Dr. Ivan Edwards, D.O.

Strengthening your knee after surgery is crucial for recovery and regaining mobility. Here are some general steps to help you:

a) Follow your physical therapist's plan:

Your physical therapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program. Stick to their guidance for the best results.

b) Start with gentle exercises:

Quadriceps sets: Tighten your thigh muscles while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 5-10 seconds and release.

Ankle pumps: Move your foot up and down to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

c) Progress to strengthening exercises:

Straight leg raises: Lift your leg while keeping it straight to strengthen your quadriceps.

Heel slides: slide your heel toward your body to improve knee flexibility.

d) Incorporate low-impact activities:

Use an exercise bike or do water-based exercises to build strength without putting too much pressure on your knee.

- Consistency is key:

Perform exercises regularly, as recommended by your therapist, to gradually build strength and mobility.

- Pain management:

Use ice packs, elevation, and prescribed medications to manage pain and swelling during recovery.

Always consult your surgeon before starting any exercise routine to ensure it aligns with your specific recovery needs.

Recovery time for a knee ligament tear without surgery depends on the severity of the injury and the specific ligament involved. Here's a general guideline:

1. Mild tear (Grade 1):

Recovery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks with rest, physical therapy, and gradual strengthening exercises.

2. Moderate tear (Grade 2):

Recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks, as the ligament is partially torn and requires more time to heal. Physical therapy is crucial for restoring stability and strength.

3. Severe tear (Grade 3):

A complete tear may take 3 to 6 months or longer to recover without surgery. However, non-surgical recovery depends on the individual's activity level and the ligament's ability to heal with bracing and rehabilitation.

It's essential to follow a structured rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physician to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury.

The treatment options for kyphosis depend on the severity of the condition, its underlying cause, and your overall health. Here’s an overview:

Non-surgical Treatments:
1. Physical therapy:

- Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture, spinal flexibility, and muscle support.

- Core-strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine.

2. Bracing:

- For children or adolescents with Scheuermann's kyphosis, wearing a brace during growth spurts can help slow progression.

3. Pain management:

- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

- Prescription medications for severe pain or underlying conditions like osteoporosis.

4. Lifestyle modifications:

- Maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that strain the spine.

- Incorporating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to support bone health.

4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions:

- Addressing osteoporosis with medications like bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.

- Managing any associated conditions, such as arthritis or spinal infections.

Surgical Treatments:
1. Spinal Fusion:

- A common procedure for severe kyphosis, where metal rods and screws are used to correct and stabilize the spine.

2. Decompression Surgery:

- In cases where kyphosis compresses the spinal cord or nerves, surgery may relieve pressure and improve symptoms.
Extra things to know:
- Regular follow-ups with a spine specialist are essential.

- Use of assistive devices, if needed, can be used to improve mobility and reduce strain.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Yes, a physical therapist can be instrumental in helping with a hip injury. They assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to address pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles around the hip joint. This may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and techniques to promote healing.

Physical therapy can also help prevent future injuries by correcting movement patterns and enhancing joint stability. It's an effective, non-invasive way to support recovery and regain functionality.

But first - go see a physician to check you out.

For hip bursitis, gentle and targeted exercises can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Here are some exercises often recommended:

Bridges: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your hips upward, creating a straight line from shoulders to knees. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. This strengthens your glutes, which support your hips.

Clamshells: Lie on your side with knees bent and feet together. Slowly lift the top knee while keeping your feet together, then lower it. This targets the hip abductors.

Standing Hip Abductions: Stand upright and hold onto a wall or chair for balance. Lift one leg out to the side without tilting your body, then return it to the starting position. Repeat on both sides.

Hip Flexor Stretch: Kneel on one knee with the other foot flat on the ground in front of you, creating a 90-degree angle. Gently shift your weight forward to stretch the hip flexor of the kneeling leg.

Iliotibial (IT) Band Stretch: Cross one leg behind the other and lean toward the side of the back leg. This helps alleviate tension in the IT band, which can contribute to bursitis pain.

Before starting these exercises, it's essential to warm up with light activity like walking. If you experience pain or discomfort during any exercise, stop and consult a physician in PM&R.

Physical therapy can be very beneficial after an ankle injury, as it helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the ankle to prevent future injuries. However, since your injury is recent (only three days ago), it’s important to prioritize initial care. This usually includes the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to manage swelling and pain.

Once the acute stage has passed, consulting a physician (a specialist like me) can help. The physician can assess your injury and recommend safe exercises to aid in recovery and restore ankle strength and flexibility. Starting physical therapy too soon without proper evaluation could aggravate the injury, so getting professional advice is key.

Yes, physical therapy can be very effective for treating hip pain. A physical therapist can assess your condition and create a personalized plan that may include exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint mobility. He/she may also recommend stretches, posture adjustments, and techniques to reduce pain and inflammation.

However, it's important to first identify the cause of your hip pain. Conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or hip impingement require specific approaches. Consulting a medical doctor first (like a PM&R specialist) is essential to ensure the treatment is safe and tailored to your needs.

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this pain—it sounds quite uncomfortable. Gradual upper right back pain beneath the shoulder blade can stem from several potential causes:

Posture: Poor posture can strain muscles and cause tension in the upper back. Sitting or standing with rounded shoulders or a hunched back may contribute to the pain.

Muscle Strain or Overuse: Even without an acute injury, repetitive movements or holding positions for extended periods can lead to muscle strain.

Nerve Involvement: If the pain is sharp and stabbing, it might involve nerve irritation or compression, such as from a pinched nerve.

Underlying Conditions: Conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and sternum) or scapular dysfunction could cause the kind of pain you describe.

Since your pain has been worsening and has lasted for months, it’s very important to consult a doctor first. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Yes, physical therapy can be very beneficial for managing hip arthritis. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the hip joint. Here are some ways physical therapy can help:

a) Pain relief: through techniques such as manual therapy, heat/cold therapy, and ultrasound to help reduce pain and inflammation in the hip joint.

b) Improved mobility: though stretching and range-of-motion exercises that help maintain and improve the flexibility of the hip joint, making it easier to perform daily activities.

c) Strengthening: by strengthening the muscles around the hip joint, providing better support and reducing the strain on the joint. This can help alleviate pain and improve function.

d) Education: by providing education on proper body mechanics and posture to help reduce stress on the hip joint during daily activities.

Customized Exercise Program: A therapy program can be tailored to your specific needs and limitations, ensuring that you perform exercises safely and effectively.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, physical therapy can help relieve pain and other symptoms of hip arthritis, and may even help slow the progression of the disease.

The duration of physical therapy after shoulder surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual's progress. Generally, physical therapy can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Here are some general timelines:

1) Rotator Cuff Surgery: Physical therapy typically lasts around 4 to 6 months. The initial phase focuses on gentle range-of-motion exercises, followed by strengthening exercises.

2) Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Physical therapy usually lasts about 3 to 6 months. The first few weeks involve gentle exercises to reduce pain and inflammation, followed by more intensive exercises to restore strength and mobility.

3) Other Shoulder Surgeries: The duration can vary, but physical therapy often lasts around 2 to 4 months, depending on the specific procedure and individual recovery

For treating a sports injury, the best approach often depends on the severity and type of injury. Here are some common therapies:

a) RICE Method: For minor injuries, the RICE method is highly effective:

- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the injured area.
- Elevation: Keep the leg elevated to reduce swelling.

b) Physical therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the injured area, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries.

c) Immobilization: For more severe injuries, immobilization with a brace or splint may be necessary to allow the injury to heal properly.

d) Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Use as directed.

e) Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to repair torn ligaments, tendons, or fractured bones.

It's important to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific injury. A doctor or a specialist (PM&R) can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate therapy.

Most patients can expect to participate in physical therapy for about 3 to 6 months after hip replacement surgery2. It's important to follow your surgeon's specific recommendations and attend all physical therapy sessions to ensure a successful recovery.

Physical therapy is generally designed to help alleviate back pain, but in some cases, it might temporarily feel worse before it gets better. This is often due to the body adjusting to new movements, exercises, or treatments. For example, you might experience soreness or discomfort after a session, similar to how your muscles feel after starting a new workout routine.

However, physical therapy should not cause sharp or severe pain. If your back pain worsens significantly or persists after therapy, it could indicate that the exercises or techniques need to be adjusted. It's important to communicate openly with your physical therapist about any discomfort you experience so they can tailor your treatment plan to your needs.

The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen your back, improve flexibility, and reduce pain over time. With the right approach, it can be a highly effective way to manage and even resolve back pain.

Strengthening your arm after shoulder surgery is an important part of recovery, and it typically involves a gradual process guided by your surgeon and physical therapist. Here are some general steps and exercises that may help:

Start with Gentle Range-of-Motion Exercises: Early on, your focus will likely be on regaining mobility in your shoulder. Exercises like pendulum swings (letting your arm dangle and gently moving it in small circles) or assisted shoulder elevation (using your other hand to help lift your arm) can help reduce stiffness.

Progress to Light Strengthening Exercises: Once your range of motion improves, you may begin light strengthening exercises. For example, you might use resistance bands or light weights to perform shoulder rotations or arm lifts. These exercises target the muscles around your shoulder to rebuild strength.

Incorporate Functional Movements: As you heal, your therapist may introduce exercises that mimic everyday activities, like reaching overhead or lifting objects. These movements help prepare your arm for real-life tasks.

Stay Consistent but Listen to Your Body: It’s important to follow your physical therapist’s instructions and avoid overdoing it. Some soreness is normal, but sharp or severe pain is a sign to stop and consult your therapist.

Focus on Overall Recovery: Strengthening your arm also involves improving your posture, core strength, and flexibility. These factors support your shoulder and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Physical therapy after ankle surgery can sometimes involve discomfort, especially in the early stages, but it is generally not meant to be overly painful. The goal of therapy is to help you regain strength, mobility, and function while minimizing pain. You might feel some soreness or stiffness as your body adjusts to movement and exercises, but this is a normal part of the healing process.

For example, early therapy might include gentle range-of-motion exercises, like ankle pumps or stretches, to reduce stiffness and improve circulation. As you progress, weight-bearing exercises and strengthening activities may be introduced, which could feel challenging but should not cause sharp or severe pain. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to ensure the exercises are safe and tailored to your comfort level.

If you experience significant pain during therapy, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust your program. Remember, the goal is to support your recovery, not to push you beyond your limits.

Yes, physical therapy is often recommended after a discectomy to aid in recovery and improve mobility. Typically, physical therapy begins a few weeks after surgery, depending on your surgeon's advice and your healing progress. The therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that support your spine, improving flexibility, and teaching proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries. Exercises may include gentle stretches, core strengthening, and posture training.

Physical therapy after spine surgery can sometimes involve discomfort, especially in the early stages of recovery, but it is generally not meant to be overly painful. The goal of physical therapy is to help you regain strength, mobility, and function while minimizing pain. You might feel some soreness or stiffness as your body adjusts to movement and exercises, but your physical therapist will work with you to ensure the exercises are safe and manageable.

For example, you may start with gentle stretches or light movements to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Over time, as your body heals, the intensity of the exercises may increase, but they should always be tailored to your comfort level. If you experience sharp or severe pain during therapy, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust your program accordingly.

Remember, physical therapy is a key part of recovery, and the benefits often outweigh the temporary discomfort.

1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured heel as much as possible to allow it to heal.

2. Ice: Apply ice to the heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.

3. Compression: Use a bandage or tape to wrap the heel and provide support.

4. Elevation: Keep your heel elevated above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

5. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

6. Protective Padding: Use cushioning pads or gel inserts in your shoes to protect the heel and provide additional support.

7. Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide good arch support. Avoid wearing flip-flops or shoes that do not offer adequate support.

If the pain persists or worsens, go see a PM&R specialist who treat painful conditions like this.

Yes, physical therapy can be very effective in treating shoulder impingement. Physical therapists use a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and education to help reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and prevent future injuries. Here are some common approaches used in physical therapy for shoulder impingement:

a) Stretching Exercises: These help improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the shoulder muscles.

b) Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles to improve stability and support.

c) Postural Correction: Techniques to improve posture and alignment, which can help reduce impingement.

d) Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize the shoulder joint and soft tissues.

e) Activity Modification: Guidance on how to modify activities to avoid aggravating the shoulder.

Yes, rehabilitation is highly recommended after a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery and helps individuals regain lost skills and improve their quality of life.

The rehabilitation process can include various therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and cognitive therapy. These therapies aim to help with movement, strength, speech, and daily living skills.

Starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals regain independence