Physical Therapy Effective Alternative for Knee Surgery

Are you suffering from prolonged, intense pain or injury in the knee? Have you considered surgery to relieve your pain? Physical therapy can often be an effective alternative to surgery for knee injuries (1). Physical therapy clinic,Professional Therapy Associates (PTA), uses manual therapy techniques andspecially targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, reduce pain and help eliminate the need for costly, invasive procedures.

The medical staff at PTA serves the residents of Flathead Valley by empowering their patients to maintain health and mobility and live pain-free without surgical procedures. A well-planned, individualized physical therapy program has been shown to improve the body’s ability to function by improving strength and coordination, naturally. 

How to Remedy Pain/Injury with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is capable of treating pain and providing long-lasting results.Unless surgery is an absolute emergency, utilizing physical therapy can reduce the inflammation, tight joints and pain that usually accompany a knee injury. PTA employs a variety of both passive and manual therapy techniques to bring you comfort and reduce your likelihood of requiring surgery. PTA therapists will first examine you and determine the exact cause of your pain, and then work with you to create the best course of action for your health. 

Physical therapy can be a viable option for not only knee injuries, but other common injuries, as well. If you have one of the following injuries or experience pain in any of these areas, physical therapy could be an option for you:

·       Knee pain
·       Back pain
·       Hip pain
·       Shoulder Pain

If you are considering surgery to repair an injury or prolonged pain, explore the option of physical therapy. PTA staff consists of highly educated, licensed physical therapists that are dedicated to improving your quality of life. PTA therapists monitor each individual and correct improper movement patterns and body alignments, reducing the chances of pain returning.  

A Free Consultation Is a Great Start

The best way to determine the best course of action for you is through a consultation by a trained professional. A licensed physical therapist can diagnose the cause of pain or limited mobility and provide the treatment needed to provide long-term relief.

During the consultation, the therapist may ask the individual to perform specific movements to evaluate your body’s mechanics and patterns and may recommend exercises or stretches to address problem areas. The goal of the consultation is to determine the appropriate next steps in treating your pain—whether it is a visit with a specialist or a full evaluation and wellness plan for those who could benefit from physical therapy treatment.

Professional Therapy Associates is dedicated to making its services available to all residents of the Flathead Valley. If you are unsure whether or not physical therapy is right for you, Professional Therapy Associates offers free consultations for residents of the Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional call today and make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations:

●            North Kalispell (406-756-7878)

●            Whitefish (406-862-5033)

●            Columbia Falls (406-892-7999)

●            Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610)

Is Pain Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Do you find yourself limiting activity with family or friends due to pain?  The side effects of living with pain are numerous:  physical discomfort, emotional problems, and lack of energy—at the very least.  Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt your body; it affects your emotions, too.

Constant aches and pains affect your quality of life, understandably causing mood swings, frustration, anger and anxiety.  Pain can also significantly impact your self-esteem, producing a lack of motivation to exercise, decreasing job performance and leaving you unable to enjoy your favorite activities.

The medical staff at Professional Therapy Associates (PTA) serves the residents of Flathead Valley by not only providing relief from pain, but also empowering its patients to maintain health and mobility and live pain-free without costly drugs or invasive procedures.

 How to Manage Pain and Still be Active

PTA staff consists of licensed physical therapists who instruct and educate patients on techniques to restore flexibility and mobility, strengthen involved muscles, and prevent future occurrences.  PTA lists a number of simple ways to help reduce daily pain and discomfort:

●         Stress causes muscle tension, which can increase the amount of pain you feel.  Reducing stress in your life can lift your mood and make pain more bearable.

●         Exercising produces natural endorphins that improve your mood while blocking pain signals.  Frequent exercise also keeps your joints lubricated and flexible.

●         Proper posture ensures that correct and normal forces are put on the spine.  Be sure to sit, stand or lie down with your ears in line with your shoulders and your shoulders in line with your hips.

●         Seek professional help if pain is persists.

The idea of having to live with pain is a common one.  Many people believe pain is an unavoidable part of life that comes with age or results from injuries.  To the contrary, there are many ways to lessen or even eliminate discomfort and return to a life free of pain.

Physical therapy finds the root cause of the problem and tackles that through hands on techniques, stretching, strengthening and functional training. By first handling the problem of where pain comes from, patients are able to lead a more productive and happier life.

A Free Consultation Can Help

To avoid the casualties of daily pain, a comprehensive pain management plan that minimizes the side effects is necessary.  The best way to determine exactly where your pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional.  Professional Therapy Associates treats many different types of problems, ranging from acute to chronic pain that has come on over time or due to injury, work-related injuries, sports injuries and problems that arise from inactivity.

PTA is helping the community, friends and family by offering free pain relief consultations for residents of Flathead Valley.  During your consultation, a physical therapist will conduct appropriate tests to determine if the cause of your pain is related to a form of arthritis or another disorder or injury.  If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional, please register online or call to schedule an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations:

●         North Kalispell (406-756-7878)

●         Whitefish (406-862-5033)

●         Columbia Falls (406-892-7999)

●         Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610)

Are You Sick of “Waiting Out” Pain?

Many people believe that pain will eventually subside on its own if they just wait patiently. On the contrary, pain only tends to increase over time, becoming chronic and negatively impacting a person’s life. Living with chronic pain is an immense challenge and physical therapy often gives individuals a chance to return to a normal life free of pain. Physical therapy clinic, Professional Therapy Associates (PTA), takes a clinical approach to diagnose the source of your pain and provide long-term relief.

Physical Therapy Can Stop Pain Before it Becomes Chronic

Pain is often a symptom of an underlying issue that must be addressed in order for the pain to subside. Left untreated, minor aches and pain can become chronic pain, which is known to negatively impact an individual’s life. With the help of physical therapy techniques, the growth of pain can be halted – PTA staff provide the tools and education to improve overall health, while also easing pain and preventing it from becoming chronic.

Physical Therapy Keeps Pain from Returning

PTA prides itself on finding the proper treatment for you and providing long-lasting results. PTA offers a highly trained medical staff adept at diagnosing the cause of pain and then determining the best course of treatment. PTA uses a hands-on approach that consists of both manual and passive therapy techniques, including:

• Joint and soft tissue mobilization;
• Electric stimulation accompanied with heat or cold therapy; and
• Ultrasound.

In addition to manual physical therapy techniques, PTA staff educates patients on how to prevent future pain by using at-home exercises and how to maintain correct posture and flexibility whether at rest or during activity.

PTA offers individualized programs that cater to each patient’s specific needs. Visit PTA today to begin reaching your optimal health and return to a pain-free life.

A Free Consultation Can Help

The best way to determine exactly where your pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional. Professional Therapy Associates treats many different types of problems ranging from acute and chronic pain that has come on over time or due to injury, work related injuries, sports injuries and problems that arise from inactivity.

PTA is helping the community, friends and family by offering free pain relief consultations valued at $100 for residents of Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional please register online for your free consultation or call to schedule an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).

What Can Physical Therapy do for Your Pain?

Chronic discomfort is certainly a pain in the neck, literally. Living with severe pain can affect your life, both personal and professional, as well as your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Physical therapy provides a window to alternative pain solutions.

Professional Therapy Associates (PTA) offers a wide range of hands-on therapy techniques that provide long-term pain relief. The medical staff at PTA serves the residents of Flathead Valley by empowering their patients to maintain health and mobility and live pain free without costly drugs or invasive procedures.

Physical Therapy Offers Long-Term Relief

Activity is part of a healthy, everyday life. Chronic pain can make it challenging to perform daily duties adequately. While pain medication provides quick relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the pain and is not an effective long-term treatment for pain. Physical therapy not only provides immediate relief of pain symptoms, it also helps with preventing future painful symptoms from reoccurring.

PTA uses a clinical approach to identify the source of pain and develop a plan to provide long-term relief. PTA therapists closely monitor your therapeutic plan, keeping in mind your physical limitations and health condition. PTA instructs and educates patients on techniques to restore flexibility and mobility, strengthen weakened muscles, and prevent future flare-ups. PTA’s focus is to eliminate pain while providing long-term results.

PTA Provides Therapy for All Types of Pain

PTA prides itself on finding the proper treatment for you. Physical therapy can be highly effective in treating any type of pain, including neck pain and headaches, arthritis, shoulder pain, hip and leg pain and post-op rehabilitation. PTA staff consists of highly educated, licensed physical therapists that are dedicated to improving your quality of life. PTA’s highly trained staff monitors each individual and corrects improper habits, alignments, and movement patterns.  All PTs at PTA are specialized in treating the spine, while each also has their own area/body part of specialty.

Physical therapy tackles the physical side of chronic pain with strengthening, exercise and manual therapy, but it also works to encourage the body heal itself. This double approach is what helps make physical therapy so effective.

A Free Consultation Can Help

The best way to determine exactly where your pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional. Professional Therapy Associates treats many different types of problems ranging from acute and chronic pain that has come on over time or due to injury, work related injuries, sports injuries and problems that arise from inactivity.

PTA is helping the community, friends and family by offering free pain relief consultations valued at $100 for residents of Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional please register online for your free consultation or call to schedule an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitnes

Is Your Body Failing You?

Do you struggle to climb out of bed in the morning? Constant aches and pains are a sign of your body needing help. Coping with chronic pain is a challenge and physical therapy can provide a much needed boost in the right direction for your health. The therapists at Professional Therapy Associates (PTA) provide useful tips and exercises to alleviate chronic aches and pains.

PTA uses a clinical approach to identify the source of pain and develop a plan to provide long-term relief. Whether your pain is moderate or severe, PTA has the right tools for you to improve your health and live the way you want. If you want to return to an active lifestyle, or simply feel better and be free of pain, visit PTA today.

How Pain Affects Life

Constant pain can make it a struggle to perform even the most mundane of daily tasks.  When you feel better physically, you’re likely to get more done and enjoy yourself while doing it. Chronic pain will affect the body both physically and emotionally in a negative way.

Untreated pain can spawn feelings of weakness and fatigue, mood swings, difficulty sleeping and negatively impact the body’s ability to recover from illness. PTA supplies a hands-on approach to treat and relieve pain. PTA therapists are trained to assist with any pain, no matter how minor or severe it may be.

Pain is Treatable and Preventable

Many choose to ignore pain, believing it will fade on its own.  Pain tends to only get worse over time. Physical therapy offers patients a way to treat pain while also preventing its return. Professional Therapy Associates uses a wide range of therapy techniques to alleviate pain, including both manual and passive techniques.

Manual techniques consist of hands-on mobilization and massage, while passive therapy is the application of modalities such as heat, cold and electric stimulation to encourage your body to begin healing itself. PTA consists of well-rounded staff that caters to each patient’s specific needs. Partner with PTA to begin reaching your optimal health today.

A Free Consultation Can Help

The best way to determine exactly where your pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional. Professional Therapy Associates treats many different types of problems ranging from acute and chronic pain that has come on over time or due to injury, work related injuries, sports injuries and problems that arise from inactivity.

PTA is helping the community, friends and family by offering free pain relief consultations valued at $100 for residents of Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional please register online for your free consultation or call to schedule an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).

How Physical Therapy Can Help Keep the Community Healthy

One reason people tend to forego visiting a physical therapist is the thought that only patients with severe pain injuries are eligible for physical therapy. The notion that physical therapy is just for rehabilitation is a common misconception.

Physical therapy (PT) is beneficial for anyone experiencing continuous severe pain. The goal of physical therapy is to make daily tasks easier, such as getting out of bed or climbing stairs. Physical therapy provides a way to keep communities healthy, one patient at a time.

Physical Therapy Useful for All Types of Pain

Physical therapy promotes mobility and quality of life improvement. Experiencing pain is an indicator that something is not normal within your body. Whether you experience constant severe pain, or minor aches and pains, physical therapy can benefit you.

Every patient has a unique story and Professional Therapy Associates (PTA) wants to help with yours. PTA provides individualized plans which consist of four basic parts: identify the actual problem and its exact location, improve mobility in the problem area through manual therapy, strengthen the weak areas and stretch the tight areas and educate the body and patient by teaching correct movement patterns to prevent future dysfunction.

No pain is too insignificant or severe for PTA. The staff encourages patients to visit at the slightest indicator of pain: “Whether you are experiencing a problem that is recent or a problem that has gone on for too long to count, come see us.”

Professional Therapy Associates Techniques

Professional Therapy Associates offers a wide range of therapy techniques that are customized for each patient’s needs to alleviate your pain fast. Using a combination of manual therapies, such as mobilization and massage, and passive techniques, such as using heat, cold and electrical stimulation, therapists will encourage your body to begin healing itself.  PTA takes a hands-on approach with its techniques to help eliminate current pain, while also preventing future pain. PTA offers a well-rounded staff that will cater to your specific needs. Because each individual is different, each physical therapy program is different.

PTA lists a number of simple ways to help reduce daily pain and discomfort. PTA instructs and educates patients on techniques to restore flexibility and mobility, strengthen involved muscles, and prevent future occurrences. To limit strain on muscles, PTA suggests maintaining proper posture throughout the day and frequent stretching as the day wears on.

A Free Consultation Will Provide More Answers

If you are unsure whether or not physical therapy is right for you, Professional Therapy Associates offers free consultations for residents of the Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional call today and make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish inside The WAVE (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Downtown Kalispell inside Flathead Health & Fitness (406-257-5610).

Addressing the Real Costs of Pain

Pain is more than a signal from your body that something is wrong. It is also an emotional experience.  How one person experiences and responds to pain differs from how another may experience and respond to it. But there is one commonality shared among those who are living with pain. It takes a tremendous toll in terms of physical, mental and financial health. Improving quality of life for those living with it benefits not only the patient, but his or her community as well.

Pain by the Numbers

The following statistics provide a quick glimpse of pain’s dramatic influence:

• The American Academy of Pain Medicine says that pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
• An Institute of Medicine Report entitled Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research says that pain costs society at least $560-$635 billion annually, an amount equal to about $2,000.00 for everyone living in the U.S.

A survey from the National Institute of Health Statistics shows that:

• Back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old
• 51% of adults reporting chronic pain felt they had little or no control over their pain
• 77% reported feeling depressed
• 70% reported trouble concentrating
• 86% reported an inability to sleep well

A study entitled Pain in America: A Research Report found that:

• 60% of the respondents said that pain was just something one has to live with
• 28% of adults living with pain indicated that they felt that there was no solution for their pain

So if you or someone you know are suffering pain, do you simply learn to live with it or, if you decide to fight it, how do you do that effectively?

How to Deal with and Treat Pain

While pain medication provides quick relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the pain and can become addictive. A more natural approach such as physical therapy will identify the source of the pain and then work in alliance with you to develop an action plan of techniques and remedies to provide long-term relief.

The first step is to embrace the fact that pain can and should be dealt with as quickly as possible to avoid further injury and decline. Improper lifting of equipment at work or toddlers at home is a common cause of prolonged bouts of pain. Left unchecked, these injuries can damage the spine that may require surgery to repair. A patient suffering pain or restricted movement over a prolonged period of time without seeking treatment is likely to adapt their movements to compensate for the issue. This creates patterns that don’t follow proper body mechanics and can increase further risk of injury.

If you experience pain while lifting things such as equipment at work or toddlers at home this also can lead to further injury. You may be lifting the wrong way or have insufficient flexibility due to your pain. In either case, your spine will suffer the effects of using improper form and will further increase your experience of pain.

A Free Pain Relief Consultation Is a Great Start

The best way to determine exactly where your pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional. A licensed physical therapist can diagnose the cause of pain or limited mobility and provide the treatment needed to provide long-term relief.

During the consultation, the therapist may ask the individual to perform specific movements to evaluate your body’s mechanics and patterns and may recommend exercises or stretches to address problem areas. The goal of the consultation is to determine the appropriate next steps in treating your pain—whether it is a visit with a specialist or a full evaluation and wellness plan for those who could benefit from physical therapy treatment.

Natural, hands-on approaches such as physical therapy help make the community a healthier place and promote overall wellness for those who live there. Professional Therapy Associates is dedicated to providing such approaches to all residents of the Flathead Valley.

Professional Therapy Associates offers free consultations valued at $100 for residents of Flathead Valley. If you are in pain and in need of help from a professional call today and make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).

More FAQs about PT from PTA

As a medical practice, physical therapy combines proven science with carefully honed skills to provide customized care to patients in pain. The medical staff at Professional Therapy Associates has been serving the residents of Flathead Valley for nearly 25 years, empowering them to maintain health and mobility and live pain free without costly drugs or invasive procedures.

PTA staff members have gathered a handful of frequently asked questions from first-time patients to help alleviate some of the anxiety and confusion that often accompanies a painful condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about PT

• What types of hands-on therapy does PTA provide?

The therapy PTA provides depends on the patient and his or her situation. After an initial evaluation, each patient receives a customized plan of care that details the therapy needed to improve the patient’s condition and the frequency and duration that therapy requires.

Examples of hands-on therapy PTA offers include but are not limited to:

• Soft tissue and joint mobilization to alleviate pain and restore movement
• Myofascial release to alleviate pain and restore movement by increasing motion of the structures surrounding the bones and muscles
• Neuromuscular re-education that teaches muscles proper movement at rest and during functional activities
• Assisted muscle stretching and strengthening
• Postural re-education to teach proper alignment at rest and during functional activities

• How does physical therapy affect my overall health?   

Physical therapy will help decrease or eradicate pain and restore movement and function for personal, professional and recreational activities, enabling patients to live happier, more productive lives. Other benefits of physical therapy treatment include decreasing or eliminating pain medications, weight loss, and an overall pain-free increase in endurance and activity.

• Can I afford physical therapy? 

The benefits of physical therapy far outweigh the costs. In fact, failing to pursue physical therapy may incur more costs than not pursuing it. Untreated pain or limited activity may lead to disability, lost days from work and costly surgery.

To ensure everyone receives the help they need, the therapists at PTA offers individualized payment plans to ensure that finances do not prevent someone from leading a happy, healthy life. from getting the help they need.

• Does PTA participate in community events?

We certainly do. As a member of the Flathead Valley Community, PTA is dedicated to ensuring that its community is an active one. PTA demonstrates this commitment through its charitable events, educational seminars, pro bono services and partnerships with fellow local businesses to empower Flathead residents to live happy, productive lives.

Examples of charity events PTA has participated in include the 2 Bear Marathon, Huckleberry 100 Bike Race, the Whitefish Glacier Challenge and Picnic in the Park. We support youth swimming at the WAVE Aquatic and Fitness Center in Whitefish, Toys for Tots, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Flathead Valley Wrestling Camp and are members of local business groups such as the Flathead Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, PTA presents educational seminars on topics such as on back pain and arthritis.

• How can I receive more information about PTA?

You can visit our website at www.ptflathead.com or call any one of our four locations:

• Kalispell: 756-7878
• Downtown Kalispell:  257-5610
• Whitefish:  862-5033
• Columbia Falls:  892-7999

You also can sign up for our free monthly newsletter by emailing Tami at tami@ptflathead.comto learn about upcoming events and specials.

• If I want to become a physical therapist, where do I start? 

The medical professionals at PTA recommend the American Physical Therapy Association’s site. Click on the “prospective students” tab to find all the information you need about pursuing and beginning a career in physical therapy.

A Free Screening Can Provide More Answers

If you still have questions about whether physical therapy can help alleviate your pain, a free health and injury screening is an effective way to find out.

Residents of Flathead Valley can take advantage of a free screening from Professional Therapy Associates. The screening gives you the opportunity to consult with a licensed physical therapist at no charge who will conduct appropriate testing to pinpoint the cause of your pain or limited range of motion.

Register online for your free consultation or make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).

No one should have to live with pain and immobility. Get help at the first signs that something is not right and avoid further injury.

A Few FAQs about PT from PTA

Physical Therapy is more than a few exercises to restore mobility and alleviate pain. Quality treatment includes patient education to prevent pain and injury in the future. The medical staff at Professional Therapy Associates serves the residents of Flathead Valley by not only treating conditions caused by injury and illness but by empowering their patients to maintain health and mobility and live pain free without costly drugs or invasive procedures.

Having been in practice for nearly 25 years, the PTA staff has gathered a handful of frequently asked questions they hear from first-time patients. They share these questions and their answers online to help alleviate some of the anxiety and confusion that often accompanies a painful condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about PT

• Is there a certain amount of time I should be in pain before seeking help from a physical therapist?

No. You should consult a physical therapist at the first sign of a problem, be it pain or a change in your ability to move or function normally. The sooner you come in, the better your long-term prognosis.

Allowing pain to continue can cause more problems as your body begins to compensate by using other muscles to lessen pain while moving the afflicted area. An individualized physical therapy plan addresses the actual problem before other parts of the body are affected by compensating actions.

We tell our patients: If it is a pain or problem that pops up out of nowhere, come see us. If it is a pain or problem that has gone on too long, come see us.

• What types of exercises can a physical therapist provide that I cannot provide for myself at home?

Because a physical therapist can recognize the exact cause of the problem and/or source of the pain, they can target exercises designed specifically to stretch or strengthen the problem area. More “general” exercises such as those commonly done to alleviate pain at home can actually strengthen the muscles that are doing all of the compensating, thus exacerbating the problem.

• You mentioned earlier “an individualized physical therapy plan.” What does an individualized plan involve?

An individualized plan has four basic parts:

1. Identify the actual problem and its exact location
2. Improve mobility in the problem area through manual therapy
3. Strengthen the weak areas and stretch the tight areas through targeted exercises
4. Educate the body and patient by re-teaching correct movement patterns to prevent future injuries or dysfunction

• At what age can a person begin receiving physical therapy?

At any age. Physical therapy provides benefits to a patient from birth until death.

• What condition does your practice, Professional Therapy Associates, treat most frequently?

Approximately 65 percent of our patients are treated for back pain. The spine is the most challenging part of the body to treat. Approximately 85 percent of people experience back pain at some point in their lives, so we have taken it upon ourselves to be the spine experts of our part of the U.S., the Flathead Valley of Montana. This means that we know what to do to identify the actual cause of a patient’s back pain and resolve it so that patient can live a happy, productive life.

A Free Screening Can Provide More Answers

If you are still unsure about whether physical therapy is right for you, a free health and injury screening is an excellent way to find out.

Residents of Flathead Valley can take advantage of a free screening from Professional Therapy Associates. The screening gives you the opportunity to consult with a licensed physical therapist at no charge who will conduct appropriate testing to pinpoint the cause of your pain or limited range of motion.

Register online for your free consultation or make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).

When practiced properly, physical therapy can help you avoid permanent damage and prevent recurrent pain. You will be amazed at how quickly the body heals itself and how much better you will feel.

When Pain Knocks Your Knees

A knee may look simple from the outside, but this heavy-lifting joint is one of the most complex in the body. Comprised of an impressive network of ligaments and cartilage, the knee does more than connect the thigh bone to the shin bones. Its unique structure provides the fluid flexibility required for walking, running, jumping and bending with ease and comfort—until an injury or illness disrupts its ability to do so.

According to Professional Therapy Associates, knee pain is one of the most common complaints. Some common causes of knee pain include:

• Arthritis
• Injury to any one of the three major ligaments—the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) or the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
• Tears to the meniscus or articular cartilage, which act as the body’s shock absorbers
• Tendonitis around the patellar tendon, the large tendon that stretches across the kneecap
• Chondromalacia—a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap
• Dislocated kneecap

Many knee traumas such as tears to the meniscus and ligament happen while playing contact sports such as football and basketball. However, some knee pain can be attributed to ankle or hip dysfunctions. If you are experiencing pain and there has been no direct blow to your knee, an ankle or hip dysfunction is probably to blame.

How to Keep Your Knees Pain Free

Low-impact exercise provides the best protection against knee pain. When blood flows to your muscles, it carries with it the nutrients needed for optimal performance and carries away waste products that can contribute to injury or illness. Swimming, biking and walking are excellent ways to keep knees, ankles and hip joints well lubricated and in peak condition.

Proper Stretching also increases blood flow, keeping you healthy and mobile. Stretching the hamstrings, quadriceps and calves, which are directly attached to the ligaments of the knee, are particularly effective in keeping your knees healthy and pain free.

The quadricepses are the muscles that run along the front of your thigh and are connected to the ligaments of the knee. Stretching the quadriceps of each leg before and after low-impact activities will keep your knees mobile and pain free.