Ask The PT: About Elbow Pain

Q; My elbow has started to hurt after frequent gardening.  What did I injure and what can I do to decrease pain? A; A common overuse injury occurring at the elbow is tendonitis.  This is basically an inflammation of the tendons that attach to either the inside portion of the elbow [medial epicondylitis], also called golfer’s elbow, or the outside portion of the elbow [lateral epicondylitis], also referred to as…

Ask the PT: About Longevity

What should I know about the role of exercise and longevity? I was recently asked this question by Emma Picard of the Attleboro based Sun Chronicle for their weekend edition focusing on Longevity  (read her article online here).  My response was simple yet this answer is often ignored and its effectiveness overlooked.  As PT’s we know this answer well and prescribe this to all our patients.  Exercise is your best…

Ask the PT: About Headaches

I have had headaches for years and medication hasn’t been helping as much.  Can physical therapy help with my headaches? Thomas Almeida, MSPT, President/Clinical Director Headaches (HA), unfortunately, are a prevalent condition affecting thousands and causing impairments to many activities of daily living.  There are many triggers that may cause HA’s, including food, medications and environmental elements, however nearly ¼ of HA’s are classified as cervicogenic or HA’s which arise…

Ask the PT: About Overuse Injuries

As spring approaches, do you have any suggestions for someone who is planning on returning to outdoor activities? As the warm weather and spring approach, many people begin looking forward to outside recreational activities and road races.  Such an increase in activity can often result in overuse injuries affecting the lower extremities and feet. To prevent chronic injuries such as shin splints, heel pain and longitudinal arch/fascia pain people must…

Ask The PT: About Shoulder Pain

I don’t recall injuring my arm, but I have noticed a slight ache and pain in my shoulder when I try to lift my arm or reach back behind my body.  Why would this happen and what can I do to fix it? Thomas Almeida, MSPT, President/Clinical Director Often times, pain in the shoulder can be directly linked to the rotator cuff tendon being inflamed or partially torn.  However, if…