Physical Therapy For Calf Injuries

With the cold months of winter quickly coming to a close, the desire to start moving and get outside can be high. While doing so is a great way to increase your health levels, you must remember that your muscles may not be fully prepared for the vigorous activities you have in mind. It holds especially true if you remained relatively inactive during the winter months. Calf injuries are amongst the most common ones that take place during this time of year, and our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East will help you overcome them. By stopping by for a session of physical therapy near Bethpage, our physical therapists will have you back to being pain-free in no time.

Calf Injury Symptoms

Your calf is comprised of two muscles, the gastrocnemius, and soleus, that make up the lower back of your leg. Similar to any part of the body, when the calf is subject to stress that forces it outside its normal range of motion, it can become either strained or torn. The symptoms you experience at the time of your injury will depend on its severity. In cases of a mild strain, you may feel slight pain or a pulling sensation on your lower leg. When the injury is more prominent, the expected symptoms include:

  • Moderate to severe pain.

  • Bruising.

  • Swelling/redness.

  • The inability to stand on the ball of your foot.

Complications Of Calf Injuries

At certain points in our lives, we’ve all been guilty of letting an injury linger at least once. While you may have been lucky enough to face no ill-effects after making that decision, this may not always be the case. When you’ve suffered a calf injury, seeking out physical therapy near Bethpage will play an important role in limiting the chances of any complications taking place. Below are examples of what may occur if you fail to do so:

  • Increasing amounts of pain.

  • Recurring calf strains.

  • The development of a herniated muscle.

Physical Therapy Near Bethpage

Receiving treatment for a calf injury right away will decrease both the time you spend injured and the likelihood of a similar injury taking place. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we offer physical therapy near Bethpage for calf injuries that will help you make a full recovery.  Through the use of stretches and strengthening exercises, our physical therapist will come up with a treatment regimen that will allow your calf to heal itself.

Any injuries that take place in your legs can be difficult to manage, as they are responsible for bearing the entirety of your body weight. When you’re experiencing pain with every step you take, it can be demoralizing and bring down your quality of life. To avoid reaching those levels of discomfort, contact our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East as soon as a calf injury has taken place. They will be able to quickly create a plan for physical therapy near Bethpage to eliminate your pain and get your calf back to full health.

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Dealing With Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an unfortunate condition that plagues many in the senior population. As a patients’ bones become weak and brittle, the chances of sustaining an injury that hinders movement increases. When this condition begins to affect you or a loved one, our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East will be able to help. We offer geriatric physical therapy in Farmingdale that will help any patient make a full recovery!

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that damages the integrity of one’s bone health. When healthy, bone tissue is being broken down and replaced periodically. However, osteoporosis limits the ability of new tissue that keeps up with this cycle, forcing the bones to become brittle. While symptoms are typically not present at the start, those dealing with osteoporosis who leave it unchecked can suffer from some of the following:

  • A stooped posture.

  • Gradual loss of height.

  • Bones that break easily.

  • Increased likelihood of back pain caused by fractured vertebrae.

Exercise And Osteoporosis

It’s easy to assume that performing exercises when facing osteoporosis will increase the likelihood of suffering fractures and other injuries. However, the opposite is true. The activities performed during a session of geriatric physical therapy in Farmingdale will help keep your body protected from the effects that this condition brings. Below are examples of the benefits this therapy could bring for patients:

  • Increasing your muscle strength.

  • Improving your balance.

  • Eliminating posture issues.

  • Mitigating pain and discomfort.

After An Injury

Even after sticking to a well-developed workout plan to combat your osteoporosis, our team knows that injuries can still occur. While this may be discouraging, you must understand that injuries are just a part of life, and at times, they cannot be avoided. Luckily for you, our staff is well versed in treating the injuries commonly associated with osteoporosis and will administer geriatric physical therapy in Farmingdale to help get you back to full health.

Farmingdale Physical Therapy East – Geriatric Physical Therapy in Farmingdale

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we’ve been helping patients overcome their injuries for many years. Our physical therapists have expertise in providing geriatric physical therapy in Farmingdale, and this service can be used to better the lives of anyone dealing with osteoporosis. If you’re ready to take the first stand in getting a handle on this condition, be sure to contact us today! We’ll teach you the exercises needed to mitigate its effects, and provide treatment should an injury occur.

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The Importance Of Physical Therapy For Seniors

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team takes pride in offering care to patients of all ages suffering from a plethora of conditions. While often an understated fact, physical therapy is a form of treatment that is especially effective in helping seniors increase their quality of life.  We believe that a body in motion, stays in motion, and the physical-based therapy we offer can help prevent the geriatric population from living a sedentary lifestyle. If you or a loved one requires geriatric physical therapy in Bethpage, look no further than our team in Farmingdale.

Conditions And Injuries Managed

As people age, they become more likely to suffer from certain medical conditions. While in many cases medication or surgery is recommended to correct ailments of the elderly, geriatric physical therapy in Bethpage could be a viable alternative treatment method that offers little complications. By visiting our facility, the following injuries and conditions can be treated and managed accordingly:

  • Injuries caused by falls.

  • Arthritis.

  • Osteoporosis.

  • Poor circulation.

  • Motor skill degeneration caused by Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Benefits Of Geriatric Physical Therapy In Bethpage

Physical therapy is a form of treatment that brings benefits to patients of any age. However, the work performed by our physical therapists can be especially beneficial to the geriatric population. A few examples of these benefits are listed below:

  • Halting symptoms of progressive neuromuscular disorders.

  • Allowing seniors to keep their independence by preventing falls.

  • Limiting the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.

  • Reducing inflammation and stiffness in joints.

  • Improving emotional health.

What To Expect?

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our staff administers an individualized treatment regimen for each patient. Doing so means that each session of geriatric physical therapy in Bethpage will vary from patient to patient. When you arrive for your first appointment, our physical therapist will make a full assessment of your condition. Based on their findings from this assessment, they will then create your treatment plan. You’ll be taught to perform a variety of stretches and exercises that allow you to find relief in an affected area. Since you’ll be moving around throughout each session, make sure to wear comfortable, athletic clothing!

Contact Farmingdale Physical Therapy East

It’s important to not let the aches and pains that come with aging stop you from moving.  Seniors looking to stay active throughout their later years should consider utilizing our service of geriatric physical therapy in Bethpage to help them achieve this goal. If you’re dealing with an injury or condition that you believe physical therapy will help with, contact us today!

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Considering Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Being told you need surgery to recover from an injury can fill even the toughest people with anxiety. Before committing to this decision, consider coming in for physical therapy near Bethpage. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we can help rehabilitate the injured area without the need for you to undergo a procedure (potentially of course).

Risks Associated With Surgery

Even during routine procedures, any surgery carries risk. This reason alone is enough to consider physical therapy before receiving an operation. Some risks include:

  • The development of blood clots

  • Various infections

  • Post-operative pain

  • Complications due to anesthesia

Benefits Of Physical Therapy Near Bethpage

One thing surgery and physical therapy have in common is that they can both be used to treat numerous injuries. However, when you’re weighing your options, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits that physical therapy has to offer. Through this form of treatment, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to:

  • Regain strength in the injured area

  • Reduce your body’s inflammatory response caused by an injury

  • Improve your flexibility and range of motion

Another benefit of physical therapy is that it is non-invasive, which eliminates certain risks surgery can introduce. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we take a hands-on approach with all of our patients. By always listening to your input, we can tailor a treatment plan to your specifications to always leave you happy.

Physical Therapy After Surgery

In many cases, physical therapy will be required after surgery for you to fully heal. Essentially, you may be adding an extra step to your recovery. That is why you should always consider physical therapy before surgery. You’ll most likely need this form of treatment anyway, so why not just eliminate the more invasive step? Naturally, speak with all of your medical professionals to determine if physical therapy is a viable alternative to surgery.

Schedule an appointment for Physical Therapy near Bethpage

Nobody wants to go through a long and drawn-out recovery process. The team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East understands this and can offer help to limit your time spent dealing with an injury. Scheduling an appointment for physical therapy near Bethpage can lead to a speedy recovery process, and help you steer clear of more intense forms of treatment. If you’ve recently suffered an injury and have been told surgery is required, contact us today so you can receive a second opinion. This decision can make dealing with an injury substantially easier.

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What Is A Stress Reaction?

Stress reactions can, at times, fly under the radar. While this injury itself won’t be detrimental to your health, it can bring along a more serious one if left unchecked. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we understand the importance of helping our patients overcome the stress reactions they may be facing. We offer physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY to help treat complications related to a stress reaction.

What Is A Stress Reaction?

Stress reactions occur when your bone health has become weakened or compromised. This injury is often the precursor to stress fractures, which can be devastating to athletes. Although stress reactions do not cause a full fracture to the bone, treatment for this condition should still be sought out swiftly to prevent one from developing in the first place.

Causes And Risk Factors

By understanding the common causes and risk factors of stress reactions and stress fractures, you can work towards avoiding them. Repeated shocks placed on your bones are the primary cause of these injuries. Increasing the intensity of the activity you’re partaking in too quickly also plays a role in their development. You are more likely to suffer a stress reaction or fracture in the bones of your legs or feet, as they are the weight-bearing ones. Risk factors can also include some of the following:

  • Participating in certain sports such as track and field, basketball, or tennis.

  • Conditions such as osteoporosis.

  • Flat feet or rigid arches.

Physical Therapy In Farmingdale, NY, For Stress Fractures:

Going through an immediate rehabilitation program will help reduce the risk of your stress reaction worsening into a full-blown fracture. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our staff will help assist your recovery and eliminate the chances of a stress fracture ever occurring. The following is an outline of what the process of physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, that our team provides may look like:

  • Exercises such as cycling on a stationary bike.

  • Weight-bearing, non-impact exercises such as squats.

  • Low-impacting activities such as walking or hydrotherapy.

  • High-impact activities like jogging, running and agility exercises.

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we want to help all of our patients return to the physical levels that they were at before an injury took place. Through the use of physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, we can provide patients with quality, personalized care. To learn more about how our team can help with stress reactions and prevention of full-blown stress fractures and other additional benefits of physical therapy, make sure to contact us today!

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Avoiding Muscle Cramps

Whether you are a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, muscle cramps can put any plans for physical activity on hold. Here at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we never want to see our patients suffer through prolonged periods of pain due to cramping. That is why we’d like to offer some beneficial advice on how you can prevent this type of injury from taking place. Our experienced team that offers physical therapy near Bethpage can help you avoid muscle cramps, and other injuries this upcoming sports season and beyond.

Warm-Up Your Muscles

Before taking part in any activity, always make time for a proper warm-up. Going through a warm-up period will help increase the blood flow to your muscles. This will ensure your muscles are not stiff at the start of your activity. Failing to prepare your muscles for the exertion that is about to take place is one of the easiest ways to suffer from cramps.

Always Stay Hydrated!

After completing a physical activity in the winter, you may not feel as thirsty as you would in the warmer months. However, no matter what time of year, you must always replenish your body of the fluids you lost during exercise. When you become dehydrated, your muscles will begin to work harder to overcompensate for this, increasing the likelihood of cramps taking place.

Manage Your Diet

Certain nutrients, such as potassium, work wonders in keeping your muscles healthy and cramp-free. Structuring your daily diet around the intake of this nutrient is a great step in lowering the risk of muscle cramps taking place. Here are some foods that can help prevent muscle cramps:

  • Bananas

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Avocados

  • Melons

  • Beans and lentils

Making An Appointment For Physical Therapy Near Bethpage

Even if your muscles are in perfect health, the chance of suffering from a cramp is always present. The team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East understands how cramps develop in patients, which is why we always strive to provide the highest quality treatment for all of our clients. After sustaining a muscle cramp, physical therapy near Bethpage can be used to correct the damage. By trusting us to take part in your rehabilitation process, you’ll be able to achieve the following in the affected area:

  • Regain strength

  • Improve flexibility

  • Increase range of motion

When you require physical therapy near Bethpage, look no further than our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East. We offer skilled, hands-on care from beginning to end that you need to reach to achieve your recovery goals. To learn more about muscle cramps, and how physical therapy can help you recover from them, contact us today! With our help, you’ll be good as new in no time.

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Physical Therapy For Hamstring Injuries

Have you recently experienced a hamstring injury? If so, implementing a rehabilitation program immediately will reduce the risk of a lingering injury. To receive the best treatment around, consider coming to see our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East. Our physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, is well-versed in dealing with this type of injury, and will have you back on your feet in no time!

Symptoms Of A Hamstring Strain Or Tear

After suffering from a hamstring strain or tear, seeing our physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, right away can help shorten the recovery process. However, our team understands that at times it can be hard to differentiate between a minor injury that will heal on its own, and one that will linger and worsen over time. This is why we’d like to share the common symptoms that signify professional help is necessary. When you begin to experience the below, it is time to schedule an appointment at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East:

  • Inability to straighten knee without pain.

  • Feelings of pain when running.

  • Pain in the back of the thigh or behind your knee.

  • Difficulty walking and using stairs.

Methods Our Physical Therapist In Farmingdale, NY, Can Perform

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our strength is in our staff. Our qualified and experienced staff will administer physical therapy after your hamstring injury to help you return to a healthy form. But what exactly does physical therapy encompass? The process of physical therapy contains numerous methods, all designed to aid in the healing process. Some of these methods may include:

  • Electric Stimulation: During this part of physical therapy, our physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, will attach electrodes to your hamstrings that will send a series of controlled pulses. These pulses will stimulate your hamstring and increase blood flow to the muscle, helping it heal. Electrical stimulation will also help reteach the damaged hamstring on how to correctly contract.

  • Massage Therapy: After your hamstring is injured, this muscle can become very tense, resulting in large amounts of pain during movement. To combat this, our staff can perform massage therapy as part of your treatment regimen. Massage therapy will relieve tension and increase circulation in the area.

  • Exercises: This method is probably the first many people think of when they hear physical therapy. Through a series of stretches and strengthening exercises, you’ll eliminate any scar tissue that has formed as a result of the injury. Rest assured, our staff will walk you through how to safely perform each exercise before having you complete the exercise. They will also never have you do one that the injured area can’t handle. Examples of these exercises can include sitting hamstring stretches, hamstring curls, and hip extensions.

Contact our Expert Physical Therapist in Farmingdale, NY

Injuries that take place in areas of the body necessary for walking can greatly diminish your quality of life. Due to their nature, they can also linger and worsen over time if treatment is not delivered promptly. If you’ve recently suffered a hamstring injury, contact our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East right away. Our physical therapist in Farmingdale, NY, will assess the severity of your injury, and create a thorough plan for treatment.

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Common Ice Hockey Injuries

To excel at ice hockey, athletes are required to have a mix of high stamina, strength, and toughness. It is a challenging sport to take part in, which is something our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East understands. A calling card of ice hockey players is a person who can go unaffected by injury.  However, this will do more harm than good for your long-term health. Our staff offers physical therapy near Bethpage, so you can properly rehab your injury and avoiding missing extended time away from the game.

Ice Hockey Injuries   

As a sport filled with fast and brutal hits, injuries can be inescapable at times. Even if you believe you can play through an injury, you must have it checked out by a professional before making any decisions. Staying on the ice can be detrimental to your long term health, as you may be at risk for re-injury. If you have suffered any of the below injuries, Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can offer Bethpage physical therapy as a form of treatment:

  • Broken collarbone.

  • ACL and MCL injuries.

  • Muscle strains.

  • Shoulder dislocations.

Staying On The Ice

The team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East understands the desire an athlete feels to stay injury-free and with their team. That is why we’d like to offer the following tips for avoiding injury and staying on the ice:

  • Wear The Right Equipment: Making sure your skates fit tightly and offer proper support will help fight against ankle and leg injuries. Gloves, pads, and faceguards will also lessen the impact of blows hockey players are subject to each time they step on the ice.

  • Stay Conditioned Year-Round: Athletes should never come into a season out of shape.  Trying to perform at a top-level when your body is not ready for the rigor of the season is a perfect way to sustain an injury.

  • Warm-Up: Warming up before a game or practice is one final way to avoid injury. Raising your heart rate will increase the blood flow to and flexibility of your muscles, leading to better athletic performance.

Schedule An Appointment For Bethpage Physical Therapy:

After sustaining an injury during ice hockey, physical therapy can be a beneficial form of treatment. Our physical therapists will have you perform a variety of stretches and exercises to increase the strength and range of motion of the affected area. By turning to our team, you’ll be able to go through a comprehensive rehab program and return to the game fully healed. Don’t spend more time injured than necessary contact us today!

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Winter Safety Tips

Some people wait all year for winter to arrive. Drops in temperature and the thought of snowfall can be enticing to some, but the perils this time of year can bring shouldn’t be forgotten. Farmingdale Physical Therapy East wants to ensure all its patients remain safe this winter. By following the below advice, you can reduce your risk of serious injury!

Stay Alert To Your Surroundings

It’s very easy for traveling conditions to become hazardous during the wintertime. Ice can be lurking on every stoop, sidewalk, and driveway after precipitation has fallen. When this ice goes unnoticed, slips and falls can occur.  These incidents are the most common cause of injury during this time of year. By staying vigilant, you can prepare to safely travel across icy patches, or re-plan your route to avoid them altogether.

Focus On Footwear

Building off of what we mentioned above, having the right footwear can also help to avoid injury in treacherous travel conditions. Before investing in a pair of winter boots this season, check to make sure they have the following:

  • Proper traction to avoid slipping on icy/uneven surfaces.

  • Insulation to keep your feet warm.

  • Waterproof materials to keep your feet dry.

  • Neat and tidy stitching sp the boots don’t fall apart.

  • A tight and comfortable fit.

Dress Dry And Warm

Your feet are not the only part of your body that needs to be protected from the elements this winter. Conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia can take place if you leave yourself exposed to the cold. You also need to remember that staying warm is only one part of the equation. Keeping dry is just as important. A failure to do so is one of the fastest ways to see your body temperature drop.  Make sure to wear lots of layers topped off with a waterproof jacket to stay out of harm’s way.

Implore Proper Shoveling Techniques

Shoveling is something that cannot be avoided once the snow starts to fall this winter. Skipping out on this activity can cause your sidewalks and driveways to ice over, making them extremely hazardous for travel. To prevent injury while doing this activity, a PT offering physical therapy in Bethpage may suggest the following tips:

  • Warm-up beforehand.

  • Lift with your legs, not your back.

  • Never put too much snow on your shovel at once.

  • Don’t twist your entire body.

  • Stay hydrated.

Schedule An Appointment For Physical Therapy In Bethpage

No matter how many precautions are taken, injuries can still happen at any time.  The team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East knows this, which is why we offer physical therapy in Bethpage year-round. Coming in for an appointment with us can help heal your injury and avoid recurring issues so you can focus on enjoying the winter season!

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we offer quality care to any patient that is in need.  No matter what the injury or when it takes place, our staff of specialists will work to provide a specific recovery plan for you so that optimal results can be had.  If you’re looking to receive physical therapy in Bethpage, contact us today!

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Avoiding Knee Injuries This Basketball Season

As a basketball player, you are familiar with the risk the game poses for your knees. Superstar careers can be cut short due to these types of injuries, such as the case with former Los Angeles Laker player Andrew Bynum. However, knee injuries are not limited to NBA players. They can happen to anyone, and ruin an entire season. If you’ve suffered a knee injury and are hoping to avoid missing extended time, be sure to contact our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East. You can schedule an appointment for physical therapy in Bethpage that will get you back on the court with your teammates before significant time has passed.

Common Knee Injuries

Due to the nature of the sport, basketball players are constantly at the risk for knee injuries. With sharp cuts and sprinting back and forth across the hardwood floor, the knees are subject to exorbitant amounts of pressure. These two joints are essential to the running and jumping required to excel at this sport, putting them right in harm’s way. Some of the common knee injuries associated with basketball season include:

  • Dislocations.

  • Fractures.

  • Ligament Sprains.

  • Ligament Tears.

  • Knee Strains.

Best Ways To Prevent Knee Injuries

Few things are worse than watching your once-promising season fade away due to injury. The team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East does not want this to happen to you. By following the advice we have laid out below, you can help prevent the risk of a disastrous injury occurring:

  • Wear The Right Shoes: With all the sharp cuts, jumping and running involved in the game of basketball, having a great pair of shoes is imperative. Before stepping onto the court, you want to have a well-fitting pair of shoes that offers proper support.

  • Stay In Basketball Shape:  Trying to compete in any sport when you are out of shape is the perfect recipe for injury.  If your knee has not been properly conditioned for the rigors of the game, you leave yourself vulnerable to injury.

  • Always Warm-Up: You should never start a game or practice while you are still cold. By performing a few dynamic stretches and going for a light jog, you’ll get your muscles ready for the exertion that’s about to take place. Muscles and joints that are ready to compete are far less likely to become injured.

  • Invest In a Knee Brace: Just like the right pair of shoes, wearing an athletic knee brace will ensure this joint is receiving the proper support throughout the game.  The brace will keep your knee stable and ready to function, leaving you with one less thing to worry about during the game.

  • Come In For Physical Therapy:  It is not uncommon for an athlete to suffer from nicks and bruises throughout the season. Letting an injury linger can lead to it worsening, meaning you’ll end up missing more time then you would have if you immediately went to a doctor. By coming into our facility and receiving physical therapy in Bethpage, you can get your knee back into game shape and avoid more serious issues down the line.

Farmingdale Physical Therapy East

At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, we want our patients to remain healthy and active during the entire basketball season.  When knee injuries pop up, no matter how minor, coming in for physical therapy near Bethpage can be the difference between a shot at the state championship and a season riddled with injuries.  You can always trust that you’ll be in great hands with our team, so make a point of visiting us today!

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