Treating Sciatica During Pregnancy
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve that runs from the lower spine through the thigh. This sciatic nerve irritation can lead to a sharp pain in the buttocks and hips that travels down to the thighs. Sciatic pain is quite common during pregnancy. Roughly 50 to 80 percent of women experienced it at some point throughout their pregnancies. It is important to seek treatment for any type of pain experienced during pregnancy, including sciatic pain. If you are looking to find relief for your sciatic pain, our physical therapist in East Northport at Island Sports Physical Therapy is ready to help you today.
What Causes Sciatica During Pregnancy?
Sciatic pain is commonly caused by a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease. However, sciatic pain experienced during pregnancy is rarely a result of any of these conditions. The most common catalysts for sciatica during pregnancy are usually pelvic bone pain, sacroiliac joint problems, or piriformis syndrome, a condition affecting one of the buttock muscles. These issues are often a result of an increase in hormones during pregnancy, specifically relaxin. Increased relaxin levels can cause ligaments to become stretched or loosened, particularly in the pelvic area. Additionally, the weight and positioning of the baby can put extra pressure on the hip joints, pelvis, and possibly the sciatic nerve.
What Are The Symptoms?
There are several symptoms of sciatica during pregnancy that differ from woman to woman. Among the most commonly experienced symptoms are the following:
- Trouble walking, standing, or even sitting.
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot on the affected side.
- Burning or shooting pain.
- Pain along the back of the thigh through the foot, originating from the sciatic nerve.
How Can A Physical Therapist In East Northport Help?
Because extra caution must be taken during pregnancy, some forms of treatment must be ruled out that may commonly be used to treat sciatica pain under normal circumstances. For example, electrical stimulation and ultrasound treatments can be potentially harmful to the unborn child and will not be utilized at our location for physical therapy in East Northport. Among the treatments that can be used on pregnant patients suffering from sciatica are the following:
- Applying heat or ice.
- Wearing a brace.
- Joint mobilization.
- Massages.
- Assistance with posture correction.
- Performing exercises.
Contact Our Physical Therapist in East Northport!
If you are pregnant and suffering from sciatic pain, we can give you the help you need with physical therapy in East Northport at Island Sports Physical Therapy. Our skilled team of physical therapists will work to assess your pain and develop a course of treatment that both relieves your pain and keeps your baby safe. Contact us today to get started!
What Are The Different Types of Physical Therapy?
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is the practice of using physical medicine to help improve a patient’s mobility and function. Physical therapists help patients prevent or manage their injuries, achieve function, restore ability, and maintain long-term benefits. Because physical therapists can treat such a wide range of people and conditions, it is broken down into specialties so that you can find the right medical professional that is experienced in handling your specific complication. If you are looking for physical therapy in East Meadow, our staff at Island Sports Physical Therapy is ready to help you start feeling better today.
Different Types Of Physical Therapy:
The practice of physical therapy is broken down into many specialties, and even more sub-specialties. However, there are certain specialties of physical therapy that are often the main focus. These main specialties include the following:
- Pediatric: This branch of physical therapy focuses on detecting, treating, and managing any issues, injuries, disorders, or diseases that affect the physical bodies of infants and children. This includes any problems associated with the muscles, bones, and joints of the patient. Pediatric physical therapists may also see adolescent patients as needed. Pediatric physical therapists help treat conditions such as cerebral palsy, torticollis, and spina bifida, as well as any acute injury a younger patient may be experiencing.
- Geriatric: Physical therapists specializing in geriatric care focus on complications that arise as patients naturally age. Such complications typically include arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and/or joint replacement and complications, and osteoporosis. These physical therapists create specialized therapy programs to help their patients regain mobility and reduce pain.
- Orthopedic: Orthopedic physical therapists deal with complications within the musculoskeletal system. They manage and treat disorders and injuries, and they can assist with many surgical recoveries. If a patient has had complications or surgery affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, or bones, then this type of physical therapy can assist. Examples of this include sports injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, and bursitis.
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: These physical therapists deal with cardiopulmonary disorders and surgeries. The main goal of this type of physical therapy is to restore endurance and functional independence in patients. If you have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, cardiovascular rehabilitation at our location for physical therapy in East Meadow can help expedite your recovery process.
- Neurological: Therapists in this specialty work with patients who have neurological complications. Some examples of these complications include ASL, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and/or stroke. These therapists work to reduce the effects of symptoms that may arise from these conditions, such as paralysis, loss of balance, and difficulty walking.
- Sports: Sports physical therapists help athletes to recover from injuries sustained on the field. They work to analyze the cause of the injury and determine a treatment plan to help athletes return to their full potential after suffering from an injury. Common injuries treated by sports physical therapists include ACL injuries, tendon tears, and both simple and compound fractures.
Contact Us Today!
Physical therapists work to relieve many different types of ailments and symptoms experienced by a wide range of people. Because the field of physical therapy is so extensive and can benefit a large number of patients, physical therapists often specialize in treating specific issues or age groups to be able to better help their patients. If you require physical therapy in East Meadow, contact us us at Island Sports Physical Therapy and see how we can help you attain optimal wellness.
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Physical Therapy for Vestibular Conditions
Your vestibular system includes the parts of the brain and inner ear that help control both eye movements and balance. In a recent epidemiological study, it was found that approximately 69 million Americans have experienced a form of vestibular dysfunction. Essentially, your vestibular system is a central part of your functioning abilities. When damage or disease is infiltrating these areas, not only do you feel the effect it has on your body, but you will also experience difficulties when it comes to performing day-to-day tasks. If you or someone you know is suffering from a vestibular disorder, know there is a way you can ease your symptoms. With the help of physical therapy in Huntington, you can learn how to treat many of the negative symptoms yourself through exercise.
Common Symptoms:
The symptoms of vestibular disorders can be broken down depending on the type and severity of them. When visiting physical therapy in Huntington, make sure you fully describe the symptoms you are experiencing so they can help properly diagnose your disorder:
- Vertigo – If you are suffering from vertigo you likely feel dizzy, or that the world around you is spinning. You may also feel lightheaded or a rocking sensation while sitting still or with certain movements.
- Balance and Spatial Orientation – You often feel an imbalance, have difficulty walking straight or even stumble frequently. You also may struggle with coordination or tend to hold onto something while standing.
- Vision Issues – If your experience symptoms involving your vision, you may feel discomfort in busy visual environments, have a sensitivity to light, poor depth perception, and have trouble focusing or tracking objects.
- Hearing Issues – You may hear a ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ear. It is also likely that you have a sensitivity to loud noises or environments.
If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, a physical therapist at Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington can then devise a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
How can physical therapy in Huntington help?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy that will target both primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. Your physical therapist will create an exercise program that can incorporate the following:
- Visual cues
- Somatosensory cues
- Stationary positions
- Dynamic movements
- Coordinated movements
- Ones that target the ankles, hips, or both
- Dual tasks
- Ones that involve balancing at the same time
At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, we offer a variety of services, including vestibular therapy, to help patients manage pain and reduce the many symptoms that come along with vestibular disorders. To learn more about our services, or how you can get a personalized treatment program just for you, contact us today!
NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH
With the warm weather beginning to dissipate, those in the community may not be as willing to participate in exercise/outdoor activity. For patients, this could be an issue, as a lack of physical activity can lead to injury or deteriorations of health. One of the many national health observances that’s recognized throughout the month of October is National Physical Therapy Month. The goal of this observance is to help raise awareness in regards to physical therapy and the role these therapists play in helping patients find pain relief, improve mobility and functionality, and live an overall healthier life. If you have been considering physical therapy as a treatment option, then look no further than Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow. For years, we have been treating patients with specialized methods and have provided comprehensive evaluations. Essentially, there is no better time to stop by then during October, as we encourage all of our patients and their families to get involved and partake in healthy activities this month.
Benefits of physical therapy:
Aside from serving as a potential alternative treatment method for surgery and medications, the following benefits also come along with physical therapy treatment:
- Pain management.
- Possibly avoiding surgery.
- Improved mobility.
- Improved movement.
- Injury recovery.
- Fall prevention.
- Stroke or Paralysis recovery.
- Improved balance.
- Proper management of age-related complications.
Common conditions treated by physical therapy:
A physical therapist can work directly with you and assist in any stage of the healing process. Whether you have just been diagnosed, or have recently started your recovery process, physical therapy in East Meadow can serve as your primary beneficiary. Depending on your reasoning for signing up, a physical therapist will construct an exercise-based treatment plan, along with self-management recommendations, that can help you succeed and attain the goals that you’re targeting. Someone who is seeking out physical therapy will typically suffer from one of the following conditions:
- Cardiopulmonary Conditions
- ex): COPD, CF, or MI
- Hand Therapy
- ex): Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Trigger Finger
- Musculoskeletal Dysfunction
- ex): Back pain, rotator cuff tears, or TMJ
- Neurological Conditions
- ex): Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, injury to the spinal cord, MS, vestibular dysfunction, or traumatic brain injuries
- Pediatric Conditions
- ex): Developmental delays, CP, or muscular dystrophy
- Sports-related Injuries
- ex): Concussion or Tennis Elbow
- Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- ex): urinary incontinence or lymphedema
How can physical therapy in East Meadow help?
At Island Sports Physical Therapy, you can find the personalized care you deserve. If you suffer from any of the above conditions, or just want to work on managing your overall health, we can help! We offer a variety of services that can offer you the individualized treatment you need, including some of the following:
- Orthopedic Care.
- Spinal Rehabilitation.
- Sports Specific Therapy.
- Geriatric Rehabilitation.
- Children’s Injuries.
- Fitness Programming.
For more information on how you can begin physical therapy in East Meadow, visit our website or give us a call to schedule your appointment!
If you’re someone who regularly waits for the calendar to turn to October so you can begin to celebrate fall, our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy has some great news for you. There’s another reason to celebrate this October — it is National Physical Therapy Month! Physical therapy helps millions of people each year and deserves a national month of recognition. If you’ve recently become injured or are experiencing pain, don’t hesitate to ask our team if this treatment is right for you today!
Why Choose Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is an activity-based form of treatment that utilizes therapeutic stretches and strength exercises to help the affected area heal within. While some people may find it counterintuitive to be moving around while you’re hurt, physical therapy is a proven form of treatment. Our team will perform a full assessment of your injury to determine your current level of physical output. Then, we will teach you how to perform the exercises needed to make a full recovery.
What Can It Treat?
One of the main reasons physical therapy deserves a month of national recognition is the number of issues it can help treat and manage. Many doctors will recommend physical therapy when a patient is dealing with specific problems such as:
- Muscular strains and imbalances.
- Ligamentous issues.
- Balance disorders.
- Neuro-muscular disorders.
- Physical developmental problems.
- Sports injuries.
- General pain.
Why Choose Physical Therapy?
With new advancements being made in the medical community seemingly every day, it stands to reason that there are numerous treatment options you can explore when faced with a problem. However, physical therapy is often a great way to avoid potentially addictive pain medications as well as surgical intervention. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team knows the many benefits that this form of care can bring. If you’re unsure of them, National Physical Therapy Month is the perfect time to learn. Some of the many benefits of physical therapy include:
- It is non-invasive.
- Reduced or eliminated pain.
- Restored strength.
- Improved flexibility and range of motion.
- Patients play an active role in their recovery.
Contact Us
National Physical Therapy Month is one of our favorite times of year here at Island Sports Physical Therapy. We love being able to provide our patients with this service and would be happy to work with you as well. For more information regarding physical therapy, or to discover if it is right for you, be sure to contact our team today!
Do You Have Poor Posture?
More than 80% of Americans will face an issue with posture at some point in their lives. While posture may not seem like a big deal to many, having a poor posture can result in daily pain and discomfort. To alleviate these symptoms and correct your posture, consider teaming up with us at Island Sports Physical Therapy.
Symptoms Of Poor Posture
With people spending more and more time hunched over a desk to meet the needs of their job, issues with posture have been steadily on the rise. While it’s easy to think that the only problems that can arise from having poor posture are ones of an aesthetic variety, this is not the case. If you find yourself dealing with the below symptoms, there is a high chance that you have a postural problem:
- Rounded shoulders.
- Uneven hips.
- Poor circulation.
- Increased levels of fatigue.
- Back and knee pain.
- Forward leaning head.
How It Develops
As with any injury or condition, the most effective form of treatment is avoiding it altogether. By keeping the below causes of poor posture in mind, you’ll be able to work towards avoiding it:
- Bending your neck forward for long periods when texting.
- Suffering from muscle tension and weakness.
- Inability to manage stress in healthy ways.
- Wearing certain shoes such as high-heels or ones with worn-out soles.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
If you partake in any of the previously listed causes too frequently, you’ll end up suffering from muscular imbalances, which is the true cause of poor posture. Fortunately, the team at Island Sports Physical Therapy can offer treatment for these imbalances. One of the main goals of physical therapy is to regain strength in an injured area, making it the perfect method to correct postural issues. Parts of the physical therapy process our team will include when treating this condition include:
- Using a lumbar roll.
- Performing scapular stabilization exercises.
- Implementing the slouch overcorrecting procedure.
- Administering kinesiology tape to your neck or spine.
Island Sports Physical Therapy
At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team is committed to helping all patients face and overcome postural issues. Through the use of physical therapy, our team can help you realign your spine and eliminate your pain. For more information about how poor posture can affect your well-being and how we can help, contact us today!
A sports hernia is an injury of the thin soft tissue and tendons in the groin area. These strains or tears are caused by impact, stress, or sudden twisting of the localized area. As is inferred by the name, a sports hernia is exceedingly common in athletes who participate in high energy sports. Most often, this injury occurs in sports where players may suddenly twist their hips or remain in a bent or hunched forward positions frequently such as in hockey, football, wrestling, and soccer. Activities that may further aggravate a present injury can include bending forward, running, and excessive coughing.
While an injury is never 100% preventable, seeking out the help of physical therapy in Huntington can offer you the right tools to work through one. At Island Sports Physical Therapy our team will not only help you recover from injuries, such as a sports hernia, but also teach you how to prevent re-injury of any sort.
Symptoms:
Thankfully, the symptoms of a sports hernia are relatively consistent and will be easily treated with physical therapy in Huntington. Patients will be suffering from a vague yet chronic groin pain that is dull or burning in nature and is localized above the inguinal ligament. Though this injury is more common in males, who will suffer from additional pain in the testicle, women can suffer from this injury with only that vague feeling. If these symptoms sound familiar to you, contact us for physical therapy in Huntington so that we might help you with your injury.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a sports hernia is determined by your physical prowess and severity of the injury. Your doctor will usually order an MRI scan to determine a diagnosis of a sports hernia. You may also be asked to partake in possibly painful movements to rule out other possibilities. As this injury is severe, many cases may progress to surgery should the injury not resolve itself with time.
Treatment:
Physical therapy in Huntington is the first step to avoiding a costly and invasive surgical procedure. Our physical therapists will work with you to create a personalized plan to improve strength within your inner thigh and abdominal muscles and work to maintain the same amounts of flexibility present pre-injury. Since a sports hernia can be devastating to an athlete, partaking in physical therapy in Huntington is the only way to recover the torn muscles of the groin area to the strength required of them without further aggravating or re-injuring the area. If the injury is severe enough to require surgery, whether by, traditional incision or endoscopy, your doctor will prescribe a physical rehabilitation plan for recovery. Our sports specific and general rehabilitation programs will be key to regaining ability post-surgery.
If you are interested in physical therapy in Huntington for sports hernia treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our six Long Island locations.
National Fall Prevention Day
Ironically occurring during the fall, National Fall Prevention Day occurs on the first day of the fall season; this year being September 23. Initially falls and slips may not seem like a pressing issue, but as we age, they can become detrimental to our health. Being able to educate yourself on the primary stimulants for slipping and falling in people, as well as prevention tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have recently sustained an injury from a fall and are seeking treatment, physical therapy in Huntington can be a huge help here at Island Sports Physical Therapy.
Why are we more likely to fall as we get older?
As we get older, we become more susceptible to falls and the risk of injury. While falls can happen by accident, it is important to remember that they often can be a common symptom or side effect of many health issues that come along with older age as well. These issues may include some of the following:
- Chronic health conditions
- For example, people who suffer from heart disease, dementia, or low blood pressure often experience side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting spells which can at times lead to a fall.
- Weak muscles
- Poor vision
- Suffering from an illness that affects your balance
- For example, labyrinthitis.
Other causes:
Aside from ordinary aging, or suffering from a medical condition, falls can unexpectedly occur just by going about your day-to-day business. These occurrences may include the following instances:
- Walking on a wet or recently polished floor.
- Being in a room with poor or dim lighting.
- Rugs or carpets that are not properly secured or laid out on the ground.
- Reaching up in high places that require you to jump or stand up on something.
- Walking up or down the stairs.
Safety Tips:
While National Fall Prevention awareness is celebrated only once a year, it is vital that you keep spreading the message to friends and loved ones. One of the ways we can do so is informing ourselves and others on prevention. Some safety tips that can help you prevent future falls include the following:
- Regularly visiting your doctor – While visiting your primary care physician can help, you could also benefit from receiving physical therapy in Huntington. A physical therapist can help incorporate a fall prevention plan into your life and work towards ensuring a safer and healthier lifestyle at home or on the go.
- Staying Active – Gentle exercises, such as walking or water workouts, can help keep you moving and feeling comfortable.
- Wear more sensible shoes
- Check your home for hazards – This can include removing clutter, securing loose rugs, repairing loose flooring or broken furniture, make sure to clean up any spilled food or liquids as soon as possible, and purchasing non-slip mats for your bathroom or kitchen.
- Make sure your home has sufficient lighting
- Use assistive devices – This can be as simple as using the handrails while walking up or down the stairs or even adding a bar to your shower so you have something to hold onto while moving around.
How can Physical Therapy in Huntington help?
At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, we have a variety of services, including geriatric rehabilitation, that can help work towards preventing falls. When you meet with one of our physical therapists they will work towards creating an exercise program that is conducive for you and will help limit your risk of falling. If you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with us today!
Exercises For Arthritis In Your Knees
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. The condition is often very uncomfortable and tricky to deal with. It can make just taking a step or walking to the bathroom extremely painful, and nobody wants that. Fortunately, with the help and guidance of physical therapy in Huntington, you can learn how to minimize your pain and get back to your day to day life. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team is here to help you during your appointments as well as offer you tips and techniques to use while at home to treat your arthritis.
Symptoms:
Typically the symptoms of arthritis will progress over time. The location of your arthritis in your body will determine which types of symptoms you have. No matter where you have it though, it is important to start treatment sooner rather than later. Some of the more common symptoms of knee arthritis may include:
- Pain when doing activities
- A small range of motion
- Swelling or stiffness of joint
- Tenderness in knee
- Deformity of joint
- Feeling that your knee is about to, “give out”
Exercises:
One of the best ways to help reduce the pain of knee arthritis is to regularly stretch and engage in exercise. No matter how simple the exercise may be, the benefits will still be there. While at physical therapy in Huntington, a PT may provide you with some of the following exercises to ease the pain of your symptoms:
- Straight leg raise – helps build up muscle strength to assist with weak joints
- Seated hip march – this will strengthen your hips/thigh muscles; which is beneficial for performing everyday tasks.
- Pillow squeeze – will strengthen the inside of your legs which will help support your knees.
- Sit to stand – will make standing easier on your knees.
- One leg balance – this can help you bend over/help get in and out of cars easier.
- Step-ups – will strengthen your legs so you can easily climb steps
- Walking – this can ease your joint pain, strengthen your leg muscles, and improve your posture.
- Swimming – will take the weight off painful joints.
Performing these exercises both at home and at physical therapy in Huntington will help decrease your arthritis pain and get you back on your feet!
How can physical therapy in Huntington help?
If you suffer from arthritis in your knee and are looking to relieve the pain, look no further. At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, our team can help you learn exercises to do in and out of therapy. We will examine your knee to determine how we can create a treatment plan that’ll lead you to success. So don’t suffer through the pain of arthritis and get back to living your life to the fullest! Contact us today to set up your first appointment.
National Women’s Health and Fitness Day
Get ready because Wednesday, September 25th is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day! On this day, women of all ages are encouraged to be active and talk about how they can be physically active and healthy all year round. Local events celebrating the day occur all across the U.S. to provide women of all ages a place to get together, be active, and have fun! Here at Island Sports Physical Therapy, we always want to encourage our clients to be active and healthy and National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is the perfect opportunity to talk about the best ways to be healthy and active regularly.
How you can celebrate:
There are so many ways you can participate in National Women’s Health and Fitness Day! Here are some suggestions we have to participate:
- Make sure the women in your life know about the day – Tell your friends and family what is being celebrated and see if they want to join you in your activities.
- Find a local event – Thousands of events will be held throughout the U.S. such as health workshops or group physical activities. Look into what events your local areas are holding for the day.
- Try something new – whether its a new sport, activity, or food, use the day to try something new that you may have been nervous about trying or haven’t thought of trying previously.
- Exercise – Go to the gym, go for a run or participate in your favorite sport or activity. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day!
- Schedule a checkup with your doctor – Take this opportunity to schedule a regular checkup or any preventative screenings that you should be getting done depending on your age group to be sure that your body is healthy and happy.
- Eat and drink healthy – Focus on what foods and drinks you are putting into your body and how good they are for you. Avoid alcohol and focus on consuming whole nutrient-dense foods.
- Stay hydrated – Pay attention to how much water you are drinking. Try to drink at least eight cups of water a day however body weight and activity level will vary your optimal level.
- Take time to acknowledge and check on your mental health – Your mental health is so important and you deserve some time to make sure that your mental health is also being taken care of and get any help you may need.
- Find small ways to be more active in your day to day schedule – Maybe take the stairs instead of the elevator, go out for a walk during your lunch break, or park your car further away.
- Get physical therapy if you are in pain – Get the proper help and treatment you need to alleviate pain and heal from and injury or surgery so that you can return to an active and healthy lifestyle.
However, you decide to participate in National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, use the day as a reminder of how important it is to be healthy and active and think about how you can incorporate new ways of being healthy and active into your daily routines.
Contact a Physical Therapist:
Island Sports Physical Therapy can help you get back to an active and healthy lifestyle if pain or injury is holding you back. If you need physical therapy, consider letting our experienced physical therapists create a personalized and effective plan to help you with your pain, mobility, or healing. Contact us for more information on how we can help you.