Are Vibration Plates Worth It? Here is a PT's expert explaination of vibration plate benefits, limitations and how to know if they are worth it.

Got back pain? try treating your hips

Ways Physical Therapy can help improve headaches

It makes sense that routinely taking the stairs can help improve your heart health, but what about improving your low back pain? A recent study found that more stairs climbed equaled less incidence of low back pain, especially in women with chronic low back pain. On average, this translated in to people with low back pain took 13-26 flights of stairs LESS than their pain free counterparts per week. Why do stairs help low back pain? Weakness in the large butt muscle, the

Face pain caused by inflamed or damaged nerves can cause significant dysfunction and visible changes in the face. Bell palsy can occur when the nerve that controls the movement on 1 side of the face becomes inflamed, often suddenly. Neuralgia, or nerve pain can be caused by compression of the nerve in the neck or head. Once your medical practitioner has evaluated you to rule out more significant issues with similar symptoms such as stroke or active infection, Physical Ther

Hip pain is a common problem that can cause a significant loss of function and mobility. Without your hips moving normally you may have difficulty walking, running, climbing stairs, or playing sports. Sometimes there is a trauma such as a fall or twist, but other times hip pain can result from changes related to aging such as arthritis. Rehabilitation is also helpful after hip replacement to regain function. Physical Therapy can help by finding out the problems in the hip

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can cause a significant loss of function and mobility. Without your arms functioning normally you may have difficulty lifting, putting on clothes, doing housework, or playing sports. Sometimes there is a trauma such as a fall or twist, but other times shoulder pain can result from changes related to aging such as arthritis. A "frozen shoulder" can occur after any situation in which you limit your movement due to pain or injury. Tend

Knee pain is a common problem that can cause a significant loss of function and mobility. Without your knees you may have difficulty walking, running, climbing stairs, or playing sports. Sometimes there is a trauma such as a fall or twist, but other times knee pain can result from changes related to aging such as arthritis. Rehabilitation is also helpful after knee replacement to regain function. Physical Therapy can help by finding out the problems in the knee, then work

Endometriosis is a form of abdominal and pelvic pain that occurs during menstruation. It is the growth of uterine cells outside of the uterus, where they don't belong. This tissue is affected by hormones and can cause inflammation and pain during a woman's cycle. This leads to significant pain, bloating, and dysfunction. Physical Therapy can help with endometriosis. Pain and function can improve with working on tight muscles, especially in the abdomen and pelvic floor.

Interstitial cystitis or IC is a chronic condition characterized by a combination of uncomfortable bladder pressure with feeling of urgency to urinate or increased frequency of need to urinate. Persons may or may not also have pelvic pain. This condition affects approximately one million Americans. It can affect men and children but is primarily (90% of cases) seen in women. It is usually diagnosed in people around the age of 40. Physical Therapy can help relieve the symptoms

Neck pain is a common problem experienced by many people. It can occur with or without headaches and causes a lot of pain and loss of function. Daily activities and housework can become difficult. Often habits such as poor posture, work environment, or stress can contribute to problems and make neck pain worse. Sufferers may also have headaches or jaw and face pain as well. Types of neck pain that may benefit from conservative physical therapy treatment: Whiplash: neck p

Pelvic pain predominately affects women, though men may suffer with pelvic and/or rectal pain as well. It can be a debilitating form of pain, causing difficulty with sitting, urinating, and intercourse. Once your doctor rules out other medical causes (such as fibroids, cysts, enlarged prostate, or infections),dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscle may be the cause. There are several conditions that fall under “pelvic pain”. See below for a list of specific medical diagnos

Approximately one in six people experience headaches; one in nine people experience migraines. Some episodes are severe enough to cause lost work or a visit to the physician or hospital for treatment. Children may even be affected by severe headaches or migraines that affect their schoolwork and recreational activities. Physical therapy can help decrease the tight muscles that put tension on the sensitive nerves in the head and neck. Posture can also play a role and can be

TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorders cause pain in the face and jaw. People with TMJ have problems with chewing, talking, and pain in related structures (ears and neck musculature). Temporomandibular disorders affect more than 25% of the general population with only 10% seeking help. Patients with chronic TMJ have been found to have higher incidence of depression, poor sleep quality, and lower energy levels. It is also commonly found in people with fibromyalgia or othe