted intercourse. This tightness may lead to burning, stinging, pain, or the inability to tolerate penetration during intercourse. Common symptoms of vaginismus (http://www.vaginismus.com/):

• Burning or stinging with tightness during sex


• Difficult or impossible penetration, entry pain, uncomfortable insertion of penis


• Unconsummated marriage


• Ongoing sexual discomfort or pain following childbirth, yeast/urinary infections, STDs, IC, hysterectomy, cancer and surgeries, rape, menopause, or other issues.


• Ongoing sexual pain of unknown origin, with no apparent cause


• Difficulty inserting tampons or undergoing a pelvic/gynecological exam


• Spasms in other body muscle groups (legs, lower back, etc.) and/or halted breathing during attempts at intercourse


• Avoidance of sex due to pain and/or failure

Vaginismus is a highly treatable condition with high success rates. One of the techniques used is retraining the pelvic floor muscles to relax in order to decrease tightness and pain. Physical therapists trained in pelvic floor physical therapy are health care providers who can help you with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, control and relaxation.

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation, Kristen L. Pierce, PT, DPT, recently achieved her CAPP (Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy) certification from the Women’s Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She is trained to treat all types of pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Our outpatient center also has the same biofeedback unit that Dr. Oz demonstrates on his show, and our pelvic physical therapists are trained in its use. The biofeedback unit can be used as an adjunct in the patient’s rehabilitation program to teach muscle control and relaxation. It can also be used to help with strengthening. The use of the biofeedback unit in pelvic physical therapy is based on the individualized needs and goals of the patient. Our therapists utilize a variety of techniques as well as education to assure each patient’s needs are addressed. All pelvic floor treatments are conducted one-on –one in a private setting.If you feel you may benefit from physical therapy for vaginismus or other pelvic floor dysfunctions, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question to one of our therapists.

Physical Therapy can Help with Common Upper Extremity Problems following Breast Cancer Surgery

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Upper extremity pain and stiffness is common following surgery for breast cancer. According to McCredie et al, 7 out of 8 who have surgery for breast cancer experience some type of ongoing problem with shoulder/arm function, with most women presenting with more than one symptom. The prevalance of stiffness 6 months following surgery is greater than 40%; 60% have pain in the axilla or chest wall, and 25 to 50% experience weakness. (Kilbreath et al) These problems may not be resolved up to 2 years after surgery.

As a result of these postoperative problems, women may experience a reduced quality of life. Women may experience long term difficulties with everyday activities including: driving, dressing, washing their hair, and sleeping on the involved side. (Maunsell et al, Collins et al) For many women, the 'cure' produces other problems.

Physical therapists with specialized training in breast cancer rehabilitation are the ideal health care providers to address these musculoskeletal problems and help you achieve a pain free and fully functional lifestyle. Physical therapy intervention may address musculoskeletal problems regardless of how long ago your surgery may have been.

Physical therapy interventions aiming to decrease pain and improve function for those who have had breast cancer surgery may include:

• Exercises including an individualized stretching and strengthening program


• Manual therapy to improve the extensibility of tissue affected from surgery


• Scar mobilization to decrease pain, improve mobility and range of motion


• Aerobic exercise program to combat fatique and improve endurance


• Patient education


• Home program
  

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, our cancer rehabilitation team, currently consisting of two physical therapists with specialized training, can provide these physical therapy interventions to patients with breast cancer.

If you have any questions for our cancer rehabilitation team, please call us at 540-316-2680 or click on the button below to submit an email inquiry.

References:

Collins LG, Nash R, Round T, Newman B. Perceptions of upper-body problems during recovery from breast cancer treatment. Support Care Cancer: 2004: 12: 106-13.

Kilbreath S, Refshauge K, Beith J, MiJoung L. Resistance and stretching shoulder exercises early following axillary surgery for breast cancer. Rehabilitation Oncology: 2006: 24:9-13.

Maunsell E, Birsson J, Deschenes L. Arm problems and psychological distress after surgery for breast cancer. Can J Surg. 1993:36:315-320.

McCredie MRE, Dite GS, Porter L, et al. Prevalence of self-reported arm morbidity following treatment for breast cancer in the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study. Breast. 2001:50:292-311.

"Other" Women's Health Discussion Group

At November's session of the "Other" Women's Health Discussion Group, Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, who specializes in pelvic physical therapy at Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation, will discuss how specific physical therapy interventions including exercise, manual techniques, electrical stimulation & biofeedback can be used to treat pelvic pain & incontinence.

Guest Speaker:
Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, cert. MDT

Location:
The LIFE Center at Fauquier Health
419 Holiday Court, Suite 200
Warrenton, VA 20136

Dates:
Tuesday November 9th Time: 10:00 am
Monday, November 15th Time: 6:00 pm

To register for one of the sessions, please call the LIFE Center at 540-316-2640.

If you need further information or have any questions, please contact Marilyn Caine at 540-349-9325 or mcainepfd@aol.com

Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is pleased to announce a new service

Physical Therapy Treatment

for the Patient with

Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In 2011, 261,900 females will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and currently there are approximately 2.3 million breast cancer survivors in the US. Of the 261,900 diagnosed with breast cancer next year, 261,200 should have physical therapy.

Success of cancer care is no longer measured by just the eradication of the disease progression. Today, success also includes the return to pre-diagnosis activity and comfort levels. Quality cancer care requires a comprehensive approach which also includes rehabilitation. Physical therapists, who have trained in cancer rehabilitation and are members of the medical oncology team, are the specialists who can provide treatment for common musculoskeletal and cardiovascular problems that occur after cancer treatment.


Seventy to ninety percent of patients will have one or more of these common physical problems after cancer treatment:

· Pain
· Swelling
· Decreased range of motion
· Cording
· Strength loss
· Soft tissue tightness
· Soft tissue restrictions
· Risk for infection and lymphedema
· Fatigue
· Bone loss
· Muscle loss
· Neuropathy
· Weight gain
· Postural changes
· Loss of normal function


Rehabilitation by a physical therapist can eliminate, reduce, or prevent every one of these issues except neuropathy. Physical therapists in cancer rehabilitation provide treatment from a musculoskeletal perspective throughout the cancer treatment continuum so patients can achieve their full functional level.


Who should have cancer rehabilitation?

· People who have had or will have surgery
· People who have had or will have chemotherapy
· People who have had or will have radiation.


In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is pleased to announce a new service provided to our community: Physical Therapy for the Patient with Breast Cancer.


Our cancer rehabilitation team consisting of physical therapists, Joan Wolf, PT and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, have recently received specialized training in the physical therapy treatment of the patient with breast cancer. Their specialized training will provide interventions to help eliminate pain, restore joint mobility, restore/maximize tissue flexibility, restore strength, restore activities of daily living, vocational, and recreational activity, and provide education for patients having breast cancer treatment. Treatment is always individualized based on the physical therapy exam and the patient’s goals.


If you have a question for our cancer rehabilitation team, please call 540-316-2680 or click on the button below to submit an inquiry via email.

The Fauquier Health Rehabilitation Team participated in the Pink Hair for Hope event at Warrenton's Salon Emage.