Therapy Referrals – FAQs
This post addresses general rules and FAQs for referring patients with orthopedic problems to physical therapy. To take a look at our Referral Guideline, click here.
Therapy Referral Advisor
If you haven’t read the introduction/explanation, please click here and do so first.
Therapy Referral Advisor – Introduction/Explanation
How Do You Know When to Refer?
Well, this is an attempt to help you arrive at a decision with your patient’s best interest at heart, relying on evidence (peer-reviewed studies, quality assurance studies), experience, and situational considerations.
If you have previously read this introduction, click here to get to the full guidelines or click here to see our Referral FAQs.
Mobilization Techniques in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
What is a “Frozen Shoulder?”
Frozen shoulder syndrome entails the progressive loss of both passive and active motion. It’s cause(s) (etiology) is not well understood, although significant risk factors include age, posture, diabetes, presence of neck pain, and sedentary work. In a frozen shoulder, the covering of the shoulder joint, called the joint capsule, becomes inflamed, very painful, and tightens up around the shoulder. An article was published in the October issue of Physical Therapy comparing mobilization techniques in the treatment of frozen shoulder.
Therapeutic Exercise – Terms Defined
These are a few of the most common terms used to describe therapeutic exercise
Therapeutic Exercise – What Is It?
Therapeutic Exercise is Prescribed Exercise
Each component of prescribed exercise is targeted specifically to change some parameter of function within your body. A parameter of function may be flexibility, range of motion, strength, muscular, or cardiovascular endurance.
The Role of Pain in Injury and Rehabilitation
“Is it OK for me to do _____ right now?”
Patients often ask that, or a variation of the question such as “I’d like to do _____ this weekend, but I wasn’t sure if I should avoid that or not.” Read more
One-On-One Treatment
What Does One-On-One Treatment Mean?
When we say that we provide “one-on-one treatment,” it means that our full attention will be focused on you during your appointment. That means that we don’t split your time with another one, two or even three patients, as is common in some other physical therapy clinics. Read more
The Role of Posture in Shoulder Impingement
Posture? Are You Just Nagging Me?
Hey, that’s what I used to think! Subacromial impingement (SAI – aka shoulder bursitis) like most other orthopedic problems is influenced a number of factors. Some are structural – like the presence of a “hook” acromion – while others are related to lifestyle and body mechanics. Specifically, sedentary individuals seem to suffer far more from SAI than those who are not sedentary. One of the reasons may be related to posture. Read more
Mechanical and Inflammatory Pain
A Common Question
A patient asked me a question today that I get from time to time: “If I get one of those spinal injections…is that a cure or does it just cover up the pain?” The answer is a little more complex and needs some background to explain fully. One of the determinants in diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic problems is the concept of mechanical versus inflammatory pain. Read more
