Doctor Michael Wright, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon, is joined by Scott Doherty, Physician Assistant, at Missoula Bone & Joint Surgery Center. Dr. Wright was on his way into surgery to perform a Posterior Cruciate Ligament, PCL, repair of the knee joint. The knee is structurally complex. It is held together by four ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) and two tendons…
Physical therapy
How can core strength help prevent joint pain?
Whether sitting, standing, or moving about, core strength is important for overall function and movement of our bodies. Often times when trying to improve core strength, variations of abdominal crunches come to mind. However, there are more functional and effective exercises to help you achieve the increased core strength you’re looking for. The area…
Tagged With: core strength, hip pain, knee pain, lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapy
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialty practice in orthopedics that focuses not only on the hand but can include the entire upper extremity. The overall goal of hand therapy is to restore as much return of hand/arm use as possible given the patient’s particular condition. The discipline is practiced by occupational and physical therapists. After treating hand and…
Don’t Let Pelvis Floor Issues Cause Embarrassing Leaks
Have you ever heard a woman talk about how she experiences a small “leak” when laughing, sneezing, or coughing after childbirth? Perhaps you have experienced this yourself. What you or the person experiencing these “little accidents” should know is that this disorder can be cured. In fact, the cure rate is 80% to be exact. Pregnancy…
What is Running Gait Analysis?
Kristina Pattison is passionate about helping runners to move stronger and faster and avoid injury. Have you ever thought about how you run and how your body moves with each foot strike? Running Gait Analysis is the best way to develop a program specific for you. Kristina says “maintaining full joint range of motion and functional stability required…
Breathing Matters – diaphragm efficiency
Coming in a close second to the heart as our body’s most important muscle, the diaphragm serves as our air pump. It attaches to the ribs and spine, doming and relaxing as we exhale, flattening and contracting as we inhale. Due to its attachment to our skeleton, our body position influences how efficiently it can…
When should I have total joint surgery on my knee?
Based upon your history, x-rays and physical exam, your orthopedic surgeon can make some general recommendations. However, you will know when the time is right for you. We will ask you to decide if your discomfort, stiffness, and inability to perform tasks justify undergoing surgery. There is no harm in waiting to have surgery…
Functional Dry Needling as a treatment option
Functional Dry Needling (DN) is a skilled intervention used by physical therapists that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. A trigger point describes a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger…
Filed Under: Physical therapy
Conditioning for Scottish Highland Dancing
With the last name of Scott, it will surprise no one that a part of my family heritage is Scottish. I will declare it loudly and proudly, and with the exception of haggis, I embrace the unique aspects of Scottish culture: bagpipes, fish and chips, kilts, Arbroath smokies, and Scottish Highland dancing! For several…
What is Good Posture?
The word “posture” often conjures flashbacks to adolescence with a motherly voice exhorting you to “stand up straight!” As a physical therapist I often hear patient’s say “I have awful posture” or “I try to maintain good posture”. These statements beg the question, what is good posture? Good posture is not a spot…
Tagged With: back pain, body position, movement, painfree, physical therapy, postural restoration, posture, spine alignment
