Physical Therapy First’s Post

A Physical Therapist's Magic Hands: Pain Relief in Minutes at 90% Certainty, Good-bye to Trigger Points! “Trigger points cause myofascial pain” is a tenet in today's myofascial medicine world, despite the never-ending controversies over its clinical value or even its legitimate existence (Quintner, JL, 2015). What Are TrPs in Bible Texts? The founders of TrP theory established this theory based on an “appears to be” evidence: “The critical trigger point abnormality now appears to be a neuromuscular dysfunction at the motor end plate of an extrafusal muscle fiber.” Much of the myofascial pain system depends on this sentence from the bibles created by Travell et al (Ingraham P, 2023). Little Clinical Benefits Identified In spite of a holy existence in myofascial medicine, no remarkable and reliable clinical benefits from TrP theory have been identified even after numerous randomly controlled trials (RCTs) conducted worldwide in the last half century (Mohammadreza P et al, 2021). A PT's Magic Hands, No Recourse to The Bible Ryan Whelton, DPT, an American physical therapist, established a manual technique using his hands, called “Myofascial Referral Technique”, which, according to his website, can quickly and reliably relieve pain: Instantly relieves pain Dramatically increases range of motion Decreases muscle spasm Accelerates healing Dr Whelton says he identified “how the body connects in a very precise way. Every millimeter of the body has direct connections to other areas of the body. ...When these connections are acheived ...the results are often remarkable". I watched some videos on his website. Without bothering about TrPS, a few minutes of massage on elbow reduced the same side knee pain, a few minutes of massage with fist on lateral leg reduced pain at the same site upper arm, and a few minutes of massage around C7/T1 spinal area improved lumbar joint extension of a patient with low back pain. According to Dr Whelton, performing his manual technique, most clinicians “report 80%-90% of their patients they can instantly relieve pain and achieve full range of motion or close to it”. Dr Whelton says he has essentially identified "Off switches" for most pain problems. But he did not mention anything about the TrPs on motor end plates. Motor-Plate TrP Theory, An Obvious Dead End We have spent 80 years in examining, investigating and testing a theory established on an episodic finding related to an abnormal muscular morphology at the motor end plates. But the theory has advanced to nowhere. A New Road bypassing the Dead End Dr Whelton's magic hands are paving a trail over the dead end. I believe if more and more clinicians come to realize the potential value of Dr Whelton's magic bullet hands, the happening of the breakthrough in pain medicine could come sooner. Ryan Whelton, wheltonmethods.com #triggerpoints #myofascialpain #magicbullets (Image from https://lnkd.in/g3XHqNTt by Whelton R)

🕵♂️ Exploring Physical Therapy Techniques for Chronic Headache Relief 🤕 Chronic headache and migraine can significantly impact quality of life, but did you know that physical therapy offers a beacon of hope? Through a comprehensive approach, physical therapy aims to reduce both the frequency and severity of chronic headache. However, the key to positive outcomes lies in the combination of interventions rather than a single type of treatment. What types of interventions are used? Manual Therapies: These are divided into joint-based and soft-tissue-based interventions to address impairments such as trigger points and joint mobility deficits. And may play a role in reducing neural sensitization in the upper cervical spine. Exercise: A tailored exercise program, including both generalized and neck/shoulder-specific exercises, enhances cervical mobility and stability, boosts functional capacity, and helps in decreasing peripheral and central sensitization that contribute to headache frequency. Modalities: Techniques such as needling, neuromodulation, and cryotherapies offer pain modulation, contributing to both acute relief and long-term management. These can be easily transferrable to home management strategies as well. The Ideal Approach The optimal treatment plan is highly personalized, combining various interventions to target specific impairments related to headaches or migraines. This could mean integrating manual therapy with neck specific exercises, or pairing neuromodulation with targeted physical activities. The effectiveness of these combinations depends on impairments identified during the initial evaluation, the patient beliefs & preferences regarding treatments, physical therapist expertise in interventions, patient response to those interventions, and adherence to the care plan. Physical therapy for chronic headache is about more than just helping with symptom management. It's about enhancing the patients overall wellbeing and maximizing function. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of chronic headaches, exploring physical therapy could be the step towards reclaiming control over health and life. #PhysicalTherapy #headache #migraine

🏋️♂️ Physical Therapy Protocol for Rotator Cuff Injury 🏋️♀️ Here's a general outline for a physical therapy protocol for a rotator cuff injury: ■ PHASE 1: Acute Phase (0-2 weeks) - Goals: Reduce pain and inflammation, protect the injured area, maintain range of motion. ● Treatment: - Pain management: modalities like ice, NSAIDs. - Gentle passive range of motion exercises. - Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff muscles. - Scapular stabilization exercises. ●Precautions: Avoid aggravating activities, overhead movements, heavy lifting. ■ PHASE 2: Subacute Phase (2-6 weeks) - Goals: Restore pain-free range of motion, begin strengthening, improve proprioception and neuromuscular control. ● Treatment: - Active range of motion exercises. - Gradual introduction of strengthening exercises (e.g., theraband exercises, light weights). - Proprioceptive and balance training. - Joint mobilizations. ●Precautions: Avoid excessive stretching or loading, monitor for signs of overuse. ■Phase 3: Intermediate Phase (6-12 weeks) -Goals: Continue strengthening, improve muscular endurance, enhance functional activities. ●Treatment: - Progressive strengthening exercises focusing on rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. - Plyometric exercises. - Functional training: sport-specific drills, ADLs. - Eccentric strengthening. ●Precautions: Emphasize proper form, monitor for signs of fatigue or compensation patterns. ■ Phase 4: Advanced Phase (12+ weeks) -Goals: Return to full activity, prevent re-injury, optimize strength and endurance. ●Treatment: - Progressive resistance training. - Dynamic stabilization exercises. - Sport-specific drills and simulations. - Address any remaining deficits in strength or flexibility. ●Precautions: Gradually increase intensity and load, maintain vigilance for any signs of regression or overuse. ■Maintenance Phase: -Goals: Sustain gains made in therapy, prevent recurrence. ● Treatment: - Continued home exercise program. - Regular monitoring and adjustments as needed. - Education on injury prevention strategies and proper body mechanics. ● Precautions: Encourage lifelong adherence to exercise routine, emphasize importance of ongoing self-care. Remember, this is a generalized protocol and should be tailored to individual patient needs and progress. Always consult with a qualified physical therapist for personalized assessment and treatment planning. #RehabilitationProtocol #RotatorCuffInjury #PhysicalTherapy #InjuryRecovery #KhansaKaleemPT

Why Myofunctional Therapy is Essential for Correcting Tongue Thrust A tongue thrust, or the habit of pushing the tongue forward against the teeth during swallowing, can lead to a host of issues including dental misalignment, speech difficulties, and improper oral development. Many might wonder if this issue can be resolved on its own, but the reality is that specialized intervention is often necessary. Here's why myofunctional therapy (MFT) is crucial: Why Tongue Thrust Can't Fix Itself Habitual Nature: Tongue thrusting is often a deeply ingrained habit, developed over the years. Without targeted intervention, it's challenging to break this habit on your own. Muscle Memory: Just like any other muscle in the body, the tongue and orofacial muscles develop muscle memory. Incorrect patterns need to be retrained, which requires professional guidance. Underlying Causes: Tongue thrust can be caused by various factors such as mouth breathing, improper swallowing patterns, or even anatomical issues like tongue tie. Addressing these underlying causes requires a comprehensive approach. The Role of Myofunctional Therapy Targeted Exercises: MFT provides specific exercises designed to strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles, helping to correct the thrusting pattern. Improved Function: By retraining these muscles, MFT improves overall function, benefiting speech, swallowing, and even breathing. Long-Term Results: Unlike quick fixes, myofunctional therapy offers long-term solutions by addressing the root causes and establishing new, healthy patterns. Connect with Me. At Myofunctional Therapy of St Croix Valley, I specialize in helping individuals correct tongue thrust and other myofunctional disorders. My personalized therapy plans are designed to ensure lasting results and improved overall health.  Contact me to learn more about how myofunctional therapy can help your patients. MyoofStCroixValley@gmail.com

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy has shown promise in benefiting the senior citizen population in various ways. Here are some potential benefits and considerations: Pain Management: Many seniors experience chronic pain due to conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain. PEMF therapy has been shown to help alleviate pain and inflammation, offering a non-invasive and drug-free option for pain management. Joint Health: As individuals age, joint health becomes increasingly important. PEMF therapy may help improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and promote overall joint health, making daily activities more manageable and comfortable for seniors. Mobility and Balance: Seniors often face challenges with mobility and balance, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. PEMF therapy may contribute to improved mobility by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, thus enhancing overall stability and balance. Bone Health: Osteoporosis and age-related bone loss are common concerns among seniors, leading to an increased risk of fractures and bone injuries. Some research suggests that PEMF therapy may help improve bone density and promote bone healing, potentially reducing the risk of fractures and enhancing overall bone health. Cognitive Function: While further research is needed, some studies have suggested that PEMF therapy may have beneficial effects on cognitive function and mental acuity. This could be particularly relevant for seniors looking to maintain cognitive health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. General Well-being: In addition to specific health benefits, PEMF therapy may contribute to overall well-being and quality of life for seniors. By reducing pain, improving mobility, and promoting relaxation, PEMF therapy can help seniors stay active, engaged, and comfortable as they age. Mood Regulation: PEMF therapy has been shown to modulate neurotransmitter levels and activity in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Seniors may benefit from PEMF therapy as a non-pharmacological approach to managing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as enhancing overall emotional resilience and quality of life. Sleep Quality: Adequate sleep is essential for optimal brain health and cognitive function, yet many seniors experience sleep disturbances or insomnia. PEMF therapy has been investigated for its potential to improve sleep quality by modulating circadian rhythms and promoting relaxation. Seniors who undergo regular PEMF therapy sessions may experience more restful and rejuvenating sleep, leading to improved cognitive function and overall well-being. #seniorliving #pemftherapy #pemf #seniorlife

The Velocity Storage Mechanism: Your Brain's Unsung Balance Booster Have you ever wondered how you read a book on a moving train without the words blurring into an illegible mess? Or how do you stay upright during a sudden change of direction while walking? The answer lies in your vestibular system, the complex network that governs your sense of balance and spatial orientation. This network's silent yet vital velocity storage mechanism (VSM) maintains stability and visual clarity during head movements. Think of the VSM as a sophisticated internal gyroscope. When you turn your head, the fluid in your semicircular canals shifts, sending signals to your brain about the rotation's speed and direction. However, these signals fade quickly. This is where the VSM steps in. It acts like a memory bank, storing information about head velocity even after the initial sensation has subsided. This stored information is then used for two essential functions: 1. Gaze stabilization: The VSM helps keep your eyes fixed on a target even as your head moves, ensuring clear vision during everyday activities like reading, walking, or navigating a crowded street. 2. Postural control: The VSM plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements to maintain your balance and posture, even during sudden head tilts or changes in direction, preventing you from toppling over like a poorly stacked Jenga tower. Now, here's why understanding the VSM is crucial for vestibular therapy: Many vestibular disorders disrupt the delicate balance of the inner ear, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and impaired balance. By understanding how the VSM works, therapists can design targeted rehabilitation strategies to: 1. Enhance VSM function: Specific head movement exercises can "train" the VSM, improving its ability to store and integrate head velocity information. 2. Reduce VSM reliance: When the VSM is dysfunctional, therapists can help patients rely more on other sensory cues, like vision and proprioception, to maintain stability and navigate their environment confidently. 3. Treat specific VSM-related disorders: Conditions like oscillopsia (perceived jitteriness of the visual world) and Sensory Mismatch with errors in the Sensory Strategy causing imbalance. The VSM is a behind-the-scenes champion of your balance and vision. By appreciating its role and incorporating VSM-based strategies into treatment plans, vestibular therapists can empower their patients to regain control of their movement and embrace life without the fear of dizziness or instability.

Check out our latest blog on managing cervicogenic headaches with physical therapy: https://lnkd.in/gtpMuXEr Cervicogenic headaches are caused by musculoskeletal dysfunction in the upper cervical spine that refers pain to the head, often developing on one side of the head. Cervical spine dysfunction can be caused by irritation or compression of cervical nerves, muscle strains to the neck, shoulder, or upper back, arthritis, poor posture, or from an sports or whiplash injury. Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for cervicogenic headaches and can help manage pain and address the underlying cause of the headache pain through a targeted manual therapy and strengthening exercises program.

😡“All I remember is using those vibration machine & stretchy bands” THIS is a BIG PROBLEM in Physiotherapy! 👉WE ARE "musculoskeletal experts in movement and pain management" and all research suggests progressive resistance training - so why are we constantly underdosing rehab? 👩⚕️Not just PTs, doctors not well read tell their patients : 😵“this is the worst knee arthritis I’ve ever seen” 😵💫 “You should never run again,” HOW is that providing any benefit? As Doctors, we now know thousands have poor X-ray or MRI but no pain.! ✅️WE need to Learn proper resistance training principles and educate clients and colleagues about importance of progression regularly! WHO's exercise recommendations for adults is 40 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity (5-6/10 RPE scale) and a minimum of two days of heavier resistance training for major muscle groups. . . But the very doctors are lagging behind! ✅️As pain reduces and body adapts, we need to progress Therabands to dumbbells, to kettlebells and barbell- or patient wont adapt, recover or have lasting lifestyle change . Focus on : Frequency, Intensity, Range of motion, Tempo of exercise too! 📜With all this data, there's no excuse for why we keeping our patients weak and vulnerable. DO BETTER Doctors! ❓️Have you ever treated a client who didn't recieve complete rehabilitation to get back from their injury ❓️ ref: 1.The Influence of Exercise Dosing on Outcomes in Patients With Knee Disorders: A Systematic Review, 2018 2. Progressive Resistance Exercise in Physical Therapy: A Summary of Systematic Reviews, 2005

🌿 Say Goodbye to Pain! Discover How Physical Therapy Unlocks Relief and Healing 🔑 — Backed by Science, Proven by Experts! 🌿 Let's talk about pain. Imagine it like a traffic signal in your body, telling you when something's not right 🚦. Just like each color on the signal has a meaning, pain comes in different types too. And understanding this is key to managing it well! Dr. Kumar and Dr. Saha’s research helps us see pain in a new way. They say pain has different "faces," kind of like how the weather changes 🌦️. Sometimes it’s sharp like a lightning bolt ⚡. Other times, it’s dull and aching, like a cloudy sky. By knowing what kind of pain someone feels, physical therapists can choose the best way to help 🌱. Here’s a quick guide to these pain types: 1. Nociceptive pain: It’s like a fire alarm going off in your body 🔥. This happens when tissues get damaged—like when you cut your finger or bump your knee. The body says, "Hey! Something’s wrong here!" 2. Neuropathic pain: Imagine your nerves like a tangled phone line 📞. The signals get mixed up, causing pain even when there’s no clear injury. It’s like your body’s wires are crossed. 3. Mixed pain: This is a blend of the two. It’s like mixing colors to create something new 🎨. Understanding this blend helps in creating a treatment plan. Physical therapists look at pain like detectives 🕵️. They search for clues in your body and listen to the story your pain tells. They know that treating pain is not one-size-fits-all. They adapt, like changing shoes depending on the terrain 🥾. The goal is to make pain less like a storm 🌩️ and more like a gentle breeze 🌬️. Therapists use exercises, stretches, and other techniques to calm the pain down, helping you move and live better. When we know pain's true nature, we can help the body heal with the best care possible. Let’s turn that red light of pain back to green, and keep moving forward 💚🚶♀️. 📚 Sources of Wisdom 📚 Kumar SP, Saha S. Mechanism-based classification of pain for physical therapy management in palliative care: A clinical commentary. Indian journal of palliative care. 2011 Jan;17(1):80. #PainManagement #PhysicalTherapy #PalliativeCare #HealthAndWellness #HealingJourney #Πόνος #Φυσικοθεραπεία #ΑνακούφισηΠόνου #ΥγείαΣώματος #ΦροντίδαΑσθενών

✅ Muscle Strain Classification: 1. Grade 1: 👉 Mild strain involving stretching or slight tearing of muscle fibers. 👉 Symptoms include discomfort, tenderness, and minimal loss of strength or range of motion. 👉 Recovery time is typically shorter, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. 👉 Medical treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. 2. Grade 2: 👉 Moderate strain characterized by partial tearing of muscle fibers. 👉Symptoms include moderate pain, swelling, bruising, noticeable loss of strength, and limited range of motion. 👉 Recovery time is longer, usually several weeks to a few months. 👉 Medical treatment may involve a more structured rehabilitation program supervised by a healthcare professional, including physical therapy, to regain strength and flexibility. 3. Grade 3: 👉Severe strain involving complete tearing or rupture of muscle fibers. 👉 Symptoms include severe pain, significant swelling, extensive bruising, total loss of strength, and severe limitations in range of motion. 👉 Recovery time is the longest and may require surgical intervention, followed by an extensive rehabilitation program. 👉Medical treatment is typically more intensive, involving surgery to repair the torn muscle followed by a prolonged period of rehabilitation to regain function and strength. ✅Ligament Sprain Classification: 1. Grade 1: 👉Mild sprain involving stretching or slight tearing of the ligament fibers. 👉Symptoms include mild pain, minimal swelling, and little to no joint instability. 👉 Recovery time is usually shorter, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. 👉Treatment often involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with gentle exercises to improve flexibility and strength. 2. Grade 2: 👉 Moderate sprain characterized by partial tearing of the ligament fibers. 👉Symptoms include moderate to severe pain, noticeable swelling, mild to moderate joint instability, and some loss of function. 👉 Recovery time is longer, typically several weeks to a few months. 👉 Treatment may involve immobilization of the affected joint with a brace or splint, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and stability. 3. Grade 3: 👉 Severe sprain involving complete tearing or rupture of the ligament fibers. 👉 Symptoms include severe pain, significant swelling, marked joint instability, and complete loss of function. 👉 Recovery time is the longest and may require surgical repair, followed by an extensive rehabilitation program. 👉 Treatment often involves surgical reconstruction of the torn ligament, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program focused on restoring joint stability, strength, and function.