Pulled muscles or strains can occur from putting too much strain on a muscle. If the muscles are tensed too forcefully or too suddenly, they can get overstretched or torn. Muscles that are commonly torn include the hamstrings (posterior thigh), quadriceps (front of thigh), and groin (inner thigh). These injuries are common when starting a new workout plan, with sudden…

According to the World Health Organization, 47% of the world population deals with headaches at least once per year. Did you know that headaches can be treated by physical therapists? Move Forward Radio produced a podcast interviewing Denise Schneider, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in this area. Below is a summary of the interview; click the link below…

One of the great things about the physical therapists at HOPE Physical Therapy is that we are all constantly learning new techniques and trying new ideas to better improve our patients’ outcomes. A tool that we use, that is not very well known, is what we call the “dolphins”. We use these devices to target neurological points with MPS, which…

The benefits of physical therapy following breast cancer are often overlooked and underutilized. Benefits include pain reduction, range of motion and strength recovery, swelling/ edema control, and reduced risk for cancer reoccurrence. Treatments include gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, body mechanics training, manual therapy including fascial release, massage, and trigger point dry needling. Additionally, at HOPE Physical Therapy and Wellness…

Since COVID-19 and the closure of businesses, there has been a spike in people enjoying the outdoors and taking up physical activities. Good awareness of activity is important, otherwise it can be very easy to over train and injure yourself. Signs and symptoms of over training can be more than just a musculoskeletal injury; they can also include loss of…

Despite the many changes we have been experiencing due to COVID-19, finding ways to maintain healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle are still especially important. Participating in regular physical activity has been shown to improve immune system health, address some chronic conditions, and can also help with combating anxiety and fear Physical therapists are trained practitioners who specialize in movement…

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and rightly so since millions of women and their families are affected by cancer.  A staggering 1 in 8 women will develop this often-life-threatening condition at some point in their lives. The good news is that we are seeing survival rates steadily improve, as well as learning more and more about disease prevention. …

Recently Michael Curtis posted a great article about the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis. Michael lists 10 options for treatment: In no particular order, here are some treatment options: Stretch the Achilles: since it’s likely you’ll have limited ankle dorsiflexion with Plantar Fasciitis, you may want to try stretching the Achilles (see photo below). Since the Achilles attaches to the opposite…

According to a recent article published in the September Newsletter of the American Physical Therapist Association’s Private Practice Section (PPSAPTA), physical therapy can play an important part in your mental health. “Physical activity reduces feelings of anxiety, depression and stress by improving the patient’s cognitive function and self-esteem. Moreover, studies have shown that aerobic exercise decreases overall tension levels, elevates…

What in the world is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?  You may ask this if you are not familiar with the often disabling bladder condition affecting up to 12% of women.  Symptoms of IC include a feeling of pain or pressure in the bladder area (whether the bladder is full or not), burning or discomfort in the urinary tract that is not…