Understanding Chronic Pain

Posted March 25, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

Chronic pain, distinguished by its persistence for an extended period—often lasting more than three months—poses a formidable challenge to millions worldwide. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is multifaceted, often stemming from various underlying factors. Physical therapy is a vital ally in the journey towards relief and restoration.

A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain Management

Posted March 20, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

Chronic pain can significantly impede one's quality of life, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. Addressing this multifaceted issue requires a comprehensive, individualized approach that goes beyond mere symptom management.

Your First Physical Therapy Session Part 3: After Your Session

Posted February 29, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

If you have never been to physical therapy before, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your first session. In this article we’ll discuss tips on what to do AFTER your appointment to make the most of your session.

Your First Physical Therapy Session Part 2: During Your Session

Posted February 22, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

If you have never been to physical therapy before, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your first session. In this article we’ll discuss tips on what to do DURING your appointment to make the most of your session.

Your First Physical Therapy Session Part 1: Before Your Session

Posted February 15, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

If you have never been to physical therapy before, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your first session. In this article we’ll discuss tips on what to do BEFORE your appointment to make the most of your session.

Winter Wellness: Quality Sleep

Posted February 1, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

At Elite PT, we emphasize the importance of incorporating quality sleep into your winter wellness routine. Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of overall health, influencing both physical and mental well-being. And a well-rested body is better equipped to face the challenges of the winter season, from physical activities to maintaining a healthy diet.

Winter Wellness: Hydration for Health

Posted January 25, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

Staying hydrated is crucial regardless of the season. By being mindful of your water intake and staying hydrated, you contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Winter Wellness: Eat Well, Feel Well

Posted January 18, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

The winter season often comes with festive indulgences and hearty meals. While we’re not dieticians, we recommend these general tips to help you maintain a healthy diet during the winter months.

Winter Wellness: Stay Active, Stay Strong

Posted January 11, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

Winter often brings a decrease in physical activity, with icy sidewalks and heavy snowfall limiting outdoor exercise options. At Elite PT, we advocate for maintaining an active lifestyle even in the winter months.

Winter Wellness: Tips for Staying Healthy During the Winter Season

Posted January 4, 2024 | Health & Wellness Blog

As the winter chill sets in, many individuals find themselves succumbing to the sedentary allure of cozy blankets and warm indoors. At Elite PT, we understand the seasonal challenges that can lead to deconditioning, which can be especially tough especially when faced with tasks like shoveling or snow blowing. To combat the winter slump, we’ve outlined some expert tips to keep you active, healthy, and rejuvenated.

New Year’s Resolutions: Tips for Getting Fit After the Holiday Season

Posted December 28, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

With a new year fast approaching, many of us are readying to embark on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. However, transitioning from the indulgences of the festive season to a fitness-focused routine can pose unique challenges.

New Year’s Resolutions: Decoding “Fitness” & “Physical Activity”

Posted December 21, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

In the realm of health and wellness, the terms “fitness” and “physical activity” are often thrown around, but can be difficult to objectively define. The importance of being physically active should not be ignored, but it’s also important to recognize that what it means to be physically active can vary from person to person—and it should.

New Year’s Resolutions: Fitness Goes Beyond Weight Loss

Posted December 14, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

In the pursuit of New Year's resolutions, particularly those centered around health and wellness, the term “fitness” often conjures images of weight loss and sculpted physiques. However, the concept of fitness extends far beyond numbers on a scale. As physical therapists and advocates for holistic well-being, we believe it's crucial to broaden our understanding of what constitutes true fitness.

New Year’s Resolutions: Informed Health & Wellness in 2024

Posted December 7, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

The start of a new year is a popular time for making changes and resolutions, often for those of us looking to shed some holiday excess after a season of indulgence and festivities. Many of us set out with the best intentions, especially when it comes to health and wellness goals. However, it can be difficult to set yourself up for success after a holiday season full of festive feasting and merriment.

Fall Prevention: Factors Influencing Fall Risk

Posted October 31, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

While improving balance is paramount in reducing fall risk, there are other factors at play. Physical therapy can help target these factors to further reduce the risk of falling.

Fall Prevention: Improving Balance

Posted October 17, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Falls, especially among the elderly population, can have serious consequences—but thankfully, physical therapy can help reduce the risk of falling.

Fall Prevention: The Risk

Posted October 3, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Falls among the elderly population are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and the leading contributor to accidental deaths. The statistics reveal a pressing need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address this issue, particularly among the senior community.

The Science of Aging Part 4

Posted September 19, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Here are some important takeaways from our exploration of the aging process.

The Science of Aging Part 3

Posted September 5, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

It’s important to stay active as we age, but it can be troublesome to know which exercises to do and how often we should be doing them.

The Science of Aging Part 2

Posted August 22, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Understanding the intricacies of the aging process can be overwhelming, but gaining insight into its dimensions is crucial for our well-being. Let’s take a look at the scope of the problem.

The Science of Aging Part 1

Posted August 8, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Our population is living longer than ever before, and the ideas of “aging gracefully” and “longevity” have become greater concerns. It’s normal to want to look good and stay healthy as we get older, and so it’s important that we understand the science behind aging and what we can do about it.

Preparing Your Body for Summer Part III: Slow Progression

Posted July 25, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Learn some techniques to prepare your body for summer in Part III of this three part series.

Preparing Your Body for Summer Part II: Gradual Exposure

Posted July 11, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Learn some techniques to prepare your body for summer in Part II of this three part series.

Preparing Your Body for Summer Part I: Practice Similar Exercises in Advance

Posted June 27, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

With summer comes a multitude of activities, from outdoor sports and gardening to beach vacations and long hikes, but engaging in these activities requires a certain level of physical fitness and stamina. If you want to participate in summer activities with ease and reduce the risk of injuries, it's crucial to prepare your body in advance. Learn some techniques to prepare your body for summer in Part I of this three part series.

 

Models of Clinical Reasoning

Posted June 13, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

When it comes to physical therapy, there are many different methods/systems of assessment and treatment of patients. Naturally, each method has its unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s valuable to be familiar with multiple different thought processes.

Case Study

Posted May 30, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Individuals experiencing pain often seek out care from multiple practitioners and try a number of conservative management techniques, but the best way to ensure their pain is treated properly and effectively is through a thorough examination. And in this case of a young woman experiencing pain around her shoulder blade, our very specific, targeted intervention was able to resolve the issue, so the client could get back to comfortably living her normal daily life.

Avoid Surgery with Physical Therapy

Posted May 16, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

While there are some circumstances where surgical intervention is appropriate, many can—and should—be treated through alternative methods like physical therapy.

How Elite PT Tackles Low Back Pain

Posted April 13, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

Low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions with roughly 80% of adults experiencing some form of low back pain in their lifetime with a high chance of recurrence. Thankfully, for a vast majority of those individuals, the pain self resolves. But for many that pain can persist and really start to negatively impact their daily lives.

The Four Stages of Rehabilitation

Posted March 14, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

While there’s no end all be all way that works for everyone when it comes to the management and treatment of pain, at Elite PT we generally focus on four stages of rehabilitation—relief, recovery, return, and performance.

Understanding Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Posted February 16, 2023 | Health & Wellness Blog

When it comes to low back back—as with most ailments—understanding your condition as well as its causes are crucial to the recovery process.

What Physical Therapy Can Do For Arthritis

Posted September 26, 2022 | Health & Wellness Blog

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. The hips, knees, hands, and spine are the most commonly affected joints. Arthritis is not a single disease but an umbrella term that includes a variety of different types. Some of the more common examples are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

What is nerve pain?

Posted July 24, 2022 | Health & Wellness Blog

Nerve pain is a common symptom of many conditions, including injury and disease. Nerve pain can be mild or severe, short-term or chronic. It can affect one nerve or several at once and can vary in intensity from one person to another based on factors like overall health, activity level, genetics, and more. The good news is that there are many treatments available for the various types of nerve pain—from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to acupuncture—and you may find relief with some simple lifestyle changes too!

Do YOU know WHY you have low back pain?

Posted February 27, 2022 | Health & Wellness Blog

Is the source of your low back pain a mystery? You’re not alone: Nine out of 10 patients don't know the primary cause of their back pain. The problem is that most people seek treatment after they’ve begun exhibiting symptoms of back pain. While this may seem logical on the surface, we’re here to tell you that there’s a better way.

Questions about Value Base Health Care

Posted January 10, 2020 | Health & Wellness Blog

Value Based Health Care has been a hot topic for some time in the world of health policy, and political debates. Regardless of the thoughts on how health care should be payed for, shouldn't it be easy for medical practitioners to provide Value Based Care? 

Check out the linked video for some important questions and answers about the challenges of providing Value Based Health care. 

Recommended Treatments for Low Back Pain

Posted September 23, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Over any 3-month period about 25% of Americans will have low back pain. It is the top cause of disability around the world.

Unfortunately, even though low back pain is common, treatment for low back pain often fails to reflect evidence-based guidelines, leading to overtreatment—including unnecessary surgery or opioid prescription.

So what are the best approaches for back pain?

In March 2018, The Lancet noted that the guidelines are evolving: now there is "less emphasis on pharmacological and surgical treatments" and greater emphasis on "self-management, physical and psychological therapies, and some form of complementary medicine."

Not all Exercises are Created Equal

Posted September 16, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

The role of "patient-specific" exercises in managing LBP is controversial. Some people believe that any exercise is good for low back pain, while others believe that the direction and type of exercise prescribed can make a difference in recovery time and pain modification. 

While general exercise is not bad at all for most conditions, there may be situations where being more specific may be a good thing. 

So why should you care about specific exercise?

Are You A Passive Patient or an Active Consumer of Healthcare?

Posted July 29, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Think about the last time you made a big purchase, say $1,000 or more. Did you go out and buy the first thing you saw? Take one recommendation from somebody? Or did you research it, learn some things, compare it to other options, and select something that was right for you? Most people tend to be educated and research large purchases like cars, televisions, or the newest iphone. So why do we so often fail to do this with healthcare? By becoming more educated healthcare consumers we can go from passive patients who take the first recommendation that comes from a practitioner to an active consumer who weighs options and makes choices. Here are some questions to talk through with your practitioner the next time a healthcare decision comes up.

Patients Should Be More Educated Healthcare Consumers

Posted July 22, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Most people spend a lot of time researching and weighing options for a large purchase or a decision like changing a job. When it comes to healthcare, however most people don't do much research or consider options at all. A 2010 Gallup poll showed that 70% of people feel confident in their doctor's advice and don't feel the need to do their own research or get a second opinion.

Value Based Care

Posted June 19, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

VBC means a reorganization of systems around the needs of the patient, necessitating shifts in perspective and culture. Switching medical provision to teams and units that integrate the full cycle of care together is another key element. The integrated practice units (IPUs) are a group of wards that care for patients with similar clinical needs.

A switch to patient-focus drives benefits that patients can see. Sixty-seven percent of Leaders said patients were more satisfied with their care in the past year, versus 39% of Followers; 70% of Leaders said patients reported a better quality of life than a year ago, compared to 46% of Followers.

PT Can Prevent Unnecessary Surgery

Posted June 14, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Recent research is showing that surgery might not be needed as often as we think. A large review estimates that 10% to 20% of surgeries might be unnecessary. The reasons for so many unneeded surgeries being performed are varied, but the most common are that more conservative options aren't tried first, or lack of knowledge by the patient and health care team.

For musculoskeletal problems like back and joint pain, sprains, and strains, seeing your PT before a surgeon can help keep you out of the operating room and get you back to life without surgery. Studies have shown that physical therapy can be just as good if not better than surgery for a multitude of conditions and carries less risk. Some examples would include rotator cuff tears, meniscal tears, spinal stenosis, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy can't fix every problem, and for some patients surgery IS the best choice. However, research is showing that surgery isn't a cure-all, and is sometimes very risky. In most cases, starting with physical therapy is the right choice, and for many patients, PT is the only treatment necessary.

Abnormal Findings on Magnetic Resonance Images of the Cervical Spines in 1211 Asymptomatic Subjects

Posted March 24, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

"Neurological symptoms and abnormal findings on MR images are keys to diagnose the spinal diseases. To determine the significance of MRI abnormalities, we must take into account the (1) frequency and (2) spectrum of structural abnormalities, which may be asymptomatic. However, no large-scale study has documented abnormal findings of the cervical spine on MR image in asymptomatic subjects."

Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations

Posted March 21, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Degenerative changes are commonly found in spine imaging but often occur in pain-free individuals as well as those with back pain. We sought to estimate the prevalence, by age, of common degenerative spine conditions by performing a systematic review studying the prevalence of spine degeneration on imaging in asymptomatic individuals.

Does running or walking increase your chances of arthritis ?

Posted March 19, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Pain and swelling of hips, knees, ankles, and feet and other musculoskeletal complaints among runners were comparable with those among nonrunners.

Arithritis Part 2

Posted March 15, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

An estimated 27 million Americans have some form of OA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 2 people in the United States (US) may develop knee OA by age 85, and 1 in 4 may develop hip OA in their lifetime. Until age 50, men and women are equally affected by OA; after age 50, women are affected more than men. Over their lifetimes, 21% of overweight and 31% of obese adults are diagnosed with arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) Part 1

Posted March 11, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint disorders, especially in adults over the age of 60. Two of the most commonly affected joints are the hip and the knee. Common symptoms are morning stiffness, where you feel like you need to get up and moving for 20 or 30 minutes before you “limber up”, creaking or popping sounds from your joint, as well as pain and swelling which is typically worse towards the end of the day.

How to make the most out of your first appointment

Posted March 8, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

What you can do before your very first appointment—and during physical therapy—to take control of that injury-related stress? First and foremost, it’s important to come prepared for physical therapy. And no, I’m not talking about dressing appropriately and arriving on time (or even better, 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment). That stuff is important, of course, but there’s one thing you can do in the days leading up to your appointment that will set you up for success.

Find out if the McKenzie Method help you or your workforce

Posted February 23, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

Can exercising make you more successful?

Posted February 18, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

"Get a good degree. Intern. Network. Perfect your resume. Practice interviewing. Network some more. Work hard. Get to work early. Stay late. Go above and beyond. Be innovative. Work even harder.

These are all common steps associated with career success. The more time you spend at work, the higher you’ll climb, right? Wrong. By now we all know the potentially life-saving benefits of exercise (decreased risk for cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.), but the positive effects spill over into your career as well. Numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between regular physical activity and better work performance. Get moving and these benefits could be yours."

"Back care – reducing the impact of back pain in the workplace" by Fit for Work

Posted February 14, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

"Certain groups of workers can be more susceptible to back pain than others. Care workers, for example, whose work involves a lot of lifting, twisting and driving between appointments are particularly at risk. The back care charity BackCare estimates that more than 70 percent of unpaid carers in the UK suffer from back pain, which is highly disabling in a third of cases.

Other workers at a heightened risk of back pain include:

office workers who sit at computers for long periods;
long distance drivers;
manual workers who regularly lift heavy weights, such as builders, agricultural or manufacturing workers;
those who spend long periods leaning over to provide treatments such as beauticians."

Work Performance of Employees With Depression: The Impact of Work Stressors

Posted February 10, 2019 | Health & Wellness Blog

"This study found that depression symptoms are related to work absences and impaired work performance, and results partly confirmed that work stressors add to this impact. Results suggest that workers with depression may benefit from care involving medical and vocational interventions."

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