Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy

Click on a joint in the image at left to learn more about that joint.

FOOT AND ANKLE

Overview

The foot and ankle provide both stability and mobility for the body. They act as a base for upright posture, and absorb the shock from the ground during upright walking and running. These joints also provide flexibility to allow walking over uneven surfaces. Since these joints are so important to everyday mobility, if injured, they can affect the entire body. Listed below are some common foot and ankle problems treated at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy:

1. Ankle (ligament) Sprain. This occurs when a ligament within the ankle joint is overstretched; typically seen when someone ‘twists’ their ankle.
2. Ankle Fracture. Break of an ankle bone cause by trauma, such as a fall. Sometimes, the orthopedic surgeon will put a cast on your ankle and sometimes the surgeon will need to do an operation to set the bones. This is completely up to the expertise of the surgeon.
3. Plantar Fasciititis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain on the heel due to inflammation and straining of the plantar fascia, the thick, though covering at the bottom of the foot. Some of the reasons for developing plantar fasciitis are participating in high impact activities or wearing inappropriate footwear. A foot spur may be produced. This can be determined by a doctor taking an x-ray of the heel. The heel spur may be inflamed and tender to touch.
4. Achilles Tendonitis. Inflammation and pain in the tendon that attaches to the back of your heel are typical. It is often due to repetitive activities such as jumping or jogging.
5. Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis. This is caused by inflammation of the tendon that inserts into the arch of the foot. Sometimes, the pain is also along the inside of the shin bone.
6. Surgical Procedures. After surgery, the doctor will typically ‘immobilize’ the ankle with either a cast or a boot. During the healing process, the ankle can become stiff and weak. Rehabilitation, as directed by the surgeon, can get the ankle moving and patient walking again.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for foot and ankle pain, the licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the factors that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain. The therapist may also use manual therapies, such as massage, joint mobilization and traction to decrease pain and return function.
3. In order to relieve foot and ankle pain, it is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will exercises and stretches help to relieve pain, but the knowledge of the techniques learned at Rochester Sports and Physical therapy will help the patient to prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

NECK AND UPPER BACK

Overview

Neck pain (cervical spine) and mid back pain (thoracic spine) are common conditions treated Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy. Neck and mid back pain may be caused suddenly from a motor vehicle accident or caused gradually over time due to repeated movements and sustained postures associated with daily or work-related activities. Neck pain may be localized to the cervical spine or may manifest itself as symptoms in the arm or hand. Pain, tingling, and numbness are examples of symptoms that may appear in the arm as a result of a pinched nerve. Sometimes problems in the upper neck region produce headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. Mid back pain may be localized to the thoracic spine or may refer pain to more distant regions of the spine, rib cage, or shoulders and arms. Listed below are some of the more common conditions treated at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy:

1. Whiplash. A neck condition typically associated with the trauma of a car accident caused by overstretching of muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck.
2. Disc herniation. The intervertebral disc acts as a mobile shock absorber between each vertebra in the spine and can cause neck or mid back pain if disrupted. Typically as disc problems in the neck worsen arm symptoms appear.
3. Joint dysfunction. The neck or mid back joints can become inflamed and irritated from excessive stresses or can become “stuck” and less mobile.
4. Degenerative Joint Disease/Degenerative Disc Disease. Degeneration of the discs and surrounding joints due to age or wear from excessive stresses.
5. Postural Syndrome. The muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and mid back become painful due to the damaging stresses of poor posture. This condition is most often seen in individuals with jobs that require a lot of sitting or sustained postures.
6. Cervical stenosis. Narrowing of the area where the nerves exit the spine, over time, can cause pinching of these structures leading to neck pain and/or arm symptoms.
7. Other conditions. Thoracic outlet syndrome, compression fracture, scoliosis, torticollis (wry neck), stiff neck, headache, myofascial pain syndrome, status-post surgical interventions (including discectomy, fusions), osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for neck and/or upper back pain, the licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the factors that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain. The therapist may also use manual therapies, including massage techniques, joint mobilization, and traction to help decrease pain and restore mobility.
3. In order to relieve neck and/or upper back pain it, is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will exercises and stretches help to relieve the pain, but the knowledge of the techniques learned at Rochester Sports and Physical therapy will help the patient prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

LOW BACK PAIN

Overview

Low back pain is a common problem treated Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy. Back pain comes in many forms and from various causes. Macrotrauma, as, for example, a result of a motor vehicle or work-related accident, can be cause for low back pain. Microtrauma in the form of repeated stresses to the spine can cause low back pain as a result of abnormal alignment, improper stabilization, and/or faulty movement patterns. Low back pain may be localized to the lumbar spine or may manifest itself as symptoms in the legs. Listed below are some of the common low back pain problems treated at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy:

1. Sciatica. The large sciatic nerve that exits the spinal canal from the lumbar spine may become inflamed and/or impinged in the low back or buttock region leading to low back pain and leg symptoms. Causes of sciatica include disc pathology, joint dysfunction, and muscle entrapment.
2. Disc herniation. The intervertebral disc acts as a mobile shock absorber between each vertebra in the low back and can cause low back pain if disrupted. Typically as disc problems worsen different sensations in the leg may appear. Herniation is a catch-all term and may refer to varying levels of disc involvement. Bulge, protrusion, prolapse, extrusion, and sequestration represent increasing levels of disc pathology.
3. Joint Dysfunction (facet syndrome). The lumbar facet joints can become inflamed and irritated from excessive stresses or can become “stuck” and less mobile.
4. Lumbar spinal stenosis. Narrowing of the area where the nerves exit the spine, over time, can cause pinching of these structures leading to low back pain and/or leg symptoms.
5. Degenerative Joint Disease/Degenerative Disc Disease. Over time, degeneration of the discs and surrounding joints can occur due to age or wear from excessive stresses.
6. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction. The joint where the pelvis meets the spine can become inflamed or “locked”.
7. Other causes of low back pain. Spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of one vertebra on another), muscle strains/spasms, nonspecific low back pain (unidentified cause of low back pain), status-post surgical interventions (including laminectomy, discectomy, and fusions), pelvic, back, and/or leg pain associated with pregnancy.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for back pain, the licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the factors that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain. The therapist may also use manual therapies, such as massage, joint mobilization and traction to decrease pain and return function.
3. In order to relieve back pain, it is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will exercises and stretches help to relieve back pain, but the knowledge of the techniques learned at Rochester Sports and Physical therapy will help the patient to prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

ELBOW, WRIST, AND HAND

Overview

Injury to the elbow, wrist, or hand can literally put life on hold. At Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy we will help to get the injured arm back on track. Below are some common injuries Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy treats:

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) and Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow). These describe inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow. Both conditions are typically overuse injuries and can be very painful to touch and with elbow and/or wrist movement. Lateral epicondylitis involves the outside of the elbow and is most painful when the wrist is pulled. Medial epicondylitis involves the inside of the elbow and can be felt when the wrist is curled.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is a very common condition that is typically caused by overuse and repetitive movements of the fingers, hand, and wrists, and may also be associated with pregnancy. Symptoms include pain, numbness/tingling, and weakness in the wrist and hand, especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
3. Trigger Finger. Tendons in the hand can become inflamed which can cause the tendon to stick when the fingers are moved. This results in a ‘snap’ with movement and can worsen to the point that the finger, or thumb, cannot let go on its own.
4. Arthritis. One of the most common areas of the body where arthritic changes take place is in the hands and in the thumb. Because our hands are used for so many functions, even mild arthritis can cause pain and some level of disability.
5. Post-surgical. Rehabilitation is often required after surgery on the elbow, wrist or hand. Under the surgeon’s guidance, the therapist at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy will work to restore function after carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, ulnar nerve release, lacerations repairs, and fractures.
6. Other conditions. Additional complications in the lower arm and hand include De Quervain’s syndrome, bursitis, tenosynovitis, ligament damage, peripheral nerve damage, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocations, and fractures.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for lower arm pain, the licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the factors that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain.
3. In order to relieve lower arm pain it, is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will exercises and stretches help to relieve lower arm pain, but the knowledge of the techniques learned at Rochester Sports and Physical therapy will help the patient prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

SHOULDER

Overview

The shoulder complex is composed of several different joints working together to create a wide range of motion in many directions. This boney instability is counteracted with the shoulder musculature. The rotator cuff and other muscles work to create dynamic stability with every move the shoulder makes. Due to the heavy reliance upon muscle performance, the shoulder is very prone to injury. Listed below are some of the common shoulder problems treated at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy:

1. Rotator cuff tear. There are four muscles and tendons attached to the shoulder blade and arm that are collectively known as the rotator cuff. Trauma and/or repetitive moments can create inflammation in the area and may cause a partial or complete rotator cuff tear.
2. Rotator cuff tendonitis and impingement. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that attaches muscle to bone. Due to the structure of the shoulder and the frequent use of the shoulder, the rotator cuff tendons can become irritated and inflamed. Impingement can occur with certain movements and postures associated with daily positioning and activities.
3. Frozen shoulder. Also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, this condition occurs when there is inflammation in the shoulder that causes a restriction in the normal range of motion and pain with most movements. The joint capsule develops adhesions that must be stretched before normal function is restored.
4. Shoulder instability or dislocation. A dislocation is typically associated with trauma to the shoulder. Instability can occur with or without trauma and involves excessive movement in the shoulder that can cause pain and increase the likelihood of a dislocation.
5. Post-Operative. After surgery, the shoulder tends to become weakened and range of motion can be lost. Rehabilitation as directed by your surgeon will help you get back to normal in a timely manner.
6. Other conditions. Some other conditions we treat include arthritis, bursitis, fractures, brachial plexus injuries, Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprains, muscle strains, bicep tendonitis, bicep tears, thoracic outlet syndrome, peripheral nerve injury, and labrum tears.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention

1. When attending Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for shoulder a licensed physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the things that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain.
3. In order to relieve shoulder pain it is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will this help to relieve pain, but it will prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

HIP

Overview

Pain in the hip and leg can occur suddenly due to an excessive overload on a specific muscle or tendon. Pain can also occur over time without any known cause. Each of the following conditions could be attributed to muscle imbalances throughout the leg, pelvis, and/or abdomen. Other conditions include structural deformities and degenerative or systemic diseases. Listed are some common injuries/procedures involving the hip that are treated at Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy:

1. Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease. This is a common condition of the hip joint due to significant wear on the cushioning between the ball and socket. Compression of joint surfaces causes pain.
2. Total Hip Replacement. The ball or socket or both is replaced with a synthetic material to rebuild joint structure and reduce pain.
3. Hamstring Strain. The posterior thigh muscles can be over stretched causing a potential tear.
4. Bursitis. The padding between different areas of the hip joint can become inflamed and painful due to increased load or muscle imbalances.

Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for hip pain, the licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. The therapist will identify the factors that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain.
3. In order to relieve hip pain, it is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will exercises and stretches help to relieve hip pain, but the knowledge of the techniques learned at Rochester Sports and Physical therapy will help the patient to prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.

KNEE

Overview

The knee joints are subjected to many stresses in daily living. They provide crucial support to many functional activities. Due to their constant use with walking, running, standing, etc., normal wear and tear can cause pain. Injuries caused by excessive strain, twisting, or blunt force can occur. Any knee injury can cause a significant change in every day mobility. Listed are some common injuries/procedures involving the knee:

1. Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease. This is a common condition involving the knee where there is significant wear on the cushioning between the bones causing pain.
2. Ligament sprain and/or strain. There are several elastic fibers called ligaments that help to stabilize the knee joint. They include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). When excessive force is placed on the knee in any given direction, a sprain or tear can occur to that tissue causing pain and instability.
3. Meniscus Tear. The cushioning in the joint becomes disrupted and can cause pain and a “catching” sensation. The knee may also “buckle” or “lock”.
4. Patellar Dislocation/Subluxation. The patella, or knee cap, tracks poorly within its groove and can be pulled out of alignment due to poor ligament stability or muscle imbalances.
5. Total Knee Replacement. The joint, bones, and connective tissue are replaced with a synthetic material to help rebuild joint structure and decrease pain.
6. Other surgical procedures. Ligament reconstruction, Meniscus Repair, Meniscus removal, Lateral Release, Arthroscopy, Patellar Tendon Repair.

Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention

1. When coming to Rochester Sports and Physical Therapy for knee pain, our licensed physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of pain. We will identify the things that contribute to the pain such as muscle imbalances, postural stress, and faulty movement patterns.
2. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electric stimulation, phonoporesis, and inotophoresis can assist in decreasing inflammation and pain.
3. In order to relieve knee pain it is important to learn specific exercises and stretches that address muscle imbalances and correct faulty movement patterns. Not only will this help to relieve pain, but it will prevent additional problems in the future. Each of our patients receives an individual home exercise program so they can continue to improve after they are finished with therapy. This empowers them to be responsible for the health of their bodies.