Physical therapy is a treatment option that uses specific exercises to improve mobility, relieve pain and improve your overall quality of life. For many patients, physical therapy is a non-invasive alternative to other riskier treatments, such as surgery.
How do I know if I should try physical therapy?
Physical therapy is appropriate for patients with a variety of different conditions. If you are injured, for example, physical therapy can help you recover faster and restore normal function to the injured area. Physical therapy can also be beneficial to patients who struggle with chronic pain, arthritis or other such problems that impact their quality of life. In addition, physical therapy may aid in recovery after certain surgical procedures as well.
If you are thinking of trying physical therapy, talk to your doctor about its potential benefits.
What are some of the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapy offers several notable benefits for patients. Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:
Less pain – Patients who opt for physical therapy often notice a reduction in the amount of pain they feel.
Enhanced movement – Physical therapy can alleviate stiffness and improve your flexibility, especially in areas with injuries or scar tissue.
Safety – When you undergo physical therapy under the supervision of an experienced physical therapist, the risk of injuries and other complications is low. Likewise, physical therapy poses fewer risks than more invasive options, such as injections and surgery.
Customized treatment – Physical therapy programs can be customized to meet the needs of each individual patient.
Compatibility with other treatments – Physical therapy can be used in conjunction with most other types of treatment, including medication, chiropractic care and more.
When participating in physical therapy for any reason, you should always make sure that you are working with a licensed, experienced physical therapist. Please contact us today to learn more about beginning physical therapy sessions with a trustworthy professional.
Exercising in the heat without the proper precautions can lead to complications. When your body gets overheated, you may be at risk of heat cramps, dehydration and even heatstroke. To stay safe while you are exercising during the hotter months of the year, follow the tips below.
1. Get a physical.
Before you begin any exercise regimen, it’s important to make sure that you don’t have any serious health problems that could put you at a higher risk of complications. Contact a sports medicine doctor to schedule a comprehensive physical.
2. Get acclimated to the temperature.
If you are new to exercising outside, build your tolerance to higher temperatures slowly. Begin with shorter, less demanding workouts and increase their intensity gradually over time.
3. Stay hydrated.
While you are exercising outside, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. During the hotter months, you should consider increasing your intake of liquids throughout the day even when you aren’t planning to exercise outside.
4. Exercise during the cooler times of day.
If the weather is particularly hot, consider getting up early to exercise or waiting until the temperature falls in the evening. This helps you avoid the hours with the strongest sun and the highest temperatures.
5. Dress for the weather.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing while you exercise so that your sweat can evaporate easily. Avoid wearing dark colors that absorb light and raise your body temperature.
6. Avoid incredibly high temperatures.
Watch the weather carefully before you exercise. If the temperature is expected to reach an unsafe or incredibly uncomfortable level, exercise indoors instead. You should also pay attention to how you feel during your exercise regimen. If you start to feel overheated, end your session early and head back inside to cool off.
If you’re experiencing any kind of joint or back pain, you might be wondering who to turn to. An orthopedic specialist is a medical doctor who focuses on the health of your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. From nagging back pain to a sudden sports injury on the sunny coast of Florida, these specialists can diagnose the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your life. Your path to recovery could involve physical therapy, advanced non-surgical treatments, or surgery.
A Patient at the physiotherapy doing physical exercises with his therapist
For residents of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and across Northeast Florida, understanding what to expect from an orthopedic visit can be the first step toward relief.
What Does an Orthopedic Specialist Do?
An orthopedic specialist, or orthopedist, is an expert in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. This includes everything from chronic conditions like arthritis to acute injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
Your first visit will typically involve a thorough evaluation. The specialist will ask detailed questions about your pain, your medical history, and your lifestyle. They may also perform a physical exam and order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body. Common issues treated by orthopedic specialists include:
In a region like Northeast Florida, where an active lifestyle is common, from golfing in Ponte Vedra to surfing in St. Augustine, sports injuries are a frequent reason to see an orthopedic specialist.
A Modern Approach to Orthopedic Treatment
The field of orthopedics has advanced significantly since 2017. While surgery is sometimes necessary, orthopedic specialists will often start with non-surgical treatments to help you heal. Seeing an orthopedist doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need an operation.
Your personalized treatment plan will be based on your specific injury, your health, and your goals. Some of the innovative and effective treatment options available today include:
Physical Therapy and Exercise: A cornerstone of recovery, physical therapy involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore movement. Many orthopedic practices in the Jacksonville area offer on-site physical therapy for a seamless recovery experience.
Advanced Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain. Another option is viscosupplementation, where hyaluronic acid is injected into a joint like the knee to improve lubrication and cushioning.
Regenerative Medicine: This cutting-edge field uses your body’s own healing abilities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy are regenerative treatments that can help repair damaged tissues and may be an alternative to surgery for some conditions.
Bracing and Orthotics: Custom devices like braces or shoe inserts can provide support, protect injured areas, and improve alignment to relieve pain.
Medication: Your specialist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers to manage pain and aid in your recovery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: If surgery is the best option, orthopedic surgeons now use advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Procedures like arthroscopy use small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems, often leading to faster recovery times.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: For procedures like joint replacements, surgeons may use robotic technology to enhance precision and accuracy, leading to better outcomes for patients.
3D Printing: This technology allows for the creation of custom implants and surgical guides tailored to a patient’s unique anatomy.
Finding Orthopedic Care in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
If you’re looking for expert orthopedic care in Northeast Florida, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists can work with you to find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With multiple locations, including in Jacksonville and a growing presence in St. Augustine, they offer a comprehensive range of services from diagnostics to rehabilitation. Their team of board-certified physicians covers every orthopedic and spine specialty, utilizing the latest technologies to provide top-quality care.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the body’s tissues and it can lead to inflammation, joint pain and stiffness. When inflammation continues, it can become of a disease process and lead to joint damage. Pain and swelling occurs in the lining of the joint known as the synovium. A healthy synovium produces fluid that lubricates the joints in areas like the hips, knees and fingers.
The Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease. After the onset of rheumatoid arthritus, damage can occur within three months and result in joint pain. This can eventually lead to disability. Rheumatoid arthritis may be influenced by:
Genes
Environmental factors
Infection
Hormonal changes
How an Orthopedic Surgeon Can help Rheumatoid Arthritis
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in musculoskeletal issues, including rheumatoid arthritis. An orthopedic surgeon is trained to perform surgery on joints and muscles. If your joints are damaged, an orthopedic surgeon will be able to perform a joint replacement. They also focus on diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal issues. Sometimes, medications can slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and help relieve joint pain. The main reasons to choose surgery for rheumatoid arthritis are to help improve mobility and to get relief from pain. It’s wise to speak with both a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon to help determine what type of treatment is best for rheumatoid arthritus.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s the hip or knee joints that are most often replaced. An orthopedic surgeon takes out the affected part and inserts an artificial joint in its place. Depending on your weight, health and age, a replaced joint can last more than 20 years. Before surgery, your surgeon may stop some of your medications and have you give blood in case you need it during surgery.
Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has trained and experienced orthopedic surgeons that offer the best of care. State-of-the-art methods are used, and there is excellent post-operative care. Physical therapy is also offered for rehabilitation after surgery. The team of orthopedic surgeons are nationally recognized Total Joint Replacement Specialists who have performed more joint replacements than anyone else in Northeast Florida. If your suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, give them a call for a one-on-one consultation.
Following Achilles tendon surgery, immobilization of the affected foot is essential. Immobilization can last up to 12 weeks. During this time, patients receive either a walking boot or cast designed to provide support and prevent movement.
How quickly a patient progresses with his or her rehabilitation varies. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, our patients receive personalized treatment plans. These plans are created by his or her orthopedic specialist. If you have sustained an injury to your Achilles tendon, contact our office today. We are dedicated to helping you regain your range of motion and strength so you can continue participating in the activities you enjoy.
Rehabilitation Program Guidelines
Weeks 1 through 8
Throughout this initial recovery period, patients need to avoid exercising their foot. This ‘rest’ period aids the Achilles tendon as it heals. Many patients find that doing something positive during their eight-week, limited-mobility period assists them in coping with this less-active lifestyle. For example, purchase a few photo albums and go through that old box of photos in the attic.
What to Expect After the Initial 8 Weeks
Flexibility and Range of Motion
In order to relieve the pressure being placed on the Achilles tendon, heel raises of 1 to 2 cm will be placed in the patient’s shoes.
Active stretching of the Achilles tendon may begin. This involves pulling the toes upwards. Initially, this stretching must be gentle, gradually building up over time. If these stretches are painless, passive stretches can begin. A passive stretch involves the assistance of an individual or a physical therapy tool during the stretching process.
The orthopedic specialist may order ultrasound therapy.
Once the patient’s full range of motion is re-established, gradual strengthening exercises can begin.
After an individual experiences a ligament or tendon rupture, his or her sense of positioning and balance may decrease: If these skills are not regained, future injuries are possible. Therefore, at this point, balancing exercises will be included in the patient’s physical therapy routine.
Sports massage may be used to improve blood flow and to help the muscles relax.
Strengthening Exercises for the Calf Muscles and Achilles Tendon
Strengthening the Achilles tendon as opposed to re-injuring it during these exercises requires the assistance of a knowledgeable orthopedic specialist and physical therapist.
When the exercise program is initiated, some pain should be expected. However, if the pain is excruciating, exercises should be discontinued.
Strengthening exercises should be performed following a gentle warm-up and stretching session. Warming up the muscles can be accomplished by raising the heels up and down while in a seated position.
As each day passes, the pain level should continue to decrease.
Even as the pain subsides, the level of exercise should not be increased without direction from the orthopedic specialist.
Directly following exercise, cold therapy can be implemented to control inflammation.
Exercises to maintain flexibility must also be continued.
Returning to Fitness
After a week without any pain, patients can gradually begin to return to their pre-surgical training routine. However, if pain starts, training must stop. Prior to a training session, patients need to warm up their muscles. This can be done by stretching and then walking. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the majority of our patients are ready to return to their sport within 9 months of their Achilles tendon surgery.
The most important reason for warming up before doing any sport is to prevent injury. Keeping the muscles warm prevents injuries like hamstring strains and muscle strains. Typically, a warm-up exercise consists of light cardiovascular exercises with stretches. The cardiovascular exercises are intended to increase circulation, bring the heart rate up and prepare the muscles for physical movements required to carry out the sport. Strength exercises prepare the body for sudden movements in order to prevent injuries.
The Effects of a Warm-Up
A warm-up gently prepares the body for the physical activity. It’s also a good opportunity to prepare one mentally for the sport or game. They can also be used for team drills and to practice skills. Most warm-ups should last between 20 minutes to half an hour. This gives the body plenty of time to prepare for the physical activity.
The Medical Evidence in Sport Medicine Journals
In the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, studies found that warm-ups significantly reduce the risk of injury. Studies also indicate that “The potential for reduced injury rates may be greater if the type of warm-up relates directly to the activity subsequently undertaken, and where the participants are of similar ages. The warm-up should be sport-/activity-specific and tailored to the age of your client/group.”
Stretching is a type of warm-up that helps prevent injuries. Types of stretches include forward lunge, side lunge, thigh stretch, side seat straddle and knees to chest stretches. Even walking, running in place or doing jumping jacks will help stretch and warm up the muscles.
Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has a dedicated department for sport medicine. Its medical specialists are trained and experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery for sports related injuries. There are also doctors who as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists with a non-surgical approach to sports injuries. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily athlete, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offers the best sport medicine care in Northeast Florida. If you’ve incurred a sports related injury, call for a personalized evaluation and consultation today. They’ve help many others recover from all types of sports injuries and can help you too.
There are plenty of low-impact sports that will help you stay injury free while giving you a good physique. Basically, any physical sport with minimal wear and trauma to weight-bearing joints is considered a low-impact sport. Here’s a list of some low-impact sports to incorporate into your fitness routine
Swimming
The buoyancy of the water counteracts the force of gravity in swimming and makes it a perfect lo
w-impact sport. It’s a great way to burn calories. Just swimming for an hour burns 550 calories. Over two thirds of the body’s muscular system is worked when swimming. This includes the arms, legs, lower, and upper body. Little effort is needed to overcome water resistance, and it tones muscles. Plus, it strengthens joints, improves breathing and enhances general fitness.
Horseback Riding
Although you might think the horse does all the work when horseback riding, it’s just not true. You really need some genuine physical effort to keep up with the horse’s movements. Riding means that you’ll be developing leg and core muscles along with general fitness.
Cycling
Whether your tooling around the neighborhood or out on a bike trail, cycling will give you a hardcore workout without stressing your body. Just be sure to wear a helmet.
Rowing
Whether you’re on a local lake or a flat-water river or using a rowing machine in a gym, rowing works all the big muscle groups. It’s ideal for strengthening your abs and lower back. Get a full-body workout and a great looking physique with this sport.
Cross Country Skiing
With cross country skiing, you can get an all-over workout that involves every major muscle group. And it doesn’t over-stress any one muscle group. Plus, it’s a sport that burns huge amounts of calories. This is a great activity to add to your winter travel itinerary.
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle become overstretched or torn. An ankle sprain can range anywhere from mild to severe. The grade of an ankle sprain depends on the amount of damage to the ligaments.
At-Home Treatment for an Ankle Sprain
Once you injure your ankle, you need to begin using the RICE protocol right away:
R – Rest your ankle.
I – Ice your ankle (up to 30 minutes, four times a day). You should never place ice directly on your skin. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel.
C – Compression dressings to immobilize and support your ankle (i.e., bandage wraps).
E – Elevate your ankle, especially during the initial 48 hours following your injury.
You can also use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to control your pain and reduce inflammation.
How Your Orthopedic Doctor Determines the Grade of Your Ankle Sprain
The orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists frequently diagnose and treat individuals who have sprained their ankles.
Grade 1 – If your sprain is mild, you will experience tenderness and swelling around your ankle.
Grade 2 – Your ankle will be tender, swollen and bruised above and below its joint.
Grade 3 – You will have a substantial amount of swelling around your ankle. In addition, your ankle will be very tender.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for a Moderate to Severe Ankle Sprain
If you avoid seeking treatment for a moderate to severe sprained ankle, you are more likely to injure the ankle again at some point in the future. Recurrent ankle sprains can cause you to have long-term ankle problems. These problems may include arthritis, continued ankle pain and/or ankle instability. If you have sprained your ankle and need immediate care, contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at 904-394-BONE (2663). If you do not need care immediately, but you would like to make an appointment, please call (904) 634-0640 or request an appointment with our online form by clicking here.
The Three-Phase Program Orthopedic Surgeons Use to Treat Ankle Sprains
Whether you have a mild, moderate or severe ankle sprain, your orthopedic doctor will implement a three-phase program:
Phase 1 – Rest and protect your ankle. Use ice and elevation to reduce the swelling.
Phase 2 – Physical therapy treatments are ordered to restore your ankle’s range of motion, flexibility and strength.
Phase 3 – Maintenance exercises will continue with a gradual return to performing activities that do not involve the twisting or turning of your ankle. Eventually, you will be able to return to fast-paced activities that require sudden movements to the left or right (i.e., football, tennis or basketball).
Initially, some patients need to use crutches to walk. Even so, in the majority of cases, the pain and swelling subsides enough for the patient to discontinue using the crutches within 3 days. You may receive an ankle brace from your orthopedic doctor. This brace keeps your ankle stable.
How long the three-phase program lasts depends on the severity of your ankle sprain. If your sprain is mild, you may complete the entire program in as little as 2 weeks. However, treatment for a more severe ankle sprain may last from 6 to 12 weeks.
Any type of injury involving the bone or the structures surrounding can be quite serious. While a sprained ankle or pulled tendon. may not require immediate care, there can be certain emergencies that do. In addition, some cases may not be pressing in the sense that they are dangerous they may simply cause much pain and require quick attention. That’s why emergency orthopedic medicine is so important.
When we think of having an “aching back” we typically imagine the muscles that surround our spine, the spine itself is an incredibly important factor in our overall health. Do you know how to maintain the healthiest spine you can?
You now have the ability to schedule an appointment online any time with our orthopedic surgeons and specialists. Our intelligent system connects you to the right doctor in the right setting at the right time. Schedule your appointment online above!
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