Referred Pain and Physical Therapy: What You Should Know

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Referred pain can be one of the most frustrating experiences for patients and doctors alike. It occurs when you have pain in one part of the body, even though the painful part is perfectly fine. The problem comes from a different part of the body because multiple parts share the same path in the spinal cord.

So what happens if you have referred pain? Does a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ  treat the painful part, the root source of the problem, or both? Below, we’ll examine what you should know about referred pain and why it matters.

Targeting the Right Area

Just like you can get confused when confronted with a difficult problem, your brain can get confused about where the irritation is coming from. With referred pain, your brain misinterprets the signal of the pain. So you continue to tell doctors that your leg hurts and your back feels fine, even though the problem has nothing to do with your leg.

The physical therapist has to put on their thinking cap to target the real source of the pain, so they can use stretching and strengthening techniques to treat the underlying cause. It’s important to find a physical therapist with enough experience dealing with different types of clients. Referred pain may not be uncommon, but finding the cause is not always straightforward.

What You Can Do in Flagstaff, AZ

You can’t see how the brain’s signals are crossing over, nor can your physical therapist. What you can do is describe the pain as accurately as possible, and be open to treatment methods. So, if your arm is on fire and the therapist focuses solely on your neck, you’ll have to make peace with the discrepancy. You might be surprised at how much it helps.

The best thing that you can do is see a physical therapist who can help you understand not just how referred pain works, but how different manipulations and treatment methods work to give you a handle on the problem. If you’re experiencing pain in Flagstaff, AZ and you’re ready to take action, contact Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance to learn more about our treatment methods.

car-injury

Can Physical Therapy Help a Broken Toe?

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Most people who break their toe for the first time are surprised at the answers they get from their medical providers. Because you can’t put a cast on a broken toe, the best thing that you can do is manage the pain as it heals. So, the question becomes what can you do during the healing process to help improve your odds of a fast recovery (with minimal repercussions)? Below, we’ll look at how physical therapy can help a broken toe in Flagstaff, AZ and get back to where you need to be.

Physical Therapy and Injury Severity

The severity of your fracture will have a lot to do with your treatment. As a general rule, you’re supposed to keep off the toe, avoid moving it too much, and use standard at-home remedies (e.g., ice, elevation, etc.) to manage your symptoms. In some cases, though, you may need to use crutches or tape to reduce pressure on the toe or help you avoid inadvertent toe movement.

Physical Therapy for a Broken Toe in Flagstaff

Physical therapy for a broken toe largely follows much of the standard mobility advice on the market. For example, you might do toe curls, marble pickups, and standard stretching to help you improve your mobility and manage pain. These treatments can all help you reduce any long-term effects of a broken toe and give you back most (if not all) of your range of motion.

However, there’s one major warning to keep in mind during your recovery: these exercises need to be done correctly to avoid making the issue worse. With the right physical therapist, you can not only learn the proper technique — based on your specific fracture — you can work through the exercise at the appropriate pace as you heal.

Find a Physical Therapist for You

The rate of recovery and the best exercise for you depends not just on where and how you broke your toe, but how old you are, your general health, and your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a physical therapist in Flagstaff to help you manage it all, contact the team at Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance to make an appointment today.

back-pain

Why is Back Pain so Hard to Diagnose?

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Ah, back pain—the great mystery of the human body. One day you’re fine, the next you’re wincing every time you bend over. And when you try to figure out what’s causing it? Good luck. Diagnosing back pain can feel like solving a riddle wrapped in an enigma, and even the pros will tell you it’s no easy task. Here’s why back pain keeps everyone on their toes (and off their backs).

It’s a Multi-Layered Puzzle

As your physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ can explain, your back isn’t just one thing—it’s a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, and discs all working together. If something goes haywire in one part, it can throw the whole system out of whack. The tricky part is figuring out which layer is causing the problem. Is it a herniated disc? A strained muscle? Nerve irritation? It could even be all three. With so many potential culprits, pinpointing the exact source of the pain is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Pain Likes to Travel

Back pain has a sneaky habit of showing up in places you’d least expect. A pinched nerve in your lower back can cause pain that shoots down your leg. A muscle strain in your upper back might make your neck feel stiff. And don’t even get us started on referred pain, where the problem is in one spot, but the pain shows up somewhere completely different. It’s like your body’s playing a game of telephone with your nervous system.

Everyone’s Back Is Unique

No two spines are exactly alike, which makes back pain even more individualized. What works for one person might do nothing for someone else. That’s why diagnosing and treating back pain often involves a bit of trial and error—and patience.

Back pain might be frustratingly elusive, but it’s not unbeatable. With the right physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ and a personalized approach, you can uncover the root cause and start feeling better. It just takes a little teamwork, a lot of listening, and maybe a few stretches along the way. Contact Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance today to book your appointment!

Can Orthopedics Treat Both Bones and Muscles?

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When you consider the broad field of orthopedics, you may not know exactly which conditions you can treat with this branch of medicine. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s one of the more versatile specialties. Below, we’ll look at how orthopedists help you strengthen both bone and muscle and why the right physical therapist may be able to ease pain and discomfort without the help of surgery.

What Are Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a speciality in medicine that treats both bones and muscles. This includes the joints, ligaments, tendons, and tissues. If you’re looking for an orthopedic physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ you can expect anything from muscle stimulation to strengthening exercises to mobilizations.

When Should I See a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff?

Most people see a physical therapist because they’re experiencing pain, whether that’s from a one-time surgery, unexpected accident, or chronic pain over the course of a lifetime. Whether you just got a new knee or you want to strengthen your ankle joints against unexpected sprains, setting up a consultation can open your eyes to a world of non-surgical treatment options.

Some people also see physical therapists in Flagstaff, AZ as a way to keep their bodies in peak condition, and you don’t have to be a star athlete to want to maintain or improve your bone or muscle mass. Consistent strength training can stave off potential injuries and give you better flexibility and mobility as you go about your daily tasks.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Your musculoskeletal system is integral with every major bodily system. At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, our staff can help you learn more about the underlying causes of your pain, whether it’s a damaged tendon or a misplaced joint. Or we can help you keep your body strong, especially if you’re more susceptible to bone or muscle loss.

From there, our staff can implement one or several techniques, from massage to exercises, to help your body protect itself from unexpected stress and strain. Here, we help you invest in long-term solutions so you don’t have to rely on short-term fixes.

Is Yoga a Substitute for Physical Therapy?

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Yoga is a time-honored practice that is known for its ability to help people improve balance, flexibility, and strength. If this sounds like the goal of physical therapy, it’s for a good reason. Physical therapy in Flagstaff, AZ is known for giving its patients many of the same benefits. If you’re considering yoga in place of physical therapy, we’ll look at whether this is a viable alternative.

Can Yoga in Flagstaff Replace Physical Therapy?

In short, no. While yoga can be a life-affirming activity for any participant, the reality is that it can’t take the place of a trained physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts who can address specific musculoskeletal issues. Their years of education and experience can help them find solutions that can give you the best possible outcome.

While yogis may be able to come to some of the same conclusions, their advice may be more generic. Plus, there’s far more variance between yogis, as the criteria to lead a class or teach a private session will differ greatly from that of a licensed physical therapist. At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, we ensure you work with a specialist who understands your needs. So, whether you’re coming to our practice to increase mobility in your shoulder or you’re just looking to maintain strength while you run, we can give you the help you need.

Find a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff, AZ

Ideally, you’ll look at yoga as a complement to physical therapy, especially if you’re treating chronic pain in Flagstaff. The exercises that you do in practice can reinforce the movements that you’ll do in physical therapy. To reduce the risk of injury, you can talk to your physical therapist about how to modify the exercises to reap the benefits without putting your body at risk.

If you have questions about what type of physical therapy is right for you, contact Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance. Our physical therapists can help you figure out both formal therapy schedules, but also more informal ways to keep up with your strength training. Whether you do yoga in your bedroom to a YouTube video or in a formal studio, you might be surprised at how much it helps!

3 Easy Shoulder Exercises to Improve Flexibility

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While back pain (particularly lower back pain) is probably the most talked about mobility issue, up to 70% of all people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. Here, we’ll look at why shoulder mobility matters and how a few simple exercises can help you improve your flexibility.

Shoulder Mobility: What You Should Know 

Shoulder mobility essentially refers to your shoulder’s range of motion. The more flexibility you have, the less likely you are to run into strains or injuries, which makes it less likely you’ll experience shoulder pain in Flagstaff, AZ. And this is important when you consider that your shoulder has a lot to do with how you move throughout the day. From what you can reach on the top shelves to how well you play basketball, you don’t want to leave your shoulder strength to chance.

Excellent Shoulder Exercises for Flexibility 

Essentially, the more accustomed your body becomes to a certain type of movement, the less likely you are to be injured if the movement or force unexpectedly occurs. Here are a few shoulder exercises that can help you steadily improve your mobility:

  • Rotations: Hold a long object, like a broomstick, above your head with straight arms (about shoulder-distance apart). Then move the stick behind your head without bending your arms. Rotate your arms back to the front and repeat.
  • Shoulder Stretch: Cross your right arm across your body and then use your left hand to stretch as far as possible. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other side.
  • Pec Stretch: Stand in a door and raise your right arm to your shoulder level (keep your left arm at your left side). Put your hand on the wall and then rotate your body to the left. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat.

Visit a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff

While mobility exercises can help you keep your flexibility up, sometimes it helps to see a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ. Whether you’ve suffered a sports injury or you’re just looking for more specific exercises for your body type, it helps to talk to an expert. At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, we’re here to help you tackle it all.

3 Reasons Your Hip Hurts

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Hip pain is a relatively common complaint from many people. Runners may feel it after putting in too many miles, older people may feel it when they first wake up, and people from every walk of life can feel it after a single fall or injury. If you’re unsure what’s causing your hip pain, we’ll look at some common reasons for hip pain in Flagstaff, AZ and what you can do about it.

Bursitis

Your bones in your hips don’t bump up against one another. Instead, they’re protected by fluid-filled sacs called bursae. If these sacs become irritated in any way, they’ll start to swell. Those with bursitis will feel it most in their groin area.

Arthritis

Hip arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joint starts to wear down. Found at the top of your thighbone, the cartilage allows the joint to move smoothly every time you walk. When it starts to deteriorate, there’s less space between each bone. The thinner it gets, the stiffer and more painful it is. The most advanced cases will experience bone-on-bone contact, which can be particularly unbearable.

Sneaky Injuries

Not every strain or sprain is as apparent as others. Sometimes, even getting out of bed the wrong way can lead to hip pain. Whether it’s a tendon tear or a hip dislocation, not all hip injuries present with the same symptoms.

Getting Help

Many hip injuries are solved with simple rest and relaxation. The more you give it time to rest and heal without aggravating the condition by walking or exercising, the more likely it is to resolve on its own. That said, there’s a danger in trying to treat a more serious condition on your own, especially if you don’t know exactly what’s causing the pain.

If you’re looking for ways to treat or prevent a hip injury, you should also consider seeing a qualified physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ. With the right exercises and the proper recommendations, you may be able to drastically strengthen your hips and core or, at the very least, slow the progression of deterioration. At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, we’re here to help you get the care you need.

Four Common Causes of Back Pain

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Back pain is one of the most common conditions that people experience. It can impact several areas of your life. From relationships to your career, back pain can get in the way. Luckily, there are some great treatment options that can help.

If you’re searching for dependable back pain treatment in Flagstaff, AZ, look no further than Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance. We can properly diagnose your condition and get you on the path to better health!

In this post, we’ll discuss four common causes of back pain.

Muscle or ligament strain

Muscles and ligaments are found throughout the body. That said, we use them day in and day out. When certain muscles or ligaments are strained, this can lead to back pain. Those who lift heavy weights are more prone to developing the condition. Being in poor physical shape is another risk factor to consider.

Arthritis

Many people with arthritis experience back pain. Some people even get arthritis in the spine, which can cause narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This condition is called spinal stenosis.

Bulging or ruptured disks

Those with bulging or ruptured disks can also have back pain. These disks act as cushions for the bones in your spine, but they can experience problems. Bulging or ruptured disks occur when the disks in your spine bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. Those with this condition may have a lot of pain or none at all.

Osteoporosis

Over time, the bones in our vertebrae can become weak and porous. This can lead to small breaks in the bones, which can cause back pain.

Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance

If you’re tired of everyday back pain, our team is ready to help. While we treat several different conditions, back pain is one of the most common. That said, we know special techniques and treatments that can help kick the back pain for good. We’re here to get you back to optimal health! Make an appointment today to work with the top physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ!

Is All Back Pain Preventable?

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Tens of millions of Americans report some type of back pain, whether it’s acute or chronic. This ever-present complaint may lead people to believe that back pain is far more inevitable than it is preventable. However, the story isn’t as straightforward as that, and it’s important to understand what you can do to avoid this common condition.

Acute Vs. Chronic

Acute back pain refers to back pain that comes and goes, while chronic back pain can start to feel like it will last indefinitely. If you’ve been experiencing back pain for longer than three months, you’ve officially entered the chronic stage of this condition. Back pain can be categorized as short, stabbing pains or dull aches.

No matter what kind you experience, it’s important to be aware of how the pain comes on and when it starts to abate. If you’re not seeing any improvements or it’s getting worse, you may want to talk to a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ.

Is Back Pain Preventable?

You cannot prevent every type of back pain in Flagstaff, AZ. For example, if you get into a car crash that injures your back, you can experience acute back pain until the injury heals. However, there are ways that you can strengthen your back, which can potentially ward off chronic pain and make your back more resilient to physical trauma:

  • Exercise: The more active you are, the stronger the muscles around your spine become.
  • Posture: Standing and sitting straight reduces the weight and strain on your back muscles.
  • Lifting: Lifting with your legs protects your back from awkward bending.

Visit a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff

At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, our patients don’t always visit us if they have chronic back pain. Sometimes, they schedule appointments because they feel great and want to continue feeling great. Whether you’re an athlete or just getting older, we work with patients from all backgrounds.

We can tell you more about how to target certain muscles in the back, so they’re more resilient, which can help you ward off far more debilitating problems down the line. If you’re interested in learning more about how to prevent back pain, contact us to start taking action.

Physical Therapist vs. Dentist: How to Handle Your TMJ

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Many people experience TMJ on an everyday basis. Moreover, there’s not always a straightforward answer, particularly if you’re trying to avoid surgical solutions. If you were diagnosed with the disorder by a dentist but you find that their treatments aren’t resulting in relief, we’ll look at why a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ, may be a better professional to call.

When to Call a Physical Therapist
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, a physical therapist may be able to help you reduce the pain and improve your range of motion:

Pain: This includes the stereotypical jaw pain, but it can also refer to facial pain, neck pain, or headaches.
Sounds: If you’re experiencing clicking or popping every time you open and close your jaw, a physical therapist can recommend manual exercises at home to improve functionality.
Earaches: The jaw impacts the ear, nose, and throat. You may find that your ears hurt regularly without realizing that the problem stems from damaged cartilage in the temporomandibular joint.
When you visit a physical therapist for TMJ in Flagstaff, AZ, they’ll focus on how to make your jaw stronger. It’s a conservative route that can help you avoid more drastic treatments (either now or in the future).

What Causes TMJ?
TMJ can refer to both cartilage damage or joint damage in the jaw. The temporomandibular is the connection between your body and the jaw, and it has to move constantly as you go about your daily routine. The causes are sometimes difficult to ascertain, though if you have a genetic history with it or you’ve sustained a jaw injury, this could be the culprit. Some people get TMJ if they clench or grind their teeth at night. No matter what the root cause of the problem is, though, it is important to address TMJ. The sooner you get help, the more you protect your teeth, gums, and bite.

Physical Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain regularly, call Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance to learn more about how the right exercises can help your TMJ.