Celebrating 25 years! 

   

                                          

   McDonald Physical Therapy News 

 

May 2014  

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Fran's Favorite Quotes

 

"Give freely without expecting anything in return" 

  

  

 

South Bend Tribune's 2014 Reader's Choice:

 

Thanks to our

loyal patients,  family, and friends, MPT has been chosen 

Top Physical Therapy Choice for 5 years

in a row!

 

Please consider voting for us again this year- you can click here to vote, until 5/18. We are so thankful for the partnership we have had with the Michiana community for

25 years!

 


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5K Run/Walk
May 18th

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Dear Friends,
  
Two weeks ago a patient came into our clinic, prior to visiting his physician. He had fallen on his left shoulder, knew it wasn't broken, and wanted me to examine him.He had pain with certain overhead movements and had some difficulty sleeping. He wanted to know if he should go see his family physician or an orthopedic surgeon.  
 
After examining his shoulder, I gave him a few exercises and told him he should do well without seeing either physician. I called him 10 days later to follow up and was pleased to hear that he had no more pain. He thanked me and said that it was unfortunate that I wasn't a doctor. He thought we should be marketing McDonald Physical Therapy to be the first provider to be seen, if a person has a muscle strain of any kind. He made it clear that we needed to get this message out to the public.
 
As a result of this recent conversation, I decided to write about this case. This is one of many patient stories we've been involved in since the law to allow patients the freedom to see physical therapists before a physician was changed in July of 2013.
 
I did inform this patient of a misconception he had, as I do have my doctorate. I simply prefer to be addressed by my first name. I think I can communicate with my patients more openly if we are on an even playing field. Most people don't realize that physical therapists are now required to get their Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). It is not an MD by any means. However, we are the experts in the world of movement, strength, conditioning and function. 
 
So, how might this new information help you in your life? If you have a muscle pain in your back, hip, leg, ankle, etc., or a problem walking, getting in and out of a chair or car, getting up and down stairs, you should consider seeing one of our physical therapists. They will be able to examine and assist you, even if you need a referral to another medical provider. We will help you find a direction and plan to get your strength, balance and endurance, as you work your way back to normal activities in your life.
 
We hope you are enjoying the spring after having such a long winter! If you need direction for any sprains, strains, endurance or movement please call and get examined. You will be back on track faster than you might have believed possible!

Enjoy, 
Fran
 
  

 

 Guide to Anterior Cruciate Ligament
(ACL) Tear   

 

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is an injury to the knee commonly affecting soccer players, basketball players, skiers, gymnasts, and other athletes. About 70% of ACL tears are the result of non-contact injuries; 30% are the result of direct contact (player-to-player, player-to-object). Women are 4-6 times more likely than men to experience an ACL tear.

 

Usually, you will be examined by a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon immediately following injury. Most people who sustain an ACL tear will undergo surgery to repair the tear; however, some people may avoid surgery by modifying their physical activity so that they don't put a lot of stress on the knee. A select group can actually return to vigorous physical activity following rehabilitation without having surgery.Your physical therapist, together with your surgeon, can help you determine if non-operative treatment (rehabilitation without surgery) is a reasonable option for you. If you elect to have surgery, your physical therapist will help you both prepare for surgery and recover your strength and movement following surgery

 

 

What is an ACL Tear?

The ACL is one of the major ligaments (bands of tissue) connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.

It can tear if you:

*Twist your knee while keeping your foot planted on the ground

*Stop suddenly while running

*Suddenly shift your weight from one leg to the other

*Jump and land on an extended (straightened) knee

*Stretch the knee farther than you should

*Experience a direct hit to the knee

  

How Does it Feel?

When you tear the ACL, you may feel a sharp, intense pain or hear a loud "pop" or snap. You might not be able to walk on the injured leg because you can't support your weight through your knee joint. Usually, the knee will swell immediately (within minutes to a few hours), and you might feel that your knee "gives way" when you walk or put weight on it.

  

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Once an ACL tear has been diagnosed, you will work with your surgeon and physical therapist to decide if you should have surgery or if you can try to manage your recovery without surgery. If you don't have surgery, your therapist will work with you to restore your muscle strength, endurance, and coordination so that you can return to your regular activities. In some cases, the therapist may help you to learn to modify your physical activity so that you put less stress on your knee. If you decide to have surgery, your therapist can help you both before and after the procedure.

 

Treatment Without Surgery

Current research evidence has identified a specific group of patients (called "copers") who have the potential for success without surgery. These patients have injury only to the ACL, and no episodes of "giving way" since the initial injury. There are specific functional tests-such as the Knee Outcomes Survey, the Global Rating of Knee Function, and the timed hop test-that can help the physical therapist identify this group of patients.

 

If you fall into this category, your physical therapist will design a specific physical therapy treatment program for you, most likely including electrical stimulation to the quadriceps muscle, cardiovascular strengthening, traditional muscle strengthening, and balance training.

 

Treatment Before Surgery

Some orthopedic surgeons refer their patients to a physical therapist for a short course of rehabilitation before surgery. Your therapist will help you decrease your swelling, increase the range of movement of your knee, and strengthen your thigh muscles (quadriceps).

 

You might have what is known as a "quadriceps lag." This is when you try to raise your leg straight in the air, but you can't control the knee, and your leg bends slightly. Research shows that improving this condition before surgery leads to better outcomes after surgery. Your therapist might use electrical stimulation to help you straighten your leg.

 

Treatment After Surgery

Your orthopedic surgeon will provide postsurgery instructions. Physical therapists have developed and published guidelines on knee stability and movement problems, which recommend the following actions.

*Bearing weight

*Icing and compression.

*Bracing

*Exercises to increase your ability to move 

*Exercises to increase your strength

 

Return to your sport or physical activity

You may begin balance exercises, running, jumping, hopping, and other exercises specific to your sport. This phase varies greatly from person to person. One study found that the return to moderate and strenuous sports varied between 6 and 12 months after surgery. You might be ready to return to your sport if:

  • You no longer have pain and swelling
  • You have no feelings of instability during sport-specific activities, such as cutting, jumping, and landing
  • Your quadriceps strength is 90% of that on your uninjured side
  • Your performance of the 1-legged hop test is at 90% of that on the uninjured side

Remember, each surgeon might have a specific plan for you; these are only broad guidelines describing what you might expect for your recovery. 

 

 

Reproduced from moveforwardpt.com  

Announcing the newest addition to the McDonald Physical Therapy family....
           
  

The AlterG� Anti-Gravity Treadmill� is revolutionizing fitness by allowing you to run or walk with reduced impact. Through patented NASA technology, the Anti-Gravity Treadmill provides up to 80% body weight support to reduce the stress and strain on your body.

 

"Give us a call to see if Walter the Alter G

is right for you!"