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Sacroiliac Pain Treatment (SI Joint)

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Woman with Sacroiliac Pain

Physical therapy can be very effective in treating SI joint (sacroiliac joint) pain. The SI joint is located between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the ilium (part of the pelvis). Dysfunction or inflammation of this joint can lead to pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips. Back pain problems can be confused with, or related to, hip and leg pain, weakness, or numbness. Our clinicians are skilled at differential assessment and can treat most of these conditions with physical therapy. Try physical therapy before resorting to expensive tests and procedures!

How Saunders Treats Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Problems

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Our consultation starts with a thorough exam that includes an assessment of your posture, muscle flexibility and strength, spinal symmetry, and a neurological assessment.

Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques performed by our PTs to mobilize and manipulate the SI joint. These techniques can help improve joint alignment and reduce pain.

Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the muscles around the SI joint, such as the glutes, lower back, and core muscles, can provide stability and support to the joint. Strengthening these muscles can also reduce strain on the SI joint.

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching of the hip and lower back muscles can help alleviate tightness and improve flexibility. Tight muscles around the SI joint can contribute to pain and dysfunction.

Posture and Body Mechanics Education: Learning proper posture and body mechanics during daily activities can help reduce stress on the SI joint and promote better alignment.

Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Bracing or Taping: In some cases, we may recommend wearing a supportive brace or using kinesiology tape to provide additional stability to the SI joint.

Low-Impact Exercises: Engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking can help maintain overall fitness without putting excessive strain on the SI joint.

Woman with Sacroiliac Pain

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

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woman with thoracic outlet

Physical therapy for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a conservative, non-surgical treatment approach aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the functional capacity of individuals with this condition. TOS is a group of disorders that occur when there is compression of the nerves, blood vessels, or both in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib.

Saunders Therapy Centers physical therapists are experts at addressing the many factors contributing to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Saunders’ physical therapy for TOS typically involves the following components:

The Saunders Thoracic Outlet Treatment Approach

Assessment: Our physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to assess the specific symptoms and functional limitations caused by TOS. This evaluation will help determine the underlying cause of the condition and guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

Posture and Ergonomics: Your Saunders therapist will address any postural abnormalities or poor ergonomics that may be contributing to the compression in the thoracic outlet. Correcting posture and providing ergonomic recommendations can help reduce pressure on the affected structures.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, neck, and upper back region. Strengthening these muscles can improve stability and support the thoracic outlet, reducing the risk of compression.

Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle range of motion exercises are used to improve the mobility of the shoulder and neck. This can help alleviate stiffness and tension in the area.

Manual Therapy Techniques: Hands-on techniques, such as massage, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue manipulation, may be used by your Saunders PT to reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and relieve pain.

Nerve Gliding Exercises: Specific exercises designed to promote the gliding of nerves through the thoracic outlet may be incorporated to alleviate nerve compression symptoms.

Pain Management Techniques: The therapist may teach pain management strategies, such as relaxation techniques, ice or heat therapy, and the use of assistive devices to ease discomfort.

Home Exercise Program: A personalized home exercise program will be provided, ensuring continuity of care and progress in the rehabilitation process.

woman with thoracic outlet
In some cases, if conservative treatments like physical therapy do not provide sufficient relief, more invasive treatments may be considered. Since Saunders Therapy Centers has great success treating TOS, it’s always a good idea to try us first, before you seek more invasive treatments like surgery.

 

Physical Therapy for Dizziness and Vertigo

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physical therapist assisting with balancing exercise

Saunders physical therapists perform a detailed evaluation that can help distinguish between the many potential causes of dizziness (vertigo), balance problems, and related symptoms like nausea and light-headedness. At its best, vertigo is extremely annoying. At its worst, it can lead to a serious fall.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo, especially when the condition is caused by certain types of vestibular disorders. Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Physical therapy aims to help patients improve balance, reduce dizziness, and manage vertigo symptoms. The type of physical therapy used for vertigo is called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT involves specific exercises and techniques to promote adaptation and compensation for the dysfunction in the vestibular system. Here are some common components of VRT:

VRT Physical Therapy For Dizziness and Vertigo

Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises involve focusing on a fixed object while moving the head. This helps train the brain to stabilize vision during head movements, reducing dizziness.

Balance exercises: Patients may practice standing on different surfaces or perform specific movements to improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Habituation exercises: These exercises involve repeated movements that provoke dizziness to help the brain adapt and become less sensitive to the triggering movements over time.

Brandt-Daroff exercises: These are a set of exercises used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common type of vertigo caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear.

Canalith repositioning maneuvers: These maneuvers are used specifically for BPPV and involve guiding the loose calcium crystals out of the affected inner ear canal.

Vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) exercises: These exercises focus on improving the coordination between eye movements and head movements to enhance gaze stability during motion.

Falls Prevention

It’s important to remember that physical therapy for vertigo should be performed under the guidance of a trained physical therapist. The specific exercises and techniques used by your Saunders physical therapist will depend on the underlying cause of the vertigo and your unique condition. Additionally, not all cases of vertigo can be treated with physical therapy. Some cases may require medical intervention or other forms of treatment, but Saunders Therapy Centers is a great place to start in your journey toward an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Whiplash Treatment

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whiplash or neck pain

The treatment of whiplash by physical therapists typically involves a combination of different techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility, and promoting healing. Here are some common approaches Saunders physical therapists use to treat whiplash:

The Saunders Whiplash Treatment Approach

Evaluation and Assessment: Saunders physical therapists begin by assessing the severity of the whiplash injury and identifying any specific areas of concern or limitations.

Pain Management: We use various methods such as ice or heat therapy, gentle manual therapy or massage to help alleviate pain and inflammation in the affected area.

Manual Therapy: As you improve, we employ more hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to improve joint function and reduce muscle tension.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to improve flexibility, strength, and stability in the neck and surrounding muscles. These exercises help to restore normal function and prevent further injury.

Posture and Body Mechanics: Proper body mechanics and posture are emphasized to avoid additional strain on the neck and spine during daily activities.

Range of Motion Exercises: Gradual and controlled movements are prescribed to improve the range of motion in the neck and prevent stiffness.

Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are educated about whiplash and given advice on how to modify their daily activities and movements to support the healing process.

Cervical Traction: In some cases, cervical traction may be used to gently stretch the neck and alleviate pressure on the affected areas.

Functional Rehabilitation: Saunders physical therapists help you gradually return to regular activities and work by addressing any functional limitations caused by the whiplash injury.

whiplash or neck pain
It’s crucial to note that the treatment plan for whiplash can vary based on the severity of the injury and individual patient needs. Early intervention and consistent compliance with the prescribed treatment plan are essential for a successful recovery. If you experience whiplash or any other injury, Saunders physical therapists can help guide you back to full recovery.

 

Tennis Elbow Treatment

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Tennis player

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it can be caused by any repetitive arm and wrist movements, not just playing tennis. Activities such as typing, painting, plumbing, and using tools can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

The condition occurs when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become inflamed or damaged due to overuse or repetitive strain. This can lead to pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow and sometimes down the forearm.

Treatment for tennis elbow usually involves a combination of self-care measures and expert physical therapy. Here is how Saunders physical therapists treat tennis elbow:

The Saunders Tennis Elbow Treatment Approach

Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to gently mobilize and massage the elbow and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal elbow function.

Therapeutic Exercises: Our physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, gentle resistance training appropriate for your injury, and stretching.

Modalities: Therapeutic modalities can be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the shoulder area.

Functional Training: This involves practicing movements and activities that are relevant to your daily life or sports activities. Functional training helps to integrate the improved strength and flexibility into real-life situations.

Activity Modification: Your physical therapist may advise you on modifying certain activities or movements that aggravate your elbow pain to prevent further injury.

Education and Home Exercises: A crucial part of physical therapy is learning about your condition and performing home exercises and self-management techniques to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.

Taping and Bracing: In some cases, taping or bracing techniques may be used to support the elbow and facilitate healing.

Tennis player
Remember, every individual’s condition is unique, and the best physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. A personalized approach from an expert physical therapist is vital to achieve the best results. In most cases, tennis elbow can be effectively treated with conservative measures. However, if the pain persists or becomes severe, we will work with your physician or refer you to an appropriate specialist for additional care.

 

Shoulder Pain Treatment

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Shoulder Pain Treatment

The best physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain can vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the pain. However, there are some common physical therapy techniques that are often effective in addressing shoulder pain, including such conditions as shoulder tendinitis, shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff injury, and frozen shoulder. A Saunders physical therapist can help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your individual condition. Our goal is to achieve pain relief as soon as possible, and then to restore normal motion, strength, and posture to prevent recurrence of your symptoms. Saunders physical therapists specialize in shoulder pain treatment – choosing Saunders means you will be treated by an experienced professional. Here are some common physical therapy treatments we might use for your condition:

The Saunders Shoulder Pain Treatment Approach

Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to mobilize and manipulate the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal shoulder function.

Therapeutic Exercises: Our physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and enhance stability. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, resistance training, and stretching.

Modalities: Therapeutic modalities can be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the shoulder area.

Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. Our experts will assess and provide strategies to improve posture, reducing stress on the shoulder joint.

Functional Training: This involves practicing movements and activities that are relevant to your daily life or sports activities. Functional training helps to integrate the improved strength and flexibility into real-life situations.

Activity Modification: Your physical therapist may advise you on modifying certain activities or movements that aggravate your shoulder pain to prevent further injury.

Education and Home Exercises: A crucial part of physical therapy is learning about your condition and performing home exercises and self-management techniques to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.

Taping and Bracing: In some cases, taping or bracing techniques may be used to support the shoulder joint and facilitate healing.

Shoulder Pain Treatment
Remember, every individual’s condition is unique, and the best physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. A personalized approach from an expert physical therapist is vital to achieve the best results. Additionally, it’s essential to follow the therapist’s advice and be consistent with the exercises and treatments to maximize the benefits of physical therapy.

 

Work Ready for Brain Injury Program

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Saint Paul Industrial Rehabilitation Team

After extensive rehabilitation, are you at a plateau, struggling to perform work activities or figure out next steps for return to work?

At Saunders, we provide a supportive, structured environment where we gradually expose you to the common stressors people with brain injury encounter in the work environment. These can include difficulty with light or sound, visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and physical challenges.

Regain Function and Return to Work with Saunders!

Saunders Therapy Centers’ Work Ready Program is just like our Work Hardening program – but adapted for you. In a nutshell, Saunders’ Work Ready program is simply Work Hardening that goes at your own pace, and also addresses the specific challenges you might be facing with sensory or task sequencing problems. 

What Can I Expect?

At Saunders, your program will be CUSTOMIZED. We perform a 2-hour, comprehensive evaluation to determine your strength, function, and readiness for work. We then work WITH YOU to determine the ideal program.

We gradually increase exposure to those frustrating combination of circumstances that are getting in the way of returning to work.  The activities you’ll do, the length and duration of each session, and the overall length of the program will be unique for your circumstances.

Work Ready for Brain Injury Team

We know it’s hard to increase physical stamina if you’re struggling to tolerate light or sound.

Work Hardening – What Exactly Will I Do?

Work Hardening – What Exactly Will I Do?

Most people who are referred for Work Hardening have physical barriers that prevent them from reaching their work goals. Examples of these are stiffness, weakness, poor balance, or poor endurance….

What is the Work Hardening Evaluation?

What is the Work Hardening Evaluation?

Before beginning the program, each client participates in a 2-hour evaluation. We obtain a thorough injury history, work history, psychosocial screening and baseline functional assessment covering lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying,…

Realistic, Experienced, Non-Biased, Compassionate Treatment

work hardening client reaching overhead with knot-tying exercisework hardening client performing plumber simulation with pipe wrenchwork hardening client grasping cardboard boxwork hardening client performing warehouse simulation material handlingwork hardening client using wrench to tighten unistrutwork hardening client squatting to lift bread crates for job simulationwork hardening client using handtruck to move materials up stairstherapist working with patient and another patient on treadmill nearbyflight attendant client simulating putting suitcase in overhead binflight attendant client simulating beverage servicevarious people working out in Saunders Therapy Centers gymoccupational therapist assisting client with advanced ball exerciseoccupational therapist encouraging client during work simulation as plumberoccupational therapist chatting with smiling client carrying boxwork hardening client assembling structure with unistrut using wrenchOccupational therapist teaching shoulder rotation exercise in gymphysical therapist and firefighter practicing patient transport in gymphysical therapist explaining body mechanics techniques to firefighteroccupational therapist checking exercise technique in gymphysical therapist assistant encouraging a happy patient in gymphysical therapist chatting with patient doing exercisephysical therapist assistant helping with sit-to-stand exerciseoccupational therapist testing shoulder strengthoccupational therapist teaching lifting techniqueoccupational therapist chatting with client performing material handling exercisesoccupational therapist palpating upper back muscles during patient exercise

Falls Prevention and Balance Training

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Helping an older person walk

Dizziness, unsteadiness, and feeling a loss of balance is very unpleasant and frustrating. Individuals over the age of 65 are statistically at much higher risk of falls. Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again, and 1 out of 5 falls in the elderly cause a fracture or head injury. (Statistics from the CDC’s Facts About Falling)

Saunders physical therapists play a crucial role in fall prevention for their patients. Falls can lead to significant injuries and reduced quality of life, especially for older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions. Here are some strategies that our physical therapists can employ to prevent falls:

We Love to Help Prevent Falls!

Assessment and Screening: We will perform a detailed evaluation to objectively assess your fall risk

Individualized Exercise Programs: We will design specific exercises to strengthen your legs and the muscles that support balance. This personalized exercise program will focus on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.

Fall Risk Education: We will teach you about fall risk factors and how to recognize environmental hazards and navigate safely in your surroundings. We will problem-solve situations in your home to decrease your risk of falls

Gait Training: We will work on improving walking patterns and gait mechanics to enhance stability and reduce the risk of stumbling or tripping.

Use of Assistive Devices: If necessary, our physical therapists can recommend and train you on the use of assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to provide additional support during mobility.

Balance Training: We can teach specific exercises that challenge balance and proprioception, helping you improve your stability and ability to recover from unexpected balance disturbances.

Vision Assessment: We definitely encourage our patients to have their vision checked regularly and ensure they you wear appropriate eye wear when necessary.

Medication Review: We remind you to consult with your healthcare providers about potential side effects of medications that may affect balance or increase fall risk.

Monitoring and Progression: We will regularly monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to continue challenging appropriately.

Fall Recovery Techniques: Our experts can teach you techniques for safe falling and how to recover from a fall to minimize injury.

Community and Home-Based Programs: We encourage our patients to participate in community-based exercise programs or group classes specifically aimed at fall prevention.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, physicians, and nurses, to create a comprehensive fall prevention plan for each patient.

Fall Follow-Up: After successful fall prevention training, we can continue monitoring as necessary to ensure you maintain your functional gains and do not develop new risk factors.

Home Safety Tips

At Saunders, we realize that fall prevention requires a multi-faceted approach, and physical therapists play a significant role in reducing fall risk and improving the overall safety and well-being of their patients.

BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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BPPV dizziness

BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, is the most common source of vertigo. Vertigo is the false sensation that you are falling, or the room is spinning. The main symptom of BPPV is that your vertigo is triggered by head movements (suddenly looking up, down, or to the right or left.) Rarely serious, it is significantly disabling and can cause a risk of falling. Fortunately, it can be helped by physical therapy.

Tiny organs and fluid in your inner ear are responsible for balance. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia or “canaliths” come loose from their normal location in the inner ear.  When the ear crystals become detached, they can flow freely in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear, including the semi-circular canal – the organ that senses rotation of the head. These floating crystals create havoc, by falsely telling your inner ear that your position in space is changing. This is what causes the spinning sensation with head movement that people with BPPV describe.
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether your vertigo/dizziness is likely caused by BPPV. If so, positional techniques called “Canalith Repositioning” can be very effective in resolving the symptoms.

 

What Does A Physical Therapist Do for BPPV?

Saunders Therapy Centers physical therapists are all skilled at performing Canalith Repositioning techniques.

The canalith repositioning procedure consists of several simple maneuvers for positioning your head. Guided by your therapist, the head movements attempt to move the loose particles from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear into a location where they don’t cause trouble and are more easily resorbed.

This procedure often works immediately, and usually works after one or two treatments. Since BPPV can recur, you will be taught how to perform the procedure on yourself so that you can do it at home if needed.

 

BPPV dizziness

 

Tension Headaches

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Seated man with tense look on face due to headache

Tension headaches are a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching pain, typically felt on both sides of the head. They are often caused by stress, muscle tension, poor posture, or fatigue. Symptoms are often constant and do not change with activity or rest. Many tension headache sufferers rely on medication just to get through the day.

The good news is that physical therapists at Saunders Therapy Centers can provide treatment and advice for tension headaches:. Treatment involves myofascial release, manual therapy techniques, gentle stretching, muscle retraining, and postural correction. Education to relax the muscles of the face, neck, and upper body are also very beneficial.

Tension Headache Treatment at Saunders Therapy Centers

Manual Therapy: Gentle mobilization techniques to the neck, shoulders, and even jaw can help relieve muscle tension and reduce headache symptoms.

Relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help reduce stress and muscle tension that contribute to tension headaches.

Heat or cold therapy: Applying a warm compress or taking a warm bath can help relax tense muscles. Alternatively, a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth can be applied to the forehead or neck to help numb the pain.

Posture Correction: Maintaining good posture can help prevent tension headaches. Our hands-on techniques, exercise instruction and advice helps you be mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and working on the computer.

Good Advice: Your Saunders PT will help you problem solve such issues as staying hydrated and getting enough rest, recognizing and avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy exercise routine.

woman with tension headache

 

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