In physical therapy, we treat patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses including hip, knee, ankle, toe, shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger injuries.  Orthopedic conditions treated at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology include, but are not limited to, bicepital tendonitis, rotator cuff tears/inflammation, lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis or golf elbow), carpal tunnel syndrome, trochanteric (hip) bursitis, sciatica, hamstring injuries, post-surgical total hip arthroscopy, post-surgical total knee arthroscopy, patellar pain syndrome, patellar chondromalacia, anterior, posterior and medial cruciate ligament sprains of the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL), ankle sprains, hallux valgus (bunion) of the big toe, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy treatment generally starts with passive modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold and heat to decrease swelling, pain and inflammation.  Treatment continues with manual therapy, which includes soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, deep myofascial release and joint mobilization, and neuromuscular re-education to relieve muscle tension and improve postural and neuromuscular awareness.  As pain and inflammation subside, treatment progresses to therapeutic exercises, to regain lost motion and motor control, increase strength and improve proprioceptive awareness and function.  A variety of tools are used to improve function, including manual resistance, thera-bands, free weights, the therapeutic ball, the rocker board, foam and, the most recent addition, Wii Fit.  Taping techniques may also be used, to decrease pain and increase stability and proprioceptive awareness.