All Posts tagged PT

Have you moved out of state and looking for a physical therapist that is as good as Nick?

If you have moved out of state Nick Rinard Physical Therapy offers telehealth that gets great results, but if you find yourself with a condition that needs in-person visits, here are some questions you might want to ask when looking for a physical therapist.

Is the PT known among patients and providers for getting the best results in the fewest visits?

Does the PT prioritize teaching the patient how to actively self-treat rather than provide a lot of passive treatment to the patient?

Is the PT disciplined in using evidence based care and applying logic to their assessments to find the most likely source of the problem and treat it with the simplest intervention possible?

Is the PT certified in MDT at a minimum?

Has the PT been successfully practicing at the above level for 20+ years?

Does the PT have a lot of patients who choose to return to them for their other issues?

Has the PT taught the methodology to other PTs?

Does the PT put their patients’ outcomes above their own ego and ambition?

Is the PT quick to refer out to another, more appropriate practitioner as soon as the patient fails to show improvement?

The list could go on.


Nick Rinard, Owner, Physical Therapist

 

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The end of year is fast approaching.

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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Pseudo Tennis Elbow: A Commonly Misdiagnosed Mechanical Problem

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a pathology that is familiar to physical therapists and the general public. What is lesser known is “pseudo tennis elbow,” a mechanical problem with a very simple solution! Unfortunately, therapists whom are not familiar with the utilization of mechanical diagnosis may unknowingly miss this common elbow derangement. As a therapist practicing the McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis, I have diagnosed BOTH of my current elbow pain patients as derangements (or pseudo tennis elbow).

SYMPTOMS

Portland area patient presented to physical therapy with intermittent right elbow pain, worsening over the last 3 months. Patient reported difficulty with gripping, lifting, carrying and global limited function of the right arm. Patient described symptoms as “variable” meaning he could perform a task that produced his elbow pain. Then, perform the same task or movement again without experiencing any pain at all! This variability of pain is the hallmark of a derangement and should not be misdiagnosed as a tendonitis (also called tendinitis), which would indicate inflammation (in which case pain would be constant). Patient rated worst elbow pain as a 6/10.

THERAPIST’S EVALUATION AND FINDINGS

Mobilization with Movement with GripObjective findings included pain with passive elbow flexion and extension as well as pain with active wrist extension and with gripping a tennis ball. Because of my experience as a mechanical therapist, I am familiar with a technique called a mobilization with movement (MWM), developed by Brian Mulligan (a colleague of Robin McKenzie). The mobilization provides a lateral force over the ulna at the elbow joint. While the patient applied this force, he was able to grip the tennis ball PAIN FREE! This same technique was applied for other painful baselines and achieved the same results of ABOLITION OF ALL PAIN! This ability to turn symptoms off with a mobilization indicates an elbow derangement and the MWM is used as the treatment strategy.

PATIENT HOMEWORK and OUTCOMES

The patient was asked to perform the MWM utilizing the lateral glide while gripping a tennis ball to be performed 10-20 times every hour. The theory is that this mobilization is re-positioning the joint in order for it to articulate correctly, resulting in improved range of motion and strength after. The patient returned to the clinic the next day with reports of at least 25% improvement! Objective findings were retested and nearly all baselines had improved in less than 24 hours! The patient returned 1 week later and reported an 85% overall improvement with symptoms.

GET YOURSELF EVALUATED

Don’t be misdiagnosed! Straightforward pathologies which require one exercise to treat are commonly missed with standard treatment. This results in extra physical therapy visits, and more of your time and money. It is worth your time to see if your pain has a MECHANICAL component, otherwise a simple solution may otherwise be missed.

If you are experiencing elbow pain and are living in the Portland/Vancouver metro area, get the best results by calling us today at 503-244-6232 to schedule a physical therapy evaluation.

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To those injured in this terrible Boston marathon tragedy

Building in Boston, MassachusettsOur hearts go out to the survivors and the families of victims at the Boston marathon explosion…

Please pass on the word around town:  MDT Physical Therapy will treat any of the Portlanders (OR) who were injured in this terrible Boston marathon tragedy at no out of pocket costs* to the athletes or their families in 2013.   Please call us at 503-244-6232  for full details & arrangements.

Our prayers go out to you…

 

*Valid for treatment started in 2013, up to 5 visits if patient has no/poor insurance benefits; proof of presence at the Boston Marathon required. MDT Physical therapy reserves the right to discontinue the offer at any time.

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