Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on the muscular and skeletal systems. Learn the various types of disorders and injuries affecting our muscles, bones, and joints while discovering the important role physical therapy plays in managing orthopedic conditions.
The Link Between Knee Pain and Your Back
Most people assume if they have knee pain the problem is due to a problem with the knee joint. This is not always the case! While the discomfort can be due to a knee condition, often it is the result of a disc protrusion in the back.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
With over 26 bones and 6 ligaments, there are quite a few structures in the foot that can be damaged. Learn the most common causes of foot pain.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
The ankle is the most frequently injured joint in the body. Learn about the many causes of ankle pain.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is a common reason for people to see a physical therapist. Learn the various causes of this aggravating condition.
Elbow Dislocation
Elbow dislocation occurs when a force acts on the elbow joint to move the bones out of their proper allignment.
Disorders of the Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint)
Shoulder separation and arthritis are two common disorders of the acromioclavicular joint.
Arthritis of the Knee
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing arthrits of the knee. Learn more about these conditions.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Injury and Rehabilitation
ACL injuries are among the most common sport related knee injuries. Approximately 100,000 – 200,000 people in the United States acquire a torn or ruptured ACL every year.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occur when the main nerve that goes to the foot gets compressed by surrounding structures.
Injuries and Rehabilitation of the Rotator Cuff Muscles
Due to their position under the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff is at increased injury for tears. Learn the muscles of the rotator cuff and how to rehabilitate them.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tears are a common injury in both the elderly and young.
Elbow Injuries and Rehabilitation
Elbow injuries are a common cause of pain in the avid golfer and tennis player. Learn about the types of elbow injuries and how to manage them.
Is it Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis?
Discover the difference between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Overuse Elbow Injuries
Overuse injuries of the elbow including tennis elbow and golfer's elbow result from repetitive activity at the elbow joint.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose common knee injuries.
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is a condition that occurs when there is death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply.
The Shoulder
The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body. As a result it is susceptible to many injuries.
A Comprehensive Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A complete guide to carpal tunnel syndrome
Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis is a condition that involves pain and loss of motion at the shoulder joint.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscles compresses and irritates the sciatic nerve.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition involving the vertebrae and discs of the neck.
The Knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It is also the most injured joint during athletic activities and exercise. Learn all you need to know about the knee here.
Activity Restrictions After Total Hip Replacement
After a total hip replacement there are several activities that should be avoided to prevent hip dislocation.
Prepatellar Bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis is assocated with pain and swelling of the anterior knee joint.
Upper Extremity Special Tests
A review of special tests that help diagnose upper extremity conditions.
Special Tests of the Lower Extremity
Special tests are often performed in the lower extremities to help diagnose disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Review some lower extremity special tests.
Bicep Tendon Rupture
Bicep tendon ruptures result when the bicep tendon tears at it's insertion or origin site. Most ruptures involve the proximal site of the long head tendon.
Sciatica
Sciatica, a common cause of back pain, results from compression of the sciatic nerve. Learn more about sciatica in this quick tip.
Shoulder Separation
Shoulder separation describes a disruption of the acromioclavicular joint. This often results after a direct fall onto the shoulder joint.
RSD
RSD is a condition called reflex sympathetic dystrophy. It often occurs after trauma to an extremity.
Causes of Hip Pain
A review of the many causes of hip pain.
Biceps Tendonitis
Bicpes tendonitis is an overuse syndrome that results from inflammation of the biceps tendon.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD, is a complex neurological condition that is characterized by symptoms of burning, swelling, sweating, and increased sensitivity of the affected extremity.
Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's Contracture is a condition of the hand in which the fascia under the palm shortens and contracts.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which there is progressive pain and loss of motion at the shoulder joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints and other organ systems. Learn all about rheumatoid arthritis in this profile.
Spinal Cord Injury
Overview of spinal cord injury including causes and symptoms are reviewed.
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces an injured or arthritic joint with a prosthesis, or artificial joint. Learn more about joint replacements in this article.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the bottom surface of the feet. Learn about the risk factors and treatment options here.
Bursitis
Bursitis describes an inflamation of the fluid filled sacs that cushion joints.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical techinque used in many orthopedic surgeries. Learn more about arthroscopy in this article from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs from compression of neurovascular structures in the neck. Review the symptoms and three common areas of compression in this profile.
Special Tests for the Knee
There are four special tests for the knee. Each test evaluates the four ligaments of the knee. Learn the names of these tests and how to perform them.
Chondromalacia
Chondromalacia, a condition of the knee joint, describes a softening of the cartilage behind the patella.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs with age due to decreased cartilage between the bones of the joint. Learn more about osteoarthritis in this article.
Tendonitis- Definition, Causes, Treatment
Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, structures that attatch muscle to bone. Overuse is the most common cause of tendonitis. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tendonitis.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up in one of the fascial muscular compartments of the body. This is a painful condition that can lead to muscular, nerve, and blood vessel damage.
Complete Ankle Rehabilitation Guide
Have you recently injured your ankle? Use this complete ankle rehabilitation guide to get your ankle back into shape.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the common term used for a hyperextension/hyperflexion injury to the neck. Learn the mechanism of this injury.
Exercises After Knee Arthroscopy
Review four exercises to be performed immediately after knee arthroscopy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Experiencing numbness and tingling in your hands? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be the cause. Anatomy, symptoms, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome are reviewed in this article.
All About Orthopedics
About orthopedics is a great place to start learning more on the many conditions affecting our muscles and joints.
Questions To Ask Before Undergoing Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Considering a total hip replacement? Ask yourself and your orthopedist these questions before undergoing surgery.
Exercising Your New Hip
Exercising after total hip replacement surgery is important for a fast recovery. Review five exercises that should be performed for the first eight weeks after surgery.
Virtual Knee Replacement Surgery - For the Physical Therapy Student
Go into the operating room with an orthopedic surgeon and assist in performing a total knee replacement!
Prevent Weakness After a Total Knee Replacement
Exercising daily is the best way to prevent muscular weakness after a total knee replacement. Review four simple exercises that will help strengthen your muscles after surgery.
Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Learn about the causes of shoulder pain and how physical therapy can help treat shoulder pain.
Tendon Gliding Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Learn how to perform tendon gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Muscle Strength Measurement
Measuring the strength of your muscles can help your physical therapist determine the best treatment for you.
