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Chronic Tendon Pain  Tendon pain is a common problem among active individuals seen in physical therapy practice. The most common sites for tendon pain include the elbow (involvement of the extensor muscles wrist and hand muscles), heel (achilles tendon), shoulder  (rotator cuff tendons) and the hip (gluteal tendons). Tendon problems may begin as an inflamed tendon following exposure to excessive stress. Tendonitis is best treated with activity modification, ice, and if necessary, ove...

Exercise is Better than Drugs for Chronic Pain  This past week, the Centers for Disease Control released clinical guidelines on the use of opioid medications for chronic pain. Chronic pain was defined as pain lasting greater than 3 months, or pain lasting past the time required for tissue healing after injury. It is important to know that clinical guidelines are derived from a thorough review and analysis of medical research studies. Among other recommendations, the CDC concludes that, ou...

What to do when you have an acute episode of back pain Last week, we posted a link to a news release from Excellus on back pain management. Excellus has analyzed information on back pain treatment in upstate New York over the course of the past several years. Some of the findings are alarming, particularly the increased utilization of medications and surgery to treat what really amounts to a normal aspect of life. Yes, back pain is a normal part of our life experience. Most of us by far will ex...

More and more Upstate New Yorkers are turning to surgery and perscription meds for relief from back pain. This can often lead to far worse outcomes. When experiencing back pain one of the best resources is your Physical Therapist. With Direct Access you can skip the visit to your PCP and go right to your PT. PTs can evaluate your injury/pain and offer exercises, stretches and modailities to will give you the relief you need!  Below is a portion of a recent article from BCBS:  ROCHE...

Is Spinal Manipulation an Effective Treatment for Back Pain? Manipulation has been employed in the treatment of back pain since the time of Hippocrates, who has been referred to as the father of western medicine.  Spinal manipulation involves the application of passive forces to the spine by a healthcare practitioner for the purpose of relieving pain and improving function. Chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths, and some medical providers perform spinal manipulation. There is p...