Physical Therapy to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

Study shows that physical therapy produces
greater improvements than injections for knee arthritis

In our last blog, we discussed the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and examined the role of imaging tests in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with this condition. We also explored why seeing physical therapist for knee pain first is always a smart choice because it will get you started on a movement-based program to regain your abilities from the start.

Should You Consider Steroid Injections?

But physical therapy is just one of many treatments available for knee osteoarthritis. Another popular option is the use of steroids that are injected into the affected knee to alleviate symptoms. Steroid injections are frequently used for patients with knee osteoarthritis, but there is conflicting evidence regarding their effectiveness and how long these benefits last. The guidelines regarding these injections also vary, and although rare, they have been associated with complications like infection and accelerated loss of articular cartilage.

Physical therapy has been recommended by some guidelines and was traditionally utilized frequently to treat knee osteoarthritis, but its use has been declining in recent years. According to one large study, four times as many patients with knee osteoarthritis received a steroid injection as physical therapy before undergoing knee surgery. It’s also been found that steroid injections don’t lead to any additional benefits to physical therapy for these patients.

For these reasons, a recent study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of steroid injections to physical therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers randomly assigned 156 participants with knee osteoarthritis to receive either ≤3 steroid injections over one year or ≤8 treatment sessions with a physical therapist over 4–6 weeks. In each session, the therapist would perform a series of hands-on, manual techniques to the knee and surrounding area that were intended to make it easier for the patient to perform various exercises and knee movements.

All patients were assessed before treatment began and then again one year later with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index, which scores patients from 0 to 240, with higher scores indicating worse pain, function, and stiffness. Another outcome measure called the Global Rating of Change Scale was also used to assess patients’ symptoms, with higher values indicating greater improvements.

After one year, patients who received steroid injections reported WOMAC scores of 55.8, while those who received physical therapy reported scores of 37.0. In addition, scores on the Global Rating of Change scale were +4 (“moderately better”) in the steroid injection group and +5 (“quite a bit better”) in the physical therapy group.

Physical Therapy for Knee Arthritis is the Clear First Choice…But Some Still Need Surgery

Together, these findings show that physical therapy was more effective than steroid injections for patients with knee osteoarthritis, as they experienced greater improvements in pain, physical function, and stiffness one year after undergoing the intervention. Other studies have also identified a similar trend, with both injections and physical therapy producing similar outcome, but the benefits of therapy lasting for at least one year. Therefore, physical therapy appears to be the better option of the two since it outperformed steroid injections in the long term.

With this in mind, if your knee is bothering you and osteoarthritis may be responsible, we strongly recommend seeing a physical therapist first before considering other injections and other possible treatments.

Knee Arthritis Treatment in Hanford

For knee arthritis treatment in Hanford, we suggest you skip the imaging test and start physical therapy right away instead

If you are searching for options for knee arthritis treatment in Hanford, read on.  I’d like to share with you why our type of treatment is what you should try first.

Knee pain can be seriously detrimental to the flow of your life. Regardless of your activity level, you need your knees to function well in order to get around, and anything that gets in the way can slow you down and throw your days out of whack.

Such is the case with knee osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis describes several disorders in a joint that lead to inflammation-related symptoms due to the loss of cartilage and other changes to the structures within it. Any joint in the body can be affected by osteoarthritis, but it occurs most frequently in the knees, with knee osteoarthritis accounting for more than 80% of all cases.

Patients who develop knee osteoarthritis typically experience pain that gets worse with physical activity, swelling around the knee, a feeling of warmth in the joint, stiffness (especially in the morning or after sitting for a while), and sometimes a creaking sound that’s heard when the knee moves. These symptoms in turn lead to less mobility of the knee, which make it more difficult to walk and perform basic movements like getting in and out of a car and climbing stairs.

The Pictures Rarely Tell It All When It Comes to Knee Arthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is often diagnosed with a clinical evaluation—which includes a patient interview and thorough physical examination—and imaging tests like an X-ray and MRI. Many doctors use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, but the value of these tests and whether or not they are always needed has been called into question.

For example, one study investigated the connection between the loss of cartilage and pain in the knees of 600 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The reason is that when knee osteoarthritis is discussed, there is often an emphasis on depleted cartilage being the primary driver of pain, which leads some patients to request an MRI or focus too heavily on its findings. Results of this study showed that while there was some relationship between cartilage loss and knee pain, it was “modest at best.” A loss of 0.1 mm of cartilage over 24 months was only associated with <1 point of worsening on a pain scale from 0–20.

These findings suggest that imaging tests like MRIs and evaluating the thickness of cartilage may not always be necessary for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This holds true for the diagnosis, which can be reached many patients with a clinical evaluation alone—especially those who are aged ≥50 years—and as patients continue to be examined in the long term. Imaging tests are also expensive and frequently lead to unnecessary or invasive procedures to treat abnormal findings that may be unrelated to pain.

Physical therapy is a smart alternative

An alternative approach is to see a physical therapist before any other medical professional if you’re experiencing knee pain. Physical therapists perform a detailed clinical evaluation during the first visit and generally aim to avoid imaging tests unless they are completely necessary. Another advantage of physical therapy is that it begins right away during this first visit, with less of an emphasis on the diagnosis itself and more on addressing your limitations and impairments with a movement-based strategy. This allows you to work through your problems with guided assistance while developing activity-related habits that will translate into long-term improvements and avoidance of pain in the future.

In our next blog, we’ll look at why physical therapy is a better option that steroid injections for knee osteoarthritis.

Neck Pain Expert in Visalia for Pinched Nerves in the Neck

Pain radiating out from the neck is best treated with physical therapist directed care and if you are looking for a neck pain expert in Visalia, we can help.

When it comes to a search for a neck pain expert in Visalia, there are options. But, who should you choose?

A medical doctor may be hard to get in to see, may run expensive tests, and the treatment is usually drugs.

Some chiropractors will suggest you “realign your spine” with repeated treatment sessions.  You may end up thinking (or you are sold the idea that) the only way to treat the pain is with a chiropractic adjustment.

A Model of Treatment Based on Current Best Research and Common Sense

The physical therapists at Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy approach, who are also neck pain experts in Visalia, identify the root causes of your pain – muscles, joints, poor posture/body mechanics, and additional factors that may make you more sensitive to pain (this is called a biopsychosocial approach to the treatment of pain).

We Treat the Cause Then Teach You How to Care for Yourself

The spine contains nerves that send messages to and from the brain and all other parts of the body. For this reason, any time one of these nerves is affected, it can lead to problems not only in the spine, but in other body parts as well. One condition that involves spinal nerves is called cervical radiculopathy, in which pain and other symptoms radiate out from the neck to other areas of the body.

The spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. Together, these bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord from damage. The uppermost portion of the spine that begins at the base of the skull is called the cervical spine. It contains nerves that carry messages between the brain and muscles in the shoulders, arms, and hands. This is achieved through nerve roots that travel through the spinal canal and branch out through openings in the vertebrae called foramen.

A Specific Kind of Neck Pain – Cervical Radiculopathy AKA, a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Cervical radiculopathy, which is also referred to as a pinched nerve, occurs any time one of the nerve roots in the neck is compressed or pinched when it branches away from the spinal cord. This is caused by any condition that injures or irritates nerves in the cervical region, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. In most cases, patients with cervical radiculopathy experience a burning pain that starts in the neck and travels down the arm. This pain can get worse from turning or straining the neck. Other symptoms include tingling, as well as weakness or loss of sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands.

Some cases of cervical radiculopathy will get better on their own over the course of a days or weeks, but this not true for all patients. When the condition fails to improve, targeted interventions are needed. Physical therapy is a movement-based intervention that can effectively train patients to overcome their limitations by practicing specific exercises and changing the way they move in daily life. A typical physical therapy program for cervical radiculopathy will include the following:

  • Manual (hands-on) therapy
  • Cervical traction to reduce pressure on the nerve
  • Laser therapy for pain relief
  • Stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Posture education
  • Functional training

Physical therapy has been supported in the medical research as a beneficial treatment for cervical radiculopathy, with one study called a systematic review and meta-analysis identifying three powerful studies that evaluated the use a manual therapy technique (cervical spine manipulation) for this condition. Analysis of these studies led to the following conclusion:

There was evidence from three trials of moderate quality that supported cervical spine manipulation in treating people with degenerative cervical radiculopathy.

If You are Looking for a Neck Pain Expert Near Me, Click Here to Contact Us

Thus, if you are currently experiencing persistent pain or any other symptoms radiating down your arm that have not improved, it’s a good thing you searched for a neck pain expert in Visalia. We strongly recommend seeing one of our physical therapists soon to be evaluated. Following this approach will help you get started on an effective, personalized treatment plan and a path to less pain and better functioning right away.

Neck Pain Specialist in Hanford – Why You Should See Our PTs First

Looking for Neck Pain Specialist in Hanford? Our physical therapists can effectively address your neck pain with a variety of interventions.

Google searching for a neck pain specialist in Hanford? If so, read on to learn more about why physical therapy treatment provided by one of our expert clinicians is a great first choice.

When thinking about problems that affect the spine, back pain often comes to mind first. There is good reason for this, as up to 90% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their life. But the lower back is certainly not the only region of the spine where pain can arise. Neck pain isn’t quite as prevalent as low back pain, but it’s still a rather common and bothersome condition that deserves its own attention.

The statistics clearly show that neck pain is a major problem in the general population. Neck pain the third most common cause of chronic pain in the U.S.—after back pain and headaches—and at any given point in time, its overall prevalence is about 12% in adult females and 9% in adult males. The lifetime prevalence (the chance you will experience neck pain some time in your life) of neck pain in today’s working population is approximately 45%, which is about half that of back pain.

Most cases of neck pain are due to a muscle strain or sprain of tendons or ligaments (common in auto accidents) in the neck or areas that support the neck, though other issues may also be responsible. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

  • sleeping on your neck wrong,
  • sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much
  • spending many hours performing repetitive movements, and
  • regularly carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or briefcase.

Biomechanical Diagnoses that are Correlated with Neck Pain

Neck pain can also develop from conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, or from sudden injuries that may cause whiplash or other problems in the neck.

Primary symptoms include pain that is often worsened by holding or lifting your head in place for long periods, muscle tightness and spasms, a decreased ability to move your head, and possibly headaches. For some people, neck pain is also accompanied by upper back or shoulder pain, and pain in the shoulder may be referred from the neck.

If you happen to experience neck pain, the safest and most effective way to address it is by undergoing a course of physical therapy. A physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan based on your individual condition that factors in your abilities, preferences, and goals. Each treatment program differs depends on these factors, but most will include the following components:

  • Pain-relieving modalities like ice and/or heat therapy
  • Stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Posture training
  • Functional mobility training
  • Massage and other manual (hands-on) therapies

To illustrate just how effective physical therapy can be for neck pain, a study compared two groups of patients, with one receiving education only and the other following a specific course exercises for the neck and shoulder in addition to education. The results were as follows:

The exercise group showed statistically significant improvements in physical health-related quality of life, mental health-related quality of life, depression, pain threshold and muscle function compared to the education-only group.

This study highlights the numerous benefits that are possible through a course of physical therapy that targets neck pain. If you’ve been dealing with any neck pain of your own that’s getting in the way of your daily activities and the things you love, we strongly recommend seeing a physical therapist first and fast. Doing so is your best bet for a successful recovery and a quick return to a pain-free lifestyle.

For More Information, Click Here to Visit Our Contact Page

Hip Impingement and Labral Tears

For a common hip condition, physical therapy and surgery lead to similar outcomes

All sports carry an inherent risk for injury based on the specific movements involved. Athletes that participate in sports with frequent leg extension and bending of the hips are at an increased risk for hip injuries, and issues like labral tears and hip impingement are becoming increasingly common in certain sporting populations.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint in which the thighbone (femur) acts as the “ball” and a portion of the pelvis called the acetabulum is the “socket.” Both the femur and acetabulum are covered with smooth articular cartilage that protects bones and prevents them from rubbing against one another. Another specialized piece of cartilage called the labrum provides a suction seal and stabilizes the hip joint.

Hip impingement is a common condition in which excess bone that’s formed around the femur causes these two bones to rub against each other. Labral tears, which are also common, occur when the labrum is damaged from being pulled too far away from the acetabulum. These tears may result from a traumatic incident like a fall or an accident, but are most frequently overuse injuries caused by repetitive hip movement, particularly from sports like soccer, football, ice hockey, running, and golf.

Both conditions can lead to similar symptoms, which usually include pain in the hip or groin, stiffness, and a catching-like sensation in the hip. In many cases, labral tears don’t lead to signs or symptoms, but when they do, it can seriously interfere with your ability to function normally and participate in athletic activities.

Why we believe physical therapy is a better option than surgery

Injuries to the labrum can be treated conservatively (non-surgically), and we consider physical therapy to be the best solution available. A typical treatment program for one of these hip injuries will include the following:

  • Recommendations for rest and limiting or temporarily stopping participation in sports
  • A muscle-strengthening program that focuses on the muscles of the hip, core, and legs
  • Manual (hands-on) therapy
  • Movement re-education to help restore normal motion of the hip, back, and legs

The benefits of physical therapy for hip impingement have been highlighted in the medical literature, including one study published in 2018. In this trial, 80 patients with hip impingement were randomly assigned to undergo either surgery or three weeks of physical therapy, and were then followed up for two years. After this period, both groups experienced significant improvements, and “there was no significant difference between the groups at two years.”

These findings suggest that patients with hip impingement could expect to experience similar improvements, but it’s worth noting that surgery is associated with higher costs, a greater risk for complications, and often an extensive recovery period. Given these factors, we recommend that patients choose physical therapy because it’s a safer and less costly treatment option for their condition.

Get Started on Treatment for Your Low Back Pain Right Away with Physical Therapy

Low back pain is a global issue on a massive scale that can be illustrated in a few key statistics:

  • It is currently the number one cause of disability in the world
  • The amount of years spent with disability from low back pain has increased by 54% since 1990
  • About 37% of the world’s population experiences low back pain every year
  • At any given point in time, about 540 million people are affected by low back pain worldwide

Research also shown that the problem is pervasive and very few people are completely immune. More people are affected by low back pain in high-income countries than low- and middle-income countries, but rates are rapidly increasing in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East as well. And although low back pain is more common in women and older adults, it can strike nearly anyone at any age. In fact, one study showed that 40% of 9–18-year-olds worldwide have dealt with low back pain at some point.

But despite how widespread low back pain is and all that’s known about it, it may surprise you to hear that the cause of pain cannot be identified in the majority of cases. In some patients, serious conditions like spine fractures, inflammation disorders, infection, and cancer may be present, which can be detected by certain diagnostic tests. But in the absence of disease or mechanical dysfunction that is known to be responsible, a diagnosis of “nonspecific low back pain” is usually given because there is no single problem found to be causing the pain.

Why physical therapists focus on treatment over diagnosis

This may sound somewhat discouraging if you’re currently dealing with low back pain, but as physical therapists, you should know that the cause of your pain is not as important as you might think. Many people get hung up on obtaining a diagnosis for their pain and go on to have various tests to reach one. But since getting an actual diagnosis is rare, having these tests may do more harm than good, as it can lead to unnecessary treatments like surgery when problems unrelated to the pain are treated.

Rather than focusing on the diagnosis, physical therapy concentrates on addressing the pain, starting with your very first session. With movement-based therapies and exercises individualized according to your abilities and goals, we will work with you on a one-on-one basis and target your pain with a variety of techniques. We believe that movement is a key ingredient to alleviating low back pain and preventing it from returning, which is why we promote a more active lifestyle along with your treatment program from the get-go.

Current research is continuing to support physical therapy as an effective means to addressing back pain, no matter the cause. In one recent study that reviewed current guidelines on the best treatments for low back pain, researchers recommended the following:

For many patients with nonspecific low back pain, simple first-line care (advice, reassurance and self-management) and a review at 1-2 weeks is all that is required. If patients need second-line care, non-pharmacological treatments like physical therapy should be tried before pharmacological therapies.

So if you’re dealing with low back pain, don’t concern yourself too much with what’s causing it. Instead, take action and see your physical therapist now for an evaluation and treatment plan that will address your issues and help you move pain-free once again.

Looking for Fall Prevention in Visalia? Part 2 is About Exercise

This is the second of our two-part posts about Fall Prevention in Visalia.

In our last blog, we provided a brief overview of why falls occur and offered some initial steps you can take to avoid them. Here, we take a closer look at what can happen after a fall occurs and focus on the importance of performing targeted exercises as you age.

A Significant Percentage of Falls are Very Serious

Although up to half of falls only cause minor injuries like cuts and bruises, research shows that about 20% result in far more serious injuries that often require a trip to the hospital. Fractures are undoubtedly the most severe complication that can come about from a fall. The hip is fractured more frequently than any other bone in older adults, and these injuries are particularly devastating because they significantly reduce mobility. As a result, many older adults are unable to regain their prior level of function and will require the assistance of a caretaker.

Some falls lead to head trauma and result in brain injuries as well, which can be extremely serious. Even falls from a low height can cause brain disturbances, and these injuries often go undetected. This is why it’s imperative that all older adults visit their doctor immediately if their head was involved in a fall in any way.

Fall Prevention in Visalia – Here’s Why

The good news is that most falls are preventable, and the better prepared you are, the lower your risk for falling will be. In addition to addressing environmental hazards within your home and taking appropriate precautions when leaving it, it’s also crucial to keep your body moving regularly and systematically.

The Proper Exercises Help…A Lot

Safely increasing your general physical activity levels is a great start, but performing specific exercises will be even more beneficial. As the body ages, it’s natural for strength, flexibility, and balance to start declining, which makes these areas the most important to address. For these reasons, we strongly recommend performing these 5 exercises to help you maintain your functionality and reduce your risk for falling in the process:

5 simple exercises to boost your balance

  1. Stand on one foot: hold a chair for balance, stand on one foot for 10 seconds, then repeat it with the other leg, 10-15 times each
  2. Back leg raises: same setup as #1, but instead of raising your foot, lift it back without bending your knees or pointing your toes, 10-15 times on each leg
  3. Side leg raises: same setup as #1, but lift your leg to the side while keeping your back straight and toes facing forward, 10-15 times with each leg
  4. Walk heel-to-toe: with your arms outstretched, focus on a distant point and walk in a straight line with your heel close to or touching your toe, for 20 steps
  5. Balance walk: use the same approach as #4, but take normal size steps and lift your back leg for one second before stepping, for 20 steps

According to a comprehensive review of studies published in December 2019, exercises that improve balance are best for reducing fall risk, with the results stating:

The updated Cochrane review is consistent with previous systematic reviews that identified greater falls prevention effects from exercise programs that challenge balance

If you’re new to these types of exercises, it’s best to consult with a physical therapist first to ensure you’re performing them safely and effectively, especially if your balance is impaired. Our physical therapists can also provide advice on how to become more physically active and guide you on how to eliminate hazards in your home, all with the overall goal of reducing your fall risk.

If You’d Like to Learn More About Our Balance & Fall Prevention Programs – Contact Us Today at 559-733-2478

Fall Prevention Program in Visalia Part 1 – Why It’s So Important

If you are in need of a fall prevention program in Visalia, we encourage you to read on.  We think this information may be of value to you and your loved ones.

Falls…A Silent Killer

Falls pose one of the greatest possible threats to the health of older adults. They are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries and death in this population, and as the number of older adults grows, so too will the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries.

Approximately one-third of older Americans—which those who are 65 and over—experience a fall each year, which results in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms.

Most fractures in this population are due to falls, with over 95% of hip fractures resulting from a fall of some sort. Other bones commonly fractured after a fall include the spine, forearm, leg and ankle, and the risk for these increases even more when osteoporosis—also common in older adults—is present.

Common Reasons Why People Fall

Falls can occur for a number of reasons, but they are often due to a combination of internal and external factors. After the age of 65, a variety of health conditions contribute to falls.  Some of them include:

  • Arthritis,
  • Dementia,
  • Diabetes,
  • Balance impairments,
  • Lower body weakness, and
  • Impaired vision or hearing

If you or a loved one has any of these or a combination of these risk factors, your risk of falling increases.

Don’t Forget Medications

Many older adults also take multiple medications, some of which can affect balance or otherwise interfere with one’s ability to stay on their feet.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors also play a major role in fall risk. Failing to take proper precautions can leave a home filled with potential hazards that can be slipped or tripped on to cause a fall. These include:

  • Loose rugs,
  • Clutter,
  • Slippery surfaces,
  • Poor lighting,
  • Steep or uneven stairs, and
  • A lack of handrails or grab bars.

All of these are commonplace in homes if an older adults but these can be modified.

Do a home walkthrough to identify anything that could contribute to a fall
If a fall does occur, many people go on to develop a greater fear of falling, even if they’re not injured. This can cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Worst of all, this process can turn into a vicious cycle that further increases the risk for falling due to these changes. This shows why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions and reduce or eliminate potential hazards in your home. We recommend these tips to mitigate your fall risk:

  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles and consider using Velcro or spyrolaces
  • Walk through your home, take note of any obstacles that may lead to a fall, and make the necessary modifications to eliminate them
  • Install handrails on both sides of all stairways, avoid clutter and putting any items on the floor, remove throw rugs, and make sure your home is well-lit
  • In bathrooms, use non-skid mats, a raised toilet seat and grab bars as needed
  • Get your eyes checked once a year, and get adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Take your time, be patient and ask others for help with difficult tasks
  • Stay physically active and avoid spending too much time sitting

The importance of regular physical activity for improving balance and reducing fall risk is continuously supported by medical literature, such as this recent study published in May 2019, which concludes with the following statement:

Regular physical activity including aerobic, anaerobic and proprioceptive components may be practiced in order to promote static balance in the elderly as a mean to reduce future risk of falling

Our Physical Therapists Can Help Reduce Fall Risks

Physical therapists can help you increase your physical activity levels in ways that are safe and feasible for you, which will lead to better overall health and a lower likelihood of falling. And read our next blog for additional tips to help you reduce your fall risk.

Contact Us Today at 559-733-2478 If You Would Like More Information

Hip Pain Specialist in Visalia

If you are looking for a hip pain specialist in Visalia, there are some natural treatments that you may know about.  In fact, physical therapy is your best bet for bothersome hip pain

There are several issues that can lead to hip pain and disability. Two conditions that are frequently responsible for this type of pain—especially in older women—are gluteal tendinitis and greater trochanteric bursitis. These two diagnoses describe separate problems, but they are so closely related that the terms are often used interchangeably.

Trochanteric Bursitis Versus Gluteal Tendinitis

Within your hip joint, like nearly every other joint in the body, there is a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. This structure provides a thin cushion that reduces friction between bones and other surfaces and allows a smooth, gliding motion of the joint. The bursa is located on the outside of the hip called the greater trochanter, and it can become damaged or inflamed for a number of reasons. This inflammation is called greater trochanteric bursitis, or greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

A similar condition involves the gluteal tendons, which are the tough fibers that connect the gluteal muscles in your buttocks to your hip bone. If one or more of these tendons are injured, the resulting condition is known as gluteal tendinitis, or gluteal tendinopathy.

Two Different Conditions with a Common Cause

Greater trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinitis both occur for similar reasons, with the most common cause being gradual damage from repeated activity that accumulates over time. Individuals who frequently use their hips in work or recreational activities are therefore more likely to overstrain their hips over time and experience these issues. Age is also a factor, as about 25% of women over the age of 50 are affected.

Symptoms of both conditions are also quite similar, with hip pain and tenderness being the hallmark signs in either case. This pain tends to be concentrated on the outside of the hip or thigh, and may often grow worse with activities like climbing stairs and when sleeping or lying down. Because these two conditions are so closely related and frequently occur together, in many cases either term is used to describe the same problem.

Physical therapy found to be superior compared to injections

Steroid injections are one of the more commonly used treatments for gluteal tendinitis/greater trochanteric bursitis, despite the fact that some studies have called their long-term use into question. Physical therapy represents another popular treatment option, and with this in mind, a study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of steroid injections, physical therapy, and a wait-and-see approach.

The results revealed that after both eight and 52 weeks, physical therapy led to greater improvements than the other two approaches.

This study provides further support of physical therapy as an effective intervention in the short and long term for gluteal tendinitis/greater trochanteric bursitis. Therefore, patients who are currently dealing with hip pain of any sort are strongly encouraged to consult with a physical therapist to identify the cause of your symptoms and begin a structured treatment program right away.

For More Information Contact Us Today at (559) 733-2478

We have two offices that have specialists that treat both trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinitis.  Click here for our contact information.

 

Patellar Tendinitis Treatment in Visalia

This post is for those that are looking for patellar tendinitis treatment in Visalia or Hanford.

Patellar tendinitis, which is often referred to as jumper’s knee, is a type of painful overuse injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).

As the name implies, athletes in any sports that involve a significant amount of jumping—like basketball, volleyball, high jump, and soccer—are at an increased risk for developing jumper’s knee. All the jumping, landing, and changing direction that are part of these sports can strain or damage the patellar tendon, which is problematic.

Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis) Comes from Excessive Stress

Too much stress on this tendon can create small tears, and over time, these tears can add up and eventually lead to symptoms. The most common symptoms of jumper’s knee are pain just below the kneecap, stiffness in the knee (especially while jumping, kneeling, or climbing stairs), pain in the thigh muscles (quadriceps) or weakness in the legs or calves. When this pain progresses, it will usually interfere with one’s ability to participate in sports or perform normal daily activities.

While some athletes might shrug off jumper’s knee and continue participating in sports, this strategy can be dangerous. Jumper’s knee is a serious injury, and pushing through the pain will only lead to larger tears and more pain, making the injury even more difficult to treat. Instead, one of the best choices you can make is to address your condition right away with a course of physical therapy. Physical therapists provide movement-based strategies that will alleviate your symptoms and improve your functional abilities. A typical treatment program for jumper’s knee will consist of the following:

  • Manual (hands-on) therapy techniques
  • Stretching exercises to reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility
  • Strengthening exercises for your quadriceps and calves, which will build leg strength and help prevent further injury
  • Taping techniques to realign the patella
  • Education on how to best return to sports in a gradual and safe manner

The Benefits of Seeing a Physical Therapist that’s an Expert in Patellar Tendinitis Treatment

The benefits of physical therapy for jumper’s knee are frequently supported by medical literature. In one study published in 2016, which was the first of its kind, 29 jumping athletes with knee pain underwent two types of exercises (isotonic and isometric) that are often used in physical therapy. The conclusion states:

This is the first study to show a decrease in patellar tendon pain without a modification of training and competition load and the first study to investigate isometric exercises in a clinical setting.

Most patients who actively rehabilitate from jumper’s knee will eventually be able to return to their sport symptom-free, but the first step is seeking out help.  So, if you’re involved in a jumping sport or are experiencing any pain in your knees, we can get you started.

Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment

Click here for the contact information from our two clinics.

 

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