Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders:

Musculoskeletal Disorders or diseases are those that affect the bones, muscles and joints. The majority of musculoskeletal conditions develop slowly due to repeated minor injuries, poor posture or stress on particular muscles. They are characterized by chronic pain and limited mobility. Depending on the type and severity of the disorder or disease, treatment can range from simple rest to surgical intervention. National Physical Therapy offers several specialized physical and occupational therapy options that is both preventative and remedial. We offer a variety of treatments that help to increase mobility and relieve pain for the most common muscle and joint-related conditions including:

• Back Pain - Any pain in the back. It is usually characterized by dull, continuous pain and tenderness in the muscles of the lower regions of the back. Some causes for back pain include poor posture, bad lifting, pushing and pulling techniques, and pregnancy. In general, physical therapy can significantly decrease back pain, increase mobility, and maintain strength to prevent further recurrences.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain of the fingers and hand.
• Epicondylitis - Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is soreness or inflammation of the epicondyle in the arm and surrounding tissues. It happens when you damage the tendons that connect the muscles of your forearm to your elbow. Our physical therapists may use ultrasound or other modalities to help heal the damage of the injury. Additionally, they may prescribe flexibility and strengthening exercises to allow you to return to the activity. In some cases, a wrist splint or brace may be recommended.
• Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia
  symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body.
• Neck Pain - Neck pain is usually caused by bad habits including poor posture, poor lifting techniques, and overexertion on the job. Another major cause is stress. Some common symptoms of neck pain are persistent aching and stiffness, and sharp pain. Whatever the nature of your problem, physical therapy by one of our licensed physical therapists can often help you recover function quickly and teach you new habits to minimize the risk of further pain or injury.
• Repetitive Motion Disorders - Tissue damage caused by repeated trauma. Almost any form of activity that produces repeated trauma to a particular area of soft tissue, including tendons may cause this type of injury. Our therapists have designed individualized treatment plans to give the affected area time to rest, and then slowly introduce stretching and relaxation exercises to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Scoliosis - Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in your spine. Some curves in your spine are normal. But a few people have spines that make a large curve from side to side in the shape of the letter "S" or the letter "C." If this curve is severe, it can cause pain and make breathing difficult.
• Tendonitis - Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon which is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury.