Baptist Health Therapy Center-Hot Spring County

06/18/2024

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of space within the spinal canal. The most common cause for spinal stenosis includes degenerative changes of the lumbar spine that take place with age, although trauma and fractures can also be involved. This narrowing can cause compression on either the spinal cord or nerve roots and result in various symptoms. Along with low back pain, patients will likely report decreased strength and altered sensation down either one of both legs. Symptoms are often made worse with prolonged standing, walking, or lying flat, and often feel better with sitting and bending forward. Physical therapy is a critical first step in conservative care when dealing with spinal stenosis. Treatment will include increases to strength, flexibility, and core stability. If surgery is warranted, physical therapy can also play a crucial role in return to function and maximizing independence following the procedure. If you recognize and relate to this spinal stenosis description, contact your local Baptist Therapy Center for guidance!

06/04/2024

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that act as stabilizers for the shoulder joint. A tear in the rotator cuff can be a result of a traumatic injury such as a fall or as a result of repetitive movements, like throwing or lifting, or gradually over time due to overuse or anatomic abnormalities. There are two types of rotator cuff tears, a partial thickness tear and full thickness tear. A full thickness tear is when the tear extends through the length or width of the whole tendon. This type of tear typically requires surgery to repair the rotator cuff. A physical therapist is an integral part of the recovery process after surgery. The therapist uses their expertise of healing times and appropriate progression to develop a treatment plan to restore range of motion, decrease pain, increase strength, and restore functional ability. If you have had a rotator cuff repair or are planning to have one, contact your local Baptist Therapy Center to see how we can help you!

05/24/2024

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend!! We are so thankful for those who have sacrificed and given so much for our freedom.

05/21/2024

A total hip replacement, also known as a total hip arthroplasty (THA), is a surgical procedure in which damaged bone and cartilage is removed from the hip and replaced with prosthetic components. A patient most often undergoes a THA due to severe and progressive osteoarthritis, although trauma and avascular necrosis are common reasons as well. Once the replacement has been decided on and completed, the orthopedic surgeon will likely request for physical therapy to begin soon after. Immediately following surgery, physical therapy emphasis will include decreasing swelling, safe transfers and ambulation, and adherence to post-surgical precautions. As healing progresses, more advanced mobility and strengthening can take place. The THA can be a highly successful surgery, and patients who undergo the surgery can expect a safe return to walking, biking, and other low impact activities. If you have had a total hip replacement, or have plans to have one done soon, consider Baptist Health for your outpatient physical therapy services!

05/08/2024

The piriformis muscle is a thick, flat muscle that is located in the buttocks area. When the piriformis muscle spasms, it is called piriformis syndrome and it can produce pain in the buttocks and low back on the same side. A spasm in the piriformis can also cause irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. When this occurs, you can experience pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates from the buttock and down the leg. Common causes of piriformis syndrome are inflammation, tightness, muscle spasm, or traumatic injury. Physical therapists can provide a detailed assessment and treatment plan that may include stretching, strengthening, range of motion activities, and manual therapy techniques to resolve dysfunction related to piriformis syndrome. If pain is limiting you from being able to do the things you enjoy, contact your doctor to see if physical therapy can help you get back on your feet!

04/19/2024

April is National Occupational Therapy month! Many people may not know what an occupational therapist, or OT, actually does. An OT can play a role in populations from birth to seniors. They focus on helping people return to daily activities that include, but are not limited to, self care, work, school, and recreational activities. Occupational therapists work with people that may have pain or limitations from a variety of conditions that may include arthritis, strokes, work related injuries, sports injuries, and surgeries and more. At Baptist Health, occupational therapists play an integral role in patient recovery in a variety of settings including acute care, inpatient rehab, long term acute care, home health, and outpatient. In the outpatient setting, OTs specialize in orthopedic and post surgical recovery of the elbow, wrist, and hand along with making splints. From self care tasks like bathing and dressing to higher level activities like playing sports, occupational therapists use creative and innovative treatment ideas to help people return to a wide variety of activities. The OT staff at Baptist health are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the most functional and independent life they can.

04/02/2024

Thoracic outlet syndrome, also known as TOS, is when there is compression of the bundle of nerves, veins, and arteries that run between the first rib and the collar bone. This compression can be caused by a trauma to the area, repetitive use injury, chronic abnormal posture or abnormal anatomy. Symptoms can vary depending on which structures are being compressed. There are four types of TOS.

Category 1: Arterial TOS symptoms include pain in the hand but not in shoulder or neck, coldness or cold intolerance, numbness and tingling, and symptoms worsen when the involved arm and hand is over the head.

Category 2: Venous TOS symptoms include pain and swelling in the arm, bluish discoloration of the arm, tingling and numbness in fingers and hands, and symptoms are worse when the involved arm and hand is over the head.

Category 3: Ture neurogenic TOS symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, arm, shoulder, and often the neck, headaches, numbness and tingling in the arm that disturbs sleep, clumsiness of the hand, coldness and color changes in the hand, and symptoms wore when the involved arm is over the head.



Category 4: Disputed neurogenic TOS has the same symptoms as a true neurogenic TOS, however testing may come back as normal.

Doppler testing and nerve conduction testing are common tests performed to diagnose TOS. However, your physical therapist may be the first to determine that you have TOS. Therapists use the patient’s history of injury, special tests, and assessment of function to determine if you have TOS. Based on this assessment a physical therapist can provide education, symptom relief through manual therapy and exercises, and restore function through strengthening and functional activities. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor about how one of our Baptist Health Therapy centers can help you!

03/22/2024

Patellofemoral syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee”, is a diagnosis used to describe pain at the anterior knee joint. This injury occurs when the patella tracks abnormally between the femur and tibia bones. The condition is often experienced by young adults involved with sports and is correlated with increased activity levels. Activities that typically worsen pain include stair climbing and jumping; also, prolonged knee bending, such as sitting in a car for long drives, can flare symptoms. Physical therapists frequently help diagnose and treat patellofemoral syndrome. Early management will likely include controlling swelling and pain, with emphasis on ROM, stretching, and quadriceps activation. An important component of rehab will include strengthening the muscles that stabilize the kneecap; this is especially important to help facilitate proper patellar tracking. If you think you are dealing with patellofemoral syndrome, contact your doctor for a referral to your local Baptist therapy center!

03/20/2024

The Achilles Tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the human body. The tendon is most forcefully stressed with jumping and cutting movements, such as with the footwork involved in football, basketball, and softball. Contributing factors to an Achilles tendon rupture include poor stretching, rapid increases in exercise intensity, and improper shoe wear. Age can also play a role in the likelihood of tendon rupture with research showing that those that are above the age of 30 have lower blood flow to the Achilles and, consequently, increased tendon breakdown. Once the diagnosis of an Achilles rupture has been confirmed, a patient and physician may decide whether surgery is indicated or not. Regardless of that choice, a patient will require a cast or brace for 6-10 weeks to allow for sufficient tendon healing. Physical therapy should begin promptly. Patients can expect interventions including range of motion, stretching, gait training, strengthening, and modalities. Those who have undergone the surgery can expect a return to function within 6 to 7 months of initiating physical therapy. If you have undergone a recent Achilles tendon repair, or if you want to address a tight achilles, contact your physician to see how your local Baptist physical therapy center can assist you!

02/21/2024

Dry needling is the use of a thin needle that does not contain any medication, and is inserted into a patient to treat muscle and connective tissue disorders that are causing both musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain. This pain may often lead to movement dysfunctions and limit a person’s ability to perform activities due to pain. One of the most common uses for dry needling is to treat trigger points. A trigger point is a local band of tight, irritable and dysfunctional muscle tissue. Trigger points often develop because of injury, overuse or poor movement patterns. The needle is inserted into the trigger point in an effort to decrease the tension of the trigger point, increase blood flow to the area, decrease pain and improve function of the muscle and surrounding tissues. One or more needles may be used during a treatment and treatment may last from under a minute to 20 minutes or more and may be paired with electrical stimulation depending on the goals of the treatment. Dry needling is most often used as part of a treatment plan that may also include manual therapy and exercise in order for patients to achieve the best outcomes. If you are experiencing muscle, tendon or ligament pain, talk to your doctor to see if physical therapy and dry needling may be the treatment you need

02/12/2024

This week is Cardiovascular Professionals Week and this year's theme is "Hearts in Harmony." Cardiovascular care truly does require everyone to be in perfect harmony. We want to thank our teams across the state for working together to deliver quality care reliably and effectively.

02/12/2024

UnitedHealthcare and Baptist Health are pleased to have reached a multi-year agreement that ensures UnitedHealthcare’s members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, as well as Dual Special Needs Plans, have access to Baptist Health's physicians and facilities across Arkansas, effective immediately.

Our top priority throughout the negotiation was ensuring the families we mutually serve have access to quality, affordable health care from the doctors and care providers they know and trust, and this agreement accomplishes that goal.

We thank you for your patience throughout this process and are honored to continue serving Arkansans who entrust us with their care.

02/05/2024

It is estimated that nearly 80% of the population will experience low back pain during their lifetime. Low back pain is typically defined as pain that occurs in the area from the just below the ribs to the buttocks. Pain can be localized to one side or cover a broad area. In some cases low back pain can cause symptoms into one or both legs. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Low back pain can be caused by arthritis, a disc issue, and other musculoskeletal conditions. A sedentary lifestyle, occupations that require repeated bending and lifting, and general poor health can increase the likelihood of having low back pain. Physical therapists are trained to assess and treat low back pain. A therapist will perform an evaluation and develop a treatment plan that may include exercise, stretching, and manual activities to reduce pain, increase motion and restore normal function. If you have been dealing with low back pain and are ready to get back to your normal activities, therapy may be right for you!

01/24/2024

Nearly 30% of the US population will experience neck pain each year, with adults age 30-50 being most likely to report neck pain. Neck pain is commonly felt in the back and sides of the neck and pain can extend into the upper back and the shoulders. Symptoms commonly include stiffness, difficulty turning the head from side to side, difficulty looking up and muscle spasms. Risk factors for neck pain include poor posture, repetitive movements such as lifting, prolonged computer use, injury due to sports and motor vehicle accidents. Physical therapists can play an integral role in helping people recover from neck pain and return their previous level of function. A therapist will perform an evaluation to determine the cause of your neck pain and develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate symptoms. Treatment may include stretching, range of motion activities, manual treatment, and strengthening activities. If you have been suffering with neck pain, talk to your doctor and see if therapy may be the right choice for you!

01/04/2024

The carpal tunnel is formed by ligaments and bones that make up the wrist. Important structures that run through this tunnel include the median nerve and tendons. Repetitive use, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, wrist fractures, and other conditions can cause inflammation to the tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when inflammation causes compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Common symptoms include wrist pain, muscle atrophy, and decreased grip strength. Initial care includes conservative management provided by physical therapists; gentle stretching and ergonomic adjustments would be used to alleviate symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be required to release median nerve compression. In this instance, physical therapy would serve a role in post-surgical rehabilitation. Treatment would include range of motion activities, strengthening exercises, scar desensitization, and modalities. If you think you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, ask your doctor about physical therapy to see how we can serve you!

12/27/2023

12/20/2023

Shoulder instability refers to an injury where the ball-and-socket shoulder components are separated from each other. This separation can be partial (subluxation) or full (dislocation) and is typically caused by high impact forces, such as falling onto an arm or a sporting collision. As joint separation takes place, the shoulder capsule and associated ligaments become stretched or torn. Someone who sustains this injury may hear a “pop” in the shoulder joint, and will likely experience pain and weakness with arm movement. Immediately after injury, rest and ice should be applied to facilitate healing; a sling may also be required for more severe injuries. Once deemed appropriate, physical therapy should be initiated to further decrease pain and increase shoulder motion. A skilled physical therapist will work to return range of motion and strengthen shoulder musculature. For those patients with a high recurrence rate (such as young athletes) or structural damage to the shoulder tissues, surgery may be considered. If you think you may suffer from shoulder instability, call your doctor to get connected with a Baptist Health Therapy Center near you.

12/20/2023

Baptist Health was nationally recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces. In addition, Baptist Health has also earned a place in these America’s Greatest Workplaces categories:

-Job Starters
-Parents & Families
-Diversity
-Women

Join our team today and make an impact in our communities. baptisthealthcareers.com

12/20/2023

12/06/2023

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is the most common form of vertigo with nearly 9 out 100 older adults experiencing this type of vertigo. BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear that produces sudden episodes of dizziness, most commonly related to position changes and head movement. Inside the inner ear, there is a layer of calcium carbonate material called otoconia. These pieces of the otoconia are often referred to as crystals. BPPV occurs when these crystals break free from their normal location and move to a part of the inner ear called the semicircular canal. When this happens, movements cause the otoconia to bump into nerve endings that line the canal, causing one to become dizzy. Other common symptoms are the sensation of the room-spinning, nausea, unsteadiness and vomiting. Symptoms can be short-lived or longer in duration depending on the location of the otoconia in the canal. Physical therapy can play an integral role in resolving BPPV. A therapist will perform a detailed evaluation including assessment of symptoms and testing to determine canal location for BPPV. Based upon these results, therapists can develop a treatment plan that may include specific maneuvers to move the otoconia back to their original canal and activities to improve tolerance to position changes. If you or someone you know is suffering with symptoms of BPPV call your doctor and see if visiting your local Baptist Health Therapy Center may be right for you.

11/21/2023

Biceps tendonitis is an inflammatory process of the tendon of the long head of the biceps. This injury is most common in work activities or sports that require repetitive overhead movement of the arms. High risk athletes include baseball pitchers, tennis players, gymnasts, and swimmers. Symptoms typically include a dull and achy sensation in the front and top of the shoulder; the pain may radiate down the biceps muscle belly and will likely become worse with overhead movement and lifting. You may also experience weakness with bicep movement, particularly with more chronic conditions. The primary goals of physical therapy include pain management, reduction of inflammation, and regaining full ROM and strength. In the early stages, your PT may choose to address pain with modalities and gentle ROM. As you progress out of the most painful stage, physical therapy will shift focus to maximizing range of motion and strength. There should also be an emphasis on proactive measures and exercise guidelines to prevent future injury. If you are struggling with biceps tendinitis, contact your local Baptist Health Therapy Center to get back to doing the activities you love!

11/16/2023

We had a great time talking with all the UCA therapy students. It is exciting to be able to meet and talk with future therapists.

11/14/2023

Driving evaluations are a unique tool available at Baptist Health Rehab Institute Outpatient Therapy and are performed by an occupational therapist that has been trained to be a driving rehabilitation specialist. Driving rehabilitation specialists work with drivers of all ages and abilities to work towards independence in driving. Driving rehabilitations specialist address such conditions as the following but are not limited to:

Aging
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Amputation
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis
Stoke
Traumatic brain injury

A comprehensive list of conditions and diagnosis can be found at www.aded.net. The specialist will perform a thorough evaluation that will include visual perception, functional ability, reaction time, and a behind the wheel assessment. Based on the outcomes, the specialist will make recommendations for adapted driving equipment. Training on the use of the equipment may require several visits to allow for the driver correctly and safely use the adaptive equipment. At BHRI-Outpatient Therapy we are proud to be able to provide this service to the people in our community.

11/09/2023

You may have heard a family member or friend who has recently been to Physical Therapy talk about how their therapist used Dry Needling to help reduce their pain! Over the last few years, Dry Needling has been an emerging treatment method, supported by research, that Physical Therapists are using to supplement their current treatments for reduced pain and improved function. It can be used in the treatment of many different orthopedic problems including pain and dysfunction of the low back, hip, knee, shoulder, neck, headaches, etc.

In Dry Needling, a very small dry needle (a needle NOT used to inject any medications/vaccines) is inserted into a trigger point in a muscle to help with the release or inactivation of the involved muscle fibers causing pain. It is not to be confused with the practice of Acupuncture which does not use trigger points as reference for needle insertion. The term “needling” can be scary but the needles used in Trigger Point Dry Needling are significantly smaller than the needles you may think of that are used to administer an injection or vaccine, and only Physical Therapists who are certified in this technique (meaning they have advanced training) can perform the treatment.

There are several benefits of Dry Needling but one of great importance is that it helps to speed up the return of patient’s who were once limited by pain to active rehabilitation so that they may return to their normal daily activities. If pain is getting you down and you want to know if Dry Needling may be a good treatment option for you, give us a call to talk to one of our certified Physical Therapists. 501-851-5804

10/18/2023