Total joint replacement surgery is a major surgery requiring careful preparation and an effective post-surgical rehabilitation program to ensure pain-free function and mobility of the joint. Total joint replacement surgery removed the entirety of the damaged joint, replacing it with artificial parts to maintain joint function. Physical therapy plays a critical role in successful rehabilitation of the new joint and restoring movement, strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the joint for a timely return to daily activities, work, and sport.

February is #NationalHeartMonth, a month to highlight the importance of cardiovascular health and effective ways to prevent and address cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; however, it is preventable through lifestyle choices, including exercise which prevents the onset and development of cardiovascular disease. Physical therapists help individuals exercise safely and effectively, designing a customized exercise program to prevent cardiovascular disease and using exercise as a therapeutic tool to improve the fitness and aerobic capacity of cardiovascular disease patients.

Turf toe is a common injury among athletes who compete on artificial turf. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is forced into extreme positions of hyperextension, causing a sprain in the main joint of the big toe. Turf toe can happen when an athlete pushes off to sprint or is tackled with the front of the foot fixed and jammed into the ground. Physical therapy is key to avert and limit stiffness in the big toe and safely heal and strengthen the injured area.

Biceps tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain that develops due to repetitive, overhead movements that irritate and inflame the biceps tendon in the shoulder joint. Biceps tendinitis is often associated with a sharp pain in the front of the shoulder that worsens when engaging in an activity requiring overhead motion. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for biceps tendinitis involving pain management, manual therapy, activity modification, postural education, and therapeutic exercise to regain strength, coordination, and range of motion in the shoulder.

Hamstring strain injuries are common musculoskeletal injuries among athletes of all levels, resulting when one or more of the three hamstring muscles or tendons are strained or torn. The hamstring muscle group is critical for lower body movement and allows for straightening of the hip and bending of the knee. Physical therapy plays a critical role in properly rehabilitating hamstring strain injuries and preventing an acute hamstring strain injury from becoming chronic through a structured therapeutic exercise program.

Check out our latest blog on physical therapy treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome! Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common types of knee pain, causing pain at the front of the knee and under and around the kneecap. Physical therapists treat PFPS with a customized exercise rehabilitation program, targeting specific muscles of the hip and knee to reduce pain and retrain hip and knee movement patterns.

A meniscal tear is a common injury in athletes that involves the tearing of the knee’s cartilage. The meniscus is a disc of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee and allows for fluid movements in various directions. Physical therapy is critical following a meniscal tear and surgery in order to heal properly and restore strength and movement to the knee for a safe return to sport. Check out our video of a student athlete’s progress during physical therapy following a meniscal tear and meniscectomy.

Physical deconditioning is a significant impact of the isolation-driven inactivity in seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lack of movement contributes to reduced physical fitness, strength, and mobility, leading to increased vulnerability to falls and fractures. Physical therapy can effectively address deconditioning in seniors and improve their physical function and mobility gradually and safely through an exercise conditioning program tailored to the senior’s specific needs and ability.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond normally to insulin, causing glucose levels in the blood to become too high. In the United States, 34.2 million Americans (1 in 10) have diabetes and 88 million American adults (1 in 3) have pre-diabetes. Physical therapists can help reduce diabetic symptoms and guide diabetic patients through a personalized exercise program, which lowers blood sugar levels and improves mobility.

Marathon running can be one of the most challenging and demanding athletic feats, requiring significant physical and mental strength. It is essential to physically prepare for a marathon for optimal function on race day and create a post-race recovery plan. Physical therapists can accompany marathon runners throughout the training process, from strengthening your musculoskeletal system and addressing injuries to helping you actively recover post-race.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. It can happen during sports, due to a fall, or a car or work accident. Physical therapists use evidence-based treatment and a rehabilitation treatment plan customized to the specific needs of the patient to help them recuperate safely and return to activity. Receiving timely, well-monitored treatment for a concussion is critical to achieving full recovery.

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of movement, causing the ankle’s ligaments to overstretch or tear. Each day, over 20,000 Americans sprain their ankle. Ankle sprains account for 45% of all sports injuries in the United States. A physical therapist can help you recover from an ankle sprain more quickly, rehabilitate the ankle properly using a treatment program specifically designed to your injury, and prevent recurrent ankle pain.

Hip pain is often overlooked and untreated until it becomes severe. However, it’s important to have hip pain evaluated by your physical therapist early on to determine the cause of the pain. Hip pain is commonly due to repetitive strain on and overuse of the hip from a sport or work activity. A physical therapist can effectively treat and reduce hip pain, improve flexibility and mobility, and return the patient to daily activities with greater hip strength and ability.

Sciatica pain is nerve pain that radiates from the low back through the length of the leg due to compression of the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for sciatica pain management, relief, and treatment. Learn what sciatica pain is, how physical therapy treats it, and watch a video by Mangiarelli Rehabilitation therapist Mike for exercises to relieve sciatica pain.

Plantar fasciitis affects two million Americans each year. It is a common condition that causes foot and heel pain, affecting those of all ages, athletes and non-athletes, men and women. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that frequently develops due to repeated activities that strain the plantar fascia of the foot. Physical therapy helps patients effectively manage and overcome plantar fasciitis, reduce pain, and restore walking ability. 

Maintaining joint health as you age allows you to stay mobile. While wear and tear on your joints is inevitable, follow our six tips to promote optimal joint health and build strong muscles to support your joints. A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise conditioning program and improve your joint mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that involves generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender-to-touch areas of the body. Physical therapy is a safe method to decrease pain and symptoms as well as improve fitness and quality of life. Physical therapists create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and condition. Learn more about physical therapy treatment on the blog!

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening condition that increases the risk of bone fractures. Exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercise, is essential for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Physical therapy can help manage osteoporosis, maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss through a targeted exercise program.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues in the United States with 35% of the population experiencing chronic neck pain. Whether you are experiencing mechanical neck pain, a pinched nerve, or whiplash, physical therapy can help. Physical therapy is the most effective treatment for neck pain and includes manual therapy, dry needling, neck stretching and strengthening exercises, and posture improvement.

Staying physically active throughout your life has numerous long-term health benefits. As physical therapists, we recognize how important regular movement and exercise is for your overall health and the function of your body. Learn more about the recommended physical activity for your age group and 8 Benefits of Physical Activity on the blog!