Reasons Why Physical Therapy Is So Important

Physical therapy benefits people of all ages who experience medical conditions, injuries or illnesses that limit their motion and daily function. Professionals customize a person’s physical therapy program to help them return to their prior level of functioning. They might also encourage lifestyle changes that prevent further injury and strengthen the patient’s overall health and well-being.

Learn why physical therapy is important, its various benefits and how physical therapists identify, diagnose and treat movement problems below.

Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy?

Anyone can benefit from physical therapy — even those who have specific conditions but are currently pain-free. Physical therapists can identify and address potential problems that could lead to pain or injury in the future. They can provide supplementary treatment for various medical conditions, depending on their specialty.

For example, physical therapy can benefit those experiencing the following injuries or types of pain:

• Arthritis
• Back pain and strains
• Herniated disc
• Knee pain
• Rotator cuff tears
• Sciatica

Patients might go to physical therapists for specific sub-specialties, such as pediatrics, sports, geriatrics, cardiac, neurology or respiratory physical therapy. For instance, a pediatric physical therapist specializes in helping children with particular injuries or conditions like inherited movement disorders or bone and muscle issues. A cardiac physical therapist provides rehabilitative exercise counseling for those recovering from heart failure, a heart attack or heart surgery.

How Physical Therapists Identify, Diagnose and Treat Movement Problems

Your primary care doctor may refer you to physical therapy to help manage an issue. Physical therapists can then identify, diagnose and treat the pain to help you maintain or restore your range of motion:

1. Discussing your symptoms: Physical therapists will first speak with you about your pain or injury. They might discuss your habits or events that may have led to your symptoms. The conversation can help them determine how you may have gotten where you are physically.
2. Physical assessment: Next, you’ll undergo several functional tests to identify the source of your pain or injury. These tests measure your strength and range of motion, either throughout your entire body or the specific muscles and joints causing the problem.
3. Diagnosis: Physical therapists then compare your conversation and physical assessment to determine the cause of your issues.
4. Treatment plan: Finally, physical therapists explain your diagnosis and customize a treatment plan to help you manage the problem. From therapeutic exercises and manual therapy to newer techniques, a physical therapist will employ several noninvasive treatment options to address or prevent movement issues.

After your initial evaluation, treatment might include stretches or exercises to improve your strength and mobility while helping you stay pain-free. You’ll also be encouraged to continue rehabilitation with at-home exercises. Your physical therapists will assess your condition throughout your sessions to ensure your progress.

Physical Therapy Benefits

So why is physical therapy important? People use physical therapy for various reasons. It may be time to consider physical therapy when you have persistent joint achiness or muscle burning that can’t be relieved with at-home remedies.

Physical therapy can help:

• Reduce or eliminate pain: Physical therapists can help relieve pain caused by injuries or illnesses. Several exercises or manual therapy techniques like joint and tissue mobilization or ultrasound and taping methods can reduce pain, restore muscle and joint function and prevent the pain from returning.
• Avoid surgery: If physical therapy can help you eliminate pain or recover from an injury, you might not need surgery. Even when surgery is required, physical therapy can help you improve your strength beforehand so you can recover faster.
• Improve strength and mobility: No matter your age, if you have issues standing, walking or moving, physical therapy can help. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help restore your movement. You might also use assistive devices like canes or crutches in treatment. Since therapists customize your care plan, they can adapt any important activities in treatment to ensure your maximum performance and safety.
• Recover from a stroke: It’s common to lose some degree of movement and function after a stroke. Physical therapy can help you improve your gait and balance while strengthening the weakened parts of your body. Physical therapists can also improve stroke patients’ ability to move around the home so they can be more independent and require less assistance for activities of daily living.
• Recover from or prevent a sports injury: Physical therapists understand sports can increase your risk of specific injuries, like stress fractures for runners. They’ll design recovery or prevention exercise plans to ensure a safe return to your sport or to help prevent injuries while you’re playing.
• Improve your balance and prevent falls: When you begin physical therapy, therapists will evaluate your risk of falling. They’ll help improve coordination with exercises or assistive devices to promote safer walking. If a vestibular issue causes a balance problem, therapists can employ specific methods to restore vestibular functioning and reduce dizziness.
• Manage age-related issues: Individuals may develop specific bone or muscle conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis as they age. Physical therapists can help patients recover from joint replacement and help them manage their conditions.

How to Get Care for Your Physical Therapy Needs

Our priority at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania is providing high-quality care and service to address your physical therapy needs. Our friendly, highly skilled team works with you to achieve a higher success rate and improve your overall quality of life.

At our physical therapy center, you can expect specialized services and treatment in areas like:

• Orthopedics: Orthopedics address musculoskeletal injuries and impairments.
• Sports medicine: This specialty focuses on treating and preventing sports-related injuries.
• Hand therapy: Despite the name, hand therapy focuses on the hands, arms, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
• Work-related injuries: This treatment aims to help patients safely return to work.

We design our individualized treatment plans to fit your condition and lifestyle. We use expert hands-on manual techniques, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization. With these techniques, we can help you improve function, increase your range of motion and reduce pain, swelling and inflammation so you can get back to the activities you love the most.

Work With OIP as Your Physical Therapy Provider

You might need physical therapy for several reasons, from illness to injury. For your physical therapy needs, turn to OIP. By providing early intervention and 24-hour access to care, our customized treatment plans can help you restore your mobility as quickly as possible.

Our patients are our top priority. We provide high-quality care, work with all insurance providers and offer convenient scheduling to fit therapy around your busy schedule.

Use our online appointment request form to make an appointment today.

Ways to Alleviate Joint Pain

Jump to:

• Natural Remedies
• Medical Remedies
• Types of Joint Pain
• Contact Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania

Joint pain can occur in various body parts, including the shoulders, knees, and hips. Previous joint injury, weight, age, underlying medical conditions and joint overuse can increase the risk of developing joint pain. While joint pain may be constant, it can also occur episodically.

Along with pain, you may notice your joints feel sore, achy or stiff, with a limited range of motion. Severe joint pain may cause throbbing, burning or grating sensations. Fortunately, numerous joint pain solutions minimize joint pain and inflammation and restore a proper range of motion.

Natural Remedies

Many natural or at-home remedies provide relief for joint pain. Generally, natural remedies are often the first line of treatment people consider when they experience joint pain, while more severe pain may require professional intervention. Many at-home treatments are effective for mild to moderate pain. Some of these at-home joint pain solutions include:

Ice and Heat 

Ice and heat therapy is an effective joint pain remedy that can alleviate joint pain, discomfort and inflammation. Applying an ice pack to a sore joint can improve swelling and painful symptoms. Generally, experts recommend icing a painful joint for 15 minutes two to three times a day or as needed to improve symptoms. Physicians recommend applying ice first before heat therapy when joint pain becomes noticeable.

After a day or two, you can apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to improve joint pain and alleviate any muscle spasms. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can take a hot shower, bath or even immerse a painful joint in a basin of hot water. When using heating pads, you should only apply the pad directly to the joint for 20 minutes at a time.

Rest

Rest is essential for joint and muscle pain relief and can take the strain and pressure off an injured or damaged joint. If you notice pain in a joint, you should rest the joint immediately and avoid any activities that may aggravate joint pain. Rest can reduce inflammation and swelling around the joint and alleviate pressure.

While exercise can help a painful joint, knowing when rest is necessary is important. If exercise or simple movements are causing pain, discomfort or limited mobility, you should rest the joint for at least one day. Rest, along with ice and heat therapy, can minimize joint pain. After symptoms improve, you may continue gentle exercises to strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles.

Exercise

Exercise is another important solution for joint and muscle pain relief. It is important only to exercise if you are not experiencing severe joint pain or related symptoms. Exercise can improve flexibility, increase strength and minimize joint pain and stiffness.

Swimming is an excellent exercise for those with joint pain because aquatic activities alleviate pressure and strain on sore joints. While exercise may seem intimidating for those with joint pain, exercising can maintain bone strength, enhance balance, keep an ideal weight and provide energy for the day.

Medical Remedies

Many patients may need medical remedies for moderate to severe joint pain. If you don’t experience relief from at-home treatments, you may want to see your physician and learn more about common medical remedies for joint pain. Some of the most common medical treatments to improve joint pain include:

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can ease joint pain and minimize inflammation around the joint, preserving the joint’s function. Corticosteroid shots use anti-inflammatory medication to improve various medical conditions, including joint pain and stiffness.

When corticosteroid shots are injected into the joint, the medicine helps minimize inflammation, alleviating pressure on the joint and surrounding structures. Corticosteroid injections can provide joint pain relief from six weeks to six months, depending on your symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another beneficial treatment for joint pain that can stabilize a joint while strengthening the surrounding muscles. A physical therapist can help you regain a proper range of motion with gentle, guided exercises and stretches. Physical therapy is often combined with cold or heat therapy for the best results.

While physical therapy is quite effective for improving joint pain, it is most effective when combined with proper diet and other joint pain treatments. During physical therapy, you will learn low-impact exercises that improve joint pain and prevent further discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can minimize discomfort and improve pain-related symptoms for general joint pain and discomfort. Certain OTC medicine can reduce inflammation, improving swelling and joint pressure. Common OTC pain medicine includes aspirin and ibuprofen.

If you take other medications, you should consult your physician before adding any OTC pain relievers. If you don’t need an OTC pain reliever for swelling, you can use acetaminophen to reduce pain. When taking acetaminophen, you should avoid drinking any alcohol.

Types of Joint Pain

The joints are the connection between bones, providing your body with support as your move. When a joint becomes damaged or injured, it can cause pain, discomfort, swelling and limited mobility. Research suggests approximately one out of every four adults in the United States are affected by joint stiffness or pain.

While acute joint pain typically only lasts a few weeks, chronic joint pain can last for months and frequently occur in episodes. Even acute joint pain can negatively impact your overall quality of life. Understanding where your joint pain is located and what may be causing the discomfort can help you find an effective treatment. Some of the most common types of joint pain include:

Knee Pain

The knee is a common joint in the body that can become sore or painful. Knee joint pain can develop from an injury or age as the joint begins to wear down. Knee joint pain often causes an inability to fully extend or straighten the knee and difficulty placing full weight on the knee.

You may notice knee instability, weakness, stiffness or inflammation with knee joint pain. Other common symptoms of knee joint pain include redness, popping noises and the skin being warm to the touch. Approximately 25% of adults experience chronic knee pain.

Shoulder Pain

Approximately 18% to 26% of adults experience shoulder pain at any point in time, meaning it is one of the most common regional pain conditions. The shoulder is a complex joint designed to rotate 360 degrees. While the shoulder joint is impressive in its mobility, it may be prone to pain or stiffness.

Initially, shoulder pain may start as a mild, dull ache and slowly worsen over the next few days or weeks with continual use. Moderate or severe shoulder pain may develop suddenly with more noticeable symptoms. Shoulder joint pain may cause grinding sensations, limited movement and tender redness or inflammation.

Hip Pain

The hip joints are the body’s largest ball-and-socket joints, allowing for fluid movement. The hip joints connect the thighbones to the pelvis, allowing you to walk, run, stand and sit. While the hip joint can withstand repeated use, these joints can become painful and sensitive if they experience too much wear and tear.

Contact Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania

At the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, our providers are experts in all aspects of orthopedic care and are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care. We are proud to offer innovative treatments for back pain, foot pain, hand pain and neck pain.

Request an appointment online today to learn more about joint pain and joint pain treatments.

Signs Your Foot Pain is Serious

-Types of Foot Pain
-Other Causes of Foot Pain
-Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention

In many ways, your feet are your body’s unsung heroes. They support the weight of your body each day, and they take you where you want to go one step at a time. 

So when you experience foot pain and other problems, it can keep you from doing the things you want to do. Here are some of the possible reasons your foot pain may be occurring, possible treatment options and when you should see a doctor.

Types of Foot Pain and Treatment Options

Foot pain can occur in different parts of the foot due to various conditions, and the location of your foot pain can inform you of the cause — anything from shoes that don’t fit correctly or trauma to the foot to chronic arthritis, diabetic neuropathy or prolonged strain on the tendons, also known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI). 

The treatment options for foot pain also vary depending on foot pain cause and severity. We’ve organized some common foot pain causes and their treatment options below according to where they occur on your foot. 

Heel Pain

One area of the foot that is prone to pain is the heel. Causes of heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an RSI that’s common among runners or people who are often on their feet. It occurs when the ligaments along the arch of your foot between your toes and heel become stretched and inflamed. To treat plantar fasciitis, your doctor will likely suggest orthotics, rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. If the pain is intense, they may offer corticosteroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
• Heel spurs: Heel spurs occur when excess bone tissue grows on the underside of your heel near your arch. The stress inflicted on the heel from plantar fasciitis is the most common cause. Treatment for heel spurs involves rest, custom-fitted shoes, corticosteroid injections or surgery. 
• Heel fractures: Heel fractures are almost always serious injuries caused by trauma from a fall or another accident. Bruised and swollen heels that you have trouble walking on are common signs of a heel fracture. Treatment involves extended rest, splints or casts, physical therapy and surgery if the pain continues.

Other causes of heel pain could include a ruptured Achilles tendon, Achilles tendinitis, stone bruise or psoriatic arthritis. 

Ball of the Foot

Common causes of pain in the ball of your foot include: 

• Sesamoiditis: If the ball of your big toe causes you pain, you might have sesamoiditis. In that space are two small bones called sesamoids. When the tendons that connect those bones become inflamed from overuse, sesamoiditis occurs. To treat this RSI, your doctor will likely recommend rest, orthotics, NSAIDs, tape to immobilize the big toe and corticosteroids if you experience intense pain.  
• Morton’s neuroma: High heels, small-fitting shoes, being on your feet for extended periods or all three together are common culprits of Morton’s neuroma. This condition occurs when non-cancerous tissue builds up between the metatarsal bones located beneath your ankle to the balls of your feet. This tissue pinches the nerves between those bones. Initial treatment for Morton’s neuroma involves rest and footwear changes. You may need corticosteroid injections or surgery in rare cases if symptoms persist. 
• Metatarsalgia: Like Morton’s neuroma, shoes that are too small can cause metatarsalgia, or inflammation in the ball of your foot. Treatment involves over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, ice packs, comfortable footwear that fits and shoe inserts to relieve pressure.

Pain in the ball of your foot could also indicate a metatarsal fracture or sprain, bursitis or arthritis. 

Toe Pain

Common toe pain causes include: 

• Gout: This painful “disease of kings” involves build-ups of uric acid crystals in toe joints. If you have gout, you likely experience swelled, painful toes, especially your big toe. As a form of arthritis, gout treatment involves ice packs, NSAIDs, dietary changes and corticosteroids for intense pain. 
• Bunions: Although bunions look like growths beside your big toe, they are actually dislocated big toe joints. Pointy-toed shoes can significantly contribute to bunion formation. As with any dislocation, bunions can cause significant pain. Bunion treatment involves comfortable shoes that fit, shoe inserts or surgery for persistent pain. 
• Hammertoes: Hammertoes are related to bunions as they are dislocated toe joints in the middle toes. They cause the toes to bend at the joint with a hammer-like appearance. Ill-fitting shoes or muscle imbalances in your feet are common causes. To treat hammertoes, doctors recommend wearing broad-toed footwear and exercises to strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. If the pain does not subside, surgery is an option. 

Some other reasons for toe pain may be ingrown toenails, toe fracture or corns and calluses. 

Other Causes of Foot Pain

Some of the other reasons your feet can become painful include the following. 

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Although you can experience diabetic neuropathy in several areas, it often manifests in your legs and feet. Symptoms include sharp pains and tingling or burning sensations occurring anywhere in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy has no cure, so treatment involves a long-term management plan. These plans aim to slow the progression, relieve pain, manage complications and restore function.

Arthritis

Arthritis is not unique to the feet, but it often shows up there. Treatment depends on the arthritis type and also involves a chronic pain management plan. Several types of arthritis can afflict the feet:

• Osteoarthritis, which is cartilage degeneration between your joints and bones.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your joint fluid.
• Psoriatic arthritis, which causes rashes and stiff joints.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin between your toes. However, it can spread elsewhere in advanced cases. It involves painful and itchy rashes that can blister. You might experience athlete’s foot when wearing wet or sweaty socks without changing them or going barefoot in public spaces like swimming pools. Treatment involves antifungal cream and powders, but you may need to see a foot care specialist if symptoms do not improve. 

Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention

You can experience foot pain from something as simple as standing on your feet for too long or something as serious as a fractured heel. As such, you may not know if your foot pain is serious enough to see a doctor or if it will improve with rest. To help you know if you should seek medical attention for foot pain, here are some signs that you should see your doctor about your symptoms:

• Chronic pain or swelling in your feet
• Difficulty or inability to bear weight on your feet or walk
• Frequent numbness or tingling sensations
• Infections in your feet
• Intense foot pain
• Open wounds that resist healing
• Tender and warm areas of your feet, especially if a fever is present

See an OIP Orthopedic Doctor About Your Foot Pain

Our board-certified orthopedic doctors and podiatrists at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania can accurately diagnose the source of your foot pain and provide the most effective treatment option so you can trust the support your feet give you once again. If you are experiencing foot pain and need medical attention, we welcome you to request an appointment to see one of our foot doctors!

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania Opens New Hershey Facility

The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) is pleased to announce the opening of its new Hershey facility, offering neighbors in and around the area increased access to orthopedic specialists and services, including general orthopedic care, pain management, podiatry, rheumatology and physical therapy. 

OIP has had a presence in Hershey for more than 20 years. This newly renovated, 28,000 square-foot facility, located at 112 Sipe Avenue in Hummelstown, will replace the group’s previous location at 32 Northeast Drive.

Formerly home to the American Cancer Society, OIP purchased the Sipe Avenue property in December 2020 and has spent the last year making extensive renovations to accommodate a full-range of orthopedic services, including on-site physical therapy.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the growing Hershey region,” says Will Thompson, OIP’s CEO. “This highly visible office will provide patients in and around the region a convenient orthopedic solution, close to home – and access to a broader range of specialists and services.”

The group officially moved into the new location this month. Currently, six OIP physicians are available for appointments in Hershey with three more expected to join the office this Spring. 

The following physicians are currently available for appointments in Hershey: 

• Adam Buerk, DO
• Michael Fernandez, MD
• Matthew Kelly, MD

Patients from the Hershey area, and surrounding communities of Palmyra, Hummelstown, Lebanon, Middletown, Annville, Elizabethtown, Mechanicsburg and more, can find expert orthopedic care minutes from home.

OIP has eight locations throughout the central Pennsylvania area, including Camp Hill, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, Newport and Millersburg. To schedule an appointment at any OIP office, please call (717) 761-5530 or visit www.OIP.com. For 24/7 urgent orthopedic advice and care, call (855) OUCH-OIP.

OIP’s Temporary Response to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, our team is working hard to ensure we can safely meet your orthopedic needs. Below is a list of temporary measures that will take effect immediately. As always, the health of our patients and our associates is the priority.

We are currently experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19. While we are trying to accommodate as many patients as possible, your wait time may be longer in both registration and clinical areas. Your time and your trust is important to us and we apologize for this temporary inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.

1. The impact of COVID-19 on staffing levels also requires us to consolidate some team members, which means temporarily adjusting hours at some locations. See all the details below: 

• The OIP Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Harrisburg will ONLY be open Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm. Those who need immediate walk-in care can be seen at our OIP Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Camp Hill which will remain open Monday through Friday, 8am – 8pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 9am – 6pm. 

• Hours may be limited at some of our other OIP offices. If we need to change the location of your visit, you will be contacted in advance by one of our team members.

2. We are asking all adult patients to come to their appointments alone. If you need a support person because of difficulty walking or understanding your care, please call us ahead to discuss. Anyone who is not a patient will be kindly asked to wait in the car.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming appointment or our COVID-19 policies, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Find more information about our COVID-19 response effort here.

Cast your vote for the cutest pet!

OIP is holding its annual holiday pet picture contest – and we need your help! Our amazing associates have submitted photos of their beloved furry (and not so furry) friends in hopes of being named ‘top dog’! 

Visit this link to select your 5 favorite pet photos!

OIP’s Annual Reindeer Games will benefit two local organizations supporting central PA kids in need

Beginning November 15, Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania will launch its annual Reindeer Games, an effort to both celebrate its associates AND give back to the central PA community. 

This year, the group will partner with CocoaPacks Toy Drive and the United Methodist Home for Children. OIP associates will participate in several challenges to raise important donations for these organizations, BUT patients and community members are invited to drop off donations, too! Learn more about how you can help us impact the lives of local children in need.

CocoaPacks Toy Drive, November 15 – December 3

CocoaPacks provides supplemental food and other support to local children in need to enhance overall wellness. The group’s vision is a world where all children have what they need to succeed. Learn more about them. At the start of the school year, there were 1,400-plus school-age children registered and receiving support from this program. 

OIP associates (and patients!) are invited to donate any of the following items at any OIP location. Items needed, include:

• New, unwrapped toys (Consider items from the group’s Amazon Wish List)
• Holiday gift wrap, gift bags, tissue paper, bows and tape

United Methodist Home for Children, November 29 – December 17

The United Methodist Home for Children (UMHC) was founded in 1917 and today its Mechanicsburg campus serves approximately 35 children between the ages of 12-20 with safe, residential care and supports the broader community with services for youth and their families. Learn more about them.

OIP associates (and patients!) are invited to donate a $10 gift card to any of our OIP locations  from any of the following: 

• local restaurants
• Walmart, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dollar General and Staples
• grocery and convenient stores like Giant, Weis, Rite Aid and CVS
• Visa and Mastercard

We are privileged to partner with these two organizations and thank all of our associates and our patients for helping us brighten the holiday season for these special kids and their families!

How To Relieve Pain From Sitting All Day

Do you have an office job or one that requires you to sit for long periods of time? Or maybe even requires you to sit for the entire day? If you do, you are probably also familiar with the stress that puts on your body, such as back and neck pains. You may even worry about your posture.

Well, worry no more! The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) offers a number of services to relieve some of those pains, as well as provides proper care for the affected areas.

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common pains that results from sitting at a desk all day. There are two types of back pain: upper and lower. Each can be caused by different things, but both are pains you can get from sitting at your desk all day. Let’s take a deeper look at each one.

Upper Back Pain

There are 12 bones within your upper back. The first is at the base of your neck and the twelfth ends just below your ribcage. Upper back pain consists of any pain that occurs within this area.

Most of the time, upper back pain is caused by bad posture. While sitting at your desk, it’s easy to slouch over in your chair without realizing it. But try out these tricks to prevent those pains.

• Take regular breaks from sitting: Every once in a while, try standing up and walking around. This will relieve some of the stress put on your body from sitting all day, and it will also allow you to move other muscles in your body.
• Take stretch breaks: This is very similar to the first suggestion, but here, you want to make sure you are actually stretching your muscles so they don’t tighten up.
• Try getting a regular massage: Getting a massage can release some of the built-up tension in the back.
• Work with a physical therapist: A physical therapist can help you work on keeping your joints healthy and strengthening your muscles.
• Work on your posture: Focus on your posture, whether you’re sitting down or walking. This is huge in preventing back pain.

Most back pains can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes. However, if your pain persists, we’d love to meet you and check out those issues you’re having!

Lower Back Pain

Over 50% of Americans will experience lower back pain throughout their lifetime.

Lower back pain is pain experienced in the vertebrae known as L1 through L5. We have discs which are sacs that prevent your vertebrae from rubbing together. A common cause of lower back pain is bad posture, which puts strain on those discs.

Like upper back pain, lower back pain can probably be fixed by lifestyle changes, one of the most common being working on your posture. But there may be something more going on, such as:

• Sciatica: pain that runs from the base of the spine down your legs
• Herniated disc: pressure on the disc that causes it to reshape, which triggers lower back pain
• Muscle strain/lumbar strain: overuse of the muscles that causes pain to stretch into your buttocks (but not into the legs)
• Degenerative disc disorder: when discs in the lower back are damaged

If your back pain continues after trying to correct your bad habits or you’re worried you may be experiencing one of the conditions above, visit our Center for Spine Care in Camp Hill. Our physicians are able to treat most of our patients without the use of surgery.

Shoulder Pain

This may seem like a strange pain to have from sitting, but it definitely happens. Well, what could be causing shoulder pain at your desk job? Small, repetitive activities can place stress on the muscles in your shoulder, such as using a mouse or keyboard all day. In addition, check out this list of what could be contributing to your shoulder pain.

1. Bad posture
2. Putting too much pressure on your shoulder, even if in small amounts
3. Contact stress, such as how you rest your arms on your desk
4. Holding your body in an unnatural position for too long
5. Extreme temperatures

Surprisingly, a lot of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are actually computer-related. So study your everyday habits while at your desk or working on your computer and see if you’re making any movements that could be causing that shoulder pain.

What Can OIP Do for Your Shoulder Pain?

Once we figure out what is causing your pain, we can choose the best treatment plan for you. Here are some of the options:

• Rest: Resting your sore and hurting muscles can keep you from overusing the muscles long enough for them to begin healing.
• Physical or occupational therapy: There are always exercises and activities that can improve stability and help relieve some of that pain.
• Medications and/or injections: Certain medicines and injections can be used to treat pains that result from arthritis.
• Small surgical procedures: Some causes of pain may require a simple surgery. We can usually perform these types of procedures in a minimally invasive manner.

We prefer to visit the above methods to see if one of them will work, but sometimes, there is something more serious going on. If this is the case, a more in-depth surgery or treatment plan is the route we have to take. OIP will make sure it does what is best for you physically and financially.

Elbow Pain

Like shoulder pain, you wouldn’t expect that this kind of pain would come from sitting at your desk, but here we are. Maybe you lean on a desk all day, putting stress on your elbow and joints. Maybe you move your elbows in harsh ways all day while sitting at your desk. Whatever the case may be, take a look at these few tips for relieving pain.

• Rest: The most obvious answer for relieving pain is rest. Take the stress off your elbow. You could also be overusing it, which could be causing inflammation.
• Heat: Most of the time, you’re told to ice, but for elbow pain, applying heat could stimulate blood flow, which encourages healing.
• Stretching: Stretching sore muscles can help if maybe your muscles have just tightened up. Try stretching you arm out straight with your palm facing the ceiling. Slowly bring your fingers into your palms. Hold this for 30 seconds. Turn you arm over, where your palm is facing the floor, and repeat the stretch.
• Bracing: Wearing a brace over the affected area can keep the muscles in position and prohibit them from moving, which can aid the healing process.

If none of these work, OIP can help! We take your pain and recovery as seriously as you do, and we want to make sure that we take care of you the best way possible.

Hip Pain

The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in our body and is where the bones in the upper part of the leg connect to your body. The hip will support you while walking, running, or any other activity you may take part in. But the hip will also support you while you’re sitting. In fact, your hip bends to support your weight when you’re sitting down, which can put stress on the hip and cause you pain.

Sometimes, hip pain is just a result of sitting down for too long, so you may be able to stand, move around and stretch to relieve the pains. But sometimes, your hip pain could mean there is something more going on with your body.

The kind of pain you are experiencing and where you’re experiencing it can help you determine what the issue may be. Pains on the outer portion of the hip are usually related to your ligaments, tendons and/or muscles. But pains on the inner portion of the hip are usually tied to health issues related to your hip and its connecting joints. There’s also the possibility that your back pain has worked its way into your hip, known as referred pain.

Why Do I Have Hip Pains?

As with all pains related to sitting down for long periods of time, it could be a few different things.

1. Bad posture: This puts strain on all parts of your body.
2. Crossing your legs: Crossed legs can put stress on either hip and cause pain.
3. Leaning to either side: Leaning one way or the other puts stress on your hips.
4. Sitting unevenly: Sitting on an uneven surface can strain your hips.

There could definitely be something more serious going on, so if making these alterations while sitting doesn’t help, OIP can check out the hip to look for the cause. We can treat your pains at our Harrisburg location by trying some of our non-surgical methods.

Knee Pain

Pains in the knee can be a result of a previous injury, but they can also be overuse, wear and tear or maybe it’s just the way you’re sitting. While you may not think you would be putting stress on your knee while sitting, you definitely can. So what could be causing those knee pains?

1. Sitting for too long: Dr. JoAnn Manson says that sitting for 8 hours or more each day is bad for your body.
2. Sitting in an abnormal position: If you’re sitting with your knees in random positions, it could be putting unnecessary stress on them.
3. Furniture: If you’re sitting on a chair or couch with an odd design, it could be causing you to strain your muscles and body parts.

These are the most common reasons you could be having knee pains in relation to sitting at your desk all day. However, as always, there can definitely be an underlying condition causing these pains. If you feel you need to have your knees examined, our physicians can take a look to determine the problem.

Most people tend to avoid doctors when it comes to knees because they believe surgery is the only way to fix the pain. However, our physicians will work through all non-surgical treatment methods before surgery. We will do our best to find a method that works for you. We won’t pressure you into surgery unless we believe it is the only way to help you relieve those pains.

How Can I Alleviate Knee Pains While Sitting?

There are some things you can work on to prevent knee pains.

1. Pick an office chair that supports your spinal curves. This can help alleviate some of those other pains from sitting as well.
2. Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the floor. This will help with your posture and make sure your knees aren’t bent at ridiculous angles. If for any reason you are unable to adjust your chair to accomplish these tasks, consider some sort of footrest. Your feet need to be flat on a surface below you.
3. Adjust your armrests so that your arms can rest in a relaxed position.
4. Make sure your desk and chair allows room for your knees, thighs and feet.
5. When working at your desk, make sure your work is directly in front of you and not too far away. This will keep you from moving into odd positions and putting stress on your body.

Another idea, which may seem very odd, is to look into a standing desk. This keeps you from sitting too long and bending your body at unnatural angles.

If these adjustments don’t help with your pain, reach out to our staff so we can evaluate your pains and struggles.

Pain Management

Now let’s talk about how to manage your pain. It’s important to note that pain is a symptom. Usually, your pain means that there’s something underlying. In this case, the underlying problem is how you’re sitting while at a desk, at work, etc.

If you’ve tried our tips and tricks previously mentioned and your pain is still an issue, contact us today! We will take a look to make sure you don’t have a more serious problem, such as arthritis or chronic joint pain. Whether it is something more or just pain associated with sitting at a desk all day, we will come up with a plan to treat your pain.

You can call our main line (717) 761-5530 or our 24/7 emergency advice hotline (855) OUCH OIP ((855) 682-4647. You can also request an appointment by filling out our online form. We do welcome walk-ins though, so you can visit our Camp Hill or Harrisburg Orthopedic Injury Clinic and see a physician today!

OIP to collaborate with Captial Area Soccer Association

We are excited to announce our recent collaboration with the Capital Area Soccer Association (CASA) for the Fall 2021 season. CASA is a youth soccer organization in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Its mission is to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer while fostering the physical, mental and emotional growth of area youth through the sport of soccer. CASA is affiliated with Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League (CPYSL), Atlantic Premier League (APL), and Elite Development Program (EDP).

Our OIP team will provide licensed athletic trainers to perform free, on-field injury screens for participating athletes every Tuesday evening. All CASA players (travel, recreational, coaches and staff) are eligible. Licensed athletic trainers will screen for sprains, strains and acute pain and help athletes formulate a plan of care. No appointment is needed. Athletes can simply visit the OIP tent on Tuesday evenings.

We look forward to supporting CASA coaches, families and athletes with outstanding orthopedic care!

OIP voted Simply the Best in Harrisburg

Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania was ONCE AGAIN named SIMPLY THE BEST – in several categories!

Simply The Best – Orthopedics

Simply the Best – Pain Specialist Clinic

Reader’s Choice – Physical Therapist

Reader’s Choice – Place to Work

Simply the Best is more than an award, it’s a vote of confidence from our patients and our community. Over the past 50 years, OIP physicians have cared for generations of patients – trust in the group has passed from parent to child to grandchild. We feel that these generations of satisfied patients are the best and strongest sources of referral to our practice. Our physicians never take for granted the trust and confidence of our patients.

Click here for access to the the full list of winners.