Unlocking Relief: How Physical Therapy Reduces the Need for Injections and Surgery for Neck and Back Pain

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Neck and back pain can disrupt daily life, making simple tasks feel insurmountable. Traditionally, many people have turned to injections or surgery for relief. However, physical therapy (PT) remains a leader in non-invasive, cost-effective solution that addresses pain at its root, often reducing or eliminating the need for these more aggressive treatments.

Understanding the Cause of Pain

Neck and back pain can arise from various factors, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, herniated discs, or degenerative conditions. While injections and surgeries aim to manage symptoms or correct structural issues, they often do not address underlying dysfunctions that cause or perpetuate pain. Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and alignment, offering a more holistic and sustainable solution.

How Physical Therapy Works

  1. Pain Reduction and Management

Physical therapists use techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and targeted exercises to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation provide additional relief without the side effects of medications or injections.

  1. Improving Mobility

Many people with neck and back pain struggle with stiffness that limits movement. Physical therapy employs stretching routines, joint mobilizations, and posture training to restore range of motion and flexibility.

  1. Strengthening the Core and Stabilizing Muscles

Weak muscles can exacerbate pain by failing to support the spine adequately. A tailored physical therapy program strengthens the core and other stabilizing muscles, reducing strain on the neck and back.

  1. Education and Prevention

One of the most empowering aspects of PT is learning how to prevent future issues. Therapists teach patients proper posture, body mechanics, and exercises to maintain spinal health long after treatment ends.

Why Choose PT Over Injections or Surgery?

  1. Non-Invasive

Unlike injections or surgery, PT does not require needles, incisions, or downtime. It allows patients to recover naturally and gradually, without the risks associated with invasive procedures.

  1. Long-Term Results

Injections may provide temporary pain relief, but they do not fix the underlying problem. Similarly, while surgery can correct structural issues, it often requires extensive recovery and carries risks like infection or nerve damage. PT focuses on long-term improvement by addressing the root causes of pain.

  1. Cost-Effective

Medical procedures like surgery or a series of injections can be costly, even with insurance. Physical therapy is a more affordable option that delivers lasting benefits.

  1. Customizable to Individual Needs

Physical therapy programs are highly personalized. Whether someone is dealing with a herniated disc, muscle strain, or chronic tension, therapists tailor exercises and treatments to the individual’s condition and goals.

What the Statistics Say

Lower Risk of Surgery

Studies indicate that physical therapy can reduce the likelihood of spinal surgery by up to 50% to 70% when initiated early after the onset of back pain, particularly in cases of conditions like lumbar disc herniation or degenerative disc disease. Early PT interventions focus on pain relief, restoring function, and correcting biomechanics, which can mitigate the need for surgical correction.

Reduced Need for Injections

Physical therapy can decrease the reliance on spinal injections (e.g., epidural steroid injections) by approximately 40% to 60%, according to some research. This is because PT targets the underlying causes of pain—such as muscle weakness or poor posture—rather than temporarily masking symptoms with medication.

Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine

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I recently viewed this course on Medbridge for my continuing education, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine: Rehabilitation Implications. I found it to be beneficial and wanted to share. The instructor is John O’Halloran, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC (retired), CSCS (retired), cert MDT, Certified SCTM-1 Practitioner. 

 

As he stated, 560 million people are affected by osteoarthritis (OA) and the number one leading cause of disability worldwide. He decided to do this course due to the rapid emergence of regenerative medicine to treat OA non-operatively and feels PTs today should be highly informed and provide patients with the best evidence available. 

 

Here is what I took from the course:

 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – blood is drawn, placed in a centrifuge, separate white and red blood cells, left with the platelets. Platelets are the number one factor for healing. 

 

Stem cells – taking from bone marrow or adipose, huge chondral potential to regrow cartilage. 

 

In this course, he presented a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of PRP clinically compared to other therapies in the Treatment of Knee OA. Comparing PRP to viscosupplementation, cortisone injection, and placebo injection. At 6 months, PRP is as effective, in some studies,  more effective for pain, function, and stiffness. 

 

PRP is used to delay the process of the breakdown of the OA. There is a difference on how it is provided. Landmark-based provider vs. ultrasound guided.

 

Things for the patient to consider when finding their provider: Preparation of the platelets (how many cc’s injected) and how experienced is the provider (sports fellowship trained in ultrasound guided vs. regenerative medicine non-fellowship trained or ultrasound guided trained)

 

Stem cells from adipose tissue from 2022 study for treatment of knee OA. 2 year follow-up on pain and function at 6 months showed overall improvement, and at 24 months, pain and function plateaued. Mild OA patients did better than severe. Bone marrow – 19 studies, bone marrow group was more effective. Helps you go through the stages of healing to put a stop to the bouts of inflammation and buy some time. 

 

Research so far has not shown that the treatment can rebuild damaged joints in patients with prolonged OA or advanced OA.

 

More effective: Stem cells or PRP: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate is equivalent to PRP for the Treatment of Knee OA at 2 years: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Both are equally effective according to clinical trials up to 24 months. PRP costs much less. 

 

Protocol for PRP/Stem Cells: comes down to stages of healing.

Week 1: lie low

Weeks 2-6: light stretching and low level exercises, ROM

After 6 weeks: start stressing the tissues

 

Supplements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Limited studies. Things to consider: purity of the product, it is not going to rebuild cartilage or prevent breakdown of articular cartilage, 30% placebo effect. 

 

Viscosupplementation – indication to improve quality of synovial fluid. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in British Medical Journal stated that viscosupplementation in the majority is no better than placebo. 

 

Role of Practitioners for treatment of OA: Individualized programs 

  1. Avoid impact loading
  2. Kinetic chain evaluation
  3. Unloading braces
  4. Aquatics
  5. Avoiding processed foods
  6. Dropping weight

 

Lastly, Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy: revealed evidence that pre-hab before TKA, one will have better effects in a positive way after surgery.

 

Sarah Falvey, PT

Why A Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

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Why did my surgeon recommend a reverse shoulder replacement?

Maybe you’re asking why, and the answer is simpler than you think.

Here are some possible reasons why your surgeon would recommend a reverse shoulder replacement over a normal shoulder replacement.

 

– torn rotator cuff that surgery can’t repair

– You had a previous shoulder replacement procedure that hasn’t resolved your issue(s)

-a complex fracture of the shoulder join

– d have chronic shoulder dislocation

– If you have a tumor of the shoulder joint

 

Your new shoulder pieces will fit together like your natural shoulder, with the ball in the socket. However, their positions are reversed. The metal ball is attached to your shoulder bone. The plastic socket cup goes on your upper arm bone, and shoulder muscles replace the rotator cuff to stabilize the joint.

 

When a surgeon performs a reverse total shoulder surgery, he/she is changing the leverage of your shoulder to allow muscles other than the rotator cuff to perform the actions.

You should have “normal” range of motion. There may be some loss of mobility mostly with internal rotation such as washing your back or putting on a bra behind your back.

 

Strength can be gained with time and Physical therapy but due to no longer using the rotator muscles, strength likely hood would be in the 50-75% range of your previous shoulder strength.

 

So to recap:

Some of the possible limitations for a reverse total shoulder are:

-Lack of reaching behind your back

-Restricting lifting over 25# overhead

 

While positives are:

Pain free motion

ability to bathe and dress

Rehabilitation could take about 4-8 months with Physical therapy and determination

 

Always ask questions when determining if a shoulder replacement is right for you like:

– Are there certain activities that you are currently able to perform that you are unwilling to give up?

– ask if there are specific activities that put you at higher risk of developing a complication such as fracture or dislocation.

– ask if there are specific activities that put you at higher risk of causing premature failure of the replacement?

 

Sources

  • www.umms.org
  • coloradosportsdoctor.com

Knee Pain

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Knee Pain Unveiled: Exploring the Root Causes

 

Knee pain can be a perplexing and persistent problem for many individuals. It’s a common issue, but what you might not know is that the source of knee pain can often be found outside the knee joint itself. Knee pain is not always a straightforward matter. It can originate from various factors that extend beyond the knee joint. To help you understand this complexity, we’ll dive into these factors and their connection to knee pain.

 

  1. Biomechanical Issues: Your knee is part of a larger kinetic chain that includes your hips and ankles. Problems in these neighboring joints, such as hip instability or ankle mobility deficits and misalignment, can lead to altered gait patterns and increased stress on the knee.

 

  1. Muscle Imbalances: The muscles around your knee play a crucial role in stability and function. Imbalances in strength or flexibility, particularly in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, can cause knee pain.

 

  1. Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities like running, jumping, or squatting can strain the knee joint over time. The source of this overuse isn’t necessarily the knee itself – it could be related to improper technique or muscle imbalances elsewhere.

 

  1. Nerve Compression or Irritation: Nerve issues in the lower back or thigh regions can lead to radiating knee pain. Conditions like herniated discs or sciatic symptoms may be the real culprits behind your knee pain.

 

  1. Inflammatory and Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout can cause inflammation in multiple joints, including the knee.

 

  1. Referred Pain: Pain can be referred from one area to another. Hip or lower back problems may send pain signals to your knee, making it seem like the knee is the primary source.

 

  1. Environmental Factors: Factors like prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, and inappropriate footwear can contribute to knee discomfort. These environmental issues need consideration in your treatment plan.

 

Treatment plans for knee pain can vary depending on the underlying causes, severity of the pain, and individual patient needs. A well-rounded approach to treatment often combines multiple strategies to address the specific factors contributing to knee pain. Here are some examples of treatment components that may be included in a comprehensive knee pain treatment plan:

 

  1. Therapeutic Exercises: Physical therapy is a cornerstone of knee pain treatment. Therapists design exercise programs to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and joint stability. Specific exercises may target the quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles, and hip muscles to minimize deficits to support the knee joint.

 

  1. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques performed by physical therapists and assistants, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation, can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

 

  1. Biomechanical Assessments: Evaluating the patient’s gait and movement patterns can reveal any issues with posture, alignment, or movement that may contribute to knee pain. Custom orthotics or shoe recommendations may be provided to address these problems.

 

4.Pain Management: In some cases, pain management techniques may be necessary, such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

 

  1. Bracing or Taping: Depending on the nature of the knee pain, bracing or taping may be recommended to provide support, stability, and pain relief during physical activity.

 

  1. 6. Modalities: Physical therapists may use modalities like electrical stimulation, and/or hot/cold therapy to temporarily manage pain and inflammation.

 

  1. Education: Patients are educated in proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and activity modification to prevent further knee injury. This can include advice on posture, footwear, and exercise technique.

 

  1. Activity Modification: Patients may be advised to modify or temporarily avoid certain activities that exacerbate their knee pain.

 

  1. Home Exercise Programs: Physical therapists often provide patients with home exercise programs to continue their rehabilitation and maintain progress outside of clinic visits.

 

  1. Follow-up and Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments and progress assessments are crucial to adjusting the treatment plan as needed and ensuring the patient is achieving their goals.

 

Treatment plans are highly individualized, and the specific components and duration of treatment will vary based on the patient’s diagnosis and response to therapy. A collaborative approach involving the patient, physical therapist, and, if necessary, other healthcare professionals, is key to achieving the best outcomes in managing knee pain. Call Red Canyon Physical Therapy today to schedule your initial evaluation today!

The Power of Physical Therapy in Treating Plantar Fasciitis

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Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to perform daily activities and adversely affecting quality of life. While there are several treatment options available, physical therapy has emerged as a highly effective and non-invasive approach for managing and overcoming plantar fasciitis. In this blog, we will explore the various benefits of physical therapy in treating this condition.

  1. Accurate Diagnosis: One of the primary advantages of seeking physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is the opportunity for an accurate diagnosis. Physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal conditions and can perform a thorough evaluation to assess the underlying causes of your plantar fasciitis. They will consider factors such as foot mechanics, gait analysis, muscle imbalances, and flexibility issues to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
  2. Pain Relief: Physical therapy offers various techniques and modalities to alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Therapeutic exercises, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, are crucial in reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and promoting healing. Physical therapists may employ manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release, to target tight muscles and trigger points, further alleviating pain and discomfort.
  3. Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: Plantar fasciitis can lead to reduced flexibility and restricted range of motion in the foot and ankle. Physical therapy includes specific stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the plantar fascia and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. By gradually restoring range of motion, physical therapy helps to relieve tension, increase mobility, and prevent future injury.
  4. Strengthening and Stability: Weak muscles and poor biomechanics can contribute to the development and persistence of plantar fasciitis. Physical therapists devise individualized strengthening programs to address these issues. They focus on strengthening the muscles of the foot, ankle, and lower leg, aiming to improve overall stability and support the plantar fascia. Strengthening exercises not only aid in the recovery process but also help prevent future occurrences of plantar fasciitis.
  5. Correcting Biomechanical Issues: Abnormal foot mechanics and faulty gait patterns can put undue stress on the plantar fascia, exacerbating the condition. Physical therapy can identify and address these biomechanical issues through gait analysis and foot posture assessment. By implementing corrective techniques, such as orthotics, taping, and shoe recommendations, physical therapists can provide long-term relief and prevent recurrent plantar fasciitis.
  6. Education and Self-Management: Physical therapy empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in their own recovery. Physical therapists educate patients on proper footwear choices, activity modification, and home exercise programs. They also provide guidance on self-management strategies, such as ice and heat therapy, use of night splints, and pain management techniques. By understanding how to manage their condition effectively, patients can continue their progress even after completing their physical therapy sessions.

Plantar fasciitis can be a persistent and debilitating condition, but physical therapy offers a comprehensive and effective approach to its treatment. From accurate diagnosis and pain relief to improved flexibility, strengthening, and correcting biomechanical issues, physical therapy provides a holistic solution that targets the root causes of plantar fasciitis. If you are struggling with this condition, consider consulting a physical therapist to help you regain your foot health, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, taking early action can lead to a quicker recovery and a faster return to an active lifestyle.

What is Dry Needling and How Can It Help My Pain?

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What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a manual treatment method that healthcare providers use for management of pain and issues with movement quality that stem from musculoskeletal conditions. With this method, the provider inserts a thin needle into or near the area of pain, trigger points, or related symptoms. A common method of dry needling is called Trigger Point Dry Needling that focuses on targeting myofascial trigger points in the muscles. Trigger points occur when the muscle is overused which can cause an energy crisis resulting in muscle fibers not receiving adequate blood supply. When this happens, the muscles aren’t getting the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to return to a resting state causing pain and increased sensitivity. Trigger Point Dry Needling stimulates these areas to help bring back normal blood supply to clear built up acidity and release tension. With this method, people will often feel muscles contract or twitch as the muscle relaxes and resets. Another method of dry needling is called Neurologic Dry Needling which evolved from Trigger Point Dry Needling with greater focus on needling the system versus the points in order to treat all types of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This method is based on peripheral and central neurologic principles and works to deliver treatment locally, segmentally, and systemically. The goal is to improve inflammatory responses, improve blood flow, and reduce muscle guarding. Ultimately, both dry needling techniques help to  relieve pain, increase blood flow, and improve mobility for most people.

 

What Type of Pain Does Dry Needling Treat?

Dry needling can be used to treat a multitude of musculoskeletal conditions to address pain and mobility restrictions that can occur from scar tissue, myofascial tension, trigger points, and other connective tissue issues. Some conditions include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Muscle Strains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Overuse Injuries
  • Post-Surgical Recovery
  • Generalized Muscle Tension
  • Range of Motion Restrictions
  • Joint Issues
  • Tendinitis
  • TMJ Pain/Dysfunction
  • Pelvic Pain

What to Expect During and After Dry Needling Treatment?

Each time you receive dry needling, your licensed physical therapist will assess each treatment area via palpation (use of hands to feel the muscle tissue). Following the assessment, your provider will use a sterilized needle to work on the treatment area. The needles are always single-use and disposed of immediately in a sharps container. The needle is surrounded by a plastic tube that helps to guide with placement of the needle in the appropriate treatment. Some people fear that the needles will be extremely painful, but because of how thin the needles are along with technique, needles are able to penetrate the skin with little to no sensation. Once the needle is in place, your tissue can response with reduction in tension or an involuntary muscle contraction when a trigger point is released, which can feel uncomfortable, but this sensation is short-lived and people often times feel immediate changes.

It is common to experience soreness in the area following dry needling for 24-48 hours, but it will resolve on its own. It is a similar feeling to the soreness that one would feel after strength training or a hard workout. Soreness can be managed with ice, heat, and gentle stretching. Other recommendations to further assist the healing process include:

  • Drinking Plenty of Water: Hydration can help to avoid or reduce sore muscles by helping to flush out toxins, transport nutrients into cells, and regulate body temperature and pH balance.
  • Exercising: As long as your pain doesn’t return, it is helpful to stretch, work your muscles, and continue your daily activities. Movement helps to improve mobility and blood flow.
  • Massaging Your Muscles: Massaging helps to further relax muscles and stimulate tissues to improve blood flow and encourage reduction in tension and soreness.

Who Can Perform Dry Needling?

Dry needling is regulated differently from state to state on which healthcare professionals can perform dry needling. Healthcare providers that can generally perform dry needling consist of physical therapist, chiropractors, and athletic trainers. Regulations and requirements vary from state to state. In the state of Maryland, athletic trainers are not permitted to use dry needling as a course of practice. Maryland law requires that licensed physical therapist undergo 80 hours of training prior to eligibility to practice dry needling, therefore are highly trained compared to other requirements in other practicing states.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling

Although acupuncture and dry needling both use the same type of myofilament needles for treatment, the two methodology and theories are very different. Acupuncture is a treatment developed with theories centered in Eastern Medicine beliefs with the idea that illness and pain occurs when the body’s vital energy doesn’t flow freely. Acupuncture is guided by needle placement along meridians that can help to restore physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium. Dry needling on the other hand was a development of Western Medicine beliefs are targets the source of pain from a musculoskeletal or neuromusculoskeletal approach. Although clients may see the similarities on the surface, the function of the two professional approaches are very different.

 

Dry needling is a very helpful technique in the rehabilitation process, but it is simply another tool in the toolbox for physical therapy treatment. Dry needling is best when paired with other treatment approaches to help relieve pain and improve function. The best way to know what will work for you to relieve your pain and improve your function and quality of life is to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist to diagnosis your pain, create an individualized plan of care, and help you get back to feeling better. Here at Red Canyon, we are ready and excited to be able to help you! Schedule today!

Can Physical Therapy Help My Headaches and Migraines?

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If you suffer from headaches or migraines, you may have tried many methods for relief. Common techniques that can often be successful include medications, caffeine, supplements or rest and sleep.

Some forms of migraines and headaches however can be very chronic in nature and not respond to some of these go to home approaches, or the headache can come back very quickly and repetitively if not addressing other contributing factors. Oftentimes we find ourselves discussing these conditions and symptoms with primary care physicians or neurologists, who can be very helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches and migraines. Often overlooked when it comes to the clinical treatment of headaches is Physical Therapy. Read more

What is the McKenzie Method

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The McKenzie method is a physical therapy treatment classification that was first introduced to the physical therapy world in the 1950’s by Robin McKenzie. Robin McKenzie had a clinic in New Zealand and that is where he first observed the phenomena of centralization, and it was by accident. McKenzie had a patient he was treating with lower back pain that radiated to his left buttock and down his leg. The patient was not responding to conventional treatment and one day the patient happened to lie on a treatment table on his stomach that was elevated on one side. The patient was lying there for 10 minutes waiting for McKenzie to return to the room. Once McKenzie returned to the room the patient noticed his leg and buttock pain was gone. McKenzie realized that extension was the factor that reduced the pain in the patient’s back and that was the start of the McKenzie Method. Read more

Shoulder Mobility

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Many of us have struggled with how to get a good stretch for our shoulders and how to maintain mobility in our shoulders over time. One method I enjoy using for myself and with my clients is using a simple PVC pipe. This could also be a broomstick, a baseball bat, a golf club, a yardstick, etc. Here are some simple stretches that target the entire shoulder joint capsule.
Read more

How Sleep Helps with Pain Relief and Other Health Benefits

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Raise your hand if you feel like you can never get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the most important and overlooked aspects of our health. We need it to recharge to become productive throughout our work week, take care of our loved ones, and just feel good overall. Read more