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I’ve got degenerative disc disease. I can’t decide whether to see a physical therapist or a chiropractor. How would a physical therapist differ from a chiropractor? |
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 Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to the loss of normal structure or function of the spine. It is related to normal aging or misuse. The discs between the vertebrae begin to lose their water and protein content, which leads to their inability to withstand stress. Symptoms are often localized around the spine, but since the spine carries a considerable portion of your body’s weight, DDD could be associated with disc bulging and referred pain into a limb.
The medical community agrees that episodic low back pain associated with DDD should be treated with rest and ice for only 1-2 days, followed by a progressive therapeutic exercise program. Who should design this program for you? Whichever avenue you decide to pursue, you should feel results and learn how to care for your spine in the future.
Physical therapists (PTs) receive either a doctorate or masters degree, are licensed through the state medical board, and are experts in the assessment and treatment of biomechanical disorders. Your PT will take a thorough history to include cause of injury, your health history, family history, work postures, current activity level, etc. A physical examination will include observing your body’s movement and assessing your strength, flexibility, and coordination. A treatment plan will be designed to meet your particular needs and may include education, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques applied by your PT, modalities to reduce pain, and a home exercise program to continue the healing process. The goal of physical therapy should be to teach you what to do (and what not to do) to alleviate symptoms now and in the future.
Chiropractors receive a doctorate degree from a chiropractic school and are licensed by the state. A chiropractic assessment should be similar to a PT’s, though most concentrate on the spine. Treatment varies, but spinal manipulation or adjustment is often used in an attempt to restore joint motion and, therefore, spine motion. Because manipulation cannot be replicated at home, frequent visits may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Modalities, nutritional advice, and therapeutic exercise may or may not be offered.
At PT Works, our physical therapists place a strong emphasis on education and awareness, so that you will know from day one how to take care of your spine for years to come.
– Danene Brown P.T., D.P.T. |
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I have, on occasion, heard a “pop” in my knee. The orthopedic surgeon says I may need surgery if the knee is unstable. Can you help me avoid surgery? |
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An audible “pop” can be caused by a few musculoskeletal conditions: an ACL tear, a torn meniscus, or friction from a tendon against a bone within the knee joint. In all cases, the knee may feel unstable, swell, demonstrate restricted movement and be painful. A physical therapist can assist you in reducing these symptoms by providing pain relief and range of motion and leg strengthening exercises. A physical therapist can also provide gait analysis and postural assessments, incorporating the whole body, to provide you with an overall assessment of movement. Surgery may be avoided if strengthening and range of motion exercises decrease pain and improve stability of the knee. However, if you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or a generally active person, surgery may be beneficial to return you to your prior level of ability. After that, we’ll be happy to assist you in your recuperation and training.
– Christopher Thoene P.T., D.P.T. |
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My daughter’s soccer coach says she runs oddly but offers no other advice. Can you do anything to help her? |
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The typical problem I see in runners is that of overstriding. Overstriding occurs when the foot contacts the ground in front of the body’s center of gravity, which essentially slows forward momentum. Overstriding will compromise running balance and efficiency, and a runner will appear off-balance or awkward. This can occur when an athlete is told to “take longer strides” and does so by reaching forward with the legs during the swing phase. The proper way to take longer strides is to deliberately push backward through the hip, knee and ankle during the propulsion phase. This is referred to as triple extension. Some athletes learn this naturally, while others need to be taught this skill. Triple extension can be learned with a series of progressive drills.
I would like to watch her run to assess her technique and then test strength, flexibility, coordination and balance control.
– Matt Wren M.S.,P.T |
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I notice my elderly father can no longer get out of a chair without a great deal of effort. He says this is normal for his age. Is he right? |
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I am a firm believer that, no matter the age, one should be able to rise out of a chair safely and independently. Decreased ability in this skill has been associated with risk of falling. With that in mind, many factors play a role in this movement, and one or more may be limiting your father in his ability to rise from a chair.
- strength of the core stabilizers and lower extremities
- flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities
- confidence (or lack thereof)
- balance and coordination
- chair dimensions (eg, height or availability of arm rests)
- mental state (eg, depression or conditions such as a stroke)
- activity level (eg, sedentary versus mall walker)
- medicine side-effects (eg, lightheadedness, dizziness)
If you see your father struggling with basic mobility skills, physical therapy will benefit him. Learning a few basic exercises can increase his confidence, independence, and potentially, ward off a future fall. This alone is worth its weight in gold; a fall could cause a head injury, a fractured hip, or ultimately, result in the need for assistive care.
– Danene Brown P.T., D.P.T.
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Matt
Wren M.S.,P.T.
Director/Owner. Former triathlete. ’84 Olympic Trials
in swimming. Nationally recognized DVD on Core and Shoulder
Stabilization exercises for competitive swimmers. Cancer survivor. Specialties:
Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine |
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Danene
Brown P.T, D.P.T.
Former collegiate softball player. Specialties: Orthopedics,
Sports Medicine and balance disorders |
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Chris Thoene P.T, D.P.T.
Triathlete. Specialties: Orthopedics and sports medicine. |
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Click to see all questions and answers from previous PT Works email newsletters.
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1.
At PT Works, our goal is to get to the root of your pain. Massage,
manipulation and traction can all alleviate pain. But if you
don’t fix the cause, your symptoms will likely return.
Eliminate the cause, and you can live pain-free.
2. We are privately owned, and the owner/physical therapist
is on site. Patient satisfaction is our goal and our motivation.
3. We guarantee to offer you an appointment within two working
days.
4. We believe that experience is knowledge. Collectively, our
three physical therapists have over 32 years experience. They
are also supported by three experienced physical therapy assistants,
all licensed by the board of medicine. |
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a question? Send us an email and it may be featured in our next
newsletter! Email us at: info@PTWorksLLC.com
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