Blog Archive

What is Sciatica?Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. It’s often caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscle tightness that compresses the nerve. The discomfort can range from a mild...

If you’ve found yourself sidelined from pickleball due to pain or injury, physical therapy can help you return stronger and prevent future setbacks. Common Pickleball Injuries We Treat At Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, we’ve seen a rise in patients with injuries related to pickleball. Some of the most...

Physical therapy offers a proven, non-invasive solution to restore mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future flare-ups. In this blog, we’ll break down the causes of neck pain, how physical therapy can help, and what you can expect from treatment at a professional clinic like Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center,...

At Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center (PTSMC), with locations throughout Maryland including Olney, Rockville, Greenbelt, Riverdale, Bowie, and Glen Burnie, we specialize in helping patients regain full shoulder function and return to the activities they love. What Is the Rotator Cuff? The rotator cuff is a group of four...

Rehabilitation After ACL Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide to Recovery  By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is a common injury, especially among active individuals. The ACL is crucial for knee stability and is susceptible to injuries during activities like running, changing directions, pivoting, and...

Mastering Push Ups: A Step-by-Step Progression for Strength, Stability, and Endurance By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps toward fitness or an experienced athlete looking to challenge yourself, understanding a push-up progression can transform your workout routine.   The Benefits of...

One of the most effective treatments for workplace injuries is physical therapy (PT). Not only does PT help injured workers recover, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future injuries.   Understanding Workers’ Compensation and Physical Therapy Workers’ compensation is a type of...

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   While various treatment options are available, physical therapy has proven to be an effective and non-invasive approach to managing symptoms and promoting recovery. In this blog, we will explore how physical therapy can...

One of the most common problems associated with poor posture is shoulder pain. In this blog, we will explore how poor posture affects shoulder pain and how physical therapy can provide relief and promote better posture.   How Physical Therapy Can Help: Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment option...

Title: Core Confidence: Strengthening Your Core for Better Balance and Stability Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, enhance athletic performance, or simply move through daily life with ease, core strengthening exercises can make a big difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a stronger core and improving your overall health....

How Physical Therapy Can Help Patients Recover from Whiplash After a Car Accident By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   This neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly thrown backward and then forward, straining the muscles and ligaments. If you or someone you know is dealing with whiplash,...

Pelvic floor disorders affect millions of women, significantly impacting quality of life. Through targeted physical therapy, many women can find relief and restore normal function, allowing them to enjoy life with improved comfort and confidence. In Bowie, Maryland, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center is proud to offer expert care...

1. What Does a Typical Physical Therapy Session Involve? A typical physical therapy session at Start PT Now includes a blend of personalized assessments, targeted exercises, and hands-on therapies. Your therapist may start with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and range of motion, followed by strength training, flexibility exercises,...

How Physical Therapy Helps with Chronic Pain Management By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   This is where physical therapy comes in as a powerful tool for managing chronic pain effectively. Here’s how physical therapy can help:   1. Understanding Chronic Pain Chronic pain is defined as pain that...

Whiplash Associated Disorder : Common Neck Problem After a Car Accident  By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   Whiplash-associated disorders are defined as an injury to the neck that occurs with sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head and neck relative to other parts of the body, typically occurring during...

Tips to Manage Chronic Pain By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   Knowing more about how pain works is a key strategy for managing symptoms and improving outcomes of treatment. Ask questions about pain, nerves, and the brain during your appointments with your MD or physical therapist.  For many years,...

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Managing Multiple Sclerosis? By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely between patients and depend on the location and severity of nerve fiber damage in the central nervous system. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability...

How Can Physical Therapy Help Those With Cancer? By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   Physical therapists are trained and educated to understand all your health conditions, including a cancer diagnosis. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a specialized treatment program to help reduce and improve cancer-related...

Regaining Stability and Confidence By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   Physical therapy offers effective strategies to improve balance, restore stability, and enhance overall quality of life. In this blog, we will explore how physical therapy can help individuals improve their balance and regain confidence in their movements.  ...

Dive into Relief: How Physical Therapy Can Help Swimmers with Low Back Pain By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   Low back pain can be a common issue for swimmers, whether it's due to poor technique, muscle imbalances, or overuse. Fortunately, physical therapy can be a valuable tool in...

5 Exercises to Alleviate Patellofemoral Pain By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   In this blog, we will explore five effective exercises that can be incorporated into your routine to target the underlying causes of patellofemoral pain and promote recovery.   Terminal Knee Extensions: Sit on a chair or...

Tips for Making Spring Cleaning a Breeze with Arthritis By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   If you have arthritis in your knees, back or hands cleaning may be a daunting task. But do not worry, you can still clean up the house or backyard if you plan properly. Here...

How to Treat Ankle Sprains By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   In this blog, we will explore a range of exercises that can help strengthen the ankles, improve stability, and decrease the chances of a sprain. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll be on your way...

How to Manage "Shin Splints" or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   This syndrome is prevalent and characterized by pain along the inside of the shin bone (tibia) and usually happens due to overuse when involved in high-impact activities, such as running, or jumping. Females,...

How Physical Therapy Helps Frozen Shoulder By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   Understanding Frozen Shoulder   Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility in the shoulder joint. It can be caused by various factors like injury, inflammation, or...

The McKenzie Method By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment is a reliable assessment process intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including pain in the back, neck, and extremities, as well as issues associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease,...

How Physical Therapy Helps With Postpartum Recovery By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   Postpartum Physical therapy can play a vital role in helping with recovery, regaining your strength, and restoring optimal function. In this blog, we will explore how physical therapy can be a game changer for postpartum...

Plantar Fasciitis: Guide To Home Remedy And Pain Relief By: Rommer Dizon, PT Glen Burnie Location   Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis may sound intimidating, but it's simply the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. Common culprits are overuse, improper footwear, or...

What is FMS or Functional Movement Screen By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   FMS is widely used in the athletic community as well as the military to screen for individuals at increased risk for injury and people who have deficiencies with “movement competency”. Founders of FMS point to “movement...

Having The Perfect Squat By: Christina Reeh, PTA Glen Burnie Location   In more cases than not people usually tend to demonstrate excessive loading through their quadriceps which causes strain on their patellar tendons (right under the kneecap) rather than utilizing their posterior chain muscles (glutes/hamstrings). A good way to...

Caring For Your Young Athlete By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT Bowie Location   These young adults come to therapy with sprained ankles, hurt shoulders, sore backs, painful knees, and a sense of dread, expecting that they will be taken out of their favorite activity to get better. Healthcare professionals have known...

Posture Perfect: Effective Exercises and Stretches to Stand Tall By: Rommer Dizon, PT Glen Burnie Location   WHAT IS MORNING JOINT STIFFNESS? Morning joint stiffness usually happens due to inactivity after a good night’s sleep, muscle imbalances, or more common conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. It is most common...

Treating Tendon Pain and Tendinopathy By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton DPT Bowie Location   According to Jill Cook PhD from LaTrobe University in Melbourne, there are 10 things to contemplate when treating tendon pain:  Complete rest is not necessary – taking a break from activity and sport to reduce initial pain is...

Managing Back Pain & Hip Strengthening By: Corey Fraer PTA Greenbelt Location   There's been some good research showing the connections between hip strength and flexibility playing different roles in the presentation of back pain.  Strengthening the hips when performed in conjunction with back stabilization exercises shows notably better outcomes than...

Slow As Possible! By: Pallavi Agawane PT Silver Spring Location   Eccentric exercises mean they are slow and lengthening muscle contractions creating a negative effect. Examples of eccentric movements are: 1. Lowering of your elbow slowly after a bicep curl. 2. Slowly sit down from standing while squatting. 3. Slowly...

Posture Perfect: Effective Exercises and Stretches to Stand Tall By: Rommer Dizon, PT Glen Burnie Location   Think of it as an opportunity to play with your body and discover new movements. These exercises and stretches can help you develop a stronger, more stable core, release tension in your muscles,...

Can Physical Therapy Help Heal Plantar Fasciitis? By: Brian Watson, DPT Greenbelt Location   “Plantar” refers to the sole or bottom of the foot. “Plantar fascia” is a type of tissue; called fascia that provides support to the arch of the foot as the thick band connects from your heel...

Is Cupping Therapy for You? By: Kevin Orellana, PTA Olney Location   What is the process?   Cups can be placed over painful/ achy musculature and manually pumped to suck skin into the cup. The cups are left on the skin for approximately 3-5 minutes. The cups can then be...

Is Your Running Stride Causing Injuries By: Nick Gay, PT, DPT, CMTPT Olney Location   Past research has supported the idea that the pattern of "overstriding" (taking too long of a step when running) can lead to a higher risk of injuries in runners.  Research by the University of Madison-Wisconsin...

Pelvic Floor Disorder & Physical Therapy  By: Patience Nduka, DPT Bowie Location   Pelvic Floor Disorder affects your ability to urinate or have bowel movements due to spasms, tightness, and/or weakness of the muscles and connective tissues of your pelvic floor. One in every four women, and one in every...

Look Good & Prevent Knee Pain  By: Rommer Dizon, PT Glen Burnie Location   Yes, you read that right! Work out these groups of muscles to prevent or even help with current knee pain. These muscles will also make you look good wearing those favorite jeans! You guessed it, I’m...

Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly  By: Brandi Kinard, PTA  Bowie Location  Falls are the number one fatal and nonfatal cause of injury within the age population of 65 years old and older. The most common injuries from falls are fractures and head injuries. A few factors contributing to falls...

What to Expect After a Knee Replacement By: Brandi Kinard, PTA Bowie Location Having a recovery and rehabilitation plan is crucial for overall success following a knee replacement. Patients are spending less time in the hospital following knee replacements, typically ranging from 0-5 days. Roughly, patients are able to resume...

Is Exercise Medicine?  By: Brandi Kinard, PTA  Bowie Location The answer is simple... Yes! Exercise is medicine. But it is also so much more. Participating in regular exercise is beneficial for the mind, body, and general health.  When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with...

How to Prevent Knee Pain During Running By Rommer Dizon, PT Glen Burnie Location   Good weather has arrived!  It’s time to gear up and get a good run.  Spring and summer usually mean the season for running, but here in PTSMC, it also means a lot of ankle and...

Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Your Balance By Pallavi Agawane, PT, MSPT Falls are very common in older adults. They have been the leading cause of wrist, hip, and shoulder fractures due to a fall in older adults. There are many causes of falls including underlying musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions,...

Alleviate Future Back Problem By: Sohaila Mosaddegh PT, DPT, CEO Low back pain affects up to 80% of working-age people at some time in their lives, though most will recover, low back pain can be recurring and some people will continue to suffer from some degree of pain. In 85-90% of...

TENDONITIS OF THE ELBOW By: Sohaila Mosaddegh PT, DPT, CEO Elbow pain usually isn’t serious, but because you use your elbow in so many ways, elbow pain can definitely affect your life. Your elbow is a complex joint that allows you to extend and flex your forearm and rotate your...

Magic of Human Touch By: Rommer Dizon, PT A couple of weeks ago, for some reason, I was having mild fever and chills. This happened around 11 pm. I could not sleep and whenever I did fall asleep, I woke up feeling very cold. Yes, I’ve had my full vaccination...

Therapy is Contagious By: Jennifer Gordon, MSPT, CLT Frank was determined to not repeat his earlier mistakes. He had a frustrating experience with Physical Therapy previously, and he wanted to be sure that he was choosing a place where he would both feel comfortable and have a successful outcome. Frank...

Physical Therapy and Chiropractors By: Megan Enright: Digital Marketing Specialist Many people think physical therapists and chiropractors are the same and that is incorrect. Although both typically address impairments and symptoms in the Musculoskeletal system, there is a difference in the approach and the length of intervention may vary. As...

Headache or Pain in the Neck? By: Jennifer Gordon, MSPT, CLT Have you ever noticed the tension in your head and neck at the end of a long week at the office? It may start as some soreness in your upper shoulders or the neck, or it may start as...

Hope for Lymphedema Sufferers Jennifer Gordon, MSPT, CLT   I had breast cancer surgery. After I finished my treatments, I thought I was getting back to being ‘normal’ again, and decided to travel by air to visit family. When I got home, my arm swelled…a lot. I thought it would...

SUCCESS with VERTIGO TREATMENT By: Sohaila Mosaddegh PT, DPT, CEO     The Vestibular Disorders Association estimates that 42% of the adult population reports episodes of dizziness or vertigo to their physicians and that I 85% of those cases vestibular dysfunction causes the patient’s problems. The vestibular system includes the parts...