Lauris Rigdon, Author at Onondaga Physical Therapy

24 08, 2017

The Big Toe – How Important Is It?

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00August 24th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on The Big Toe – How Important Is It?

The forefoot consists of the five toes and their connecting long bones, the metatarsals. Each toe (phalanx) is made up of small bones called phalanges. The phalanges of all five toes are connected to the metatarsals by metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints at the ball of the foot. During efficient walking and running, the forefoot bears half the body’s weight and balances pressure on the ball of the foot, and the big toe joint (first MTP joint) should take on the majority of the push off force for forward movement.

3 08, 2017

How your golf swing can lead to increased back pain

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00August 3rd, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on How your golf swing can lead to increased back pain

Those who play the game of golf know the physical strain it can place on the entire body especially the lower back. The last thing any golfer wants to do is to miss a few rounds of golf because of pain or injury. Anyone who watches golf on TV can tell you that the days when players were out of shape and overweight are gone. Nowadays, each player follows a rigorous training program to stay at the top of their game throughout the year. Here are a few tips to keep you at the top of your game.

28 07, 2017

Heat or Ice – Is one better than the other?

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00July 28th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Heat or Ice – Is one better than the other?

A very common question that patients ask during their physical therapy treatment is whether they should use heat or ice for pain relief. The main consideration before deciding which to use, is determining whether or not inflammation is present in the painful area.

What is inflammation?

12 07, 2017

SYRACUSE PHYSICAL THERAPIST JULIE BERUBE AWARDED ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00July 12th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on SYRACUSE PHYSICAL THERAPIST JULIE BERUBE AWARDED ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION

Julie Berube, PT, DPT, of Syracuse, New York, was awarded the professional designation of board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of 2000 hours of clinical practice in one of nine specialty areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Sports, and Women’s Health Physical Therapy. In addition, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice. As of 2016, approximately 5% of PT’s in the United States are board certified in orthopaedics, and Julie joins only 2.5% of physical therapists in New York State with an OCS certification.

8 06, 2017

Physical Therapist Expands Knowledge in Pelvic Floor Evaluation and Rehabilitation

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00June 8th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Physical Therapist Expands Knowledge in Pelvic Floor Evaluation and Rehabilitation

On May 5, 2017 physical therapist Taryn Bader, PT, DPT of Onondaga Physical Therapy attended a full-day seminar in Syracuse, NY titled:

The Fundamentals of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

The course was six hours of educational material focused on

19 05, 2017

What is a Physical Therapist Qualified to Treat?

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00May 19th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on What is a Physical Therapist Qualified to Treat?

Like most professions, physical therapy continues to evolve as a profession. It is now a 6 year doctorate program. Within that time, we learn to treat people with orthopedic conditions, neurological impairments, cardiac issues, amputations, vestibular issues and more. Physical therapists are trained to work with newborns to geriatrics and everyone in between. After graduation, we have to pass a national test to become licensed to practice. To keep our license active, we have to complete 36 hours of education every 3 years. This is where we can choose courses to better ourselves in our specific setting and learn the most modern techniques! Below is a general (but not inclusive) list of conditions we treat in outpatient physical therapy:

14 04, 2017

Why Do I feel Like I’m Spinning?

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00April 14th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Why Do I feel Like I’m Spinning?

BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, is a common cause of vertigo, or a false sense of spinning. It is fairly common among adults, with increased incidence as you age. It usually comes on without an apparent reason, however can occur after a head trauma or after spending time in a head tipped back position (such as in a dentist chair). Usually you will first notice symptoms when turning over in bed or when sitting up from bed in the morning.

The spinning sensation occurs due to a mechanical problem in the peripheral vestibular system of the inner ear. This system has calcium crystals called otoconia that sit on a gel-like substance and are sensitive to gravity, as well as three semicircular canals filled with fluid that are oriented in three different planes. In a normal vestibular system, the fluid in the canals moves when your head moves. This displaces hair cells and sends a message to the brain to tell it that your head is moving. Sometimes the otoconia crystals become dislodged into the fluid and give your brain a false signal that your head is moving when it’s not. This results in a spinning sensation, or vertigo.

6 04, 2017

Why am I having knee pain?

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00April 6th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Why am I having knee pain?

Injuries can happen any time during your training process, it is important to understand the difference between a “good pain” and a “bad pain”. At Onondaga Physical Therapy we offer Free Injury Screens as well as full evaluations to help quickly diagnose your issue, and help you on the road to recovery.

Knee injuries are very common among active individuals and best treated as soon as the pain starts – waiting typically lengthens the rehab time.

Causes: Poor stability above or below the knee, poor or old footwear, sedentary lifestyle, poor mechanics, too much training of the “same muscles” without cross-training

30 03, 2017

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00March 30th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

Prevelance:

It is estimated that approximately 50% of pregnant women will experience some kind of low back pain during their pregnancy, or during the postpartum period. Of those that experience low back pain, only about 50% of them will seek advice from a healthcare professional; with only 70% of those women actually receiving treatment.

Causes:

Mechanical: Weight gain during pregnancy, increased abdominal size, shifting of the center of mass forward; all can increase the stress on the low back. When the abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing uterus, muscle fatigue typically occurs which results in an increased load on the spine. Another common finding is weakness of their gluteus medius, or the outer glute/hip muscle.
Hormonal: Relaxin is a hormone secreted during pregnancy, and it causes your ligaments to get lax, which in turn can cause your pelvis to become unstable. This includes not only the SIJ (sacroiliac joint), but the entire low back resulting in instability of the pelvis and poor alignment of the spine.

Symptoms:

14 03, 2017

Physical Therapist Expands Knowledge for Treatment of Dizziness

By Lauris Rigdon|2019-04-22T17:30:18+00:00March 14th, 2017|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Physical Therapist Expands Knowledge for Treatment of Dizziness

On January 25th, 2017 physical therapist Julie Dmochowski, PT, DPT of Onondaga Physical Therapy attended a full-day seminar in Syracuse, NY titled: The Hands-on Guide to Vestibular Rehabilitation: Clinical Decision Making to Treat Vertigo, Dizziness, and Balance Disorders. The course consisted of over 7 hours of content and hands-on application of skills in order to most effectively evaluate and manage the dizzy patient.

About Lauris Rigdon

Prevelance:

Causes:

Symptoms: