Fast Track Physio

Why Do I Hurt? What Happens to the Body After Injury?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 17:00:00 GMT

It may seem like pain in the knee, shoulder, or back can just "pop up out of nowhere," but, in the absence of trauma, pain is most often the result of something that's been brewing for some time.

Lack of mobility can lead to altered movement patterns, swelling, muscle inhibition, and ultimately PAIN!

Overuse or repetitive microtrauma is an equations that factors in:

1) Volume

2) Frequency

3) Intensity

of an activity. There are key factors that influence your threshold to overuse, which, ironically, DECREASES the amount of force needed to create INCREASED pathology -- which is a nested loop conundrum, one that requires a multi-faceted approach that can be effective in addressing as many of the following impairments:

* Motor Control deficits

* Mobility deficits

* Imbalances

* Lack of movement variability

* Lack of progressive preparation

After injury, the body will manifest:

* Pain, Effusion (joint swelling), causing an INHIBITION of muscles firing

* Altered movement patterns to protect or compensate

* Altered proprioception (knowledge of where your body is in space)

* Prolonged muscle weakness

* Increased muscle tone (hypertonicity)

* Poor balance

Q: Why do I move poorly?!?

A: It's usually the result of either 2 reasons :

1) Not having the proper motor development

2) Adaptations over time

The body adapts to:

Stress applied
Stress NOT applied
Chronic posture, movements, and activities
Pain or injury

Graded exposure to stress and load (especially when overseen my a movement restoration specialist) develops stronger muscles and bones, whereby these adaptations are developed over time.

Decreased stress from disuse causes adaptations along with lack of movement and movement variability. This causes the body to rely on PASSIVE instead of DYNAMIC STABILIZERS, which yields to TIGHTNESS and DECREASED MOBILITY of intended dynamic stabilizing muscle groups.

The human body has an amazing capacity for:

Adapting
Compensating

Much like electricity or the flow of water, the body takes the path of LEAST resistance.

SAID is a training principle that explains that a certain exercise or type of training produces adaptations specific to the activity performed and only in the muscles (and energy systems) that are stressed by the activity. It stands for Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands

The body gets "tight," "tired," or "weak" specific tp demands applied, adapting to activities, movement, training style, sport specificity, and posture. Chronic stress can lead to overuse of muscles and cumulative eccentric (lengthening muscle contraction) trauma.

Static postural muscles tend to get TIGHT!
Dynamic postural muscles tend to get WEAK!

Response to demands:

Chronic hypertonicity and spasms of muscles may result in pain and ischemia (decreased blood flow)
Prolonged tone and spasm may also lead to FATIGUE , which decreases the force available to meet postural and movement demands
Neuromuscular response to prolonged sympathetic nervous system stimulation, which in turn INCREASES STRESS

Q: What is tightness?!?

A: The force in which a muscle resists being lengthened. Truly, this can be actual length, but more often is NEUROMUSCULAR TONE

* Manual Therapy works by DESENSITIZING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, "neuromodulating tone," as you may often here me say, and increasing Range of Motion (ROM) and mobility

Tightness leads to:

Inhibition of antagonist muscles, creating muscle imbalances, which leads to:

Poor movement patterns
Compensation
Fatigue

"Tightness" can be:

Length

Tone

Stiffness

Weakness can occur from:

Disuse (actual strength loss)
Atrophy (actual strength loss)
Overuse
Fatigue
Compensation
Inhibition
Position (too long or too short to take advantage of length/tension relationship to optimize force generation)

From a more nervous system driving perspective, weakness can be from:

Reciprocal inhibition --> muscles inhibited when antagonist is activated
Arthrogenic inhibition --> from injury, pain, or swelling

To optimize motor control we need to harness BOTH roles of muscles:

Move Joints
Dynamically stabilize joints

"A weak muscle can't stabilize!"

If pain was due to an acute traumatic injury, our goals in PT and performance include:

Protect structure(s)
Facilitate healing
Address acute secondary compensations
address chronic imbalances and dysfunctional movement
Maintain strength and conditioning
Progressively build tissue capacity and return to activity

Hopefully, these concepts make sense and resonate with you on some levels.

If you're having pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, not quite moving right, or need to get back in YOUR game, then reach out, schedule a Complimentary Discovery Session, and let's Fast Track your recovery!

Reasons to See an Out-of-Network PT

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 07:15:00 GMT

* Seeking a therapist with a unique skill set

* You have a high deductible plan

* You have good out-of-network (OON) benefits

* You seek highly personal services tailored to YOUR needs

* You don't want to delay starting care; greater flexibility and same day appointments

* You found a great match

* Focus is on YOU and YOUR needs without letting insurance companies dictate plan of care

* ALL energy and focus is directed at YOU and finding the best ways tp eliminate pain, feel better, move better, and improve overall function

* No hidden fees--> Flat rate...fee for service

* More time and access. Full hour with an expert. More frequent and timely access with increased customization of care

* Satisfaction and outcomes: focus is on you 100% of the time, which means more time and interventions per session, translating into less time in PT and more time for you with family, work, and doing the things you love

Sleep - The only true remedy for health and performance

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 19 May 2020 04:45:00 GMT

“The most important roll of sleep is facilitating an optimal level of waking function”

- Brandon Marcello

During this period of staying at home and sheltering in place, there really is no excuse not to take advantage of a great panacea for health and performance – sleep!

Four pillars of human wellness performance include:

Cognitive
Physical
Social
Emotional

all of which are dynamically interactive, and sleep influences all domains.

Fatigue resulting from inadequate sleep directly and measurably impacts:

Reaction Time

Recovery

Overall Performance

Career Longevity

Much like food shelter, and water being at the base of the pyramid of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, sleep should be appreciated, respected, and pursued as the foundation to actualize optimal levels of performance and skill.

Not getting enough sleep results in:

Increased risk of injuries
Decreased pain threshold
Increased susceptibility of sickness
Decreased psychological and physical performance
Increased irritability, anxiety, and mistakes
Impaired situational awareness
Increased body fat %
Reverting to old habits
Poor judgment of distance, speed, and time

Getting enough sleep helps to maximize

Motivation
Recovery and Muscle strength
Sprint speeds
Stress (cortisol) regulation
Stored energy in muscle
Situational awareness
Memory consolidation
Reaction time

Research has shown that injuries related to < 6 hours of sleep the night prior to an injury occurrence yields 1.7x greater risk vs athletes achieving at least 8 hours of sleep.

Decreased sleep is also directly correlated to a decrease in testosterone production. Studies investigating 24-year old healthy men sleeping < 5 hours/night per week have 15% less testosterone, which is like aging 15 years by comparison.

As depicted in the header picture of this blog, during sleep, the brain cleans out toxic proteins which can impair healthy aging of the brain. One good way to decrease potential for dementia plaque buildup and Alzheimer’s Disease would be to establish great sleep hygiene. Cognitive Effectiveness is achieved through sleep quality, sleep/wake timing, and sleep quality, which is the definition of sleep hygiene .

% of people catching a cold when exposed to the virus if you’re not sleeping enough:

> 7 hrs = 19.2%
6-7 hrs = 22.7%
5-6 hrs = 30%
< 5 hrs = 45.2%

Athletes require a lot of sleep to perform their best.

< 24 years old: 9-10 hrs/night
25+ years old: 8-10 hrs/night

Sleep mythology

You can get too much sleep
Naps are bad
8 hours of sleep is ideal
Older people do not need as much sleep
You can store up sleep for the week ahead
Alcohol helps you sleep

Sleep/Nutrition Interaction

Sleep can influence what you eat and vice versa
Primary fuel source for athletes are carbohydrates
Sleep deprivation alters the body’s ability to metabolize & store carbohydrates for recovery, as well as use for a later time
Individuals who are sleep deprived tend to crave carbohydrates
Certain foods can adversely affect sleep, keeping you awake at night
Large quantities of food consumed late at night can also contribute to a restless night.

If this article has not put you to sleep yet, plan to carve out at least 8 hours tonight to rest, replenish, and Fast Track your performance!

The force is strong with you through myofascial release (MFR)

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 01 May 2020 04:25:00 GMT

Properly executed Myofascial Release is critical to your health and longevity

“The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.”

In the galaxy of your body, you are bound together, from every cell to every muscle to every bone to every organ to every nerve by something called fascia . Since everything within you is connected to everything else, that means that your low back pain could be stemming from a restriction in a nearby “planet” like your hip flexors or glutes, or an even more distant satellite like your foot. This continuity has a huge impact on your experience of pain and your ability to perform at your best – whether you are an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or just a human being who wants to feel good enough to live the way you want to live.

Myofascia or fascia is the connective tissue that covers the muscles. It can be restricted by injury, disease, inactivity, or inflammation, and as a result it loses elasticity and begins to bind together, causing fibrous adhesions. These adhesions may not only become painful but also decrease ROM, muscle length, strength, endurance, motor coordination, and soft tissue extensibility. Fascia has an important link to mobility and flexibility due to its elastic qualities, providing the greatest potential for stretch. length, strength, endurance, motor coordination, and soft tissue extensibility. Fascia has an important link to mobility and flexibility due to its elastic qualities, providing the greatest potential for stretch.

Myofascial release (MFR) is a type of manual therapy to help relieve and reduce adhesions within the fascia. It involves massage or trigger-point therapy in which a health care provider, such as an athletic trainer, physical therapist, or a licensed massage therapist, provides manual pressure to the affected area. Physiotherapists spend much of their manual effort and time providing soft tissue mobilization to aid recovery and improve sport performance. MFR is often an underrated and underutilized therapeutic procedure that improves circulation, promotes muscle relaxation, loosens scar tissue, stretches tight muscles and fascia, and relieves muscle spasms. It has also been shown to help heart rate (HR) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) recover to pre-exercise levels after high-intensity exercise and to reduce exercise-induced fatigue. This is particularly important for tactical athletes who experience episodes of high cardiovascular demand, such as firefighters, where the risk of a cardiac event is significant. MFR and soft tissue mobilization (STM) may not always be practical because it requires a third-party therapist. However, self-myofascial release (SMR), which uses foam rollers or dense implements such as baseballs or golf balls, can be performed by an individual without the assistance of others.

It is becoming a more common practice and may provide a suitable alternative to massage therapy.

Implements such as foam rollers allow the user to manipulate the soft tissue by applying the sustained pressure needed to help release fascial adhesions. Individuals are able to use their own body weight in varying positions to isolate soft tissue areas and apply pressure to those areas in a manner similar to massage therapy. This pressure helps soften and lengthen the fascia. The generation of friction between the fascia and the implement (foam roller) warms the fascia, helping it take on a fluid form (known as the thixotropic property of fascia); breaks down scar tissue and adhesions between the skin, muscle, and bone; and restores soft tissue extensibility. There is limited peer-reviewed research on SMR for improving mobility and flexibility;

however, MacDonald et al. showed that as little as 2 minutes of slow, undulating rolling on a high-pressure foam roller enhanced quadriceps ROM to levels similar to those resulting from static stretching . The foam rolling had no effect on force output , an argument commonly used against static stretching. The research on SMR and performance enhancement is also minimal, but there have been studies supporting the use of SMR to enhance mood and reduce exercise-induced fatigue. Healey et al. showed post-exercise fatigue to be significantly less after foam rolling and suggested that the reduced fatigue might allow participants to extend their acute workout time and volume and possibly enhance long-term performance. Release adhesions, improve post-workout fatigue, enhance mood, and tissue mobility by booking a Myofascia/Soft TISSUE Session here .

Protect muscle, boost recovery, & improve athletic performance

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:46:00 GMT

Antioxidants: free radical scavengers

Everything in moderation , right? Some free radical generators are easier than others to minimize exposure to, like pollution, radiation, and food additives . Other indulgences or part of our balanced daily routine can become trickier to strike that ideal balancing act, such as sunlight, alcohol, and caffeine . All of the above are net producers of free radicals.

Research shows that free radicals can wreak havoc on muscle tissue health, slowing recovery and impairing performance.

With the right diet, athletes can take advantage of antioxidant power to ward off these effects. Through our diet, we are able to access endogenous free radical scavengers: fruits, vegetables, legumes, and spices are all natural sources of antioxidants.

Exogenous antioxidants include vitamins A (carotenoids), C, and E, selenium, and various flavonoids . These are often times supplemented in order to achieve the appropriate daily dosage, yet not overdosage.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture published a list of ORAC values for 277 foods. What is the exact relationship between ORAC values and athletic performance ?

To Fast Track your meal planning, click here

To read the full article, click here

After working out, choose THIS "R & R" (Replenish & Reload)

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 04:41:00 GMT

Post-activity eating and drinking is an essential component of athletic success. Recovery nutrition is best thought of as a window of opportunity. Research has found that in the approximately 30 minutes after intense exercise, the body optimizes its ability to replenish energy stores — particularly muscle and liver glycogen. This is also a critical time because the body instigates muscle protein synthesis for muscle tissue recovery and repair, replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat, and adapts to the stresses encountered in the workout.

The quantity and quality of nutrients and fluids consumed in the post-exercise period greatly affect recovery. And the longer and more intense a workout, the more important it is to kick-start the body’s recovery and replenishment mechanisms with adequate fueling. The three most important components of recovery nutrition are carbohydrates, protein and fluids/electrolytes.

Carbohydrates . Hard exercise dramatically decreases the body’s carbohydrate stores. One recent estimate suggests that a 150-pound athlete may utilize 200 grams of muscle glycogen and 50 grams of liver glycogen in a typical rigorous training session or competition–that’s a total of 1,000 calories worth of carbs!

Athletes should consume 0.5 to 0.7 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight within the first 30 minutes after exercise . For someone weighing 150 pounds, that means roughly 75 to 100 grams. Read product labels and broaden your horizons with a wide selection of carb-containing foods and drinks.

Beyond the 30-minute “immediate” recovery window, it’s also important for athletes to consume more carbs–at least another 50 grams — about two hours after exercise . This helps complete the restoration of glycogen levels and ensure that muscle tissue will be ready to perform again at the next workout, practice, or competition.

To make matters slightly more complicated, some carbohydrates are better for recovery than others. High-glycemic carb sources are absorbed more quickly by the body, helping restore glycogen levels more efficiently after workouts than low-glycemic sources.

High-glycemic foods are generally those with refined flours and added sugars, such as bagels, low-fiber/high-sugar cereals, granola bars or sports bars, pretzels, and flavored milks.

Protein . Protein consumed within the recovery window provides amino acid building blocks for muscle tissue synthesis and repair. It also helps ensure a net positive protein balance, which means protein synthesis exceeds protein degradation (breakdown) in muscle tissue. Protein degradation is elevated after exercise, so failing to consume protein can actually result in muscle loss.

Researchers generally suggest that athletes need 10 to 20 grams of protein in the 30-minute recovery window to provide adequate amino acids for synthesis and repair . There is limited evidence to suggest that one protein source is superior to another for promoting muscle recovery. Some researchers have reported that whey protein is most favorable because of its unique amino acid composition and absorption rate, but most recommendations do not distinguish between protein sources. With so many protein-rich options, from meat, dairy, and eggs to nuts, seeds, and legumes, athletes should choose the ones they like best, and perhaps even experiment with different combinations to see if they notice a difference in recovery with certain foods as compared to others. Use nutrition labels and make your own choices that suit you.

Fluids/electrolytes. The total amount of fluid and electrolytes needed after physical activity varies by individual based on body chemistry, sweat rate and salt content, and other factors. The simplest guide for replenishment is weight loss during workouts: Athletes should weigh themselves before and after workouts and consume 16 to 24 fluid ounces for every pound they lose . For example, someone who drops three pounds during practice needs 48 to 72 ounces of fluid during the recovery window. Of course, athletes must also be encouraged to focus on hydration during activity, so ideally, their pre- and post-workout weight shouldn’t be much different. If the prospect of downing 72 ounces of fluid after a workout is unappealing, that’s one more reason to hit the water bottles early and often while working out.

Antioxidants: free radical scavengers

Muscle Hypertrophy: Volume, Load, or Neural Adaptations?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 01:26:00 GMT

What's next for Mason Rudolph?!

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 03:58:00 GMT

During the biannual brutal bloodbath between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 6, Quarterback Mason Rudolph sustained a helmet blow to his jaw, yielding to a concussion injury, rendering him temporarily with loss of consciousness (L.O.C.) as he was lying on the ground at Heinz Field. After a few moments, he regained consciousness and with the assistance of the Steelers medical staff, gingerly stood up under his own power, walked off the field, arms draped upon two strong teammates, and entered NFL Concussion Protocol.

Contrary to popular belief, less than 10% of all concussive injuries result in a loss of consciousness . During my concussion education travels around the Midwest, I am always surprised at how many people, including the general public, as well as coaches, parents, and even some medical professionals, overestimate the frequency and presence of loss of consciousness associated with concussion. As such, using L.O.C. as either a grading tool or a means to map recovery is both antiquated and inaccurate. Though experiencing a L.O.C. may indicated a prolonged or delayed recovery, research has shown that amnesia (memory loss) is much more predictive of a protracted recovery vs. loss of consciousness.

There are a constellation of symptoms associated with concussion, the most prevalent 23 of which are part of a cumulative Post-Concussion Symptom Score (PCSS). Symptoms may not always be present immediately; it is not uncommon for there to be a latency period of 2-3 days prior to first noticing onset of symptoms. The ultimate goal of any post-concussion management is to achieve a PCSS score of zero, meaning presence of no symptoms . The best way to achieve this is through fostering a milieu of relative rest; avoiding any stimulus that bothers or provokes the onset or worsening of any symptom. This is essentially the first step in Mason's Return to Participation/Play Protocol (RTP). Let's take a look at what the 5 step RTP Program entails.

Fortunately, The medical staff of the Steelers indicates that Mason has been feeling better, engaged in Concussion Protocol, and currently experiencing no symptoms (at least reporting none). Although not fully disclosed by the medical staff, Mason is somewhere in the continuum of a 5-Step RTP , each incremental step of which needs to be tolerated in a symptom-free manner in order to successfully advance to the next stage. If any symptoms are experienced within 2 hours after a stage, then he would need to regress to the previously successfully cleared step. For instance, if Mason were to experience blurry vision, headaches, or feeling a step slow within hours after going through Step 3 activities, then he would need to wait until he became symptom-free and aGAIN repeat step 2, and continue to progress along the continuum provided that he does not experience any symptom.

Step 1: Rest and Recovery

This implies both cognitive as well as physical rest. Avoid any stimulus that bothers or provokes any symptoms. This does not mean old school "cocoon therapy," whereby you sit in a dark room with little to no somatosensory exposure, which has been found to actually delay recovery because of the lack of any habituation to normal life exposure.

Step 2: Light Aerobic Activity

This means somewhat gentle exercise, such as walking, riding a bike Goal is to gradually increase intensity of exposure in a symptom-free manner. The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) is an evidence-based means to objectify this incremental cardiovascular loading.

Step 3: Add Strength & Conditioning

Weight lifting, quick changes of head/body position, vestibular and balance challenges, increasing impact loading, concomitant cognitive loading, progressively increasing cardiovascular loading/running, all while ensuring no presence or onset of symptoms.

Step 4: Non-Contact drills

Infusing progressively more sport-specific movements, dual/tri-tasking, and again with cognitive loading (quick decision making, having knowledge of offensive line, defense and receiver progression).

Step 5: Contact drills and full practice with pad s

It was reported that Mason Rudolph was a participant in practice on the Wednesday after his Sunday concussion. The Steelers reported that he was on the field with the practice squad; yet it is clear that MR. Rudolph has not achieved nor has there been enough time on the calendar for Mason to be suited up with pads on that Wednesday practice. As he progresses through each and every stage, all testing, both subjective (symptom score/PCSS) and objective measures (eye testing, neurocognitive testing {ImPACT}, vestibular/balance assessments) all must be within normal/baseline parameters. If all of the above are successfully achieved, step 6 is actually game play.

Most (>85%) concussion symptoms resolve fully within 1-2 weeks. When concussion symptoms last 6-12 weeks, clinicians deem this "Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)." Proper early education and management will significantly decrease the potential for prolonged symptoms. It is important to recall that a concussion is a brain injury ; a sprain of the brain, essentially. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is one of the leading providers of concussion management, education, and research in the country, if not the world. Despite the criticism that I've heard regarding the questionable medical management from the staff allowing Mason to stand up on his own power and not be forced to be spine boarded. I am confident that he is in the best hands.

If you are not a professional athlete and do not have immediate access to the concussion experts at UPMC, then consider seeking a medical team that has proven experience in concussion management to optimize your outcome. At Fast Track Physio, we have over 10 years of experience with concussion injuries. Our expert has taught throughout Chicagoland, the Midwest region, as well as nationally to other health care providers. Paul Schroeder, MPT, CSCS has designed an industry-leading RTP Program and has treated and cleared over 50 patients through an incremental loading Return to Participation Program. He has also delivered dozens of concussion education and training sessions for athletes, coaches, Concussion Oversight Teams, parents, health care providers, attorneys, case managers, and insurance adjusters. It's that time of the year again: Concussion Awareness Month at Fast Track Physio Whether your Fantasy Football player is out with a concussion or if you know of any family or friends who need concussion treatment, safety education, training, or require baseline testing for organized sports, BOOK NOW during

CONCUSSION AWARENESS MONTH at Fast Track Physio .

Reframing Inflammation in the Tendon Repair Process

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:58:00 GMT

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization hastens recovery - get back to gym workouts QUICKER!

Athletes, medical professionals, and fitness enthusiasts often view inflammation as an opponent or obstacle to overcome. I mean, practically everyone's struggled with a bout of tendonitis. It's a common tendonitis management principle that athletes should "fight" against inflammation in order to get rid of it. However, contrary to popular belief, inflammation is the first stage in tissue repair, and should be viewed and treated as such.

THE TENDON TISSUE REPAIR PROCESS

Tissue repair processes are dependent upon the type of body tissue affected. Most research on tendon repair focuses on the healing process of tendon rupture as opposed to tendonitis. However, it can be assumed that the repair process for both tendon ruptures and tendonitis are similar.

Tendon repair is a three stage process:

Inflammatory
Proliferative
Remodeling

THE INFLAMMATORY STAGE

Michael Gross defines inflammation as when the "body tissues are injured by physical trauma, intense heat, irritating chemicals, or infection by virus, fungi, or bacteria. Inflammation of a tendon, commonly referred to as "tendonitis," is caused by physical trauma that results from overuse. It is estimated that about 30% of running injuries and about 40% of elbow injuries in tennis players can be attributed to overuse of certain tendons. Tendonitis is a very common in sports demanding physical actions that lead to overuse from repetitive microtrauma.

In the inflammatory stage of tendon tissue repair, a hematoma, or blood clot, forms at the affected site. The hematoma activates the release of vasodilator chemicals, causing the tissue's blood vessels to dilate or widen. This allows for more blow flow to the affected area, causing the redness and warmth often seen with tendonitis. Vasoldilator chemicals also make the tissue's capillaries significantly more permeable. which allows important fluids to engorge the area, causing swelling seen with inflammation. This swelling then presses on the nearby nerve endings, which results in pain. These fluids that flood the area contain erythrocytes (oxygen-delivering red blood cells), neutrophils (protective white blood cells of the immune system), and monocytes (prptective single-nucleus white blood cells). Next, protective macrophage cells initiate phagocytosis, a process that rids the area of damaged and dead tissue cells. lastly, new blood vessels are formed through angiogenesis and new tendon cells (tenocytes) move toward the area of the affected site. Inflammation sets the stage for the remainder of the tissue healing process, which includes the proliferative and remodeling stages.

THE PROLIFERATIVE STAGE

In this stage, fibroblast cells, which form the fibers of connective tissue, initiate collagen synthesis. Type III collagen, which is the main structural protein in tendons, bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues, is most abundant in the proliferative stage. Additionally, high amounts of water are present at the site during proliferation.

THE REMODELING STAGE

In the final stage of tendon tissue repair, Type I collagen fibers, which are present in scar tissue, are organized along the tendon axis. These Type I collagen fibers are primarily responsible for generating mechanical strength in the tissue. the repaired tissue becomes stiffer and stronger throughout this stage.

COMMON RESPONSES TO INFLAMMATION

There are several ways that individuals respond to inflammation. The three most common responses include: neglect, icing the injured area, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). When choosing the response, it is important to take into consideration the costs and benefits.

One of the best ways to address tendonit treatmentis to consult with a physical therapist who is expertly skilled in employing many manual techniques, including Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), but also optimally loading the tendon for progressive strengthening, and a swift recovery and getting you back to full function and in the gym again!

What IS Direct Access?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 02:00:00 GMT

2 main reasons Direct Access makes sense for YOU!

Get the care you need in less time

For most people, they only notice and acknowledge a condition once it becomes truly painful or prevents them from daily activities. Then, they search the internet and try to self-diagnose the problem. Finally, once the condition doesn’t improve, they call their doctor to schedule an appointment. This process could take weeks or months—leaving the patient in pain and possibly worsening the condition. Direct access allows patients to skip the doctor’s appointment often scheduled weeks in advance. In fact, a 2017 Merritt Hawkins study showed that the average wait time to see a physician is 24 days, up 30% from 2014.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could cut out a few steps (and save a few dollars!) and head directly to your physical therapist?

You can. It’s called Direct Access!

Additionally, doctors usually prescribe OTC pain relievers first before considering PT. These can relieve the symptoms, but the underlying physical ailment is not healing. Instead, your practice’s marketing shows patients that going to PT first allows them to be properly diagnosed and to see results right away.

Save money on care and treatment

Insurance does not pay nearly as well as it used to. Patients often spend $30-60 per office visit at their physician. Patients who start their care at the doctor’s office often spend upwards of $200. This is the estimated cost if they have an initial appointment and 2-3 follow-ups before physical therapy is prescribed. The doctor may also order tests, X rays, and prescriptions that increase costs and still may not treat the root cause of the pain. Similarly, this care can delay physical remediation and increase damage to the joints and tissues.

I f the patient goes to PT first, they can save hundreds of dollars on care and start to feel better sooner . Additionally, physical therapy provides a more holistic look at the pain point and can identify the root cause and secondary impacts. Educating patients about these benefits of direct access is key to helping them feel confident to go to PT first.

WHAT EXACTLY IS DIRECT ACCESS?

It’s just what it sounds like! Direct Access is the ability to directly access your physical therapist without a physician referral or prescription .

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Direct access is regulated at the state level. Some form of direct access exists in every state, though the specific laws vary . Some states have no rules, while others have limits on the number of visits or the time period for which patients can seek physical therapy before a doctor’s prescription becomes necessary. At the very least, though, every state allows a patient to receive an evaluation without a referral. If you’re interest in learning more about Direct Access Laws, we recommend visiting the American Physical Therapy Association’s site .

As of August 2018, Governor Rauner signed the Direct Access Bill in Illinois.

Additionally, physical therapy has been found to be as effective as surgery for conditions including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis , and lumbar spinal stenosis . Plus, you don’t have to worry about side effects, risk of infection, etc. that are associated with surgery.

LET’S RECAP

Your right to directly access physical therapy services without a physician referral or prescription.

Quicker access to the care you need . Our patients are seen within two to three days of scheduling an appointment, while it takes an average of 24 days to see your primary care physician or orthopaedic surgeon.
Less associated costs and reduced need for additional healthcare services . The right physical therapy within 14 days of the onset of low back pain minimizes the average total episodic cost of care by 50%. These costs are saved by avoiding surgery, imaging, and prescription medication.
Better outcomes and higher satisfaction . Patients who received physical therapy through direct access (vs. physician referral) had a higher level of satisfaction with their care and better outcomes at discharge.

At the end of the day, we’re by no means recommending you avoid your primary care physician altogether. But, in the instances when you know physical therapy is what you need, isn’t it better to get straight to the source right away? And this way, you’re ready to make an informed decision on the best choice for you.

Schedule your FAST TRACK PHYSIO evaluation.