Lepre

Head & Neck:
Many factors such as poor posture, arthritis, car accidents or sports related trauma can lead to head and neck pain.  As a result you may develop headaches, TMJ dysfunction, whiplash or muscle strain, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease or herniated discs.  You may even require surgery.

Treatment: 

For head and neck pain, therapists will use methods that can be applied at home as well as in the clinic including heat/ice packs, stretching, strengthening and lifestyle modifications.  Treatment within the clinic may include ultrasound, laser, cervical traction, massage and electrical stimulation or TENS.  

For more information visit www.webmd.com

Lower back:
Back pain can develop for many different reasons.  Arthritis and age related problems may develop into degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and sciatica or pinched nerves sending pain into the legs.  Other common problems such as herniated discs, and muscle strain could be related to sports or trauma.  In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Treatment:

Therapists at Lepre Physical Therapy will assist you in finding the best treatment to correct your back problem. Methods include ultrasound, laser, TENS, decompression traction, massage and specialized manual techniques.  Patients are given home exercise programs which include stretching, strengthening, posture and proper techniques to keep a healthy back. 

For more information visit www.webmd.com

Shoulder:
Physical therapists at Lepre can assist you in recovering from various shoulder pathologies including osteoarthritis pain, rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement, bursitis, frozen shoulder, or thoracic outlet syndrome.  Trauma can also lead to dislocations/subluxations, rotator cuff tears or other problems that may even lead to surgery. 

Treatment:

Rehabilitation within the clinic will center around pain management, flexibility, and strengthening.  Treatments often used are electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser, massage, stretching, and theraband strengthening. Therapists at Lepre will also instruct each patient in his/her own home exercise program in order to return to normal everyday activity.   

For more information visit www.webmd.com

Elbow:

Common injuries that may arise include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, fractures, pinched nerves, trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and general muscle weakness.  Therapists at Lepre also commonly treat patients who have undergone surgery for the above injuries as well as muscle repairs.

Treatment:

A variety of options are available for pain in the hand, wrist or elbow.  Therapists will decide between ultrasound, iontophoresis, massage, laser, and paraffin wax for reducing pain and swelling.  A home exercise program will be put together to work on flexibility, strength, and functional activities such as grip.  Therapists at Lepre will also address home and work station modifications to prevent re-injury. 

Wrist & Hand:

Common injuries that may arise include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, fractures, pinched nerves, trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and general muscle weakness.  Therapists at Lepre also commonly treat patients who have undergone surgery for the above injuries as well as muscle repairs.

Treatment:

A variety of options are available for pain in the hand, wrist or elbow.  Therapists will decide between ultrasound, iontophoresis, massage, laser, and paraffin wax for reducing pain and swelling.  A home exercise program will be put together to work on flexibility, strength, and functional activities such as grip.  Therapists at Lepre will also address home and work station modifications to prevent re-injury. 

Hip:

The hip and knee joints are very active making them prone to osteoarthritis.  If severe, this may eventually lead to a hip or knee replacement.  Other common knee injuries include meniscus tears, ACL tears/repairs, ligament sprains, tendonitis and Osgood Schlatter in young patients.  Hip pain is also caused by muscle strains and bursitis. At times, arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery is necessary. 

Treatment:

Initial treatment depends on the degree of injury.  Most patients will receive a home exercise program that will include stretching, strengthening, and pain management techniques.  Therapists within the clinic may use ultrasound, laser, electrical stimulation, massage, or iontophoresis and will gradually advance your exercise program to fit your level of activity according to your doctor’s orders. 

Knee:

The hip and knee joints are very active making them prone to osteoarthritis.  If severe, this may eventually lead to a hip or knee replacement.  Other common knee injuries include meniscus tears, ACL tears/repairs, ligament sprains, tendonitis and Osgood Schlatter in young patients.  Hip pain is also caused by muscle strains and bursitis. At times, arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery is necessary. 

Treatment:

Initial treatment depends on the degree of injury.  Most patients will receive a home exercise program that will include stretching, strengthening, and pain management techniques.  Therapists within the clinic may use ultrasound, laser, electrical stimulation, massage, or iontophoresis and will gradually advance your exercise program to fit your level of activity according to your doctor’s orders. 

Foot & Ankle:

Common injuries that can be seen in the foot and ankle region are sprains/strains, fractures, Achilles tendonitis or rupture, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions and hammer toe.  Certain trauma may even require surgery.  Therapists at Lepre are also equipped to treat injured athletes in the process of returning to organized or recreational sports. 

For a video on plantar fasciitis visit www.webmd.com

Treatment:

Treatment will focus on reducing pain and swelling using laser, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, iontophoresis, or ice.  Patients will be educated on appropriate home treatments as well as exercise for flexibility and strength.  In most cases, balance walking, and stair climbing exercises will be incorporated to return to normal function at home.   Higher level training is also provided for the injured athlete. 

For more information please visit www.webmd.com