We’ve been creating and providing online resources for orthopedic patients since the early days of the Internet. Our websites at Alpine, including our blog, attract a number of people who discover some of the best graphics and topics on the web.
People seeking health information are online, and they want quality information. We took efforts early on to answer their orthopedic questions. By doing so, we’ve built inherent trust among many Missoulians who routinely utilize our patient information resources.
Having quality information that is unbiased and free of advertisements builds trust among users. It sets Alpine apart as a leader in outpatient physical therapy services in Missoula. Ultimately, our efforts in online information deployment has had a large role in helping us become the largest free standing outpatient physical therapy clinic in Missoula.
Our blog is updated three times per week with posts on hot topics in health, fitness, and rehab.
Our website, www.AlpinePTmissoula.com, boasts a robust database of easy to access and easy-read patient information. For example, in our “Patient Resources” section of the website, we have over 200 fully illustrated and easy-read modules covering all of the common orthopedic conditions including: carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, low back pain, tendonitis, along with numerous sports medicine topics.
There’s also a news feed with thousands of articles culled from 18 top peer reviewed orthopedic journals. These news articles are updated constantly over the course of each month. You can get the latest research boiled down on most any orthopedic topic, such as new approaches in various types of surgery, treatments for a host of conditions, and best practice in many aspects of orthopedic medicine.
There’s also a section called “Health Information,” which has a growing list of nearly 50 video topics covering all aspects of orthopedic physical therapy, along with a host of fitness topics.
Thanks for visiting our blog. Be sure to also access the many free online resources available on our website at www.AlpinePTmissoula.com.
Hello,
I’m a 42 yr. old female. I woke up with severe scapula/shoulder blade pain that radiates down my arm especially around the elbow and bicep area. In addition, I have had spasms from my wrist all the way down to my left rib cage including the chest area. I have iced, used heating pads, hot baths and showers, ibuprofen and a strong muscle relaxers to alleviate the pain. Nothing has worked. I believe that I may have a few torn fibers simultaneously under the rotator cup, but I feel more of the pain in an around the shoulder blade. The pain that is intolerable is that riding down the arm (outside) just above the elbow. It practically brings me to my knees. Any ideas what it could be and some home remedies to help the pain…..
I’m without health insurance.
In view of the symptoms you describe, which doesn’t detail an incident that might account for your symptoms, I would first advise that you see your primary health care provider to rule out any problems with your heart. Pain in the areas you describe may indicate heart trouble. If you’re okay in that department, it is possible that the symptoms you feel are originating in your neck. Evaluation of your neck may identify that symptoms are actually being referred from your neck to the areas you describe. If you experienced an actual event that cause a strain to the muscles about your shoulder blade, then, yes, you may have muscle spasm related to that injury. It sounds as though you’ve given the home-remedy a reasonable try, and because symptoms persist, you may now wish to consider seeing a professional who treats orthopedic conditions, such as an osteopathic physician, a chiropractic physician, or physical therapist. As a physical therapist for 20 years, I have good success treating the type of condition you describe . . . if in fact the symptoms are truly musculoskeletal in nature (and not originating from, as I mentioned early, other sources . . . like your heart).
i broke my ankle on Feb 25, 2012 while playing soccer (double fibula fracture); now i am working normal and can jog, but still unable to run properly. the ankle is still swollen, but i can shake it. The strange thing is that the ankle is swollen, and has remained that way. This is not normal because i should have returned to football by now. i have tried elevation of the ankle but to no avail. please what should i do medically? Please i am on a personal therapy involving exercises; and i have some pain around but not at the fracture site. please is this muscular or what; What should i do to return to training in a month or two?
THANKS.
Hi Oyama,
The swelling is typically indicative of abnormal stresses on the ankle joint. This can be due to a muscle imbalance about the ankle joint or higher up the chain at the hip and knee. When your hip or knee are unstable or weak, the ankle will be overworked, often in poor alignment, resulting in inflammation. Your first goal is to have a thorough musculoskeletal exam, typically by a PT, to identify which muscles are weak and where you may have muscle or joint stiffness. Again, this should include the ankle, knee, hip, and core. An appropriate exercise program can be developed to build base strength and include appropriate stretches and joint mobilizations if needed. Once a solid base strength and proper joint mobility is achieved, a return to sport program can be implemented. You can begin with basic squats, single leg balance, and lunges with an emphasis on excellent mechanics to minimize the stress on the ankle joint. Proper mechanics can be taught by your PT. You will progress from there to more dynamic exercises such as hops, jumps, running, and basic soccer drills such as Coervers. Always the emphasis must be on good lower extremity mechanics including the ankle, knee, core, and hip. Best to you!