Athletico Health Resources

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where your jaw attaches to the temple of the skull. It is a joint that allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. This joint is essential for guiding movements required for chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are conditions associated with dysfunction of the joint as well as the associated muscles.

The cause of TMD is still widely unknown. However, the majority of patients with TMD suffer from malpositioning of the TMJ disc, and muscle tightness in the jaw, face, and neck. TMD can present differently in every individual, so a clinical examination is recommended to customize a plan of care. One option for treating TMD is dry needling.

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Are you planning on having a knee replacement? Or maybe you’ve just recently had one? Knee replacements are one of the most common types of replacement surgeries. It is estimated that over 850,000 knee replacements are performed each year. As a physical therapist, one thing that I have seen with a majority of my patients navigating post-knee replacement is that they weren’t exactly sure what the recovery process would be like for them post-surgery. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the recovery process from start to finish and how to set yourself up for success.

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Happy Occupational Therapy Month! Since 1980, April has been the month to celebrate occupational therapy (OT) nationally. Even though the profession started in the early 1900s, there are still misconceptions about the practice that remain to this day. Let’s explore what occupational therapy is, what it’s not, and what it could do for you!

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While a winter wonderland can be beautiful, it can also pose challenges for those with joint issues. Cold weather can often exacerbate joint pain and stiffness, making it essential to take proactive steps to protect your joints during this time. In this blog, we’ll discuss four strategies to help you safeguard your joints and stay comfortable throughout the winter months.

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Do your joints make noises when you move? Many people hear noises such as pops, creaks, or grinding in their joints, often in the knees, with activities such as going up stairs or squatting down. But it’s important to know that these noises can be normal, especially if they are not associated with any kind of pain! When joints make noise, it is commonly known as crepitus. Let’s take a closer look at what crepitus is and what you need to know in order to continue safe exercise.

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The knees are a common area for injury and pain, with incidences occurring in roughly one-fifth of the population, and this is only second behind back pain. Because of this, it is common to hear someone you know talk about their “bad knees” at some point or another, especially in the older population. While knee pain can be common, it is also fairly easy to take care of to keep pain at bay and it is best to start working on them as early as possible.

The following information will help you get in touch with your knees and keep them as pain-free as possible as you age.

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Since April is Occupational Therapy Month, our OT’s have put together a list of modifications that can help to decrease forces on hands and other joints. This chart has modifications that many people encounter daily. These adaptations will allow you to use less force which will avoid pain, prevent arthritic changes, and help to prevent deforming forces and injury.

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Arthritis affects 24% of American adults, is the leading cause of work disability¹, and accounts for approximately $303 billion of the $4.1 trillion yearly healthcare cost. With 21% of the population estimated to be 65+ by 2030, arthritis management will be an increasingly prevalent topic.

While exercise is one of the best treatments for arthritis, inevitably, the question arises of how to keep moving when living with arthritis. The answer begins with understanding that exercise is not the enemy.

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