logoPhysical Therapy Associates
 of Schenectady, P.C.
Injury Prevention Tips and News

Visit us on the web:


Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
 

Did you know, this year we are celebrating our 30th year of business? We opened our first office in 1982 on Union Street. We now have 10 offices in the Capital District and 3 in Massachusetts. Our success is due in large part to the continued patronage of our patients. Thank you for your support over the past 30 years!!! 
   Office Locations
 
Schenectady
1533 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12309
(518) 381-9166
 
Scotia/Glenville
42 Saratoga Rd.
Glenville,NY 12302
(518) 399-6861
 
Rotterdam/Guilderland
3434 Carman Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12303
(518) 356-7445
 
Clifton Park
17 Halfmoon Executive  Park  Dr.
Clifton Park, NY 12065
(518) 371-6777
 
Latham
1182 Troy Schenectady Rd
Suite LL02
Latham, NY 12110
(518)220-9705
 
Troy
1 Conway Court
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 273-2715
 
West Sand Lake
43 Mall
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
(518) 674-1744  

Amsterdam
178 Clizbe Ave 
Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-1425
 
Tamarac
Tamarac Plaza
PO Box 118
3991 State Rte. 2
Cropseyville, NY 12052
(518) 279-4610

Ballston Spa
220 Church Ave.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-1541


 
Hand Therapy at Guilderland Accepting New Patients
 
 
Located within our Rotterdam/Guilderland office is Hand Therapy at Guilderland. Sheryl Sturn OTR/L, CHT is available for all hand therapy needs.
 
Call 630-6167
to schedule an appointment.

 

 

July/August 2012       
Treatment for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

 

Lumbar spondylolisthesis. Long name, so what does it mean? A lumbar spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward or backward relative to the vertebra below it.   

 

There are several causes of a "spondy". Trauma that leads to fractures in the smaller facet joints is one cause. These fractures allow the vertebra to slip.  Congenital defects in bone formation and degenerative changes are also causes. Spinal tumors can also occur and lead to a spondylolisthesis.  

  

Risk Factors 
There are certain risk factors that can lead to this condition. Family history is one example. Athletes such as gymnasts and weightlifters are more at risk do to repetitive stress on the spine in positions of excessive extension.
 
Sign and Symptoms 
Persons with this condition often complain of low back pain especially after exercise such as running. Individuals may also demonstrate decreased spinal range of motion. More severe cases will report leg pain or weakness due to nerve root compression. 

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will send you for an X-ray initially if this condition is suspected. The X-ray technician will do an oblique view in order to see if there are any fractures. An MRI may also be utilized.  

Treatment  
There are different grades of spondylithesis. Grade 1 being the most mild and Grade 5 being the most severe. Depending on the severity, treatment can range from rest and anti inflammatory medications to physically therapy and in the most severe cases ,surgery. Steroid injections may also be used in cases not responding completely to conservative care.  
Specifically Physical therapy will be utilized to address any range of motion restrictions, strengthening of core/trunk and lower extremity musculature and advice about any activity modifications that might be necessary. 
Strengthening Not Stretching for Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome 

 

                                                         

     Conventional wisdom is that persons with ITB syndrome must have tight ITB's and are often given stretches to address this. Recent research shows that the best course of treatment may in fact be strengthening of the lateral hip muscles. Often runners get this condition and when evaluated do not have tight ITB's but have weak Gluteus Medius muscles. The ITB is a long tendon that forms off of a short muscle called the Tensor Fascia Lata which is located at the upper anterior and outer hip. Since this "band" is primarily a tendon it is often difficult to stretch. Often foam rollers are used to soften the tissue in an effort to elongate it.  Strengthening exercises usually start with side leg raises and progress in difficulty as the patient gets stronger.

We Want To Hear From You 
We want our newsletter to be specific to the needs of our clients. We would like your help to do this. Please feel free to email any requests for specific topics to be addressed or questions you might have regarding physical therapy and we will do our best to address them in upcoming newsletters. Email requests to [email protected] attn. Kevin.