Overuse Injuries

The following questions and statements may indicate the potential for or presence of an overuse injury (ie tendinitis, bursitis, IT band syndrome) or activity related injury.

1. Previous Injury to the lower extremity joints including hip, knee, ankle, or low back and pelvis?

2. Recent increase/change in exercise duration, frequency of days/week, terrain (track, pavement, grass), or sporting event?

3. Have you performed the same exercise program or training program for over 6-8 weeks?

4. Inability or decrease in a sport type movement to one side vs. another? For example, a player can defend Left, not Right; longer stride on one side; stronger pedal stroke on one side; or decrease in vertical jump from side to side?

5. Point tenderness over the muscle belly, tendon, ligaments, or bone? Note: Point tenderness over a bone with inability to bear weight must be followed up with a physician to rule out fracture.

6. Swelling or heat within a joint not resolved 1-2 hours after exercise or when compared to the other working joints of the body.

7. Pain in the leg or arm that increases or decreases in severity with exercise?

8. Inability to balance on one leg for the same duration from Right to Left?

9. Tightness or strength differences for the same muscle group from Right to Left?

10. Repeated hamstring or groin pulls or repeated incidents of the same problem without complete recovery? (ie treating the symptoms not the cause)

11. Inability to perform a single leg squat without the knee traveling in toward the center.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement is a common musculoskeletal complaint which involves the inability of the scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus (upper arm bone) to move appropriately secondary to either joint alignment or muscular balance. Common complaints involve shoulder pain or "pinching" while reaching overhead either for work or recreational reasons. For example, while swimming freestyle, a tennis serve, or painting a ceiling. Pain is often felt across the shoulder or upper arm.

As physical therapists we often find restrictions of movement across the thoracic spine and the scapula, as well as, the inability of specific muscle groups to contract appropriately across the shoulder joint. Specifically, the lower trapezius and serratus anterior weaken with this problem.

New research has shown appropriate repositioning of the scapula both passively by your physical therapists (Tate et al, Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2008; 38:1) and actively through appropriate exercise can reduce symptoms and improve sports and work performance.

The key is identifying the cause of your symptoms and weakness instead of only treating your symptoms. Contact us or schedule a complimentary physical therapy consultation to discuss your individual physical therapy needs.

Physical Therapy Referrals

In the state of Georgia our Physical Therapists are able to evaluate neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions and injuries without a referral from a physician or other health care provider. In order to commence treatment we are required to obtain a referral to begin your treatment. We do offer complimentary sports/fitness screenings and physical therapy consultations to allow potential clients and patients the opportunity to meet our physical therapists and discuss your needs. Further we are able to both evaluate and treat conditions specific to fitness and wellness without a prior referral.

In addition, a referral for physical therapy allows the consumer and patient the opportunity to attend physical therapy at any location they choose. Therefore, your care should be efficient and effective to meet your individual needs. If your physical therapy needs are not being met the initial referral may be used at another physical therapy clinic. This empowers patients to obtain the care they need by the provider the prefer.

Patellofemoral Pain - Knee pain

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a general pain felt over the front of the knee, specifically under or around the patella or knee cap. Patients with knee pain commonly have weakened hip musculature which leads to additional stress placed across the knee joint. Recent literature indicates patients with PFPS demonstrate significantly less hip strength than an asymptomatic control group (Bolgia et al, 2008) in a January article within the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy.

Knee pain on one side of the body is a strong indicator of an underlying mechanical dysfunction or joint malalignment across the pelvis, hip, knee, or ankle joints. Additionally, these dysfunctions are associated with muscle imbalances which contribute to overuse injuries within the lower extremity.

Physical Therapists are highly trained, licensed professionals able to evaluate and diagnosis the cause of your chronic knee pain or overuse injury. Ensure that your physical therapist has advanced training in musculoskeletal evaluation and manual therapy treatment techniques to enable them to treat the causes of your problem not just the symptoms.