Ask An Expert: How Should I Feel After Physical Therapy?

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How should I feel after physical therapy? Is it going to be painful?

Physical therapists have gained a little bit of a reputation when it comes to pain. If you’ve been through physical therapy before, chances are you initially felt like treatment was making things feel worse. BUT, if you stick with it, the gains and improvements come with time.

We, as therapists, are focused on a number of things including, but not limited to, increasing your endurance, balance, flexibility, and strength. All of those things require prescribing specific exercises almost like you would do in a gym. Improving strength is only achieved by putting an adequate amount of “stress” on a muscle group which, in turn, causes some ache, fatigue, and soreness.

That being said, the level of soreness you feel after therapy should not interfere with your daily activity. Your physical therapist will constantly be checking in on how you felt after all activities. Ask questions if you aren’t sure if what you’re feeling is normal. You’ll hear a lot of people say “no pain, no gain,” but the real saying is “consistency over intensity.” Keep your bodies moving and stay healthy!

Kim Rea, PTA

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (“TMD”) is a musculoskeletal problem of the jaw generally characterized by jaw pain and clicking and often accompanied by headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and neck pain. It can be worsened by poor postural habits, grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake, sleep apnea, dental conditions, chewing gum, ice or other dense items, eating foods that require wide jaw opening, stress or psychological trauma, and others. Common treatment options include a bite or night guard, dental care, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and surgery.

Physical therapists evaluate and treat both the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the cervical spine (neck). Clinicians begin a course of care by evaluating the neck and jaw to identify patients’ unique presentation and develop customized treatment plans accordingly. During the evaluation process, neck and jaw mobility, strength, jaw opening and closing, airway clearance, surrounding tissue tenderness, muscle and ligament tightness, disc and retrodiscal tissue mechanics, signs of grinding/clenching and posture are assessed.

Physical therapy treatment often involves a combination of manual therapy, exercise, postural training, eating and chewing education, dry needling, and other modalities to address both jaw and neck pain and dysfunction. Physical Therapy is often provided in conjunction with medical management, dental care, and psychotherapy as appropriate. Treatment for TMD can range from weeks to months and is often related to complexity and chronicity of condition.

Patients who are compliant with care including self-management typically appreciate the greatest success. Your dentist, physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant can refer you to physical therapy.

 

Dr. Mike Winebrenner is a 1999 graduate of the Bachelor of Science program in Physical Therapy at Daemen College and a 2008 graduate of the Master of Business Administration program from Loyola College in Maryland.  He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2009.  Mike is Dry Needling, LSVT BIG and Bike Fit certified. Additionally, he has advanced training in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). With a strong background in spine care, his focus is on long term prevention and wellness.  Mike’s commitment to exercise and wellness is evident by his active lifestyle, including cycling, fishing, kayaking, hiking and health club exercise.

Why Do My Joints Hurt in the Cold?

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While there is no single explanation on why cold weather can affect the joints and cause pain, experts have several possible explanations.

Changes in barometric pressure, or the pressure of the air, can affect the body. When barometric pressure drops, tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues expand. This expansion can induce discomfort, given the confined space within the body. When the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint has been worn away, the nerves in exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure. Humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play with weather, making it challenging for scientists to pinpoint the precise cause.

Low temperatures can make the fluid inside joints thicker, thus making them feel stiffer. When temperatures drop, nerves and blood vessels in extremities constrict, reducing blood flow to preserve warmth for vital organs. This vascular response can lead to stiff and achy joints. Rainy, chilly days also contribute to a decrease in physical activity. When people become less active, joints can become inactive and subsequently stiffen. Those with arthritis and chronic pain are more vulnerable to cold weather discomfort.

To fend off winter joint discomfort, consider adopting these proactive measures:

Bundle Up: Combat the cold by dressing in layers, indulge in warm showers or baths, and cozy up with a heating pad or electric blanket to soothe your muscles.

Stay Active: Keep your muscles and joints agile by engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming. Steer clear of unnecessary joint strain, like lifting heavy objects.

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Ensure a good night’s sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and foster a positive mindset. These factors can positively impact various facets of your health, potentially alleviating joint pain.

The impact of weather on joint pain highlights the need for a holistic lifestyle approach. Adopting lifestyle changes can play a pivotal role in combating winter joint discomfort. For individuals seeking personalized guidance and specialized care, the expertise of a physical therapist can be instrumental in managing and mitigating the effects of joint pain.

The assistance of a qualified physical therapist can provide targeted and individualized solutions. A physical therapist, with their knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation techniques, can tailor a treatment plan to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing joint pain. Through collaborative efforts, individuals can work towards enhancing joint mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. Embracing a comprehensive approach that combines personal initiatives with professional guidance is key to effectively managing joint pain, ensuring a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

Source: UChicago Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New Roles and Promotions at Tx:Team

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We are pleased to announce the promotion of three associates to new positions at Tx:Team. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

Mitch Parsons has been elevated to the position of Director of Rehabilitation – Employer Based Clinics.  Mitch originally joined Tx:Team in 2004 and worked as a primary Physical Therapist and Outpatient Coordinator.  After leaving to pursue other endeavors, Mitch rejoined Tx:Team in 2017 in the newly created position of Manager – Employer Based Clinics.  Mitch brings over 25 years of clinical and management experience in a variety of settings, including critical-access hospitals, long-term care facilities, continuing-care retirement communities, home health, and employer-based clinics to his new role.  He will continue to work with new and existing employers to offer the best in musculoskeletal Primary Care and Work Injury Management solutions for their employees. Mitch is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Physical Therapy and the MBA Program at University of Tennessee.

Katie Guerdan has been elevated to the position of Director of Human Resources. Katie joined Tx:Team in 2015 and has held the positions of Human Resources Generalist and Manager of Human Resources. Katie has spent the majority of her career working for healthcare-related companies, which has afforded her valuable and applicable experience in the areas of regulatory compliance, employee relations issues, performance management, training, recruiting, and benefits administration.  Katie is a Certified Professional in Human Resources and is a member of Society for Human Resource Management. In her new role of Director of Human Resources, Katie will be responsible for further optimizing Tx:Team’s human resources processes, focusing specifically on growth, efficiency, and maintaining effective internal systems.  Katie is a graduate of Indiana University.

Spencer Sheridan has been elevated to the position of Director of Finance.  In the summer of 2011, Spencer completed an eight-week internship with Tx:Team during which he built or enhanced many of our financial forecasting tools. One week after his graduation the following summer, Spencer rejoined Tx:Team in a fulltime role in Finance department.  He has developed a passion for measuring, analyzing, and connecting operational performance to financial outcomes. Spencer has held previous roles as Financial and Operations Coordinator and Manager of Finance.  Spencer brings a systematic and analytical approach, coupled with a strong desire to help solve problems, to everything he does.  In his new role as Director of Finance, Spencer will be responsible for further standardizing financial processes and systems, leading the development of new forecasting platforms, and overseeing all aspects of accounting and finance for Tx:Team. Spencer is a graduate of Wabash College.

We are proud of Mitch, Katie, and Spencer, and look forward to working with them closely in their new roles. Congratulations, all!

Empower Your New Year: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Physical Therapy and Fitness

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As the New Year unfolds, many of us set resolutions aimed at enhancing our lives. It’s an ideal time to highlight the immense impact of physical therapy (PT) and fitness on achieving these aspirations. Embracing regular physical activity not only benefits our physical, mental, and social health but also aligns seamlessly with common New Year’s resolutions geared toward self-improvement and well-being.

Engaging in regular physical activity yields a multitude of advantages: strengthening muscles, enhancing cardiovascular health, and aiding in weight management. Furthermore, it serves as a proactive measure against chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and mood disorders like depression.

The mental benefits of physical activity are as equally profound as the physical benefits. Exercise improves cognitive functions, including memory and overall brain performance. It mitigates anxiety, promotes relaxation, and contributes to improved sleep patterns. Additionally, it fosters social connections, providing opportunities for interaction and companionship.

However, obstacles can hinder progress, such as age-related concerns, fear of injury, or existing health conditions. This is where the expertise of physical therapists becomes invaluable. They craft tailored plans that suit individual needs, leveraging evidence-based approaches to break barriers and facilitate progress towards your resolutions. Collaborating within interdisciplinary teams, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants empower patients to actively participate in their health journey and enhance their movement capabilities.

This New Year, let physical therapy and fitness be your guiding lights toward achieving your resolutions. By employing hands-on therapeutic techniques, delivering comprehensive education, and prescribing personalized exercises, these professionals significantly contribute to improved quality of life, enabling you to feel more empowered, knowledgeable, and in command of your health and well-being in 2024 and beyond.

Source: choosept.com provided by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)