Physical Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Consult your physician to receive a diagnosis for any of the conditions discussed here. These questions/answers are for educational purposes only, and should not be considered a medical diagnosis.  

Q:  I have been referred to physical/occupational therapy. Do I have a choice of where to go?

A: Yes!  As a client, you have the ultimate decision of who provides you with appropriate physical therapy. Many newer organizations do not accept all of the insurance plans in the area. Also, many agencies use non-licensed personnel to render care. Therefore, you should have a voice in this decision. At Sports Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists (SPTRS), all of our treating providers are licensed and have many years of experience. SPTRS is also a preferred provider for most, if not all, of the insurance plans in Kenosha and Racine Counties. Please choose SPTRS for guaranteed quality physical therapy.

                            Carmelo D. Tenuta, PT • click here to e-mail

Q:  When I sit at my desk or in my car for a long period of time, my neck, shoulder blades, and/or low back begins to hurt. What is going on and what can I do?

A:  The most likely culprit is muscle and other soft tissue irritation due to poor posture. Our postural muscles hold us upright during the day; however, when our posture is poor, these muscles have to work harder, making them fatigued, tight, and, eventually, achy and painful. This is common and can be treated with a couple easy exercises. First, make sure your lower back is properly supported in your chair. Try a towel roll or small pillow wedged just above your pelvis to help prevent “slumping” your lower back. Also, try performing shoulder squeezes and chin tucks while sitting at your desk or in your car. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold 1–2 seconds.  For the chin tucks, move your head straight back, keeping your eyes level and hold for 3–5 seconds. Make sure these exercises are done in a pain-free range. I recommend doing them as needed throughout the day, such as 1 set of 10 repetitions each, every 30–45 minutes during prolonged sitting.

                            Justin Fedie, MPT •click here to e-mail

Q: When I turn the steering wheel while driving or perform activities across my body, I get a pain and pinched feeling in my shoulder. What’s happening?

A:  What you may be suffering from is rotator cuff impingement syndrome. It can be caused from overuse, muscle imbalance in the shoulder, poor posture, or repetitive motion injuries. Common symptoms include pain, pinching, or stiffness in your shoulder. You feel pain with movement and while trying to sleep.  A way to address your pain is by using active rest, which means avoiding overhead movements and any activities that cause pain. Do not stop all activity, just modify your activities.  Applying ice 2–3 times per day for 10–15 minutes will decrease inflammation. 

                            Johnny Passarelli, MPT, CSCA • click here to e-mail

Q:  I have pain in my lower back and difficulty getting out of bed. What can I do?

A:  Using the proper body mechanics to transfer out of bed will reduce your pain.  Here are the steps:

• Keep your ears, shoulders and hips in line at all times.
• Roll on your side and push your body up with your arms.
• Keeping your knees bent, lower both your legs to the floor while raising your head.
• From the sitting position, use your leg muscles to stand.
• Reverse these steps when getting into bed. 
  

                            Johnny Passarelli, MPT, CSCA • click here to e-mail

Q: I have pain on the outside of my elbow.  It is tender to the touch, and, when I grip objects in my hand, it really hurts. What could this be?

A: You are more than likely dealing with lateral epicondylitis or inflammation of the wrist extensor muscles. This is commonly termed “tennis elbow”.  Generally, a history of overuse of the wrist and forearm or repetitive motions of the wrist provoke it. Physical therapy can help reduce the inflammation and prevent future occurrences. If symptoms persist, and the condition becomes chronic, you may need to follow up with your doctor.

                            Marisa Trottier, PT, DPT •click here to e-mail

Q: After shoveling snow, I experienced significant lower back pain.  How can I prevent this from happening again?

A:  To minimize pain after shoveling:

• Before and after shoveling, perform slow and gentle warm-up stretches for the lower back, hamstring, calf, and shoulders.
• Push the snow rather than scooping/lifting it.
• Maintain good posture, bend your knees, and use your leg muscles to lift snow.
• Shovel small amounts of snow at a time.
• Avoid twisting your back! Pivot on your feet or reposition your feet.
• Take frequent breaks, allowing your back to rest.  Stand tall and arch your back slowly.
• Consider using an ergonomically correct snow shovel or a snow blower.
• When relaxing on your couch after shoveling, continue to maintain good posture! 

                            Susan Farley, MPT • click here to e-mail

Q. I've been told to use either heat or ice for an injury.  Which one is correct?

A:  Ice is indicated for the first 24-48 hours after an injury (10 minutes, 2–3 times a day). Ice helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. After the first 48 hours, heat can be applied to relax tissues and loosen muscle tightness (15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day).

                            Luke Kunze, MPT • click here to e-mail

Q: I notice after I use my computer for an extended period of time, my entire upper body feels sore and tired.  Do you have any tips for preventing this?

A: Maintaining good posture may mean continually monitoring your posture while working at your computer desk. The goal is for good posture to become second nature:  

• Your ears and shoulders should be in a straight line.
• The visual distance of your eyes from your computer monitor should be 18”–28”. 
• The top 1/3 of your monitor should be at eye level.
• Hold your head at a slight downward tilt to avoid straining the muscles in your neck or shoulders. 
• Your back should be straight, with buttocks pushed to the rear of the chair.
• Avoid slumping at your waist or shoulders.

                            Nikki Swikert, OTR/L • click here to e-mail

Q: I have diabetes and have noted numbness in my feet. What suggestions can you give me?

A:  Special care must be given to your feet to protect them when you have numbness (diabetic neuropathy):

• Never walk barefoot.
• Inspect your feet daily. Watch for cracks, blisters, calluses, red areas,   signs of injury, or infection and check your toes.
• Inspect your socks daily (looking for drainage or blood).
• Inspect the inside of your shoes before putting them on.  Check for cracks, wrinkles, or foreign objects.
• Loosen bed sheets at the bottom of the bed, to prevent pressure on your toes.
• Eat a balanced diet and control your  blood sugar.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Exercise.
• Avoid heating pads.
• Wear socks at night if your feet are cold.
• File your toe nails straight across and avoid using scissors or nail clippers.
• Wear socks with shoes that fit correctly.  Avoid sandals.
  

                            Susan Farley, MPT • click here to e-mail

Q: What does the term "pitching mechanics" mean, and why is it so important?

A: “Pitching mechanics” refers to the efficiency of movement a pitcher has during his delivery to the plate. Inefficiency of mechanics is an indicator of fatigue.  Pitching mechanics can be improved. The common misconception is that efficiency and velocity of pitching is improved by increased arm and shoulder strength. However, new techniques emphasize balance and advanced abdominal strength exercises. We teach the most effective strengthening and balancing techniques, for optimal patient improvement.

                            Dan Houglum, PT, ATC/L • click here to e-mail

Q: "My doctor says my knee pain is from arthritis. What can I do?"

A:  We’ve had great results treating arthritic pain using a few of our treatment modalities, such as infrared light therapy and electrotherapy. We then teach joint preservation techniques and safe exercises, to strengthen the joint and help reduce the pain.

                            Tammy Baruth, PT  • click here to e-mail

Q:  I am trying to make a lifestyle change, so I have begun working out pretty hard 6 days per week. I now have more aches and pains than ever before. What am I doing wrong?

A:  Think of your body as you would your dream home. You are likely to have a professional assist in the design of your home, to discuss possible unforeseen pitfalls and suggestions to enhance current floor plans. During the building process, a strong foundation is needed prior to building the frame, and, if the builders are in a hurry, the home will be a disaster. It will ultimately cost more to repair than it took to build. Stop trying to build your “dream home” in such a short time. Plan, prepare, consult with a professional, and SLOWLY begin to build a healthier lifestyle and body.

                            Lane LaClair, PT, DPT, CSCS • click here to e-mail

Q:  My job entails a lot of heavy lifting.  Are there any safety tips to help prevent lower back injury?

A:  Here are 8 simple safety tips:

• Stand close to the load and center yourself over it,  feet shoulder width  apart.
• Tighten abdominal muscles (without holding your breath). 
• Keep your back straight, bend at  the knees and squat down to the floor.
• Get a good grasp on the load with both hands.
• Keep the load close to your body and use your leg muscles to stand up, lifting the load from the floor.
• While your back remains straight, use only your leg muscles to lift the load, with your feet in the correct position.
• Do NOT TWIST your body when moving the load. Take small steps with your feet, and turn until you are in the correct position.
• Bend at the knees, using only your leg muscles and place load at the appropriate spot.

                            Kristin Seffern, MPT • click here to e-mail

Q:  I have previously “rolled” my ankle multiple times, and I have recurrent pain with activity.  What should I do?

A:  You have most likely sprained the stabilizing ligaments of your ankle. Due to  swelling, joint dysfunction, and muscular weakness, you may be continuing to have persistent ankle pain with activity. If your pain is not completely gone in 2–3 weeks, you may need to seek medical attention for medical treatment. A qualified physical therapist who specializes in outpatient orthopedics would be an excellent individual to treat your sprained ankle and help you return to pain free physical activity.

                            Paul Schmidt, MPT  • click here to e-mail

Q:  I am an avid runner and have recently noticed pain on the bottom of my heel, especially while running and in the morning when I first get out of bed.  What could this be, and what can I do to help decrease my pain?

A: The symptoms could be associated with plantar fascitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia). Here are some simple at-home treatments you can try before seeking medical attention:

• Restædo non-weight bearing activities (eg,  swimming or biking)
• Ice the area for 10–15 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
• Wear appropriate footwear—proper support, cushioned heel.
• Warm up in the morning. Before being active, perform foot circles, ankle pumps, and calf muscle stretches.
• Strengthen plantar muscles by picking up a golf ball or marbles with your toes, raising heels off the edge of stairs, and walking heel to toe.  

                            Kristin Seffern, MPT • click here to e-mail

Q: I can barely stand up straight after I've worked on my car at night.  What can I do?

A. The inability to stand upright after a particular activity can occur for several reasons. The cause of the problem could be muscular, ligamentous, joint restriction, or even a disc problem.  The first objective with a problem like this is to find a position of comfort. Some people prefer lying on their stomach, while others prefer to lie on their back or side. On rare occasions, sitting upright may be the preferred position. Once a comfortable position is established, it is important to maintain that position as much as possible.  

While in the comfortable position, alternate between applying heat (preferably moist heat, but a heating pad will do) and ice. Apply heat and ice for 15–20 minute intervals throughout the day. If intense pain persists, see a physical therapist as soon as possible. Once the pain has lessened and you are able to move a little better, consult a physical therapist, who can help determine the cause of the back problem. Treatments may vary, depending on whether the problem is muscular, ligamentous, joint, or disc, but will likely include exercises to assist  with flexibility and  moving properly, focusing on postural alignment. Once you are back to performing normal daily activities and experiencing little or no pain, a more vigorous exercise may add strength to the weakened area. 

                            Bryan Welder, MPT  • click here to e-mail

If you have any general questions or are seeking further information, please do not hesitate to contact any of our providers at any location.  We are here to help you.