National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

physical therapy near bethpage

Taking care of your body is important all year round, but many people tend to put health and fitness on the back burner. Work, family, and activities keep us busy, so National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a great reminder of how important our health truly is. Anyone can celebrate this important day, not just women. Contact our practice today to get started with physical therapy near Bethpage to help improve your health, and check out these tips on ways to celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day:

  • Try out a new exercise: There are lots of invigorating exercises for everyone. Take a break from your usual routine and give a new workout a try! Been wanting to try yoga? Find a local class. Interested in biking? Find a new bike trail. There’s no better time than now to take responsibility for your well-being.

  • Schedule a check-up: Regular doctor appointments are imperative when considering good health. Consider scheduling a checkup with your doctor today, and start physical therapy near Bethpage to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility.

  • Eating Healthy: Eating healthy and being aware of what you put into your body is essential to overall health and well-being. Take care of your body and be conscious of what you fuel it with.

  • Pay attention to your mental health: Mental health is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Take time today to stop and listen to your body and mind. Your mental state is just as an important as your physical state and should never be overlooked.

  • Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to stay hydrated! It is imperative to your health and functionality of the body. Drink plenty of water and fuel it when it needs to be fueled, especially before, during, and after physical activity.

If you’re interested in improving your health today, consider our physical therapy near Bethpage. While National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a great way to bring awareness to living a healthy and active lifestyle, don’t wait until September 28th to start living your best life!  Farmingdale Physical Therapy East will help you achieve the healthy life you are striving to achieve.

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Steps to a Faster Ankle Sprain Recovery

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

Sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

Ankle Sprain Recovery

Considering everyday 25,000 individuals suffer from an ankle sprain, it is all too likely to happen in your lifetime. But don’t fear, sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale with our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can help you get back on your feet!

How do ankle sprains happen?

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle joint is shifted too far out of its natural position, causing one or more ligaments to stretch or tear. While many ankle sprains occur during sports participation, there are other ways an ankle sprain may occur:

  • Unstable or unsuitable footwear

  • Tripping or falling

  • Landing improperly from a jump

  • Walking or running on uneven surfaces

  • Car crashes

  • Rolling the ankle

  • Twisting the ankle

Do I have an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are painful and debilitating conditions. Here are some commons symptoms to check for if you believe you may be suffering from a sprained ankle:

  • Swelling

  • Tenderness

  • Bruising

  • Pain

  • Inability to put weight on the injured ankle

  • Balance issues

  • Skin discoloration

  • Stiffness

Can I prevent an ankle sprain from occurring?

There are many different ways you can help keep your ankles healthy and ward off sprains. Some steps include:

  • Avoid running or participating in sports when tired or in pain

  • Eat a well-balanced diet

  • Keep your muscles strong

  • Maintain a healthy weight to decrease the pressure on your joints

  • Wear well-fitted and appropriate shoes

  • Run on flat surfaces

  • Stretch and warm up before exercise

Sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

Physical therapy is the best treatment for an ankle sprain, as it is highly effective and noninvasive. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, not only will we help you recover from your sprained ankle, but we will help you prevent future injuries from occurring. Some stretches and strength exercises may include:

  • Calf stretch: Stand about two feet away from the wall with hands on the wall, shoulder-width apart. Place one foot behind the other, and bend your front knee slowly while keeping your heels on the floor.

  • Heel stretch: While seated, loop a towel or exercise band over the ball of your foot. Gently pull back until you feel the stretch in your calf and heel.

  • Ankle raises: Slowly raise your body to stand on the balls of your feet. Hold this position a few moments, before lowering to standing position again.

  • Standing on one leg: While it sounds simple, standing on one leg for short periods is a great way to improve your balance. Next, do so on a bosu ball for more difficulty.

  • Trace the alphabet: Using your big toe, slowly trace the alphabet in the air to improve range of motion.

  • Foot presses: Wrap an exercise band around the ball of your foot. Alternate between pushing your foot forward, backward, and side to side to strengthen your ankles.

What to do at home

There are many steps you can take at home, along with participating in physical therapy that will only help speed up and benefit the recovery process:

  • Rest: Make sure you are giving your ankle plenty of time to heal without putting an extra strain. Don’t put too much weight on your ankle while it is recovering.

  • Ice: Ice will help the muscles and ligaments heal and keep the swelling down, reducing pain in your injury while it heals.

  • Compression: Use light compression, such as a bandage, to help keep swelling in your ankle to a minimum.

  • Elevation: Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart to help reduce the pressure and swelling.

If you have suffered a sprained ankle, contact us today to get back on your feet. We look forward to hearing from you and to starting your personalized sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale.

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Trigger Finger Treatment

Posted on September 7, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

physical therapy near bethpageTrigger Finger

Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger is an extremely uncomfortable condition in which one of your fingers becomes stuck and locked in a bent position. The finger is unable to straighten out without significant discomfort. Are you looking for physical therapy near Bethpage? Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can help treat your trigger finger.

What causes trigger finger?

There are two, primary causes of trigger finger:

  • Most often, trigger finger is caused by a repeated movement or a forceful use of one of the fingers.

  • Sometimes, trigger finger is caused by an inflammation of the tendons that connect the bone and muscle in the finger.

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Some common symptoms that are indicative of trigger finger include:

  • A locked finger that is unable to be straightened

  • A popping sensation when the finger is moved

  • Soreness at the base of the finger

  • Stiffness in the finger

  • A painful clicking when moving the finger

Symptoms are noticeably worse when:

  • You first wake up in the morning

  • You grasp something firmly

  • You attempt to straighten the finger

Who is most at risk for trigger finger?

While trigger finger can occur in anyone, the following put you more at risk for developing the condition:

  • Being between the ages of 40 and 60

  • Trigger finger is more common in women than in men

  • Those with gout, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to developing trigger finger

  • Those who repeat finger movements, such as musicians, farmers, and industrial workers are more at risk for developing the condition

How can trigger finger be treated?

There are a variety of ways in which the condition can be treated. Our physical therapy near Bethpage includes treatment to help treat trigger finger. Overall, the goal is to allow for the finger to be able to move freely, without clicking, popping, locking, or pain. Treatment options include:

  • The use of a splint

  • Physical therapy

  • A steroid injection into the tendon

  • Surgery

Surgery is often used as a last resort if other treatment options do not alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. Usually, following surgery, full motion of the finger is restored, but physical therapy is often required to ensure full range of motion. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team can help you restore your strength and full range of motion in your finger post surgery, or even before choosing to undergo surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our physical therapy near Bethpage can help treat your trigger finger. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced, skilled physical therapists.

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Concussions, Do You Know The Warning Signs?

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

Concussion Safety

For many of us, the fall season means three certainties are on the way: leaves changing, school starting, and tossing around the pigskin. Football season is underway, with multiple teams across Long Island preparing themselves for what’s sure to be a competitive season with plenty of action. But while coaches and players are grinding over the playbook, they also need to review safety protocols and procedures. Football is a game that’s violent in nature, with collisions occurring in each meeting between the ball-carrier and tackler. This has led to several injuries cropping up due to the aggressive nature of the sport, such as the now highly publicized concussion issues.

What is a Concussion?

Concussions are a polarizing topic in today’s sports world, with several professional players citing the condition as being a threat to not only their career but their future health as well. The condition is considered a traumatic brain injury that can lead to complications such as memory loss and frequent, agonizing headaches. The primary catalyst for a concussion is typically a striking blow to the head, causing the victim to immediately feel groggy and delirious.

In contact sports such as football and soccer, concussions usually occur as a result of a direct collision between two players. In some cases, the victims may actually lose consciousness, even for just a brief few seconds.

How do I Identify a Concussion?

It’s utterly imperative that all athletes, trainers, and coaches are aware of the warning signs of a concussion. The reason for this being so essential is that some victims may not be aware that they’ve suffered a concussion, even after the injury has already manifested. If you’re trying to determine whether or not yourself or another person has a concussion, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Severe/painful headaches

  • The victim was briefly knocked unconscious

  • Confused, shocked look

  • Memory loss

  • Dizzy spells

  • Delayed responses to answering simple questions

  • “Ringing” noise in the ears

  • Vomiting

How can Concussions be Prevented?

It’s critical that a potential concussion victim is immediately monitored and examined by a trained professional after the incident occurs. In the event that a concussion has indeed been determined, the individual should immediately be removed from the game or abstain from doing any other strenuous tasks. For athletes, protective equipment is crucial when attempting to prevent a concussion from occurring. Football players specifically should always make sure their helmets are properly fitted and ready for use. You may also seek guidance from a physical therapist, who can suggest exercises that will help you maintain a strong balance in order to prevent slipping and banging your head on a hard surface.

Above all else, educating others on the dangers of concussions is a task that should be undergone by anyone. Especially for athletes who play sports that involve collisions and violence. For further questions or concerns regarding the condition, be sure to consult with a physical therapist for tips and other pertinent information.

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Can Physical Therapy Help Treat Sciatica?

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

If you suffer from sciatica, you know that it can make everyday activities painful and tedious. Luckily, physical therapy has an array of benefits and is an effective and safe method for treating your sciatica. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our highly experienced staff will work with you to create a specified healing plan aimed at relieving your pain, and getting you to where you want to be. If you are looking for physical therapy near Bethpage, contact our office today for more information.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is an integral part of your sciatica treatment plan. Our physical therapists will create a plan which incorporates exercises aimed at strengthening your body, as well as increasing your overall flexibility and range of motion. Our physical therapists may also work with you to make changes to your posture and other ergonomic aspects of your daily routine which may be contributing to your sciatica pain.

Working with our physical therapists can also be a great means for introducing you to some excellent stretches and exercises that you can do at home in order to relieve and prevent sciatica pain. If you suffer from sciatica and are searching for physical therapy near Bethpage, contact Farmingdale Physical Therapy East to get started today.

Why Choose Us?

Physical therapy is an excellent way for treating your sciatica pain, but choosing the right physical therapist is essential. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team of highly trained professionals is ready to improve patients’ quality of life and achieve maximum pain relief through our rehabilitation and therapy practices. If you are looking for physical therapy near Bethpage, contact us today!  We are located on Main Street in Farmingdale, NY with ample parking. If you have any further questions please call us at (516) 293-0565.

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Shin Splints 101

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

Sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

What Are Shin Splints?

The term “shin splints” refers to the pain felt in the lower leg or along the shin bone. Individuals affected by shin splints typically partake in moderate to high physical activity and can range in age. Repeated stress on the bones, muscles, and joints of the lower leg can increase the pain of shin splints. If you are suffering from shin splints, our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale can help you today!

Causes Of Shin Splints

Shin splints result in pain resonating from the lower leg. Tenderness, soreness, and swelling of the lower leg are also extremely common. Some causes of shin splints include:

  • Stress on the shinbone

  • Connective tissue stress

  • Running on uneven terrain

  • A sudden increase in exercise

Prevention And Treatment Of Shin Splints

Shin splints are extremely common but luckily extremely preventable as well. Things you can do to prevent shin splints include:

  • Analyze your movement

  • Avoid overdoing your exercises

  • Choose the right shoes for physical activity

  • Consider shock-absorbing insoles

  • Lessening impact by switching to low impact sports

If you are suffering from shin splints, there are multiple treatment options to help you recover. Options for shin splint recovery include:

  • Rest: avoid activities that cause pain, swelling, or discomfort. While healing, try low impact activity such as biking or swimming.

  • Ice: apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes a day for about a week. In order to protect your skin, wrap the ice in a towel before contact.

  • Physical therapy: Muscle strength can be regained through physical therapy and guided exercise plans.

If you are seeking treatment, contact Farmingdale Physical Therapy East for our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale today.

How We Can Help You

Shin splints can affect your day to day physical activity in many ways. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team uses the right methods for sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale to help you recover effectively and fully. Our care is thorough from start to finish in order to provide you with the care needed for a healthy recovery.

Contact our team to get started with sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale. Schedule an appointment today!

Posted in ChoosePT, Farmingdale Physical Therapist, Farmingdale Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, Rehabilitation, Shin Pain, Shin Splints, Sports Injuries, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Steps to a Faster Ankle Sprain Recovery

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

Considering everyday 25,000 individuals suffer from an ankle sprain, it is all too likely to happen in your lifetime. But don’t fear, sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale with our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can help you get back on your feet!

How do ankle sprains happen?

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle joint is shifted too far out of its natural position, causing one or more ligaments to stretch or tear. While many ankle sprains occur during sports participation, there are other ways an ankle sprain may occur:

  • Unstable or unsuitable footwear

  • Tripping or falling

  • Landing improperly from a jump

  • Walking or running on uneven surfaces

  • Car crashes

  • Rolling the ankle

  • Twisting the ankle

Do I have an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are painful and debilitating conditions. Here are some commons symptoms to check for if you believe you may be suffering from a sprained ankle:

  • Swelling

  • Tenderness

  • Bruising

  • Pain

  • Inability to put weight on the injured ankle

  • Balance issues

  • Skin discoloration

  • Stiffness

Can I prevent an ankle sprain from occurring?

There are many different ways you can help keep your ankles healthy and ward off sprains. Some steps include:

  • Avoid running or participating in sports when tired or in pain

  • Eat a well-balanced diet

  • Keep your muscles strong

  • Maintain a healthy weight to decrease the pressure on your joints

  • Wear well-fitted and appropriate shoes

  • Run on flat surfaces

  • Stretch and warm up before exercise

Sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

Physical therapy is the best treatment for an ankle sprain, as it is highly effective and noninvasive. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, not only will we help you recover from your sprained ankle, but we will help you prevent future injuries from occurring. Some stretches and strength exercises may include:

  • Calf stretch: Stand about two feet away from the wall with hands on the wall, shoulder-width apart. Place one foot behind the other, and bend your front knee slowly while keeping your heels on the floor.

  • Heel stretch: While seated, loop a towel or exercise band over the ball of your foot. Gently pull back until you feel the stretch in your calf and heel.

  • Ankle raises: Slowly raise your body to stand on the balls of your feet. Hold this position a few moments, before lowering to standing position again.

  • Standing on one leg: While it sounds simple, standing on one leg for short periods is a great way to improve your balance. Next, do so on a bosu ball for more difficulty.

  • Trace the alphabet: Using your big toe, slowly trace the alphabet in the air to improve range of motion.

  • Foot presses: Wrap an exercise band around the ball of your foot. Alternate between pushing your foot forward, backward, and side to side to strengthen your ankles.

What to do at home

There are many steps you can take at home, along with participating in physical therapy that will only help speed up and benefit the recovery process:

  • Rest: Make sure you are giving your ankle plenty of time to heal without putting an extra strain. Don’t put too much weight on your ankle while it is recovering.

  • Ice: Ice will help the muscles and ligaments heal and keep the swelling down, reducing pain in your injury while it heals.

  • Compression: Use light compression, such as a bandage, to help keep swelling in your ankle to a minimum.

  • Elevation: Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart to help reduce the pressure and swelling.

If you have suffered a sprained ankle, contact us today to get back on your feet. We look forward to hearing from you and to starting your personalized.

Posted in ChoosePT, Exercise, Farmingdale Physical Therapist, Farmingdale Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, Rehabilitation, Sports Injuries, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How To Prevent Common Fall Sports Injuries

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

physical therapy near Bethpage

As the fall season rolls around, the risk of sports-related injuries increases. We want you to be able to enjoy playing the sport you love without having to worry about injury or pain. If you are looking for physical therapy near Bethpage, Farmingdale Physical Therapy East will be able to offer you various treatment options in order to help relieve any pain you may be suffering from, along with providing you with the tools to prevent injuries from occurring.

Common fall sports injuries:

  • Knee and ankle injuries

  • Shoulder injuries

  • Hamstring and groin strains

  • Shin splints

  • Wrist, dental, or head injuries

  • ACL tear

  • Tennis elbow

How to avoid sports injuries:

If you are seeking physical therapy near Bethpage, our knowledgeable professionals will be able to give you various tips and guidance on preventing sports-related injuries, such as:

  • Warm up: it’s essential to do a light warm-up such as a jog and a stretch before your game or practice to prepare the muscles to be active.

  • Cool down: performing cool down exercises can help to reduce the buildup of lactic acid which can lead to muscle cramping and stiffness.

  • Incorporate strength training: strength training can help the body become stronger while protecting the joints when they are under any impact.

  • Physical Therapy: our physical therapists will help treat any existing conditions as well as rebuild strength throughout certain parts of the body in order to prevent re-injury.

  • Don’t play through pain: if you suspect any type of pain or discomfort, you should discontinue play so that you don’t further injure yourself.

If you are seeking physical therapy near Bethpage, our physical therapists will be able to offer you additional tips on preventing sports-related injuries. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we will be able to set you up with a personalized exercise and treatment plan. Contact us today to get started!

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The Benefits of Prehab

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

physical therapy near BethpageWhat is prehab?

Unlike rehab, prehab is practiced before an injury can occur. Rather than trying to help rehabilitate after an injury occurs, prehab focuses upon preventing the injury from happening. Prehab looks at the most vulnerable areas of the body and comes up with ways to strengthen them. By strengthening weaker parts of the body, there will be a decreased chance of injury and pain. If you’re interested in this proactive treatment method, physical therapy near Bethpage may be right for you at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East.

Continue reading →

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Can You Walk On A Sprained Ankle?

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Farmingdale PT East

sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every day there are 25,000 newly sprained ankles. Though ankle sprains are highly prevalent, they are no laughing matter. If you have been diagnosed with a sprained ankle, consider our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale to get you back on your feet.

Continue reading →

Posted in ChoosePT, Exercise, Farmingdale Physical Therapist, Farmingdale Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, Rehabilitation, Sports Injuries, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment