Year: 2020

Harbor Physical Therapy Video Visits

As our country and the world battles the global pandemic of COVID-19, HPT has transitioned to video visits to continue to safely treat our patients.

Why do a video visit?

It’s an easy commute! Just like an in-person PT session, the physical therapist is there to offer their expertise to help you continue to progress forward with decreased pain, increased strength, and an increased quality of life. You will receive one-on-one attention throughout the session to help you reach your physical therapy goals.

What does a video PT visit look like?

During a video visit, one of our physical therapists will connect with you over video while you are in the comfort of your own home. The first few minutes will involve a chat with the therapist as you update them on how your injury or condition has evolved since you last saw them. The physical therapist may talk you through some self-massage and self-mobilization techniques that you can perform at home using things like tennis balls, towels, and belts so that you can continue to get the relief you need with the guidance of an expert. The rest of the session will involve a combination of safe strengthening, stability, and stretching exercises designed to help progress you forward. At the end of the session, the PT might ask for you to demonstrate the exercises from your home exercise program to make sure that your form is correct and to give you pointers on how to progress the exercises as necessary at home.

Does Insurance cover this?

Yes, most insurances are covering physical therapy video visits.  Some insurances are making video visits free!  If you would like to learn more about your insurance coverage, email

How do I schedule a video visit?

There are a few ways to schedule your first video visit. Please visit our website at http://www.machtmedicalgroup.com/harborphysicaltherapy/, call (443) 524-0442, or email to schedule your appointment today.

 

What is a Trigger Point?

A trigger point is a painful spot within a muscle which becomes painful when pressed upon.  When pressed on, trigger points feel like “knots” or tight bands in the muscle, and are usually tender. Healthy muscles usually do not contain knots or tight bands and are not tender to pressure.

There is not conclusive research on the definition of a trigger point.  However, many characteristics have been observed for decades by researchers all over the world. There are many mechanisms by which we develop trigger points. Some of those mechanisms include poor posture, injury to a muscle, muscle overuse, and repetitive stress overload. Trigger points limit range-of-motion and cause muscle fatigue.

Physical Therapy is a common treatment option for trigger point pain. Physical Therapy addresses trigger points by identifying and treating the primary driver of the trigger point.  This is done through trigger point release techniques, massage, dry needling, therapeutic exercise, and posture re-education.  If you are interested in learning how physical therapy can help with your trigger point pain, make an appointment at Harbor Physical Therapy.

The Big 3 Ws (What, Why & When) about a Home Exercise Program (HEP)

What is a HEP?

A HEP is a set of customized exercises that patients complete at home to maintain and improve on therapeutic gains from their Physical Therapy sessions. HEPs are designed to be practical, simple and complimentary so that patients can perform at home with little to no guidance.

Why do I need a HEP?

For almost all physical therapy patients, an essential component of recovery is supplementing your physical therapy sessions with your recommended HEP. Poor compliance with performing the HEP will slow the rehab process and prevent the patient from reaching their physical therapy goals.  Here’s an analogy to help drive home the point.

Imagine if you had an infection, and your doctor gives you an antibiotic to take twice a day for 2 weeks. If you skip taking your antibiotics medication for 2-3 days, you don’t give your body the best chance to fight off the infection. The infection persists, and the treatment might take longer and be more expensive. So, performing your HEP is a way of daily taking your exercise medication to supplement the gains made with your physical therapist.

When should I get a HEP?

We as therapist have done you the patient a big disservice if we don’t give you the tools to maintain and progress the gains you make during your sessions with us. A HEP should be provided from day 1 of your therapy and periodically updated as you progress over the weeks and months. Upon discharge from physical therapy, an updated and final HEP should be provided. In the event of symptom exacerbation post physical therapy, your HEP should provide you with tools to manage your symptoms and maintain a state of wellness.

 

Written by:
Dr. Nelson Emokpae
Physical Therapist at HPT

How to Relieve Lower Back Pain

Many people will experience lower back pain during the upcoming winter season. It may be from shoveling, decorating, or your usual daily activities. A common reason people experience lower back pain is due to muscle tightness. To help decrease muscle tightness, try these stretches below.

  1. Lower Trunk Rotation– This stretch helps to decrease muscle tightness located at your lower back and upper butt region. Perform 10 repetitions and hold for 5 seconds each.

  2. Single Knee to Chest stretch– This stretch helps to decrease pressure on your spine by creating flexion. Perform 4 on each side and hold for 30 seconds each.

  3. Seated Hamstring Stretch– This stretch helps to increase hamstring flexibility. This will decrease the hamstring muscle from pulling on the back musculature causing pain.

If you continue to have pain, please contact Harbor Physical Therapy for a thorough evaluation to determine the source of your back pain and an appropriate plan of care.