Arthritis can be categorized as either Osteoarthritis (OA) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
OA is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is a chronic, progressive degenerative process, including loss of articular cartilage and joint margin changes of the joints in our body. The cartilage that protects the joint surface degenerates over time due to two reasons:
1. “wear and tear” or other structural abnormalities or
2. secondary due to a genetic predisposition of the chemical processes in the body.
A background history includes trauma/repetitive trauma, stiffness/pain in joint, limited range of motion, gradual onset of symptoms, short periods of morning or after-rest stiffness, and symptoms with changes in barometric pressure. Ultimately, pain limits active movement, which causes muscle weakness, contracture and increased pain.
RA is an autoimmune, inflammatory, connective tissue disease. As with other connective tissue diseases, onset and progression vary greatly with periods of flares and remissions. It differs from OA in that is a bilateral (both sides of the body) process. Joint inflammation during flares actually erodes the protective cartilage away, causing significant pain, loss of movement and mobility.

Treatment for both conditions include posture and body mechanics training, joint protection principles, energy conservation techniques, supportive, corrective devices or bracing, pain management and mobilization of the joints, gentle stretching, massage, and strengthening techniques. It is important to remember that treatment varies depending on whether you are in a flare (or have acute inflammation) or a remission period. Careful coordination with your physical therapist is important to prevent exacerbation of these conditions.

Bursitis is the inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. The bursae allow movement without friction between surfaces. Occasionally they can become inflamed if excessive repetitive motion, strain or impingement occur around the bursae. Some of the most common areas to get bursitis are the hip, shoulder, buttocks, groin or anterior thigh.
Treatment may include ultrasound, patient education to understand body mechanics, what movements and habits provoke symptoms, stretching and strengthening muscles to correct imbalances between opposing muscle groups and pain management techniques.

There are 28 bones in the foot and ankle, which help provide stability as well as mobility, accommodate uneven surfaces, adapt to absorb forces and bear the weight of the body when standing, walking or running. Supporting our feet and ankles is important to prevent the many injuries associated with instability. Ankle sprains, fallen arches, plantar fascitis, shin splints and post-surgical management all require interventions that are available from Elite Performance & Rehabilitation.
Interventions may include modalities, walking, running or biomechanics training, joint mobilization, strengthening and stretching muscles and tendons, contrast baths or supportive orthotics.

Hip pain can come from many different sources including arthritis, sciatica, nerve impingement, bursitis, uneven leg lengths, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, poor posture, obesity, stress fractures or muscle imbalances. Arthritis in the hip joint can cause significant pain, which may respond well to care in the earlier stages, but often may require total hip replacement surgery (also referred to as total hip arthroplasty). A thorough examination is required to determine the cause of pain and a plan of care is developed from those findings.
Interventions may include modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, stretching and/or strengthening muscles, patient education about posture and body mechanics and pain management techniques. Pain in one area may come from injury in another area, so many tests have been developed to differentiate pain from injury.

Conditions such as arthritis, meniscal tears, runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, ligament tears (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL) and patello-femoral syndrome, which produces painful “crunchiness” under the knee cap, can also respond well to our therapy techniques. Progressive strengthening and range of motion restoration protocols are key to returning to full function.

There are a number of structures that can cause low back pain including discs, nerves, muscles and facet joints. Pain can manifest itself as sprains or strains, disc bulges, protrusions or herniations, joint inflammation or as a sciatic nerve syndrome, etc. An initial evaluation can help to determine the cause of your pain. Soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization/manipulation combined with rehabilitative exercises and education is the most effective approach for most patients.
To treat back pain, one must have a comprehensive approach including controlling the inflammation (modalities/rest/ice), posture training, flexibility and strengthening of the muscles of the trunk and arms and legs.

It is not uncommon to address health issues only when they become acutely painful. We do this at an alarming rate, forgoing preventative care only to end up with a painful emergency. People often dismiss months of occasional twinges and aches as no big deal until they eventually explode into a debilitating, crippling injury. It is always best to address pain directly at its onset to minimize the problems associated with compensatory tactics trying to avoid the pain. If you have sudden onset of pain that does not resolve within a few days, it is best to get help from your provider of choice at Elite Performance & Rehabilitation.
Physical therapy and Chiropractic interventions for musculoskeletal pain include a number of options, depending on the injury.

Treatments include: pain management techniques including soft tissue mobilization, trigger point release and joint mobilizations as well as modalities including ultrasound and electrical stimulation and exercises to stretch or strengthen the injured and opposing muscles. A thorough examination is necessary to determine the cause of pain, and treatment options will be discussed before any intervention is begun.

Whether it is following an automobile accident or due to work or sleep postures, neck pain is generally relieved when the inflammation has been reduced, joint motion is restored, tissue tension minimized, and muscles have regained their strength and pliability.
Physical therapy and chiropractic care can help control the inflammation (modalities/rest/ice) and improve your posture, flexibility and strength of the joints/tissues of the neck, shoulders, upper back and arms. Headaches often accompany neck pain and respond well to these therapies too.

Osteoporosis is becoming a more recognized problem that can be managed with conservative care. Physical therapy can effectively treat osteoporosis patients with exercise, and body mechanics and postural training. If a patient has pain, various treatments may be needed to reduce the pain before starting a special exercise program.

Our body has the ability to repair itself from repeated loading if the load is not too great and time is allowed before the load is repeated. When we exceed these limits with inadequate rest, we cause damage to the tissues in our body. This is known by several names: overuse injury, overuse syndrome, repetitive strain injury or cumulative trauma disorder. These types of injuries may include: bursitis, tendinitis, shin splints, stress fractures and muscle strain, spasm or weakness.
The number one intervention for overuse injuries is rest. Depending on the affected area, other interventions may include ultrasound, stretching, muscle setting, and patient education about posture, body mechanics and pain management techniques.