PT vs Surgery for SIS – Research Says Try Conservative First

 

Are you searching for a specialist that treats shoulder impingement in Visalia or Hanford? You may not know, but our physical therapy care for shoulder impingement is some of the best you’ll find in the area.

Understanding rotator cuff problems and shoulder impingement is important, so we wrote this article below to help those in need.

Physical Therapy Is Just As Effective As Surgery In The Long Term For A Common Shoulder Condition

Most shoulder conditions—about 85%—involve the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder stable. Among these common shoulder conditions is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), in which rotator cuff tendons become compressed—or “impinged”—as they pass through a small bone on top off the shoulder blade called the acromion. Over time, this causes the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, and will lead to bothersome symptoms like swelling and tenderness, loss of strength, restricted movement, and pain.

SIS is most common in individuals that regularly perform lots of overhead activities like golfers, swimmers, and baseball and tennis players, as well as painters and construction workers. The condition can also result from an injury that compresses the structures of the shoulder—like a fall—or from frequently sleeping on your side. Sleeping in this position regularly can strain the shoulder and cause impingement over time.

SIS is closely related to rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial pain, and in some cases, the terms may be used interchangeably. When any of these conditions develop, the best course of action is a comprehensive physical therapy program, which helps patients work through their pain to regain strength, flexibility, and physical function; however, many patients undergo a surgical procedure called arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) to treat their shoulder pain. An abundance of research has shown that this procedure does not lead to any significant benefits, but it remains one of the most frequently performed procedures in the world, and some professionals still advocate for it. Therefore, a study was conducted to compare the return-to-work rates for patients with subacromial pain who underwent different interventions.

More than 200 patients are monitored periodically for 5 years in this research study

A total of 210 patients with subacromial pain for more than 3 months were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: exercise therapy, diagnostic arthroscopy, or ASD.

Patients in the exercise therapy group underwent a supervised, individually designed physical therapy program that included daily home exercises and 15 visits to the physical therapy clinic. Patients in the diagnostic arthroscopy group underwent a “sham” procedure in which an examination of the shoulder was performed with a small camera inserted surgically, but no repairs were made to the shoulder. Patients in the ASD group were treated surgically with the ASD procedure, which involved the careful removal of some portions of bone and a structure called the bursa. Patients in the diagnostic arthroscopy and ASD groups also participated in a postoperative physical therapy program. All patients were assessed at the beginning of the study and then again 2 years and 5 years later.

Two years after the interventions, 78% of patients in the exercise group, 80% of patients in the diagnostic arthroscopy group, and 82% of patients in the ASD group were actively working.

Five years after the intervention, these figures were 66% for the exercise group, 69% for the diagnostic arthroscopy group, and 67% for the ASD group.

These results show that there were NOT significant differences between the three groups 2 years and 5 years after the intervention. Therefore, based on these findings, physical therapy can be considered just as effective as ASD for helping patients with subacromial pain recover and maintain their improvements in the long term.

Subacromial Impingement Pain Treatment is Something We Specialize In…

At Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy, we frequently see patients with subacromial pain and related shoulder conditions and help them regain their abilities in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Therefore, if you’re currently dealing with any type of shoulder pain, we recommend giving us a call.

You can reach us at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more or schedule an appointment today.

PT for Breast Cancer Patients

Physical Therapist-Led Exercise Boosts Function
And Improves Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, as about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. Each year, about 240,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected, and about 40,000 women lose their lives to the disease. Over the past 10 years, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has remained stable, while the associated death rate has declined slightly. Still, breast cancer remains a major health concern for women today.

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo a surgical procedure at some point, such as a breast biopsy, lymph node biopsy or removal, lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction. Frequently, this is in addition to other common cancer interventions like radiation and/or chemotherapy. After completing these treatments, a sizable percentage of women go to experience various side effects, such as pain and stiffness in the chest, shoulder, and back muscles, or nerve irritation that can cause numbness, pain, and tingling.

Each patient’s recovery differs depending on the severity of the cancer and what treatments were used, but side effects often reduce flexibility and range of motion, which can prevent women from returning to their normal daily activities. In addition, many women that undergo various treatments and hospitalizations become deconditioned due to lack of physical activity, which can have further repercussions on their health.

Lack of research prompts new study on exercise for breast cancer patients

Therefore, general exercise and physical therapy are strongly recommended for women recovering from breast cancer treatment. A carefully designed physical therapy program will focus on improving qualities like strength, range of motion, and endurance to allow these women to reestablish their previous level of activity; however, research is lacking on structured exercise for breast cancer patients and if there are any safety concerns in high-risk patients. In response, a robust type of study called a randomized-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical therapist led exercise program for women at high risk for disability after breast cancer treatment.

For the study, 392 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer who were scheduled to have surgery and considered to be at high risk for upper limb disability served as the primary study group. These women were randomly and evenly assigned to either exercise plus usual care or usual care alone. Women in the usual care alone group received information leaflets recommending exercise and general advice for after surgery, and no further interventions were performed. Women in the exercise plus usual care group underwent a structured exercise program supervised by a physical therapist. The program consisted of various upper extremity exercises targeting the shoulder and was intended to restore range of motion of the shoulder, improve strength, and increase physical activity levels. All patients were assessed before and after completing these programs with various outcome measures.

Patients in the Exercise Group had a Better Outcome

Twelve months later, patients who underwent the exercise program reported significantly better scores on a questionnaire that measured disability of the shoulder, arm, and hand. These patients also reported less pain intensity and fewer activity limitations, participation restrictions, and impairments than the usual care alone group, and the intervention did not lead to any increase in complications or lymphedema symptoms. Finally, the exercise program, which only cost an average of $178 per patient, was found to be significantly more cost effective than usual care.

Call Us to Schedule Your Appointment

This study shows that physical therapy can lead to improved upper limb function, postoperative pain, arm symptoms, and physical quality of life at 12 months compared with usual care alone in women at high risk of upper limb disability after breast cancer treatment. So if you’re affected by breast cancer and scheduled to have surgery, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us to get set up for your postoperative program.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more or schedule an appointment today.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Visalia

 
If you need rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Visalia or Hanford, we can help.  This post describes how our physical therapy expert clinicians assist patients with their rheumatoid arthritis care in Hanford and Visalia.

Physical Therapy Should Be An Integral Component
Of Any Treatment Plan For Rheumatoid Arthritis

The ends of most bones are covered by a smooth, shiny surface called articular cartilage. The cartilage protects bones where they meet one another—at a joint—and provides a smooth surface that allows the bones to slide freely and not contact one another during movement.

Arthritis is general term that’s used to describe the loss of articular cartilage in one or more joints. About one in four Americans—which equates to nearly 59 million people—currently has arthritis, making it one of the most common medical conditions in the U.S. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are by far the most common of these.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning it’s caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly destroying healthy cartilage in joints. It occurs for reasons that are not completely understood, but a combination of genetics and hormonal or environmental factors likely play a role in its development. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint of the body, but usually starts in the small joints of the hand. Women are about three times more likely than men to get rheumatoid arthritis, and it usually occurs in middle age—with an average age of onset of 30-60 years—but it’s also seen in younger individuals.

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a variety of symptoms, with some of the most common including:

  • Stiffness, swelling, and/or redness in joints, which is usually worse in the morning
  • Weakness and/or loss of range of motion
  • A sensation of “cracking” or “crushing” in the hand joints
  • Increased size or deformity of the hand
  • Fatigue and general discomfort

Unfortunately, there is no cure currently available for rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, most patients are managed with medications and other interventions designed to help them move more easily and efficiently, and physical therapy is one of the best tools to help them get there.

Physical Therapy as a Choice for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Visalia

Our physical therapists are movement experts that work with each patient individually to identify their biggest limitations from rheumatoid arthritis that are holding them back. From there, we design a personalized treatment program to address these symptoms, which will usually consist of:

  • Manual (hands-on) therapy: may include soft-tissue massage, stretching, and joint mobilizations to reduce pain and improve alignment, mobility, and range of motion
  • Stretching exercises: to improve the flexibility of joints affected by arthritis
  • Strengthening exercises: to build back up strength of the muscles of the hand and any other affected joints
  • Pain-relieving modalities: ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, and/or heat to decrease pain and inflammation of the involved joint

Research Supports the Use of Physical Therapy – Therefore, We Provide for Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in Visalia & Hanford

The benefits of physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis have been confirmed in the medical literature, including one study of 490 patients. Results from this study showed that physical therapist-led hand exercises led to significant improvements in pain and hand function, and the intervention is likely to be cost-effective.

Rheumatoid arthritis can prove to be a nuisance that interferes with your ability to function normally in everyday life. So if you’re affected by symptoms that sound like rheumatoid arthritis, we can help.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford)

 

…to learn more about our rheumatoid arthritis experts in Visalia and Hanford…or to schedule an appointment today.

Community Exercise for Arthritis

Exercise Reduces Pain And Improve Function In Patients With Arthritis

As we discussed in our last blog, arthritis is a major healthcare issue in the U.S. Of the roughly 59 million adults who have arthritis, nearly half—or 26 million—report that their condition makes daily activities more difficult. As a result, many of these individuals’ quality of life is negatively affected, making arthritis a pressing concern for them.

Research has also shown that arthritis-related disability does not impact all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups equally. According to recent statistics, more than half of low-income adults and about two-thirds of those living near the poverty line are negatively affected in their daily lives due to arthritis, compared to about 30–40% of wealthier individuals. In addition, about 60% of American Indian and Alaskan Natives experience arthritis-related limitations, compared to only about 40% of White individuals and about half of all other racial and ethnic groups.

One way to help individuals that are more likely to be physically impaired from arthritis—chiefly lower-income individuals and persons of American Indian/Alaskan Native descent—is through a targeted approach. This type of approach aims to identify at-risk patients, encourage them to seek out treatment, and then manages them appropriately. Physical therapists, for example, are movement experts who frequently treat arthritis patients with comprehensive treatment programs that feature exercise, education, and other interventions intended to alleviate pain and improve function.

Exploring the role community exercise in patients with arthritis
Understanding the value of a targeted treatment approach, researchers conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of community exercise on pain and physical function in adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis is a study that collects and assesses all available research on a particular topic to obtain a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of a particular intervention. In this meta-analysis, researchers identified 33 relevant studies on 3,180 adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia who underwent an exercise program delivered in their community. Of the exercise programs analyzed, most included both aerobic and strengthening exercises, while some focused on either aerobic or strengthening exercises alone.

Results showed that these community-delivered exercise programs significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in adults with arthritis or fibromyalgia. These findings were further strengthened by a lack of bias observed by researchers in these studies, and the fact that similar results were obtained when analyzed at both the study and group level. Finally, results from a test called the intention-to-treat analysis indicated not only that exercise was effective, but that it would also be effective in a real-world setting.

This study is important because it highlights how a targeted approach with a community-based exercise program can help patients with arthritic conditions improve. Physical therapists prescribe these types of interventions and promote exercise- and movement-based strategies for patients with impaired mobility due to arthritis. Therefore, if arthritis is currently interfering with your ability to complete normal daily activities, we strongly encourage you to contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.

Knee Ligament Rehab in Visalia and Hanford

 

Tears Of Other Knee Ligaments Can Usually Be Treated Nonsurgically With Physical Therapy

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are frequently discussed in the sports world due to their high prevalence and season-ending potential. But the ACL is just one of four major ligaments in the knee, and the three other ligaments can also be injured, either independently or in conjunction with others.

The consequences of these injuries are usually not as dire as ACL tears, and most patients can therefore participate in physical therapy alone and experience a complete recovery.

The type of knee ligament injury is determined by the force upon the knee

The four major ligaments of the knee and the most common mechanism of injury are described below. All four ligaments connect the tibia (shinbone) to the femur (thighbone) in different locations. As you’ll see, the type and severity of the injury depends on the direction of the force upon the knee:

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

    • Connects the inside top of the tibia to the outside bottom of the femur in a diagonal direction
    • Prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward on the femur
    • Injuries most commonly occur when a patient changes direction with one foot planted

  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

    • Also connects the inside top of the tibia to the outside bottom of the femur, running diagonally in the opposite direction of the ACL
    • Prevents the tibia from moving too far backward on the femur
    • Strongest ligament of the knee and least likely to be injured, but the most common mechanism of injury is a force applied to the front of the knee

  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

    • Connects the tibia to the femur on the outside of the knee
    • Provides stability to the outside of the knee and prevents the knee from buckling outward
    • Most common mechanism of injury is a force applied to the inside of the knee while the foot is planted

  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL)

    • Connects the tibia to the femur on the inside of the knee
    • Provides stability to the inside of the knee and prevents the knee from buckling inward
    • Most mechanism of injury is a force applied to the outside of the knee while the foot is planted

Surgery is needed far less often for non-ACL injuries

Injuries to these knee ligaments are called sprains. In a mild, or grade I sprain, the ligament only stretches and is slightly damaged.

Grade II sprains are partial tears of the ligament, while grade III sprains are complete tears of the ligament.

In some cases, more than one ligament will be damaged or torn from a single traumatic event, such as a severe sports-related injury.

As we explained in our last blog, surgery is often recommended for most patients with complete ACL tears that want to return to a high level of activity. But for knee ligament injuries that don’t involve the ACL, surgery is needed far less often, and many patients can experience a completely recovery with physical therapy alone.  The reason this is the case is that rarely are the other knee ligaments completely torn in two pieces (grade III sprain).

Rehab may even be sufficient even for some complete tears of the PCL, MCL, or LCL; however, treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis according to the extent of the damage and the patient’s intended level of activity.

Physical Therapy Almost Always is Important for a Full Recovery

Even in cases when surgery is warranted, physical therapy will also play a role in helping patients prepare for the procedure and in the recovery afterwards. Physical therapy programs for sprains and tears of the PCL, MCL, and LCL typically consist of the following:

  • Manual (hands-on therapy) techniques to alleviate pain and improve function
  • Pain-relieving modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation
  • Range of motion exercises to increase flexibility and help patients regain normal mobility
  • Strengthening exercises to increase the strength of weakened muscles of the upper and lower leg
  • Balance and agility training to help athletes regain their sense of balance
  • Sport-specific training that progressively increases in intensity as the patient regains function

If you’ve recently suffered a knee ligament injury and want to get back on the field or court as quickly and safely as possible, we can help you get there.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment today.

You can also click here to visit our contact page.

ACL Rehabilitation in Visalia

 

After ACL Surgery, A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program Is Essential To Return To Activity And Reduce The Risk For Re-injury

Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) get lots of attention in sports, primarily because they are very common and often put athletes on the sidelines for extended periods. Discussions about ACL tears often focus on the severity of the damage to the knee and the timetable for when an athlete will get back on the field or court after surgery.

One topic that may get overlooked, though, is the athlete’s risk for re-injury after returning to play, which is quite high in certain populations—especially young athletes.

Here’s Why Visalia Residents Looking for ACL Knee Rehab Should Contact Us for More Information:

In order to completely recover from ACL surgery and avoid additional injury, both the athlete or weekend warrior must undergo a comprehensive rehab program, which we can provide.

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments within the knee that connects the tibia (shinbone) to the femur (thighbone). It runs diagonally in the middle of the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding forward on the femur, and it also provides a great deal of stability for the knee that keeps it from rotating out of position.

ACL injuries are called sprains. In mild (grade I) sprains, the ligament only stretches and is slightly damaged, while grade II sprains are partial tears and grade III sprains are complete tears.

ACL Injuries Are Often a Serious Problem

ACL tears are devastating injuries that typically lead to:

  • Significant pain,
  • Knee instability,
  • Swelling,
  • Tenderness, and
  • Muscle weakness.

Any athlete or active individual can suffer an ACL tear, but the chances are highest in those who participate in high-demand sports with lots of cutting motions, like basketball, soccer, football, and volleyball. In fact, about 1 of every 60 athletes will tear his or her ACL at some point in their career, and this figure is only expected to rise as the intensity of sports continues to increase.

Classifications of ACL Ligament Sprains

Grade I and II ACL sprains can usually be managed with rest and physical therapy alone.

For complete ACL tears (grade III), physical therapy may be an option, but a surgical procedure called ACL reconstruction is often recommended for athletes who want to continue playing sports at a competitive level.

This procedure removes the torn ligament and replaces it with another band of tissue from the leg (usually a tendon).

ACL Surgery is a Start but Full Recovery is More Likely with a Good Post-Surgical Knee Rehab Program in Our Visalia or Hanford Office

ACL reconstruction is usually successful, and many athletes can return to their sport afterwards; however, one notable risk is tearing the newly reconstructed ligament or the ACL of the other knee. Many factors may contribute to this risk, but high-intensity sports with lots of pivoting and cutting have particularly been linked to re-injury of both the reconstructed ACL and the ACL of the opposite knee.

Completing a personalized ACL knee rehab & physical therapy program will minimize re-injury risk

For ACL reconstruction to be successful, a patient must allow enough time for the new ligament to become part of the knee—a process called graft incorporation—and restore the normal muscle strength of the knee to ensure it is properly protected. Physical therapy is therefore necessary during this time to help patients get back to their pre-injury levels and not return to sports until they have completely recovered. A typical ACL rehabilitation program will consist of the following:

  • Strengthening exercises to build back up the weakened muscles of the leg
  • Stretching exercises to increase flexibility and regain normal mobility that may have been lost during the injury and surgery
  • Plyometrics, or jump training, which is crucial for patients recovering from ACL tears
  • Recommendations on how to modify activities to minimize the risk for future injuries
  • Exercises to improve neuromuscular control, which is the body’s ability to stay in a strong and stable position regardless of what movement it’s making

The rehab process after ACL surgery is a long one, as Joe Burrow can attest to. The second-year quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals tore his ACL in the middle of his first NFL season and has spent the better part of the past year undergoing an intensive rehab program. But the quarterback is now healthy and back on the field, and only time will tell how his knee holds up in the long term.

Rehab your knee with Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy

If you’ve torn your ACL and are scheduled to undergo surgery, we can help you through every step of your rehab afterwards.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment today.

Visit our contact page by clicking here for details.

Note: People looking for this content often do these searches too:

  • ACL physical therapy Visalia
  • ACL rehab in Visalia
  • ACL physical rehab in Visalia
  • ACL rehabilitation after surgery in Visalia
  • Note, we also have an additional office that does ACL rehab in Hanford.

Deep Tissue Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Laser Therapy May Provide Benefits For Your Painful Condition

TLDR;  if you want to try deep tissue laser therapy in Visalia or Hanford for tennis below or other tendinitis diagnosis, give us a call.

In our last blog, we explained that lateral epicondylitis—or tennis elbow—is a painful musculoskeletal condition that occurs most commonly in athletes and other individuals who frequently perform movements that involve lots of gripping or extending the wrist.

We also pointed out that high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is an emerging treatment option available for sports-related injuries like tennis elbow in which a high-powered laser is applied to painful areas of the body to produce changes within the cells in a process called photobiomodulation. Results from the study featured in that blog found that HILT was more effective than low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for tennis elbow, and other research has also reached similar conclusions.

A Second Study Concludes Deep Tissue Laser Therapy is a Valuable Treatment

Another study focused exclusively on the use of HILT for tennis elbow. In this study, 65 patients with tennis elbow were randomly assigned to either undergo HILT or wear a compression bandage. In the HILT group, a high-intensity laser was applied for 75 seconds to the most painful areas in a circular motion to produce a pain-relieving effect for the first four sessions. In the following six sessions, the laser was applied for 12.5 minutes to the painful areas in a linear motion to elicit a biostimulatory effect. These 10 HILT sessions took place over two weeks. Patients in the other group were instructed to wear a bandage that applied moderate pressure to the elbow for six weeks.

All patients were assessed before and after treatment with various outcome measures. These included an evaluation of hand grip strength, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and function levels, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score for upper extremity physical functional activity, and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey for quality of life.

Significant Improvements with Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

After completing treatment, patients in both groups reported significant improvements in all outcome measures evaluated. Patients who underwent HILT, however, experienced greater improvements in resting VAS scores and the physical component of the SF-36 survey. These findings suggest that while both interventions were beneficial, HILT may have been slightly more effective than compression bandaging for relieving pain and improving quality of life in patients with tennis elbow. Additional research is now needed to further explore the efficacy of this intervention in the long term.

Deep Tissue Laser Therapy is Available in Our Visalia 0r Hanford Offices

Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy proudly offers laser therapy as a supplemental intervention to physical therapy for tennis elbow and many other painful conditions.

So if you’re currently dealing with lingering pain, contact us at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more about laser therapy or to schedule an appointment.

Best Lower Back Pain Treatment in Visalia – It’s Prevention and It May Extend Your Life

Preventing lower back pain my extend your life.  But, if you are experiencing lumbar pain, and are looking for the best back pain treatment in Visalia, we can help.

More on Prevention and Longevity

Low back pain is incredibly common. About one-half of all working Americans will experience symptoms at least once every year, and roughly 31 million are affected by it at any given point in time.

So if you consider yourself part of this group, you have plenty of company.

Dealing with low back pain can be troublesome and place a strain on everyday life. Typical movements like bending over to pick something off the ground or twisting your torso when looking to the side might suddenly give you pause and make you less mobile in the process. This is one of the main reasons low back pain is also one of the leading causes for missed work due to disability.

Anyone Can Experience Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is most prevalent in individuals between the ages of 30-60, which is mainly due to the aging process. Anyone can get low back pain and it can develop for a variety of reasons, but there are certain factors that are believed to increase one’s chances. These risk factors include older age, poor physical fitness, a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, diseases like arthritis and cancer, occupations that strain the back, smoking, depression, and anxiety.

Fortunately, most cases of low back pain will resolve on their own in a short period of time, but up to 10% of individuals will go on to develop chronic low back pain when it lasts for more than three months. When the condition becomes chronic, it can have an even more significant impact on quality of life, and it also becomes more difficult to treat.

According to Scientists, Here’s Why You Want to Avoid Chronic Back Pain

According to a recent review, having chronic back pain may reduce one’s life expectancy as well.

For the review, researchers performed a systematic search for published studies that evaluated the impact of low back pain on the risk for death (mortality) in patients. This search led to 11 studies being included in the review, which included data on more than 80,000 patients who were monitored for 5–23 years. Results showed that mild back pain did not have any long-term associations with mortality and is therefore unlikely to impact the length of one’s life. However, patients with chronic back were found to have a modestly higher mortality risk compared to those who didn’t have back pain.

Address Lower Back Pain Quickly with One of the Best Lower Back Pain Treatment Options in Visalia or Hanford

 

These findings suggest that over time, chronic low back pain may reduce one’s life expectancy through various mechanisms, such as greater disability, reduced quality of life, and physical inactivity. Therefore, it stands to reason that addressing low back pain early and preventing it from progressing to the chronic stage may improve an individual’s quality of life and extend their lifespan.

One of the safest and most effective ways to alleviate low back pain is through a course of physical therapy, which is based on personalized treatment programs that teach patients various exercises and movement-based techniques that reduce pain and increase function.

Don’t Let Pain Get In Your Way – We Can Help

To learn more about what we can do for your low back pain, contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy today:

559-733-2478 (Visalia)

559-582-1027 (Hanford) 

MRI Clinics in Visalia – Do You Really Need One?

If you have neck, back, shoulder, or knee pain and you are looking for an MRI or x-ray clinic in Visalia, you may not need this expensive test…at least, not right away.

Imaging Tests for Low Back Pain
Continue to Be Used Frequently Despite Potential Risks

Diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are important tools that can help doctors more clearly understand what’s happening in the body so they can reach or confirm a diagnosis. But just because these tests are helpful does not mean that they should be used at all times, or even frequently.

Low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions, and it will affect up to 80% of individuals at some point in their life. Imaging tests are only recommended when a “red flag” is present, such as signs of nerve damage, serious underlying problems like cancer or spinal infections, unexplained weight loss, bladder or bowel issues, and abnormal reflexes. If none of these red flags are present, most guidelines state that an imaging test is not needed, since it will not usually help to identify the source of pain.

Diagnostic Tests are Simply Overused – This Means You’re Paying for Something that Might Be Unnecessary

Despite these recommendations, diagnostic tests continue to be used frequently for various reasons. Some patients with low back pain request or demand an imaging test because they are seeking a concrete diagnosis, while many medical professionals may be more likely to order a test if they have the technology in their facility. It’s not clear how many patients end up undergoing an imaging test for low back pain, so a team of researchers performed comprehensive study called a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate.

One-third of patients who go to the emergency department receive an imaging test
Those involved in the review performed a detailed search of several medical databases for studies that included data on the use of imaging tests for patients with low back pain. This search led to 45 studies being identified that fit the necessary criteria for inclusion into the review.

The Problem is Getting Worse?

These studies showed that there were nearly 20 million unique consultations to either a primary care physician or the emergency department for low back pain. These consultations resulted in nearly 4.5 million imaging tests performed over 21 years. Further analysis of these figures revealed that there was moderate-quality evidence that one-quarter of patients who initially consulted with a primary care physician were referred to imaging, as well as high-quality evidence that about one-third of patients who went to the emergency department underwent imaging. It was also found that the use of imaging increased by 50% over the 21 years covered in these studies, despite the presence of guidelines against this practice.

Overuse of imaging tests remains a pressing and alarming issue…

The results of this review show that overuse of imaging tests remains a pressing and alarming issue. Imaging tests are not only extremely expensive—costing an average of $1,119—and expose patients to potentially harmful levels of radiation in the case of CT scans and X-rays, but they can do more harm than good for many patients. This is due to the fact that imaging tests don’t always identify the cause of patients’ pain—especially for low back pain—and often reveal “abnormalities” unrelated to the pain that may be misconstrued as a cause. As a result, many patients undergo invasive procedures like surgery that may not lead to the desired result because it does not address the source of their pain, which is usually difficult to pinpoint.

Going down this road can be avoided by seeing a physical therapist first. Physical therapists rarely refer low back pain patients to imaging tests because they understand the many risks associated with this approach. Alternatively, they treat patients with a multifaceted, movement-based program that is designed to address their symptoms according to their needs, abilities, and goals.

See Us for a Consultation First.  You May Need an Expensive Test…But, You May Not!

Visit our contact page for more details or call us at (559) 733-2478.

Overuse and Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repeatedly performing certain motions can produce pain and dysfunction over time

Most injuries will fall into one of two categories: acute and overuse. Acute injuries usually result from a single, traumatic event, such as a fall, slip, or collision with another athlete or object. Some common examples of acute injuries include wrist fractures, ankle sprains, shoulder dislocations, and hamstring strains.

Overuse injuries, on the other hand, occur gradually over time rather than on the spot. They are more common than acute injuries but are also more subtle, which makes them more challenging to diagnose and treat. Overuse injuries may result from training too hard and pushing your body past its limits, or simply by moving incorrectly or with bad posture on a repeated basis. Another term used is repetitive strain injuries, which shows how repeating the same movements can result in small trauma—or microtrauma—to tendons, bones and joints. Eventually, the damage gets so bad that symptoms begin to arise, in which cases treatment is usually needed.

Here at our practice, we treat a variety of sprains & strains. Below, we offer a brief overview of the mechanisms responsible for 5 common overuse injuries:

Shoulder Impingement – Consider Physical Therapy for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome in Visalia
Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a condition that involves the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder stable. In SIS, rotator cuff tendons become compressed—or “impinged”—as they pass through a small bone on top off the shoulder blade called the acromion. Over time, this causes the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, and will lead to bothersome symptoms like swelling and tenderness, loss of strength, restricted movement and pain that occurs at rest, when moving the shoulder overhead and/or when sleeping.

SIS is most common in individuals that regularly perform lots of overhead activities like golfers, swimmers, and baseball and tennis players, as well as painters and construction workers. The condition can also result from an injury that compresses the structures of the shoulder—like a fall—or from frequently sleeping on your side. Sleeping in this position regularly can strain the shoulder and cause impingement over time.

Plantar Fasciitis – We Provide Effective Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Visalia
The plantar fascia is a thick, connective band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. It’s a tough structure designed to absorb the regular stresses that are placed on the foot, but can become damaged when these forces are excessive. When this occurs, the resulting condition is plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a stubborn overuse injury and the most common cause of heel pain.
It occurs most frequently in runners—especially long-distance runners—due to the repetitive strain they place on their feet. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight or regularly perform any other weight-bearing activity are also at increased risk. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain near the heel that’s most noticeable upon waking up and after standing for long periods.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Relief for Those Searching for Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Visalia 
The carpal tunnel is a space at the base of the palm that contains several tendons and the median nerve, which provides sensation to the fingers. If these tendons thicken or any other swelling occurs in the area, this tunnel narrows, which puts pressure on the median nerve and leads to a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common, as it affects about 5% of the population.
The greatest risk factor is any task that requires repetitive hand motion, awkward hand positions, strong gripping, mechanical stress on the palms, or vibration. As a result, individuals who work on an assembly line—like manufacturing and meatpacking industries—are at the highest risk. The risk if also high in office workers. Symptoms usually start with a burning or tingling sensation, but eventually pain, weakness and/or numbness develop in the hand and wrist, and then radiate up the arm.

Golfers Elbow – Choose Physical Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow in Visalia
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that results from the repeated bending of the wrist that is necessary in a golf swing. This damages the muscles and tendons of the medial epicondyle—a piece of bone on the inside of the elbow that allows the forearm, wrist and hand to bend and move in several different ways—and eventually leads to inflammation. It is especially common in golfers because gripping or swinging clubs incorrectly or with too much force can take a toll on the structures within the elbow over time.

Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, weakened grip strength and a burning sensation on either the inside or outside of the elbow. These symptoms often develop gradually and are worsened by activities that involve the forearm, and if left unchecked, can go on to make many basic activities that require gripping or grasping a major challenge.

Lower Back Pain – Natural Physical Therapy for Back Muscle Strain in Visalia
Back pain is the most common musculoskeletal injury, and a significant number of cases are due to a strain of one or more back muscles. This condition—also known as a pulled muscle—is the result of muscle fibers tearing from being overstretched or overused, which can occur from repeatedly bending your back or using improper posture.

The most common symptom is pain in the lower back that is often most intense during the first few hours of the day. Pain also tends to get exacerbated with certain movements or positions that strain the muscles of the spine, like standing for long periods of time. Tenderness and stiffness of the spine is also likely.

Physical therapy for all types of overuse injuries
In addition to being the product of overuse or repetitive strain, another feature that all of these conditions share in common is responding to physical therapy. Our physical therapists can help by identifying the behaviors or habits that are responsible for your pain, and then recommending adjustments to your movements along with a personalized treatment program to help you move with less pain.

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