Common Conditions
& Treatment Methods We Use
Common Conditions (alpha order)
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Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is irritation of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon pain is one of the most common types of pain. It is felt behind the heel and up the back of the ankle when walking or running. This condition affects both active and inactive individuals and can result in a limited ability to walk, climb stairs, or participate in recreational activities. Twenty-four percent of all athletes develop Achilles Tendonitis, with an estimated 50% of runners experiencing Achilles tendon pain in their running careers.
Physical Therapy promotes recovery from Achilles tendinopathy by addressing issues such as pain or swelling of the affected area, and any lack of strength, flexibility, or body control. Our physical therapy team works with our patients with this condition to develop an individualized treatment program that includes education, pain management, manual therapy, gentle exercise, muscle strengthening exercises, range-of-motion treatments and functional training.ACL Reconstruction
ACL surgery is the repair or reconstruction of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Complete ACL Tears are usually treated by sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons. When ACL reconstruction surgery is performed, the torn ligament is replaced with a tissue graft to mimic the natural ACL.
Physical Therapy focuses on helping patients regain their ability to have a full range of motion in their lower leg, decreasing knee pain, while gaining strength. Treatment for recovery from ACL Reconstruction may include the use of electrical stimulation and balance exercises provided by your professional Physical Therapist.
Arthritis
Arthritis is used to describe inflammation of the joints. The two primary types of arthritis we see are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more commonly experienced by people over the age of 60, but it can also be a result of an injury or occur when joints have been overworked. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the body attacks itself and affects the immune system causing inflammation.
Physical Therapy can help patients understand arthritis and provide treatment to reduce pain and improve movement. Research has shown that physical therapy has both short-term and long-term benefits in helping patients manage the symptoms of arthritis. This care can improve mobility and, as a result, the quality of life for those with this condition..png)
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Back compression Fracture
A spinal compression fracture occurs when the vertebrae that form the spine collapses or breaks. A common cause of spinal compression fractures is Osteoporosis. Compression fractures, however, can also occur due to trauma, infection, and cancer.
Physical Therapists offer several forms of physical therapy that help with relieving the symptoms of spinal compression fractures. Treatment may include movement guidance, flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises, posture and spine sparing, fall prevention, and a home-exercise program. All of these methods can result in significant pain reduction.Balance & Gait Disorders
Balance and Gait disorders can make it difficult for patients to maintain a healthy posture and this can impact their normal walking patterns.
Physical Therapy can help improve balance and reduce possible injuries. Our Physical Therapists are professionally trained to provide the proper tests needed to find the best treatment plan that improves balance and help patients resume a normal walking pattern..png)
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa sac causing irritation that makes movement painful and sometimes very difficult. Bursitis most often occurs later in life in individuals who are age 40 or older. Signs of bursitis become noticeable when the affected joint feels achy or stiff and when it hurts to press down on the joint or move. Often the joint will look swollen or red.
The treatment provided by licensed physical therapists can help aid the patient in the restoration of motion in the affected joint. Physical therapy can also help increase strength in the muscles and joints which results in improved body mechanics. This improvement decreases the friction on the bursa sac leading to improved mobility with reduced or eliminated pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and hand. This condition can affect the use of the entire arm. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve at the base of the palm.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy is a beneficial method for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and often alleviates the painful symptoms. Some physical therapy treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome includes stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, splinting, cold treatments, and heat treatments.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is often referred to as a pinched nerve in the neck. It is defined by pain that may radiate (extend) from the neck to the shoulder, shoulder blade, arm, or hand. Weakness and lack of coordination in the arm and hand also can occur. The condition affects about 85 out of 100,000 people, and most often occurs in people in their 50s. It often develops from repeated irritation rather than a single injury. Athletes, heavy laborers, and workers who use vibrating machinery are commonly affected. People who sit for long periods, or those with arthritis in the neck region, also may be affected.
Physical Therapy is an effective treatment for cervical radiculopathy. A physical therapist can help relieve the acute neck and arm symptoms that result from the condition. They also can help people improve general strength and function. Your treatment plan may include: Posture education, Pain management, Manual therapy, Range-of-motion exercises, Strengthening exercises, Functional training. In many cases, physical therapy completely resolves symptoms.
Difficulty Walking (Knee Issues)
Knee pain can occur from disease, overuse, injury, or trauma. The most common cause of knee pain is Osteoarthritis. For runners, osteoarthritis is not uncommon due to how running can impact the knee.
Physical Therapy helps with knee pain in numerous ways. As movement experts, physical therapists, can help improve a patient’s quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, prescribed movement and many other treatment options and exercises..png)
Fibromyalgia
Presently, there is no specifically known cause of fibromyalgia. The condition, in general, is thought to be caused by changes in the nervous system and how the nervous system processes pain. While exact causes aren’t known, medical providers recognize that fibromyalgia could be the result of trauma, arthritis, or emotional stress.
Our Physical Therapists help our patients learn effective ways to interpret pain signals combined with how to manage and decrease symptoms. This is done by creating and executing an individualized treatment plan created specifically for each patient’s individual symptoms and needs.
Finger Amputations
Finger amputations are most often the result of a traumatic injury; however, they can also be the result of a planned operation intended to prevent the spread of disease in an infected finger.
Physical and Occupational Therapy is highly beneficial in the aftermath of a finger amputation. Therapy exercises are designed to help patients recover and learn how to return to daily living activities. Treatment may include stretching the finger/fingers to prevent contracture, using heat or cold compresses to relieve pain, and strengthening exercises.
Foot Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot can be caused by many different factors but is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis (also known as “wear and tear” arthritis). Other causes of foot arthritis may include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Physical Therapy for the treatment of foot arthritis relieves symptoms and decreases painful movement. Treatment may include different types of exercises and modalities, ice and heat, massages, stretches, and slant board stretches.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is the stiffening of the shoulder caused by scar tissue. This condition results in painful movement and the loss of motion in the shoulder. While the actual cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, it is believed to be caused by inflammation.
Physical Therapy is effective in relieving pain and helping patients return to daily activities. Some treatments may include stretching techniques, manual therapy, strength training, and a home-exercise program.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) occurs when the tendons on the inside of the forearm become irritated due to repetitive use of the hand, wrist, and forearm. The muscles affected include those controlling the wrist, fingers, and thumb.
Our trained physical therapists use manual techniques, mobility exercises, and self-stretching instruction to reduce pain and restore movement, helping patients return to daily activities.
Hand Conditions
Hand conditions may include a range of issues like tendonitis, arthritis, nerve injuries, or trauma. These conditions can affect grip strength, dexterity, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
Physical or Occupational Therapy for hand conditions often includes stretching, strengthening, splinting, and adaptive techniques to restore function and reduce pain.
Hip Pain
Hip pain can result from various causes including joint wear and tear, injury, or overuse. Since the hip is a weight-bearing joint, pain may be triggered by walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Physical Therapy can improve hip strength and mobility through prescribed exercises. Daily movement routines and advanced strengthening may be used to maximize function and reduce discomfort.
ITB (Illiobial Band) Syndrome
ITBS causes pain on the outside of the knee due to irritation from friction between the iliotibial band and the underlying structures. It's often seen in runners and cyclists.
Physical Therapy treatment may include range-of-motion work, manual therapy, and functional training focused on strength and mobility of the hip and leg. Weakness in the hip and core is often addressed as part of treatment.%20Syndrome.png)
Jumper's Knee
Jumper’s Knee (patellar tendonitis) is caused by overuse or injury to the knee tendon, common in sports involving jumping such as basketball and volleyball.
Physical Therapists treat Jumper’s Knee with rehab exercises to strengthen the tendon, reduce symptoms, and prevent reinjury.
Knee Conditions
Knee conditions include a wide range of injuries and degenerative changes affecting the joint. These may include ligament tears, arthritis, meniscal injuries, and chronic overuse.
Physical Therapy helps improve knee strength, mobility, and pain management through customized exercise programs, manual therapy, and patient education.
Lower-Body Conditions
Lower-body conditions can include issues with the hip, knee, ankle, or foot. These conditions may stem from sports injuries, arthritis, surgery, or neurological conditions.
Physical Therapy focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and coordination in the lower extremities, often incorporating balance training, manual therapy, and functional movement exercises.
Mid-Body Conditions
Mid-body conditions typically refer to those affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, or lower back. Common issues include carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and lumbar spine disorders.
Physical and Occupational Therapy for mid-body conditions often includes manual techniques, postural education, strengthening, and activity-specific retraining to restore movement and reduce discomfort.
Migraines & Neck Pain
Many headache and migraine sufferers experience concurrent neck pain, tension, stiffness, and discomfort. Often, patients believe that neck and back pain is causing the headache, when in fact, it may be the headache or migraine causing the neck or back pain.
Our physical therapy team is trained to identify the mechanical triggers of headache symptoms. Treatment focuses on restoring joint mobility, correcting muscle imbalances, and managing symptoms for optimal recovery.
MVA Recovery
Motor vehicle accidents can cause trauma to the body leading to both minor and major injuries.
Physical Therapy is crucial after a motor vehicle accident. Our therapists design treatment plans that address single or multiple injuries to reduce pain and avoid complications that can arise when injuries go untreated.
Neck: Degenerative Disk Disease
Degenerative disk disease results from the breakdown of the intervertebral discs between the spine’s vertebrae. As aging or injury causes volume loss in these discs, friction and pain may increase.
Our physical therapists teach exercises to improve movement and body mechanics. Treatments may include stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, and posture education to reduce or eliminate pain.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological disorders affect the brain, nerves, and spinal cord, impacting motor control and coordination.
Physical Therapy helps strengthen weak muscles, improve coordination and balance, and support independence in daily activities..png)
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass or strength, increasing the risk of fractures.
Physical Therapy helps maintain strength and reduce stress on bones and joints, decreasing the chance of fractures. Strengthening and balance exercises are common treatment components.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder involving irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve near the piriformis muscle.
Physical Therapy focuses on targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce spasms and relieve pain. Techniques may include ultrasound, deep massage, soft-tissue mobilization, and conditioning.
Post-Covid Treatment
While many recover from COVID-19 without long-term effects, some experience prolonged symptoms for weeks or months.
Physical Therapy supports recovery from Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) by improving strength, range of motion, balance, and endurance through personalized programs..png)
Post-Surgical Rehab for Ankle Injuries
Surgery for ankle injuries may require immobilization, leading to loss of strength, mobility, and range of motion.
Post-surgical physical therapy reduces complications like blood clots and scar tissue while restoring strength and movement. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring mobility, and rebuilding function..png)
Post-Surgical Rehab for Knee Injuries
Knee surgery may be necessary due to structural damage or conditions like osteoarthritis.
Physical Therapy speeds recovery through prescribed treatment and therapeutic exercises. Post-surgical rehab improves joint movement, balance, and reduces pain, helping patients regain mobility more quickly..png)
Post-Surgical Rehab for Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries may result from accidents, repetitive motion, or athletic activities and may require surgery.
Physical Therapy after surgery supports recovery through strengthening and stretching exercises. Treatment improves mobility and helps patients return to regular activities with less pain and greater function..png)
Sciatica / Radiating Pain
Sciatica symptoms include lower back, hip, and leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Causes may include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or nerve root compression.
Physical Therapy focuses on strengthening and mobilizing tissues in the back, pelvis, and lower body. The goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve functional movement patterns.
Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. As the shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, it’s more prone to dislocation.
After repositioning, physical therapy helps restore mobility, strength, and joint awareness. Therapists guide rehabilitation to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and regain full function and sport-specific skills.
SI Joint Pain (Back)
SI (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction involves stiffness or weakness in the joints of the pelvis, contributing to lower back pain in 10–25% of affected individuals.
Physical Therapy reduces symptoms and identifies external contributors to pain. Treatments may include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, strength training, and stabilization exercises for the spinal and pelvic joints..png)
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It commonly affects the neck or lower back, often due to spinal aging.
Physical Therapy teaches movements that relieve nerve root pressure and reduce pain. It also improves spinal mobility and increases activity tolerance.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another. It often affects young athletes before their growth spurts.
Physical Therapy improves body mechanics and flexibility with stretching and strengthening exercises. Therapy helps reduce pain and supports a return to physical activity.
Sports Injuries (Back)
Sports that involve repetitive motion, impact, or spinal loading can cause lower back injuries.
Physical Therapy improves mobility, reduces pain, and promotes long-term wellness. Techniques include body mechanics training, stretching, and strengthening exercises that may prevent surgery in some cases..png)
Sports Injuries (Foot)
Common sports-related foot injuries include plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Physical Therapy provides rehabilitative exercises to strengthen, stretch, and rebuild foot muscles. Manual therapies and massage may also be used to support healing and recovery..png)
Sports Injuries (Knee)
Athletes often suffer from knee sprains, cartilage damage, and swelling due to overuse or trauma.
Physical Therapy focuses on restoring knee function, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Therapists provide strength training, injury prevention programs, and personalized recovery plans..png)
Sports Injuries (Shoulder)
Shoulder injuries in sports result from overuse, collisions, and repetitive motions. Common conditions include rotator cuff injuries, sprains, bursitis, and dislocations.
Physical Therapy strengthens shoulder muscles, relieves pain, and restores mobility through customized rehab programs..png)
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow results from overuse of forearm extensor muscles, causing pain and weakness. It can affect athletes, adults, and even children.
Physical Therapy uses manual therapy, strengthening, and mobility work to reduce pain and restore joint and muscle function.
TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction limits jaw movements like chewing or opening the mouth.
Physical Therapy restores natural jaw movement, reduces pain, and strengthens supporting muscles. Treatments often include manual therapy and range-of-motion exercises.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is caused by repetitive motion that irritates the tendons in the fingers. It commonly affects individuals who grip tools or objects frequently.
Occupational Therapy by a Certified Hand Therapist includes ice or heat treatments, stretching, and techniques to reduce hand strain.
Upper-Body Conditions
Upper body conditions may include issues in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands—such as nerve impingements, muscle strains, and joint pain.
Physical and Occupational Therapists provide targeted treatments including manual therapy, strengthening, and mobility training to restore upper body function.
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by a sudden forward-backward neck movement, often in car accidents, which strains muscles and tendons.
Physical Therapy relieves pain and inflammation using modalities like ultrasound, massage, and electrical stimulation. Therapy also restores lost range of motion.
Wrist - Nerve Injuries
Wrist nerve injuries result from trauma, repetitive motion, or medical conditions. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness.
Occupational and Physical Therapists use soft tissue massage, nerve gliding, and proprioception training to reduce pain and restore function. In cases of permanent nerve damage, therapists help patients adapt for daily independence.
Treatment Methods
Hands On Therapy
Cupping
Cupping helps decrease tissue restrictions between layers of skin, fascia, and muscle. Specially made cups are placed on the skin to enhance blood flow and assist with the body’s healing process. Cupping is often combined with other treatments to help alleviate pain, decrease stiffness, and improve flexibility. It can be helpful for conditions such as migraines, low back pain, myofascial pain, and neck pain.
Custom Splints
Certified Hand Therapists create custom splints using thermoplastic material molded to your specific needs. Splints protect joints, provide stability, and allow for movement with reduced pain. They are commonly used for arthritis, nerve injuries, fractures, dislocations, strained ligaments, repetitive strain disorders, post-surgical needs, and more.
IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
Therapists use specialized tools to eliminate scar tissue, improve muscle extensibility, and reduce myofascial restrictions. This non-invasive treatment stimulates tissue turnover, scar tissue resorption, and the regeneration of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue structures.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesiology tape is applied to support movement while inhibiting pain and spasms. It improves circulation, reduces swelling, decreases pain, and enhances muscle performance. Licensed professionals assess whether this technique supports your healing.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy, used by trained physical and occupational therapists, treats musculoskeletal pain and disability. It includes kneading, joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and other hands-on techniques to increase range of motion, reduce pain, and improve movement quality.
Manual Traction
Manual traction involves hands-on spinal decompression for neck or back pain conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, disc herniations, and nerve compressions. Controlled force is applied to stretch and relieve pressure, improving flexibility, movement, and comfort.
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Myofascial Release
This therapy focuses on relieving pain in the myofascial tissues, the membranes that support muscles. By addressing "trigger points," myofascial release reduces tension, increases flexibility, and improves overall mobility.
Exercise Therapy
Balance and Coordination Training
Balance and coordination training helps individuals maintain stability while standing, walking, or sitting. It supports injury prevention for older adults and enhances athletic performance. Physical therapists design programs to build strength, stability, and mobility for all ages.
Blood Flow Restriction Training
This therapy uses a cuff placed on an extremity during light resistance exercises to limit blood flow and create muscle stress. It helps build strength with less load and less strain on the joints, benefiting those recovering from surgery, arthritis patients, and older adults.
Gait Training
Gait training helps individuals improve their ability to stand and walk after illness or injury. It focuses on improving balance, posture, endurance, strength, and muscle memory, often helping patients regain independence in walking.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation programs help athletes recover from sports injuries and return to peak performance. Areas of focus include strength training, plyometrics, agility, speed, and injury prevention tailored to each sport and individual goals.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercise includes physical activities aimed at restoring and maintaining strength, flexibility, stability, and endurance. After a thorough assessment, therapists create progressive exercise programs to support recovery and return to a pain-free, functional state.
Therapeutic Modalities
Electric Stimulation (E-Stim)
E-Stim uses electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate muscle contractions, preventing atrophy and building strength after injury or surgery. It can also provide meaningful pain relief for chronic conditions like arthritis, scoliosis, and sciatica.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis uses electrical stimulation to deliver medication through the skin. It may help decrease inflammation, swelling, pain, muscle spasms, and calcium deposits, and assist with managing scar tissue.
Mechanical Traction
Mechanical traction uses a specialized machine to perform prolonged spinal stretches. It treats chronic and acute neck or back conditions, improving flexibility, mobility, and relieving pain.
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Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to treat musculoskeletal problems such as inflammation and pain from sprains, tendinitis, and bursitis. It promotes healing by increasing circulation and soft tissue mobility.
Specialized Therapeutic Methods
Ergonomic Training
Ergonomic training involves evaluating daily activities and work environments to promote healthier body mechanics and prevent injuries. Therapists help individuals adjust movement patterns and work setups to maximize safety and physical health.
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Sports Rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation programs help athletes recover from sports injuries and return to peak performance. Areas of focus include strength training, plyometrics, agility, speed, and injury prevention tailored to each sport and individual goals.
Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy is an exercise-based program designed to help individuals with vestibular disorders improve balance and reduce dizziness and unsteadiness. After a thorough evaluation, therapists create tailored plans to restore daily function and quality of life.
Workplace Injury Rehabilitation
Workplace injury rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals recover from work-related injuries and return to their jobs safely. Treatment plans address strength rebuilding, injury prevention, and specific work-related movement patterns, with consideration for the importance of returning to work to support oneself and one's family.
