Diastasis recti, a condition characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles, is a common condition, especially among postpartum women. This condition can lead to a weakened core, lower back pain, and a protruding belly. Physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing and improving diastasis recti, offering hope and recovery for those affected. Diastasis recti occurs when the left and right sides of the Rectus Abdominus muscle separate along the midline of the abdomen. The rectus abdominis runs vertically along the front of your stomach, and is frequently referred to as your “six-pack.” This separation is caused by the stretching of the linea alba, the connective tissue that runs down the center of the Rectus Abdominus muscle. Diastasis recti most commonly occurs in women during and after pregnancy from the growth of the uterus. As your uterus expands during pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are stretched and the linea alba thins and pulls apart. It is important to note that while it is most commonly associated with pregnancy, diastasis recti can also affect men, infants, and individuals who have experienced significant weight fluctuations. Continue reading→
Health News
Are You Pulling My Leg ? What To Expect From Physical Therapy After An Ankle Sprain
As Spring time arrives people are getting out more, taking walks outside on uneven sidewalks, visiting parks, playing on sports fields and participating in more outdoor recreational activities. This time of year, we see a lot of ankle sprains due to deconditioning, in adults and adolescents, from lack of activity or exercise during the winter. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitating ankle sprains and sports injuries. When someone has an appointment for an evaluation for physical therapy the first step is to assess the extent of the injury and identify the underlying issues along with forming appropriate goals for the patient. Continue reading→
Unlocking Mobility and Independence: The Role of Physical Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease
The month of April is Parkinson awareness month and in honor of that we are dedicating this informational article on Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their mobility, coordination and quality of life. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, there are various treatment modalities aimed at managing its symptoms and improving daily functioning. Among these, physical therapy stands out as a vital component in enhancing mobility, promoting independence, and mitigating the progression of the disease. Continue reading→
The Perfect Match: Physical Therapy and Pickleball
Prime Orthopedic is excited to announce that we are opening a second clinic in Northvale NJ in a pickleball facility. Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a court with a net, a paddle, and a plastic ball with holes. The game is popular among people of all ages and fitness levels, and it’s known for being a low-impact sport that’s easy on the joints. However, like any other sport, pickleball can lead to injuries if players don’t take proper precautions. That’s where physical therapy comes in. Continue reading→
There’s No Place Like Home: Advantages of Physical and Occupational Therapy In-Home for Seniors
Physical and Occupational therapy, PT and OT respectively, are crucial aspects of healthcare for seniors, especially those recovering from surgery, injury, or managing chronic conditions. Traditionally, outpatient physical and occupational therapy is provided in clinical settings, but there is a growing trend towards providing these outpatient services in the comfort of the patient’s home. In-home services, though, are not just for individuals who have difficulty leaving the home. Many of our in-home patients have varying functional levels, ranging from difficulty with walking in their home, to being completely independent, but choosing in-home for convenience reasons. One patient that we treated this year hadn’t stepped out of his house in 8 months because he was having difficulty with stairs and had no handrail to help him out the front door. While another individual who received services from us this year felt that her lifestyle was very busy and opted to receive services at home, in order to save time. Both patients made tremendous progress using various rehabilitative approaches, focused on their individual goals. Continue reading→
“I’m All Shook Up” The Vestibular System, Vertigo and the Role of Physical Therapy
Imbalance due to vertigo or dizziness is a diagnosis that we frequently treat in the clinic. Common complaints include “I get dizzy when I roll over in bed”, or “I get dizzy when I pick up something from the floor”. Sometimes these instances of vertigo or dizziness result in falls. Maintaining balance is the result of a complex integration of various sensory systems within the body, and the vestibular system plays a crucial role in this. The vestibular system, situated within the inner ear, is responsible for providing our brain with information about spatial orientation, equilibrium, and motion. When this system is compromised, individuals may experience dizziness, vertigo, and an increased risk of falls. Physical therapy offers a multifaceted approach, to help restore balance and conquer vestibular challenges. Continue reading→
Winter is Here – A Guide to Safe Lifting and Bending When Shoveling Snow
Every winter a patient comes into the clinic after injuring their back from shoveling snow. Body mechanics plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and promoting overall well-being, especially when it comes to activities like lifting and bending. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone simply going about daily tasks, understanding and practicing proper body mechanics can significantly reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues. Physical therapy educates individuals in mastering body mechanics essential for rehabilitation and long-term health. Continue reading→
‘To Be or Knot to Be’: The Real Question Is What Is a Knot?
Have you ever felt tightness in your body after sitting at the computer for hours, holding a cell phone between your ear and shoulder, or after a long drive in the car? Knots are usually a type of spasm that causes a small portion of a muscle to tense up and can often be painful. Muscle knots, also called trigger points or myofascial pain, typically occur in calf muscles, lower and mid back, neck, shins and shoulders but can develop anywhere in the body where muscle or fascia are present. Fascia is strong, stretchy connective tissue that covers, separates and/or holds together different organs, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Continue reading→
Rise and Shine It’s Time To Stretch, How To Help Morning Joint Stiffness
I get asked the question almost daily “ Why does my neck, back and legs feel stiff when I wake up in the morning?”. Simply put, while a person sleeps there is decreased activity and less synovial fluid that adds lubrication in the joints, causing them to dry out and feel stiff and sore. Arthritis in the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet can also lead to stiff and painful movements upon waking. Continue reading→
Who’s On First? What’s On Second? Sports Injuries Happen At All Ages
The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, ankle and knee injuries, swollen muscles, achilles tendon injuries, pain along the shin, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, and dislocations. Most athletic injuries can be placed in three main categories which are acute, overuse, and chronic injuries. An individual should remember to rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) as soon as injury occurs. Continue reading→
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The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based oupon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is soley at your own risk. All information on this site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on this site.
