Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy

Frozen Shoulder: What Can a Physical Therapist Do for My Painful and Stiff Shoulder?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, refers to a condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff. It may occur following a relatively minor injury to the shoulder but most often develops without a clear reason, and the problem usually lasts 1 to 2 years. Recently, a panel of experts developed a set of treatment guidelines for improving the quality of care for people with frozen shoulder. These guidelines are published in the May 2013 issue of JOSPT.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(5):351. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0503

KEY WORDS: adhesive capsulitis, clinical practice guidelines

Neck Pain: Combining Exercise and Manual Therapy for Your Neck and Upper Back Leads to Quicker Reductions in Pain

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

Neck pain is very common, but the good news is that most neck pain is not caused by serious disease. “Mechanical neck pain” is the name healthcare professionals use when joint and muscle problems result in neck pain. Current evidence suggests that a combination of manual therapy and exercise is effective for patients with mechanical neck pain. A research report published in the March 2013 issue of JOSPT focused on finding which combination of exercise and manual therapy was more effective in quickly reducing neck pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):128. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0502

KEY WORDS: cervical spine, manipulation, manipulative therapy, mechanical neck pain, mobilization, thoracic spine

Strengthening Your Hip Muscles: Some Exercises May Be Better Than Others

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Weak hip muscles lead to poor hip motion, and poor hip motion can cause knee, hip, and back pain. By exercising to strengthen the hip muscles that control how your hip moves, you can reduce your pain in these parts of your body. However, it is often difficult to strengthen these muscles without also strengthening a muscle called the tensor fascia lata, which is located toward the front of the hip. Too much activation of that muscle may create unwanted hip motion that may worsen knee, hip, or back pain. A study published in the February 2013 issue of JOSPT provides information intended to help physical therapists and their patients select exercises that target the buttock muscles without causing other unwanted muscle actions.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(2):65. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0501

KEY WORDS: buttock muscles, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, tensor fascia lata

Work-Related Orthopaedic Injury and Feelings of Depression: The Potential Role of Physical Therapy

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EST

Feelings or thoughts of depression may be associated with a muscle or joint injury. When pain and depressive symptoms occur together, they can produce long-lasting problems. It can be difficult to know if these thoughts and feelings are caused by the pain or some other issue. Physical therapists focus on treating musculoskeletal problems; however, for some patients, depressed feelings may ease with treatment designed to decrease pain and improve function. Other patients may require specialized treatment for symptoms of depression in addition to physical therapy. This is especially true when depressed thoughts and feelings persist, pain has not resolved, and return to work has not been achieved. A study published in the November 2012 issue of JOSPT evaluated the change in feelings or thoughts of depression during physical therapy and how it relates to a person’s work status 1 year later.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(11):968. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0507

KEY WORDS: depressed feelings, depressive symptoms, pain

Concussions: An Underdiagnosed Problem for Athletes?

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Ignoring symptoms of a concussion and continuing to play after receiving a blow or jolt to the head can be dangerous, make symptoms worse, and delay recovery. Repeated concussions can lead to a longer recovery and may result in long-term problems. Screening tools include checklists of symptoms or quick tests that can help detect a concussion. A study published in the July 2012 issue of used these screening tools to measure changes in player function both before and after a football season.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):633. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0506

Anterior Knee Pain: A Holistic Approach to Treatment

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 EST

Pain under the kneecap, also known as anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain, is one of the most common reasons why active people seek healthcare. Recently, a panel of 50 experts from 9 countries gathered in Belgium to discuss the potential causes of and best treatments for this condition. A synopsis of this meeting is published in the June 2012 issue of JOSPT and provides new insights and discussion of evidence-based treatments for those who have knee pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):573. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0505

KEY WORDS: patellofemoral pain, PFP

Aquatic Physical Therapy: Running in Water Decreases Stress on the Body

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Aquatic physical therapy is a form of physical therapy performed in a pool. Exercising in water can be helpful in improving function, fitness, balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength. A study published in the May 2012 issue of JOSPT provides new insights on water's ability to decrease the load sustained by a runner, based on the depth of water in which the individual is running.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(5):445. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0504

KEY WORDS: joint stress, pain, stationary running

Low Back Pain: How Does Your Physical Therapist Treat Low Back Pain?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Low back pain is so common that 8 of 10 people experience it at some time in their lives. Although the pain in your back may be severe, most low back pain is not due to a serious problem. There are many risk factors that increase the chances of getting low back pain. As we get older, we often feel more back pain due to weakened muscles and stiffening joints. New clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of low back pain were published in the April 2012 issue of JOSPT. The guidelines describe ways to treat back pain based on best research evidence.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(4):381. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0503

KEY WORDS: exercise, LBP, manual therapy

Anterior Knee Pain: As an Athlete, Am I at Risk?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Anterior knee pain often causes athletes to seek medical care. Healthcare providers usually call persistent pain at the front of your knee or under your kneecap patellofemoral pain syndrome. This pain is typically unrelated to a specific injury, but instead occurs over time with an increase in physical activity. The first step toward preventing this type of knee pain is being able to accurately identify potential risk factors that may lead to the problem. A study published in the February 2012 issue of JOSPT provides new insight on specific factors that may place you at risk for anterior knee pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(2):95. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0502

KEY WORDS: patellofemoral pain syndrome, prevention, quadriceps muscle

Neck Pain: Manipulation of Your Neck and Upper Back Leads to Quicker Recovery

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Neck pain is very common and fortunately resolves quickly in most individuals. However, in certain cases neck pain can last longer and result in chronic pain, limited neck motion, and disability. In fact, chronic neck pain is the second leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in the United States. Treatments that can quickly reduce pain, increase motion, and improve the ability of the muscles to protect the neck may help decrease long-term disability associated with neck pain. A variety of manual therapy treatments are currently used to manage neck pain. These treatments include mobilization, which slowly and repeatedly moves the neck joints and muscles, and manipulation, which delivers a single, small, quick movement to the joints and muscles. A research report published in the January 2012 issue of JOSPT examines the outcomes of these 2 treatment methods and draws conclusions about which one is best.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(1):21. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0501

KEY WORDS: cervical spine, mobilization, spinal manipulation, thoracic spine

Low Back Pain: MRIs Should Be Used Sparingly in Patients With Low Back Pain

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Low back pain is very common, with 80% of people experiencing back pain at least once in their lifetimes. The good news is that a thorough physical examination can often determine the best course of management and whether you require imaging to rule out a serious problem. Often low back pain can be severe enough to make a patient think that an MRI is necessary. While MRI provides excellent pictures of your anatomy, it may not be able to pinpoint the specific source of your pain. A clinical commentary published in the November 2011 issue of JOSPT summarizes research that describes how the increased use of unnecessary imaging may lead to less than favorable results.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(11):847. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0507

KEY WORDS: magnetic resonance imaging, physical therapy

Neck Pain: Manipulating the Upper Back Helps Lessen Pain and Improve Neck Motion

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Neck pain is very common. In the United States, between 30% and 50% of people suffer from an aching neck each year. Although neck pain can be caused by injury, most of this pain results from more gradual stresses, such as particular sitting, standing, or work postures, lifting patterns, or sleeping positions. Typical neck pain can also cause headaches, pain between your shoulders, or a feeling of knots in your neck and upper back muscles. Although manual therapy, sometimes called "manipulation," is a common treatment for many types of spine pain, some people are uncomfortable having their necks manipulated. Recently, though, researchers have tested the benefits of a thrust manipulation of the upper back to treat neck pain. A study published in the September 2011 issue of JOSPT provides new insight and an evidence-based summary of the benefits of manipulating the upper back to ease and eliminate neck pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):643. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0506

KEY WORDS: cervical spine, manipulative therapy, manual therapy, thoracic spine

Knee Pain: Strengthen My Hips? But It’s My Knees That Hurt!

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

Healthcare providers usually call pain at the front of your knee or under your kneecap patellofemoral pain syndrome. This pain may cause you to limp and may limit your activities, but there is good news: exercises can reduce knee pain and allow you to return to normal activities without needing surgery. A study published in the August 2011 issue of JOSPT provides new insight and evidence-based exercises to help answer which exercises are best at quickly reducing your pain.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(8):571. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0505

KEY WORDS: hip, patellofemoral pain syndrome

Return to Sport: When Should an Athlete Return to Sport After an ACL Surgery?

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), followed by reconstruction surgery, can be devastating for an athlete. Advances in physical therapy now help athletes improve rapidly during the early period after surgery. However, guidelines on how to determine if it is safe to return to sport are more general and vary widely. Athletes and the people who care about and for them need reliable and valid methods to determine when they are ready to return to sport. A study published in the June 2011 issue of JOSPT provides new insight and evidence-based tools to help answer this question.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(6):388. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0504

KEY WORDS: anterior cruciate ligament, hop tests, knee, prevention

Baseball Pitching: Understanding the Mechanics of Throwing a Baseball May Help Protect the Shoulder and Elbow

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Whether you are the pitcher, coach, or concerned parent, the health of the athlete’s throwing arm is very important. A better understanding of the forces that occur during different types of baseball throws could lead to improved guidelines, helping to boost performance while preventing injuries. A study published in the May 2011 issue of JOSPT provides new insight into the forces placed on the shoulder and elbow during flat-ground and long-toss throws.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(5):304. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0503

KEY WORDS: elbow, pitcher, shoulder, throwing

Total Hip Replacement: How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Each year, about 200 000 patients decide to have a hip replacement. An important factor to consider is the recovery process following surgery. Researchers have found that most patients have decreased pain and improved ability to perform their daily activities after a hip replacement. However, what remains unknown is how long it takes to recover. In its April 2011 issue, JOSPT published a research study providing new evidence that can help you understand the time needed to recover after this surgery and how soon you will be able to walk more easily.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(4):240. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0502

KEY WORDS: hip pain, recovery

Heel Pain: Hands-on Physical Therapy and Stretching Prove Effective for Treating Heel Pain

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

In its February 2011 issue, JOSPT published a research study that provides new evidence that can help people who suffer from heel pain. According to the study, although stretching the calf and foot can reduce heel pain, the addition of hands-on physical therapy resulted in better pain relief and greater improvements in function during the first month of treatment. This JOSPT Perspectives for Patients is designed for clinicians to give to their patients to explain how this new insight can affect their care.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):51-51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0501

KEY WORDS: calf stretch, foot stretch, hands-on therapy, heel pain, manual therapy, patient education