Big Stone Therapies Fargo

04/23/2026

Yesterday was Administrative Professionals Day and we have a good one to celebrate! Jessie runs between two different locations, teaches classes at New Perspective, manages both schedules, takes care of all our patients questions, answers two different phone systems, makes sure billing and insurance is one track and keeps a smile the whole time! Jessie you rock!

04/15/2026

April is OT month! Emma is the newest member of our team and we couldn't be happier to have her with us! Emma brings a strong work ethic to the team and is awesome at getting the most of our her patients while still making it fun. Lets get to know this amazing COTA:

Favorite food: Mashed Potatoes & gravy
Favorite Sport: Football
Hobbies: Reading, working out, hanging out with friends & family, binge watching movies, shopping, traveling
Favorite Pet: My cat Cassie
Favorite Drink: Coffee or protein shake
Favorite way to stay active: Going for a walk or going to the gym
Dream Vacation: Maldives

04/15/2026

🚶‍♂️ Did You Know You Can Start Physical Therapy Without a Referral?

That’s right—thanks to Direct Access, you can see a physical therapist right away without waiting for a physician referral in many cases.

💥 What this means for you:
✅ Faster access to care
✅ Start treatment sooner
✅ Reduce pain and improve function earlier
✅ Save time and avoid extra appointments

🩺 Physical therapists are highly trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions—and if needed, we’ll help guide you to the right provider.

💡 Common reasons to come straight to PT:
✔️ Back or neck pain
✔️ Sports injuries
✔️ Joint pain or stiffness
✔️ Muscle strains
✔️ Balance or mobility issues

⏳ Why wait to feel better?

📍 Contact Big Stone Therapies today at 701-478-7868 and get started on your recovery!

Seeing a physical therapist first, without a physician's referral, is allowed in the United States, and it is called direct access. Not only is it safe and effective, direct access can help you recover faster, among other benefits.

04/13/2026

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel also contains several tendons that help move the fingers. When the tendons or surrounding tissues become irritated or swollen, they can increase pressure in the tunnel and irritate the nerve.

This condition is common in people who perform repetitive hand or wrist activities, such as typing, gripping tools, or prolonged phone use, but it can also develop due to inflammation, injury, or certain medical conditions.

How Does It Present?

People with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience:

Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger

Hand weakness or decreased grip strength

Pain or burning sensations in the wrist or hand

Symptoms that worsen at night or with repetitive activities

Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or holding small objects

Sometimes the symptoms may travel into the forearm or up the arm.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy can be very effective in managing carpal tunnel symptoms and improving hand function. Treatment may include:

Nerve gliding exercises to improve mobility of the median nerve

Tendon gliding exercises to reduce irritation in the tunnel

Manual therapy to improve wrist and forearm mobility

Strengthening exercises for the hand, wrist, and forearm

Ergonomic education for work, typing, and daily activities

Activity modification strategies to reduce stress on the wrist

The goal of therapy is to reduce pressure on the nerve, improve movement, and restore strength and function.

What Can Patients Do to Help?

Patients can support recovery and prevent worsening symptoms by:

Taking frequent breaks from repetitive hand activities

Maintaining neutral wrist posture when typing or using devices

Performing recommended stretching and nerve-gliding exercises

Using ergonomic workstations or wrist supports if appropriate

Avoiding prolonged wrist bending or sustained gripping

Early treatment often leads to the best outcomes. With the right combination of education, exercise, and activity modification, many people can significantly reduce symptoms and return to normal activities.

Call us today to schedule at 701-478-7868!

04/10/2026

Happy Birthday Jessie! You are awesome and keep us all in check around here, every team needs a heart and Jessie, you are our heart. We hope you had a great day, you deserve it!

p.s. sorry about the late post, that's why we need you around here!

04/06/2026

Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes pain signals. People with fibromyalgia often experience widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and sensitivity throughout the body. It is believed to involve changes in how the nervous system interprets pain, making normal sensations feel more intense.

How Does It Present?
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

Widespread muscle pain or tenderness

Persistent fatigue

Difficulty sleeping or non-restorative sleep

Headaches

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Increased sensitivity to touch, temperature, or pressure

Symptoms can vary from day to day and may flare up during times of stress, poor sleep, or illness.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy plays an important role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Treatment may include:

Gentle strengthening and aerobic exercise

Movement and mobility training

Pain management strategies

Relaxation and breathing techniques

Education on pacing activities and energy conservation

Our therapists create personalized programs to help patients gradually improve movement, reduce pain sensitivity, and build confidence with activity.

What Can Patients Do to Help?
Patients can support symptom management by:

Staying active with low-impact exercise

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine

Practicing stress-management strategies such as meditation or breathing exercises

Pacing daily activities to avoid overexertion

Following their personalized therapy program

With the right strategies and support, many people with fibromyalgia can improve their quality of life and stay active.

04/01/2026

✝️ Holiday Hours Update ✝️

Our clinic will be closed on Good Friday to allow our team time to rest and spend time with family.

We will resume normal hours on Monday

Thank you for your understanding—and we wish you a safe and meaningful holiday weekend! 💙

03/30/2026

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

What is TMD?
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to pain or dysfunction involving the jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement. It can develop from muscle tension, joint irritation, clenching or grinding, stress, trauma, or changes in how the jaw moves.

How Does It Present?
People with TMD may notice:

Jaw pain or tenderness

Clicking or popping in the jaw

Pain with chewing or talking

Difficulty opening the mouth fully

Headaches or facial pain

Ear pain, pressure, or ringing

Neck pain or tension

Symptoms can range from mild annoyance to significant discomfort that affects eating, speaking, and daily life.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy can be very helpful for people with TMD. Treatment may include:

Gentle exercises to improve jaw mobility

Manual therapy to address muscle tightness and joint stiffness

Postural training for the neck and upper back

Education on jaw relaxation and movement strategies

Treatment for related neck pain and muscle tension

Guidance for reducing clenching and overuse habits

Our therapists create individualized treatment plans to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and help patients return to normal daily activities.

What Can Patients Do to Help?
Patients can support recovery by:

Avoiding excessive chewing, gum, or hard foods during flare-ups

Practicing good posture throughout the day

Reducing jaw clenching and keeping the jaw relaxed

Using stress-management strategies when tension is a trigger

Following prescribed exercises consistently

Avoiding wide mouth opening when symptoms are irritated

With the right treatment plan, many people with TMD can improve jaw function, reduce pain, and get back to living more comfortably.

03/26/2026

BST Fargo can help those recovering from a TBI in many ways from general strengthening and balance to aquatic therapy to work on moving dynamically in a safe environment to pain education and management to work on skills to help calm down a high alert nervous system. We are here at two different locations in Fargo and are accepting new patients today! Give us a call at 701-478-7868 to see if we can fit into your recovery journey.

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when an injury disrupts the way the brain functions.

03/26/2026

🩺 Did you know Physical Therapy can help manage your blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) isn’t just about medication—it’s also about how your body moves, recovers, and handles stress. That’s where physical therapy comes in 💪

How PT Helps:
✅ Exercise prescription: Safe, individualized programs proven to lower blood pressure
✅ Aerobic conditioning: Walking, cycling, and movement strategies that improve heart health
✅ Strength training: Builds muscle and helps regulate vascular function
✅ Stress management: Breathing techniques and recovery strategies to calm the nervous system
✅ Lifestyle guidance: Helping you build sustainable habits that stick

What you can do today:
👉 Move more (even short walks count!)
👉 Practice slow, controlled breathing
👉 Stay consistent—small changes add up
👉 Talk to a PT about a personalized plan

💡 The best part? These strategies don’t just lower blood pressure—they improve energy, mobility, and overall quality of life.

📍 If you’ve been told you have high blood pressure—or want to prevent it—our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.

03/25/2026

“Have you ever noticed your pain gets worse when the weather changes?” 🌧️❄️

You’re not alone. Many people report increased joint or muscle pain with shifts in temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure. But what’s actually happening—and is it real or just a myth?

In this video, we’ll break down how weather may influence pain, why your body might feel different on certain days, and what you can do to stay comfortable and active no matter the forecast.

03/23/2026

What is Rotator Cuff–Related Shoulder Pain?
Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and control arm movement. When these tendons become irritated, overloaded, or degenerated, it can lead to pain and difficulty using the shoulder.

How Does It Present?
People with rotator cuff–related pain often notice:

Pain when lifting the arm overhead

Pain reaching behind the back or out to the side

Weakness in the shoulder

Discomfort when sleeping on the affected shoulder

Pain during activities like lifting, throwing, or reaching

Symptoms may develop gradually over time or after a period of increased activity.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain. Treatment may include:

Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles

Improving shoulder mobility and movement mechanics

Reducing irritation in the tendons

Education on activity modification and safe movement strategies

Gradual return to sports, work, or daily activities

Our therapists create personalized programs designed to restore strength, improve shoulder control, and reduce pain.

What Can Patients Do to Help?
Patients play a key role in recovery. Helpful strategies include:

Performing prescribed exercises consistently

Avoiding repeated painful overhead movements early in recovery

Maintaining good posture during work and daily activities

Using gradual, controlled return to exercise or sports

Staying active while respecting pain limits

With the right treatment and a guided exercise program, most people with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain can recover and return to the activities they enjoy. 💪