Helping You Heal Faster
I am constantly amazed by the number of patients I see through the years that think the only treatment available for their plantar fasciitis is orthotics in footwear. Physical therapy has so much to offer for patients suffering from this particular condition. Stretching exercises, soft tissue, and joint mobilization techniques all work really well. With an appropriate assessment of the condition by one of our skilled PT’s, you can get rid of plantar fasciitis pain.
What is special about Camarillo Physical Therapy are the physical therapists trained in different manual therapy techniques. Our therapists regularly take courses in joint mobilization techniques, myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization procedures. We are passionate about our hands on techniques and believe in healing patients with our hands. Breaking down old scar tissue, reducing inflammation , increasing range of motion and reduction in pain levels are only some of the benefits of hands on treatment. Come and see for yourself what the magic of manual therapy is all about!
Since the pandemic, I have noticed an increase in the number of teenagers with complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. On further investigation, I realized many teenagers developed postural deviations from holding their cell phones incorrectly.
Look at the 2 pictures posted above and see if you identify yourself, or your teenager, in either of the postures presented. Holding the phone up towards your head, rather than hanging your head to get closer to the phone is very helpful. Make sure you keep your shoulders away from your ears and hold your chest up, instead of sagging down on your belly. “Nod” the head to look at the phone, instead of poking your head forwards. Making these slight changes will have a significant impact on decreasing neck pain and headaches.
A stationary/static lunge is a very powerful exercise to strengthen your legs, lower body, and core. It does not have to be super difficult. It can be a low lunge, high lunge, or you may start with a half kneel if the other two are not possible. Feel a lift from your pelvic floor and pull your core/belly in during this position.
Do NOT collapse into the position, instead, rise against gravity. Imagine that both inner thighs are moving towards each other.
Welcome to Camarillo Physical Therapy!
Stretching and strengthening exercises appropriate for your specific condition have been selected by your Physical Therapist for you.
Our Physical Therapy Aides have been trained in therapeutic movement and will be assisting our Physical Therapists with demonstrating and supervising proper technique and form when performing exercises.
The work done in the clinic is one part of what will help your healing. The home exercise program assigned to you is an essential part of your treatment and is intended to promote healing, re-train faulty movement patterns, and reduce the probability of pain and injury re-occurrence, among other benefits.
Please communicate with our therapists about any questions or concerns you may have about your assigned Home Exercise Program. If you may have any problems adhering to the regimen prescribed to you, please let our therapists know right away! We want to work with you together as a team and open communication is essential to achieving that goal. Again, if you may have any issues, please let us know so we can assist.
We only get to see you two to three times a week. The assigned Home Exercise Programs are very important and are designed to help your progress.
You may receive different exercises at different visits. Many patients find it helpful to use a small three ring binder to keep their paperwork organized. This will also be helpful for our therapists to see when you come in for your appointments.
Please do not underestimate the importance of therapeutic movement (the Home Exercise Program) in your healing. It can help mitigate further pain episodes and can even help avoid surgery and/or other invasive procedures. Consistent movement may also benefit you overall!
Again, welcome to Camarillo Physical Therapy, and we look forward to assisting you with your healing process!
We specialize in treating patients with chronic orthopedic pain, balance, and posture issues. We especially like to see patients suffering from chronic joint pain, not responding to other forms of therapy.
We have been in Physical Therapy for 20 years and have a variety of orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation experience which has culminated in a multi-faceted treatment approach for patients suffering from chronic pain.
All patients receive a hands-on approach of joint and soft tissue mobilization program for the extremities.
We employ a multi-dimensional treatment approach which includes functional strengthening regimens, manual techniques, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to optimize nerve and muscular function.
We have found that a combination of neurological and orthopedic techniques, along with pain neuroscience education, has improved the outcomes in some of the most chronic pain patients. This has, in turn, resulted in improved pain-levels, sleep, and daily function.
Whenever we are injured, the healing power of human body kicks in. Tissues become inflamed which brings body immune cells and rebuilding cells to the affected area. A scar is formed, and the skin and muscles are not as mobile as it was before, but it has repaired. With physical therapy we can assist this healing process with either appropriate movement and sometimes even supportive bracing. This holds true for acute or chronic or sports injuries.
“My name is Michael . I have peripheral neuropathy. I tried for years from San Louis (Obispo County), Santa Barbara & Ventura county to find relief, been to ER rooms & plenty of different types of doctor’s. As soon as I told the doctor I had neuropathy they said I’m sorry I can’t help you.
Then when I was yet at another doctor, waiting to see him, I pulled my phone out and googled peripheral neuropathy, and I came across the place where Sage worked at. A week later I was in to see her and my life began to change. I thought I was going to be in a wheelchair. I give credit to Sage for saving me.
The work she did on my calves and feet, and teaching me all kinds of exercises. I can’t say enough good things about Sage ever. I’ve lost so many lbs and I can do so many things then I used to. Now I see her 3 or 4 times a month, to keep my feet healthy, plus my legs and calves.”
– Michael B.
Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes mellitus.
People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
There are several different kinds of peripheral neuropathies that stem from a variety of causes. They range from carpal tunnel syndrome (a traumatic injury common after chronic repetitive use of the hands and wrists, such as with computer use) to nerve damage linked to diabetes.
As a group, peripheral neuropathies are common, especially among people over the age of 55. All together, the conditions affect 3% to 4% of people in this group.
Neuropathies are typically classified according to the problems they cause or what is at the root of the damage. There also are terms that express how extensively the nerves have been damaged.
Back pain and neck pain many times are a result of bad posture and body mechanics. This blog post will give you a basic outline of the principles of body mechanics and posture. You also can come and visit us in our office for an evaluation and specialized program. The goal will be that using these body mechanics will result in your body learning and ultimately becoming naturally used to being in a “normal” or proper posture.
The human spine consists of the neck or cervical spine, the mid-back or the thoracic spine, the lower back or the lumbar spine, the bottom triangular flat part called the sacrum and the lowest part which is the coccyx or commonly known as the tail bone. We humans being bipedal, that is we walk on two legs tend to be more susceptible to back pain.
Proper Reaching When Sitting
Do not slump the upper back or extend the neck to reach, instead hinge at the top of the hip joint and shift the weight forward so that you work form your body’s core.
Proper Overhead Reaching When Standing
Follow the hands with the eyes. The key is that the arms and neck move together to avoid compression in the lower back and neck.
Push-Pull Activities
When pushing an object or pulling on something make sure to maintain a neutral position of the lumbar spine and avoid arching your back or flexing it too much.
Principles Of Lifting
When you lift something this activity requires strong upper and lower extremeties as well as core muscle contraction. The key muscle groups required for lifting are the quadriceps which are the thigh muscles, the gluteal muscles or buttocks, your core muscles and arm muscles.