Athletic trainers use splinting techniques to provide immediate support and protection.Splinting is a technique used in athletics to immobilize and support a body part that has been injured, like a broken bone or a sprained joint. Athletic trainers use splinting techniques to provide immediate support and protection to the affected area until the athlete can be examined and treated by a physician. Splinting plays a major role in the management of … [Read more...]
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What is the Difference Between Dyskinesia and Dystonia?
While dystonia and dyskinesia have similarities, it is important for physical therapists to know the differences.Dystonia and dyskinesia are two involuntary movement disorders familiar to most physical therapists. Both are often associated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or Huntington’s. While dystonia and dyskinesia have similarities, it is important for physical therapists to know the differences when treating these diagnoses. This … [Read more...]
Concussion Protocols for Physical Therapists
Concussion symptoms are typically temporary. Severe concussions or multiple concussions may cause lasting long-term effects on the chemical balance and overall function of the brain.What is a concussion? A concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct trauma to the head. This trauma could be from a fall, a hit, or whiplash (i.e., from a car accident) injuries. This force causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within … [Read more...]
Pros and Cons of Cryotherapy for Athletes
The primary goal of cryotherapy is to counteract negative inflammatory symptoms from prolonged muscle exertion.What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy for athletes uses cold temperatures to promote muscle healing and recovery. It is often used by athletes to help reduce tissue inflammation, swelling, and muscle soreness after intense exercise or injury. During cryotherapy, athletes are submerged in a temperature-controlled chamber. The chamber emits … [Read more...]
Static Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretching
Static stretching is a best-method approach to increase the overall flexibility of the musculoskeletal system.Types of stretching - There are three main types of self-stretching: Static (no movement) Dynamic (movement) Ballistic (bouncing) They are all active modes of stretching, including static stretching. Even if noticeable movement is not present, the muscle is still active. More than likely, the athletic trainer is applying resistance … [Read more...]
Memorial Day and the Impact of War
The Impact of War on Occupational & Physical Therapy. The demand for both occupational and physical therapy grew throughout the war.World War I had a profound impact on both the occupational therapy and physical therapy professions. The war presented significant challenges for rehabilitating injured soldiers, leading to the emergence and development of these therapeutic disciplines. Occupational therapy pioneers, such as Eleanor Clarke Slagle and … [Read more...]
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger points can happen almost anywhere in the body. Any small area of tension within a muscle can be a trigger point.What are trigger points? Trigger points are areas of the fascia or muscle that are often stiff and tight. The feeling is often described as a “knot” in the muscle. These areas tend to be a focal point of pain for patients. There at two types of trigger points noted in literature: active or latent. Active trigger points will have pain … [Read more...]
How to Become a Certified Hand Therapist
According to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), certified hand therapists (CHTs) can be PTs or OTs who achieve advanced clinical specialty of the upper limb. Approximately 2.6 million Americans each year present to the emergency department with hand injuries. Unfortunately, there are only around 7,000 certified hand therapists in the United States to rehabilitate them. Some of the most common hand injuries include ligament damage, tendon … [Read more...]
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