Physical Therapy in East Northport
Every winter, countless skiers and snowboarders embark on expeditions to conquer the mightiest slopes and highest peaks. Unfortunately, sometimes those skiers and snowboarders suffer a few bumps and bruises along the way due to how rigorous and physically demanding their respective activities are. According to the National Ski Area Association, an average of 40 catastrophic and 50 fatal injuries per year are related to skiing and snowboarding. In addition, EpiCenter injury data shows that over the course of five years the state of California had over 11,000 emergency department visits and 630 hospital admissions directly attributed to snow sports injuries. If you have suffered a recent injury from a snow sport, Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Coram, East Meadow, and Glen Cove can help rehabilitate and heal any sustained damage you experience.
Safety Precautions
Before you take on the trails with your friends this season, it’s important to properly prepare yourself for the following precautions and tips.
- Dress accordingly. Especially during the winter, it’s vital to layer up and stay warm to avoid frostbite and illnesses. Wearing breathable materials will allow you to stay warm, but not suffocate from the layers. Try the three-layer method that includes a wicking layer, insulating layer, and protection layer. The wicking layer will be the layer that touches your skin, wearing a thermal that will evaporate sweat to keep you dry and comfortable is recommended. Avoid cotton fabric that will stay moist and opt for synthetic or polyester fabric. For your insulating layer, you will want materials that will trap in heat such as fleece or wool sweaters that will keep you warm and keep out moisture. For your last protection layer, you should look for materials that will protect you from wind, snow, and water. Look for waterproof and breathable coats and pants that will protect without restraining movement.
- Take your phone. You never know what situation you’re going to find yourself in, so be sure to take your cell phone. Before hitting the slopes, save the ski patrol’s phone number so that you can be assisted in case of emergency. The Burton Antifreeze Phone Case will allow you to take your phone with you without worry about damage.
- Gear Up! One in six skiing or snowboarding injuries is head related, making it one of the riskier winter sports to play. A helmet can reduce the risk of an injury occurring as well as keep your head warm. Make sure to select a breathable helmet that will fit properly. Wearing goggles or sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the weather as well.
Tips On the Slope
Now that you’re prepared and ready to hit the black diamond slopes, follow these tips to avoid serious injuries:
- Stay in control. While going fast is a thrill and certainly is fun, it’s easy to lose your control and balance and end up falling and risking injury. Be sure that you can slow yourself down in the case of unexpected obstacles.
- Treat skiing like driving. Driving and skiing do have something in common and it’s important to know the rules of the slope. While on the slopes make sure that you yield to skiers in front of you who have the right-of-way. Yield before merging onto a hill and always be aware of your surroundings. Other rules of thumb: do not block the way for other skiers and snowboarders, do not attempt to go on closed off trails and do not drink and ski.
- Have a buddy. Skiing and snowboarding with people is a safe decision, especially if one of you are injured. Be sure to stay in range of your partner and to not let them out of sight. Although going on a steeper slope that your friend refuses to go on may be tempting, you should try to avoid it unless you know many other skiers will be on the slope to help in the case of an accident.
- Don’t get overconfident. If you’re not well groomed in backcountry skiing and haven’t skied in groomed slopes, it’s best to avoid conditions you’re not used to. Evading unfamiliar territory can reduce the chance of injury. Try to take on more difficult slopes with a friend who has experience in the conditions or a ski instructor.
Nothing is more thrilling than skiing at top speeds or snowboarding the highest mountain. However, staying on top of your safety and avoiding dangers can be the difference between you being healthy or coming home in a sling. If you suffer any injury that is winter sports related, Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport can help you recover from your discomfort and have you back on the slopes in no time.
For more information on how we can help you, contact us today!
New Year’s Physical Therapy
It’s common for people to make resolutions and change current habits, promising to resolve issues that they may have had in the past. Many resolutions are related to living a healthier lifestyle, focused on health wellness and a proactive way of thinking. That’s why physical therapy offers a lot of positives that can help you make your New Year’s Resolution worthwhile. At Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Coram, and East Meadow can treat any injury or pains you’re feeling and will make you feel like a new person.
How Physical Therapy Can Help You
- Reduce pain – physical therapists can properly treat joint and tissue pain through therapeutic exercises and techniques. With the benefit of treating pain, physical therapists can also prevent the pain from occurring again in the future.
- Better mobility – no matter what your age, if you have difficulty walking or moving from pain, physical therapy in East Northport can introduce different exercises to improve mobility. Whether it’s the introduction of a cast or brace for additional support, physical therapy can be beneficial for mobility improvement.
- Age management – with age comes issues like arthritis or osteoporosis, which can act as a serious hindrance for anyone who suffers from these diseases. Physical therapists are trained experts in helping manage a patient’s arthritis and osteoporosis symptoms and can significantly reduce pain.
Going to physical therapy in East Northport can help you recover from discomfort you may be experiencing and will have you feeling reinvigorated. If the goal of a New Year’s Resolution is to get rid of the pains and ailments you have, a great place to start is at Island Sports Physical Therapy.
For more information, contact us today!
Physical Therapy for Diastasis Rectus-Abdominis
Diastasis rectus-abdominis, or DRA, is a condition that many women suffer from during and after pregnancy. DRA occurs when the two parts of the abdomen muscle are separated as the connecting tissue stretches beyond its limits. The reason this is an occurrence for many pregnant women is that as the uterus expands, it is also stretching the abdominal wall. Luckily, Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington can help you recover from this. With locations in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, and Coram as well as Nassau County locations in East Meadow and Glen Cove, can get you the best treatment possible and help you recover from many abdominal issues.
If you’re experiencing DRA and want to know the benefits physical therapy has to offer, here are some ways that we can help you:
- Stretching – when certain muscles feel fragile and frail, other muscles can stiffen up and become very tight. A physical therapist will be able to stretch the muscles that are bothering you.
- Braces – bracing or taping your lower back can give considerable relief when going through the early recovery process of DRA. Braces can also teach you proper posture so that you can reduce abdominal pain.
- Educate – many movements and habits that you don’t know cause you pain are things your physical therapist can point out and correct. With that, a physical therapist in Nassau County, like Island Sports Physical Therapy would also be able to give you advice on exercises to avoid or pursue.
- Posture – postural training is the most important part of recovery for those dealing with DRA. Through learning how to stabilize your core, physical therapy in Huntington can help build back strength without overusing the rectus-abdominis muscles. Posture training also is important because it helps you improve your daily routines, such as carrying your child or lifting.
Physical therapy is beneficial for those who have recently had a child and are suffering from DRA. A talented and experienced physical therapist not only can get you through the rehabilitation process, but they can also promote healthier habits that positively affect the patient in the long-term. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our physical therapists in Suffolk County and Nassau County are passionate about your overall physical well-being. For more information, contact us today!
Physical Therapy in East Northport
A sprained ankle is something that countless athletes suffer from, with 25,000 Americans getting the injury each day. To make matters worse, athletes with ankle sprain injuries were five times more likely to sustain an ankle related injury again. Looking at these statistics should serve as a reminder that no one is prone to sustaining injuries, and we must look at steps to avoid incidents that lead to ankle sprains. Physical therapy in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Coram, East Meadow, and Glen Cove has the staff and resources available to help you recover from any sports or non-sports-related ankle sprain.
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligament holding the ankle bone together either stretches, tears or ruptures. The most common type of sprain is a lateral sprained ankle, in which you roll over the outside of the ankle and damage its range of motion. These types of injuries are especially prevalent in basketball, due to the constant pressure put on athletes lower extremities from repeatedly jumping.
Recovery
There are many steps one should take when recovering from an ankle sprain. However, one of the best to follow is the RICE treatment:
- Rest your ankle by not walking on it.
- Ice your injury to keep swelling down. Ice should be applied 20-30 minutes a day, three to four times daily.
- Compression dressings, ace wraps, and bandaging will help support an injured ankle and keep you immobilized.
- Elevate your ankle above the level of the heart as much as possible for the first couple of days following the time of the injury.
The benefits of physical therapy in Northport can also offer some remedies to treat a sprained ankle:
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- Strength exercises – these workouts will be used to slowly build back strength after an injury. Once pain is no longer felt from weight exercises, physical therapists will focus on other ligaments to help strengthen.
- Proprioception training – also known as balance training, these exercises are used to help prevent future falls and improve your chances of avoiding sprains in the future.
- Endurance/agility – agility drills, such as small running exercises, are a great way to build back range of motion and movement in sprained ankles or other injuries.
Because of the amount of stress on their body, athletes constantly put themselves at risk of getting injured. It’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid ankle sprains or other injuries. Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport will be able to assist athletes and people of all ages on their road to recovery. Contact us today!
Athlete’s Arthritis
While arthritis is a condition most of us have heard of, it’s not something that we completely understand. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and it’s responsible for both joint pain and joint disease. Also, contrary to popular belief, arthritis can affect people of all ages, not just individuals who are older. Those who are especially vulnerable to arthritis are athletes, who are constantly putting wear and tear on their bodies. Researchers have seen that the risk of having hip or knee arthritis is 85 percent more likely in athletes. Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow, East Northport, Huntington, Coram, Smithtown, and Glen Cove, can provide the best possible treatment for anyone suffering from arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is something that affects many current and former athletes. Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage between your joints slowly breaks down, resulting in friction between your bones which results in swelling, stiffness, and pain. Because of high-impact pressure on joints from sports like basketball or football, your body is being put at risk. Island Sports Physical Therapy has the staff and resources available to treat any injury you get.
How to Treat Arthritis
The first step to treating any symptoms of arthritis is to get the best care possible. Physical therapy in East Meadow is a great way to recover from any joint pain you may have and can prevent any future discomfort from occurring. Here are some ways physical therapists can treat your arthritis:
- Posture – physical therapists can teach you the best body mechanics and proper posture for pain relief and improved function for daily activities.
- Treatment Options – splints and braces to support weak joints have the ability to reduce the stress that may be put on your body. Other treatments like hot and cold therapy can also help ease stiffness and joint discomfort.
- Environment – changing your living arrangement can certainly help in a recovery process. Ergonomic chairs can provide excellent support for your body and relieve back and hip pain.
- Exercise – aside from improving muscle strength, exercise can also reduce pain and improve blood circulation. Losing any excess weight can also result in less stress put on the joints. In fact, a recent study found that losing a pound can be the equivalent of nearly four pounds of pressure off the knee.
- Proper Resting – with proper exercise, allowing yourself to get enough rest is important in treating arthritis. Long periods of rest can result in tight joints. Scheduling periods of rest can help you avoid stiffness, while also averting the possibility of overworking your joints.
Treatment as soon as possible can make the recovery process for treating arthritis more successful. While rehabilitation may be difficult, it will allow you to do the things you love without having to worry about chronic pain. Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow can help athletes and people of all ages improve their lives and treat their arthritic pain. Contact us today.
Tommy John Surgery
Have you ever heard of Tommy John Surgery? If so, you probably know that Tommy John Surgery (TJS) is extremely common among athletes- specifically baseball pitchers. TJS involves the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a tendon from somewhere in the patient’s body to replace the injured ligament in the elbow.
When the ligament has acquired too many tears over time, pain and instability develop within the joint- sometimes requiring what is called “Tommy John Surgery.”
Rehabilitation of this area can be done with a physical therapist. If you’re looking for a great PT to help deal with the aftermath of TJS, contact us at Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow or any of our other locations.
What should I expect after surgery?
The entire rehabilitation process will most likely take up to one year– possibly longer.
Some TJS procedures follow a three-phase rehabilitation which includes:
Phase 1
(Immediately following surgery)
- Your elbow will be immobilized in a brace positioned at a 60 to 90-degree angle for about 1-2 weeks following your surgery.
- Your doctor and physical therapist might recommend that you begin rehab by doing range-of-motion exercises.
- Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow and all of our other locations offer sports specific rehabilitation and training.
Phase 2
(After the first 1-2 weeks)
- A range of motion is the primary focus of physical therapy at this point.
- You may wear an arm sling for comfort, or a hinged brace.
Phase 3
(The end of the first month following surgery)
- About 6 weeks post-operation, you may be advised to begin strengthening exercises.
- You may be able to fully extend your elbow.
At Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow and all of our other locations as well, we provide sports specific therapy including specific sports training to get you back to playing your sport following your Tommy John Surgery. The goal of TJS is to ultimately restore function without pain, increase a range of motion and stability, and prevent further damage to the elbow joint. If you or someone you know recently had Tommy John Surgery, please contact us here to make an appointment with one of our physical therapists to begin the rehabilitation process.
Physical Therapy in Glen Cove
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Prepare your home – activities including cleaning out gutters and roof leaks, insulating water lines and other options can ensure your home is warm and safe. Along with this, checking your heating system, fireplace and carbon monoxide alarms are also important for a safe winter.
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Outdoor precautions – the most important thing to realize when doing an arduous activity, like shoveling or working on icy platforms, is to work slowly. Working too hard can result in stressing muscles or slipping and seriously injuring yourself. When working, it’s important to always carry your cell phone and to bring an emergency kit.
Physical Therapy in Huntington
Fall sports, whether it’s football or soccer, have the potential to wear down the athlete’s ability to perform at their highest level. One of the most common injuries during this time of the year are ankle sprains, which might seem tame in terms of other physical problems, but can be an issue over time. In the United States alone, 25,000 Americans suffer from ankle sprains daily, which accounts for almost 50 percent of all sports-related injuries. When you take into consideration the fact that athletes suffering from ankle injuries are five times as likely to suffer another ankle injury, it shows that these types of problems should be avoided at all costs. Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington can not only help heal an ankle injury, but they can give necessary steps to avoiding an ankle related issue from happening again.
To avoid the stress of a sprained ankle, follow these tips on how you can avoid sustaining an injury:
Stretching before/after workouts – Although this is something most people do before working out, it’s still important to give yourself some time for your body’s muscles to loosen. Anything from a light jog to stretching your legs can be beneficial in reducing the risk of ankle injury. After your workout, give yourself some time to stretch out any tense muscles that may have been aggravated by physical activity.
Muscle conditioning – Strengthening and building up your muscles around sensitive body parts can prevent an injury from happening while building up a range of motion and mobility as well. A great way to build muscle in your lower body is through cross-training, which can be extremely beneficial to an athlete. Physical therapy in Huntington can give you any advice on how to gain back your strength and recover properly.
Avoid uneven surfaces – When going for a run, try to stay on a track or a surface that is mostly flat. Running on roads that have slopes, ditches, potholes, and other hindrances can certainly injure you. However, if you’re racing and the course is not necessarily smooth, you should cautiously train and learn the route to avoid any surprises.
If you are looking for physical therapy in Huntington, East Northport, Smithtown, Glen Cove, East Meadow, or Coram, contact Island Sports Physical Therapy today!
COMING BACK FROM A MENISCUS TEAR
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural for meniscus) which helps keep your knees steady by balancing your weight across the knee.
In most cases, a meniscus tear is caused by twisting or turning quickly, while your foot is planted and your knee is bent. Lifting something heavy and playing sports can also lead to a torn meniscus. The healing process depends on the severity of your injury and physical therapy is usually needed. Island Sports Physical Therapy can provide you more information on a meniscus tear and can help guide you on your way to a successful recovery.
Treatment:
Usually a physical exam and an X-ray is needed in order to help your doctor find out if a torn meniscus is causing your pain. Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the type of tear, where it is, and how serious the injury is. Some treatment options you can consider:
- -Physical Therapy
- -Rest
- -Ice and wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage
- -Propping up the leg on pillows
- -Surgery to repair the meniscus
- -Surgery to remove part of the meniscus
- -Support tape
Blood flow is essential for healing and will help your knee injury heal quickly and completely.
Recovery from a meniscus tear can vary significantly, especially if surgery was required. The heavier and older you are, the longer your recovery will be.
Contact us!
Island Sports Physical Therapy has a solid understanding on how to treat your meniscus tear. With years of experience and with the help of our professionals you will be on your way to recovery! At Island Sports Physical Therapy we want the best for our patients. We guarantee that after each visit you will be one step further towards your recovery! Don’t wait and give us a call today!
What is an ACL Injury?
Your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is an important ligament in your knee because it connects the patella (top portion of the knee) to the tibia (bottom portion of the knee) and gives the knee rotational stability. An ACL injury is one of the most common injuries in sports, and based on statistics, female athletes are 2 to 10 times more likely to suffer from an ACL injury than male athletes. Injuries usually occur from quick movements made by the athlete such as pivoting, cutting, or jumping and landing the wrong way. If you have recently suffered an ACL injury and are looking for Physical Therapy in East Northport, let our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy get you back in the game!
Why are Women More Likely to Suffer an ACL Injury?
While there is no definitive reason why women are more likely to tear their ACL’s than men, there are a few factors that can contribute to this injury. They are:
- Hormones: The estrogen hormone that exists in women can be a potential cause of their ACL tears. High levels of this hormone in the body weaken the ACL, making it more prone to injury.
- Bone Structure: Women are born with wider hips than men so that they have the ability to carry and birth a child. This skeletal structure results in more weight being put on a woman’s knees than a man’s, which can lead to them putting a lot of strain on the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
- Muscle Strength: As we mature, women seem to have weaker leg muscles than men do. These muscles include the glutes, buttox, hamstring, and quads. For this reason, it is important that women work on strengthening these muscles in an effort to take the strain off their knees and prevent an ACL injury from occurring.
What Exercises Can I Do to Prevent an ACL Injury?
As mentioned before, the muscles you want to focus on are your glutes, buttons, hamstring, and quads to prevent an ACL injury. Here are some exercises that can be very helpful:
- Squats
- Deadlift
- Swiss Leg Curl
- Glute Bridge
If you are looking for physical therapy in East Northport, let our physical therapists at Island Sports create a personalized program that will focus on strengthening leg muscles as well as improving the flexibility of your knee. Visit our office today!