Physical Therapy Blog

Knee pain is a common condition that affects individuals across all demographics, often limiting the ability to perform daily activities or participate in physical exercise and sport. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the leading causes of knee pain, impacting approximately 22.7% of the general population. This condition does not discriminate—affecting everyone from an elite marathoner to a parent trying to squat to play with their toddler on the floor. Women are twice as likely as men to experience PFPS, and 1 in 14 adolescents will encounter this condition during their development. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PFPS is crucial for effective management and long-term relief.

The shoulder is an incredible structure, providing us with the freedom to manipulate our environment in various planes of motion. From throwing a fastball at over 100 mph to working overhead for hours, the shoulder allows us to perform countless complex movements. However, this impressive mobility comes at the cost of stability, making the shoulder vulnerable to various conditions, the most common of which is shoulder impingement syndrome.

Spondylolysis, a stress fracture in the lumbar vertebra known as the pars interarticularis, is a significant concern for adolescent athletes. This injury, often referred to as a pars defect or pars fracture, is prevalent among young athletes engaged in sports that involve repetitive lumbar spine motions. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of this condition and to ensure the athlete’s long-term spinal health.

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition where the top of the femur (the ‘ball’) makes contact with the acetabulum (the ‘socket’), causing joint pain. This often occurs due to an irregular shape of one of the hip bones, leading to friction that damages the labrum, the soft tissue surrounding the joint. In this guide, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for hip impingement to help you better understand this condition and find relief from its discomfort.

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries, impacting countless individuals regardless of their level of physical activity. Grade 1 ankle sprains are mild but require appropriate attention and care to ensure a quick and effective recovery. A Grade 1 ankle sprain occurs when there is slight stretching and damage to the ankle’s ligaments, typically the anterior talofibular ligament. Unlike more severe sprains, Grade 1 sprains do not involve significant tearing and are characterized by mild pain, swelling, tenderness, and possible instability.

Motherhood brings a myriad of changes, both joyful and challenging. For the female athlete, returning to sport postpartum can seem like a mountain to climb. Knowing what symptoms you might experience and how to prepare your body for athletic activities is a crucial part of the journey back to your sporting life. In addition to self-care, enlisting the right team of professionals can make all the difference. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy loves helping our postpartum athletes return to their sport safely and confidently. However, even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn more about symptoms postpartum female athletes experience, tips on preparing the body for a return to sport, and the best professionals to guide your journey toward improved performance.

In the world of running, speed is often seen as the ultimate achievement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete aiming to shave off a few seconds from your personal best or a beginner striving to build your pace, running faster requires more than sheer determination. It demands a strategic approach, understanding your body, and seeking professional guidance. In this article, we will explore practical techniques for running faster while avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining.

Football is a sport that demands immense physicality and skill. Whether it's a quarterback launching a perfect spiral, a running back breaking tackles, or a defensive lineman sacking the opposing quarterback, the game significantly strains a player's body. As a result, football players are at a high risk of experiencing injuries and discomfort during their careers. A physical therapist can be an excellent resource to help any player get back on the field - we love utilizing sport-specific programming for our football players at EW Motion Therapy. You might decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we explore football players’ common symptoms and injuries and how physical therapy plays a crucial role in keeping them on the field. We'll also explore how physical therapists collaborate with coaches and athletic trainers to create a winning player health and performance strategy.

Stress fractures in the lower extremities can be a painful setback for anyone, from athletes to everyday individuals. These tiny cracks in bones result from repetitive stress and overuse, often causing discomfort and disrupting daily activities. Physical therapy can be essential for a speedy recovery and returning to your favorite activities - we love doing this for our athletes at EW Motion Therapy. Even if you decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can read on as we delve into lower extremity stress fractures, exploring the risk factors that make some individuals more susceptible, the typical recovery timeline, and physical therapy’s crucial role in rehabilitation.

Participating in sports and physical activities is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Athletes are admired for their dedication, endurance, and performance on the field. However, beneath the surface, a hidden issue affects many athletes – Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). This condition can significantly impact an athlete's health and performance, but with proper training and the right care team, any athlete can remain healthy and perform at their best. A physical therapist is often a fantastic ally to ensure your body’s tolerance of your sport - we help our athletes at EW Motion Therapy every day to perform at their best according to the demands of their sport. Even if you decide that our physical therapy isn’t right for you, you can still read on as we explore the symptoms of RED-S, who is most affected, the risk factors associated with the condition, and how physical therapy can play a vital role in its management and prevention.