FAQs

The word "orthosis" comes from a Greek word meaning "to straighten or align." Foot orthoses are inserts that are placed in shoes to provide additional support. This support can help relieve tension on the plantar fascia (along the bottom of the foot) which is often the source of foot and/or heel pain.

In addition, proper support of the heel and arch can alleviate shin, knee, hip, and low back pain. A physical therapist can evaluate all of these areas and determine what type of orthosis (along with stretching and other treatments) would be helpful. Custom-made orthoses are often not necessary. At East Mountain Physical Therapy, therapists are able to fit patients with effective, affordable orthoses right in the clinic.

Low back pain is a common side effect of pregnancy. In addition to the added load on the spine due to carrying excess weight in the abdominal area, hormonal changes that are a normal part of being pregnant can loosen joints and ligaments that support the pelvis and spine.

Back muscles can become sore as a result of compensating for these changes. Pain can also radiate into the buttocks, hip, groin, or legs. A physical therapist can evaluate your specific needs and provide valuable treatment and advice to relieve pain and improve activity level, sleep, and overall fitness during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experiencing back pain, ask your physician for a referral to physical therapy.

This is an injury to tendons, ligaments, bursa, nerves, cartilage, and muscle from repetitive stresses where the tissue does not have time for complete repair. The additive effects of repetitive forces leads to microtrauma, which in turn triggers the inflammatory process and can result in swelling.

People who do manual labor for a living can be highly susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. This is especially true for any job that involves gripping, pinching, or holding positions for long periods of time. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common overuse injury involving flexing the wrist for long periods of time. Postural problems and back pains are also common complaints. Changing postural and ergonomic habits can be key to treating these injuries. See a Physical Therapist for recommendations.

Vertigo is the sensation of being light-headed or dizzy. It can feel like the room is spinning and is often accompanied by nausea. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), often the cause of vertigo related to head movement, occurs when calcium carbonate crystals become dislodged in the inner ear.

When the head is moved in different positions, the crystals migrate and create the sensation of vertigo. BPPV can result from trauma, infection, age or sometimes for unknown reasons. A physical therapist is trained to perform maneuvers and prescribe exercises to help eliminate this condition.

Fibromyalgia is a condition which commonly manifests in chronic, widespread muscular pain, tenderness, and generalized fatigue. Research has shown that regular, moderate exercise is an important part of managing fibromyalgia.

However, it is often difficult for anyone who is in pain to exercise. In addition to providing manual therapy and pain modalities, a physical therapist can develop a safe, specific exercise program for those suffering with this condition. Physical therapy intervention has been shown to decrease pain and improve function for patients with fibromyalgia. Other helpful activities include aerobic conditioning, aquatic exercise, yoga, and tai chi.

At East Mountain Physical Therapy, we have a multifaceted approach to restoring normal function after injury AND preventing future problems. Your physical therapist will develop a specific plan to:

1) relieve pain

2) restore mobility, strength, and function through manual techniques and therapeutic exercise

3) prescribe and progress a specific, individualize exercise program for your condition, and

4) teach you how to manage pain, prevent further injury, and maintain overall health.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by nerve compression at the wrist. Symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers.

Common causes are repetitive movements during activities such as typing on a keyboard, gripping, or grasping. Physical therapy for specific exercises, splinting, work modification, and pain relief is essential to managing this condition. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Exercise, particularly weight bearing and resistance exercise, along with good nutrients, especially calcium and Vitamin D are the most important preventive factors for avoiding bone loss. Men, as well as women, are at risk for osteoporosis.

A standard X-ray cannot diagnose osteoporosis until approximately 30 percent of the bone is already lost. The best way to determine bone strength is to have one of several FDA approved bone mineral density tests. It is best to check with your doctor to get a bone density test and follow up with a Physical Therapist for correct exercise and lifestyle recommendations.

Hallux valgus, also known as a "bunion", is an inflammation of the joint formed by the foot and the base of the big toe. It is progressive, and the eventual "cure" is surgery. This condition is hereditary and more often seen in women than men.

Wearing high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe box (leading to pressure on the joint, as well as shortened calf muscles) has been shown to be a contributing factor. But the most common cause of bunions is related to a collapsed arch. Therefore, it is very important to wear shoes with good arch support (especially during high impact athletic activities) early in life.

Physical therapy is used to treat medical conditions affecting the nervous, muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Physical therapists are trained to treat pain, weakness, joint restriction, lack of coordination, balance and gait disorders.

A large part of physical therapy is patient education: teaching people how to take care of their own bodies at work and during recreation. Physical therapy is most effective when initiated soon after an injury. Most insurance covers physical therapy if prescribed by a primary care provider or specialist.

The right type of exercise is actually a very important part of managing arthritis. Stretching and strengthening the muscles around arthritic joints can actually improve function and decrease pain. However, high impact weight bearing exercise can worsen symptoms and should be avoided.

Putting stress on the arthritic joint in extreme positions (for example, excessive bending of the knees) is also irritating. Exercising in water is an ideal choice because movement is allowed without excessive stress on the joints. A physical therapist can develop and progress a specific exercise program for your particular condition.