By Krissy Brown
04 Feb, 2025
Clinical Case of the Week, Medical Advisory, Physical Therapy Tips
ankle pain, exercise, injured, Knee pain, Leg pain, Low Back Pain, Nick Rinard physical therapy, Physical Therapy, running, treatment
By MiKayla Sanocki, SPT
Did you know a back problem can cause symptoms such as pain, decreased strength and decreased sensations into the thigh, calf, ankle or foot? Physical therapists trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) here at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy can determine during the evaluation if any of these lower leg symptoms are coming from your back.
Check out this bizarre clinical presentation we treated at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy:
She did not remember any trauma to the ankle
The patient came to physical therapy for an “ankle sprain” that occurred 3-months earlier. She stated she woke up unable to put any weight on her right foot. The pain had remained constant in her ankle, so bad at times that she couldn’t walk! Upon further questioning, the patient revealed what she had been doing the day before: She had driven 2 hours, on her way home from helping clean a house. During the drive she had discomfort in her buttock and hamstring that made her want to pull the car over to stretch. She did not remember any trauma to the ankle, however, but the ankle pain was the only pain she was experiencing now.
Her ankle pain has caused her to quit running and yoga — two of her favorite activities.
Mechanical Evaluation finds cause in spine
During the mechanical evaluation we found that certain directions of low back movements decreased the pain in her ankle. After being sent home with 1 simple exercise to perform every waking hour – which she did perfectly – she returned within 24 hours reporting 90% recovery in pain! Over the next week we were able to progress her exercises and now the patient reports no ankle pain at all. In only 4 visits we were able to abolish her ankle pain, and she is now getting back to running and yoga!
The patient reports, “I now have the tools to prevent the return of my back and ankle pain”.
Treatment at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy vs Traditional PT
In contrast to MDT, traditional PT would not have uncovered the spinal cause of the patient’s ankle pain. Treatment would have been ineffective since it would have focused only on trying to treat the symptom.
Do you know if your pain in the legs or arms could be coming from the spine? Schedule your evaluation at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy and find out!
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“When he handed me Nick Rinard’s card, my chiropractor said he sends his difficult cases to him.
I had persistent back pain that didn’t respond to chiropractic treatments or traditional physical therapy.
With pain being a great motivator, I called Nick’s office.
My path to recovery wasn’t a straight one.
To my surprise I need a total hip replacement. Nick was with me every step of the way and provided a personalized treatment plan both pre-and post- surgery.
Nick helped me navigate the path from debilitating pain to regaining function.
I can now about basic day-to-day activities like sleeping, getting out of bed, sitting, standing, going up and down stairs, and making through the entire grocery store.
I feel strong and bolder both physically and mentally.
Nick understands that physical therapy is more than just physical.
It is also about hope.”
Carla
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“I had seen a previous PT for a few visits and didn’t feel any better – I thought my sprained ankle was a lost cause.
On my first visit with Dr. Rinard, he diagnosed my issue and provided immediate relief.
I had several PT appointments and felt constant improvement.
I’m back to running and playing volleyball and I could have done it without his help/patience/understanding and knowledge.
Thank you so much! ”
Gloria
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Happy Halloween from Nick Rinard Physical Therapy.
Celebrate! Stay safe! Enjoy the treats! Avoid the tricks!
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is here for you- don’t be afraid of any pains you may be having – schedule your visit and let us help you get started healing today!
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We can get you back to walking, exercising, running, enjoying your sport again….
“I had horrible knee pain that was keeping me from being a mobile as I wanted.
Even just going up and downstairs even hurt.
Dr. Rinard was amazing- best PT experience I’ve ever had.
Exercises were easy to do + only had once/week appointments after the first week.
I can no go down stairs with no pain, one legged lunges without pain, play tennis without pain, + do 5K walks or more without knee pain.
THANK YOU ALL!”
Marla
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Nick Rinard Physical Therapy has continued SAFETY MEASURES and are ALWAYS here for you!
Our staff is fully vaccinated and continues to follow social distancing, sanitation protocols and wear masks.
New patients and established patients will find every visit very valuable and should not delay care due to increases in Coronavirus cases.
We are here to diagnose, educate, offer tools, listen to concerns, and meet all safety needs of every patient.
May all our patients stay safe, healthy and have a quick recovery should they test positive for Coronavirus this summer.
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is here for you.
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It has been a busy and wonderful spring at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy!
We are excited about getting you pain free from all your injuries so that you can slide into your favorite summer activities!
While a lot of injuries can occur during activities, it’s just as common to injure yourself slouching on the couch with your feet up while you have been waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine.
Your seasonal pains could point to a chronic condition that could easily be treated.
With summer just around the corner take care of your aches and pains now before they get worse.
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is ALWAYS here to help!
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Don’t get scared over a herniated disk.
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy can help!
“A herniated disk and all the symptoms.
Hip socket-
Pain has gone away- mobility is back.”
Mark
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Do you call a friend?
Do you wait it out?
Do you hit the over the counter medicine aisles?
Do you call your doctor?
Do you go to the urgent care?
Do you look up a physical therapist near you?
Interested to know what your “go to” is!!
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We, at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy, hope that everyone had a great holiday.
After Thanksgiving the end of the year seems to go by a little faster than usual.
You have lots to do and you don’t need to do it in pain.
Get your results today!
“Lumbar pain – was a deranged disc.
Katie fixed me right up in a couple of weeks.
And now my range of motion is better than before the injury.
Resuming running / yoga….”
Andrew
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