Blog

Motivation to exercise is frequently a major issue for people considering beginning physical therapy or remaining active after treatment is completed. Quotes like “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” can inspire us. But, as the saying goes, “well done is better than well said.” So, when […]

A herniated disc can occur at any point along your spine. Herniated discs are a common cause of back, arm, and/or leg pain in our physical therapy practice. If you suspect that a herniated disc is causing your pain and dysfunction, please contact us right away to schedule a physical therapy appointment. Our skilled team […]

Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, if you don’t stretch before and after your workout, you’re not getting the most out of your workout routine. Stretching, according to the Mayo Clinic, “can increase flexibility and improve your joints’ range of motion, allowing you to move more freely.” […]

Fascia is tissue that connects to muscles, bones, and ligaments to provide support throughout your body. Fascia is elastic and can stretch and move as one with the rest of your body when it is working properly. However, fascia can tighten and stiffen as a result of intense workouts, poor posture or movement patterns, stress, […]

With computer and smartphone use at an all-time high, the prevalence of neck disorders is greater than ever. Many of us suffer from sore necks on a regular basis as a result of spending hours on our devices, whether at work or at home. Staring at a screen all day might cause the neck muscles […]

The IT Band, also known as the iliotibial band, is a tough fibrous tissue on the outside of the leg. It extends from the hip all the way down to the knee. IT Band Syndrome or IT Band Tendinitis are terms used to describe problems with the IT Band. IT Band tendinitis or syndrome does […]

Many of the patients we meet at our physical therapy office hold desk jobs, yet it can be challenging to find the time to be active in sedentary settings. Unfortunately, a lot of people come to discover that their sedentary jobs have a negative impact on their health and ability to execute their jobs. Do you […]

In the United States alone, there are more than 100 million people who suffer from chronic pain. Therefore, if you have chronic pain, you are not alone. Standard painkillers have so many undesirable side effects that you can’t rely on them to completely treat your pain, leaving you to wonder whether you’re just doomed to […]

Our team of Physical Therapists helps thousands of patients recover from surgery each year. We are convinced that working with a physical therapist can expedite your recovery and allow you to return to your active lifestyle whether you are having a knee replacement, back surgery, or another operation. Can physical therapy help me recover from […]

Numerous soft tissues in our body shield important organs and muscles. But when we get hurt, our soft tissues get destroyed, which has a negative impact on how we use our various bodily parts. The Graston Technique is a fantastic treatment to think about using to address this problem. The Graston Technique sometimes referred to […]

Hip and knee discomfort can have so many different root causes, including obesity, sports injuries, aging, and repetitive motion disorders. Regardless of the origin of your hip and/or knee discomfort, you must find a strategy to control it if you experience it frequently. To lessen their agony, many people use drugs like anti-inflammatories. Finding alternative […]

One of the most important things you can do to preserve your greatest long-term health is to be active. But many of us these days live relatively sedentary lives and have 9 to 5 jobs. However, it’s not always simple to incorporate exercise and even modest activity into your daily schedule. You could find it […]

Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million Americans each year. As the country’s population ages, these figures are expected to rise. Chronic pain is more than an annoyance; it can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life, including the inability to complete everyday duties or hold a job. Chronic pain treatment methods are […]

A broken arm can occur as a result of a fall, an athletic injury, or a variety of other mishaps. To allow the arm to heal, it is frequently immobilized with a splint, brace, or cast. When the fracture does not break the skin or the bone is fractured into pieces, surgery may be required. […]

Overuse injuries are commonly linked to sports and the workplace. However, current technologies, such as smartphones and tablets, frequently need repetitive motions that might put the body under stress. On average, users spend up to five hours per day on their mobile devices. As a result, there has been an increase in the amount of […]

Soreness can be caused by aging or poor posture, but it’s also possible that a pinched nerve is at blame. Compression of muscles, tendons, bones, or cartilage can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakening when surrounding tissues press down on one or more nerves. A pinched nerve might often be a sign of something else […]

Balance is a workout component that incorporates strength, cardio, and flexibility. Balance training increases performance in all aspects of life, whether you’re holding a yoga posture, seeking to improve your agility, or looking to build strength. Each of these five advantages adds up to better self-awareness, improved balance, and a lower risk of falling. Taking […]

People who have chronic pain tend to have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep. Pain and discomfort can distract you from falling asleep or keep you from falling into a deep sleep, as every little movement causes a flare-up with your pain. If you struggle with hip pain, then you may have difficulty […]

You’ve probably heard the terms physiotherapy and physical therapy used interchangeably. Some individuals mistakenly believe they are synonyms for the same thing. Despite the fact that these two disciplines are extremely similar, there are several significant variances that can make a big impact for a patient. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the best […]

Exercising your core is essential in achieving optimal health as well as reducing the risk of injury while working out. Core strength is frequently promoted as an important component of fitness in popular workout routines. In the medical community, the core is frequently blamed for common ailments including low back discomfort and bad posture. Physical […]

Walking takes up a significant amount of time for many people each day, which is why proper feet support is so important. Your feet and ankles are put under a lot of strain to maintain your weight, and you have to work extra hard to do so. It’s critical to pay special attention to your […]

Exercising has the ability to improve your health in a variety of ways. Strength, stability, and endurance are among the most well-known advantages. However, we know very little about the psychological effects of exercise. Exercise, according to some studies, helps alleviate stress and even sadness and anxiety. People frequently claim that physical activity “releases endorphins.” […]

Have you ever woke up and felt a severe tightness or kink in your neck? If so then you probably have experienced Torticollis. Torticollis, also known as cervical dystonia, is essentially when a muscle is contracting when really it should be resting. Adults experience three types of torticollis: The mildest form is the sensation described […]

“Is Icing Beneficial for Pain or Injuries?” is a common question that is asked when treating pain. The two worst and often common responses to pain following an injury are complete inactivity and seeking any external means — medication and ice for example — to eliminate the pain. Athletes may need to miss a few games and gardeners may […]

If you are part of the large group of people that have still not gone back to the office as a result of COVID-19 and are still working from home, it is important to understand how to optimize your workspace environment for your health and wellness. Tips For Your Home Workspace Alternate between sitting and […]

As more people spend time at home rather than going out, sedentary habits mean an increased risk of developing or aggravating osteoarthritis within the joints of the body. An estimated 23 percent of American adults suffer from arthritis, making it a leading cause of work pain and disability. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the progressive breakdown […]

There are multiple options in choosing to deal with pain, some safer and more effective than others. Since 1999, Americans have increasingly been prescribed opioids- painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana, and methadone, and combination drugs like Percocet. In some situations, prescription opioids are an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, some risks to opioid use […]

Whether you are coming off an injury, or have taken time off from working out and the gym due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is important to be cautious when returning to physical activity. when we return to the physical activity we might be rushing into our old routines too quickly and trying to start […]

What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel pain that radiates into the bottom of your foot. It can happen to anyone, at any age, but it’s an overuse injury that is more common in runners and people who are on their feet more often. The plantar fascia is a thick […]

This week on our blog we’d like to discuss another specific tool used by our therapists, known as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, or IASTM for short. IASTM tools are utilized by many professionals, including physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and athletic trainers. They look similar to a small scraping tool, and come in various shapes [...]

Look around these days, and you’ll find people, young and old, mesmerized by smartphones and computer screens. It seems that everyone is spending time looking down and tapping away at handheld devices. Text neck is the newest term for neck pain that is caused by using a handheld device like a smartphone or small tablet. […]

People may seek physical therapy to recover from an injury, prevent an injury, manage an existing condition, or improve their general health. While general physical therapists can help patients with many issues, it is also possible for them to undergo additional training and specialize further. There are seven main areas that a physical therapist can […]

“Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?” is a common question we get asked. For many people, physical therapy is a critical component of their medical care, whether it’s to recover from an injury or prevent degenerative conditions from worsening. Unfortunately, the effectiveness and importance of physical therapy don’t always mean it is affordable, and many Americans […]

Concussions have become a topic of much debate and research in competitive sports due to concerns about their long-term consequences. This is even more of a concern for parents with children who are active in sports from an earlier age. How Do You Get a Concussion? A concussion is considered a mild brain injury that occurs when […]

Sciatica pain can be brutal and it can sideline you without warning for days or weeks. If you are searching for long-lasting relief from sciatica pain, you may have wondered if you should seek the expertise of a physical therapist. If you’ve already received a sciatica diagnosis for your back and leg pain, a physical […]

Here are some of the top reasons why you need Physical Therapy and how it can help: You have pain that you do not know how to manage.  A Physical Therapist will evaluate your areas of pain and discomfort and then tailor a plan that works to restore function, improve mobility, and increase strength all […]

Massages used to be thought of as a luxury. Now it’s available everywhere, from hospitals and clinics to airports and grocery stores. If you suffer from pain, massage shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while special treat, but a powerful tool that can improve your well-being and complement other therapies for pain management. Benefits of Massage for Pain […]

Recent research is showing that surgery might not be needed as often as we think. A large review estimates that 10% to 20% of surgeries might be unnecessary and that in some specialties such as cardiology and orthopedics, that number might be higher. The reasons for so many unneeded surgeries being performed are varied, but […]

Training for a run properly means you not only pay attention to the training needed prior to the race but also after to ensure quicker and safer recovery. Here are some steps you can take after your race: Right After the Race: Replenishing the fluids lost – There is no consensus on what to consume after a race, but replacing […]

Having back pain in the morning, either because of sleeping in an awkward position or on an uncomfortable bed, is very common. To keep your back loose and to rid yourself of morning back stiffness, try these exercises: Lie on your side with your knees up. Reach your upper arm back and to the side […]

It’s always important to listen to your body, and any signs it might give you regarding aches and pains. Here are five signals (that you may ignore) that you should see a PT: You’re having to modify exercises, your recreational activities, or daily function. While the pain doesn’t restrict you from activity, you still must […]

Road trips and traveling can be a lot of fun. But we all have experienced aches and pains at some point either in long car rides or long plane rides. Here are a few strategies to help minimize your trip pains: Bring a small pillow or a rolled-up towel and use them to support your [...]

Summer is coming to a close and our kids will be heading back to school soon. Here are a few tips to conquer what has become a big concern: the heavy school backpack. First of all, let’s hope the kids are putting those books to good use and not just carrying them around unopened, collecting […]

Pre and post-surgical rehab is often recommended for those having orthopedic surgery. These types of surgeries could include foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, shoulder, neck, and spine surgeries. Rehab can, however, be beneficial for just about any type of surgical procedure. Our trained Physical Therapists can put together both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation […]

Did you know that 80 percent of the U.S. population falls short of the Physical Activity Guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services? Here are seven simple activities from our physical therapist to increase your physical health. 1. Walk Instead of Drive Many people automatically get into their cars even for a […]

Physical therapy isn’t just for rehabilitation or athletes in training. There are many reasons why a person might need the assistance of a physical therapist, including injuries, illnesses, and chronic pain conditions. We put together a list of five basic indicators that you need to visit a physical therapist. If any of these apply to […]

With the COVID-19 pandemic going to the gym has been harder than before. If you live far from a facility, don’t have childcare, or a subscription just doesn’t fit within your budget; you may be one of the many who choose to forgo a gym membership. Luckily, you can still increase your fitness level in […]

We get asked commonly what to expect during our concussion therapy treatments by our patients. First, one of our physical therapists will examine many areas of function including (but not limited to): neck, shoulders, gait, balance, vision, memory, reflexes, and dizziness. Again, symptoms greatly depend on the patient, so the subsequent therapeutic treatments will be […]

Treatment of Common Sport Sprains To regain proper levels of function, your therapist should do a proper diagnosis before prescribing treatment. OC Sports and Rehab uses the clinical findings of the level of function, ligamentous laxity, hemorrhaging, point tenderness, total ankle motion, swelling, and pain to classify a patient with an acute ankle ligament sprain. […]

There are 4 major reasons a stiff shoulder develops: Rotator Cuff tear – ( this is a dynamic muscular issue that is not related to our current topic but definitely limits overhead motion). Adhesive capsulitis (AKA “frozen shoulder”) – insidious onset with the adherence of the capsule causing contracture of the shoulder that results in significant [...]

The Top 3 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Joint Pain Relief You don’t deserve to spend every day in pain, and with physical therapy you may not have to! Here are three reasons to work with a physical therapist for your achy joints: 1. A natural, holistic treatment method Did you know that the CDC […]

There are so many causes of hip and knee pain, from excess weight to sports injuries, advancing age to repetitive motion injuries. Whatever the cause of your hip and/or knee pain, if you are experiencing it regularly you need to find a way to manage it. Many people use medications like anti-inflammatories to minimize their […]

Have you been dealing with symptoms that may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome? This condition can often make simple tasks much more difficult. You may already even be harming yourself at work without even knowing it. Below is an infographic about what carpal tunnel syndrome is and what you can do right now to […]

It’s that time of year… the sun is out and many of us are making summer travel plans. Whether you’re road-tripping, flying, hopping on a train or sailing, follow these tips to have an active, healthy and fun trip! Hydrate When you’re traveling from place to place, hydration can quickly become an oversight. Especially in […]

At OC Sports and Rehab we regularly see patients with back pain due to heavy lifting.  Surprisingly, healthcare workers are among the most likely to be injured on the job due to moving, transferring, and lifting patients from awkward positions with little to no assistance.  In some cases, the injuries are worse than our patients […]

A key part of staying on the field and performing optimally is making sure you’re fueling your body correctly and allowing for adequate recovery. Recovery allows the body time to repair and rebuild between workouts and adapt to the stresses the body endures during workouts. This is especially true for high-level, elite athletes, as the […]

The relationship between core strength and balance is something that has been widely discussed within the physical therapy field for several years. Your trunk contains multiple core muscles that work to prevent physically limiting conditions, such injuries, lower back pain, or balance and gait disorders. When your core is strong, it helps keep you upright and […]

Anyone living with arthritis knows how debilitating it can be. Several people dealing with arthritic aches and pains end up resorting to steroid injections, antirheumatic drugs, or even joint replacement surgery, in order to manage their pain. However, physical therapy itself has proven successful for many arthritis sufferers. Before turning to potentially harmful drugs or […]

It’s becoming more well known that staying physically active throughout the workday isn’t just better for your health. It can also boost productivity, job satisfaction, and psychological well-being, too. Even if you work at a desk, there are plenty of simple things you can do to get moving more often. Check out these five tips […]

Physical Therapy and stretching Since stretching exercises offer so many significant benefits, it’s not hard to see why we use them all the time in physical therapy. Our physical therapists can combine targeted stretches with strength-building exercises, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, heat or cold therapy, and many other techniques to help you feel better and […]

The phrase “you are what you eat” is absolutely true. Believe it or not, the foods we eat can make a tremendous impact—both positive and negative—on the chronic pain we may be feeling. Take a moment and try to remember what you ate yesterday. Was it processed, or full of fats? Maybe it was loaded [...]

The pandemic has changed people’s lives in many ways. Millions of people now work or do school work from home and there is a considerable amount of those individuals who are experiencing discomfort and developing musculoskeletal disorders due to poorly set up workspaces and lack of movement. Some of the most common musculoskeletal disorders associated […]

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Returning to Work Many of us have dealt with an acute injury or chronic pain that made it painful to work or maybe even resulted in time off work. Whether you work a desk job or are on your feet all day, a physical therapist can help restore the […]

Pre and post surgical rehab is often recommended for those having orthopedic surgery. These types of surgeries could include foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, shoulder, neck, and spine surgeries. Rehab can, however, be beneficial for just about any type of surgical procedure. A physical therapist at OC Sports and Rehab can put together both a pre […]

If you have an ongoing nagging pain in the lower back, it is very well possible that you have a herniated disk. Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but the lower back area is the spot most commonly affected. Back pain can be caused by tons of different medical conditions, but in many […]

Do you suffer from acute or chronic pain that makes it hard for you to get the things done every day that you need to do? Have you found yourself panicking when you run out of your prescription medication because otherwise, you have no way to manage your discomfort levels? Many people struggling with pain […]

OC Sports and Rehab Selected for Best Physical Therapy Clinics in Both Foothill Ranch and Lake Forest What an amazing start to 2021! OC Sports & Rehab Lake Forest has been selected as the best physical therapy clinic in Lake Forest for an unprecedented 6 years in a row. OC Sports & Rehab Foothill Ranch [...]

In light of the potential regional stay-at-home order, we’d like to remind all of our patients that OC Sports & Rehab is a medical office that provides essential physical therapy services to our patients. We will remain fully open and operational while the order remains in place. We have very strict sanitation policies in place to help […]

The Silverado Fires hit close to home this past week, and it has brought to our attention the necessity to have personal belongings, apart from your safety and well-being, a priority if you have to evacuate, like many Foothill Ranch and Lake Forest residents had to. With fire season still going on, we have compiled [...]

Most of the workforce involves sitting for extended periods of time. After a while, it can take a toll on the functionality and mobility of our bodies and leave you in pain. If you are an individual who primarily sits on the job, there are simple exercises you should practice each day to maintain mobility […]

Many minds think that only of Physical Therapy for Injuries. (“Rehab,” is after all, in our name.) Did you know, however, that physical therapy can be utilized to simply condition or strengthen our muscles? A physical therapy clinic can be a playground for those interested in gaining strength or partaking in cardiovascular exercise, with a [...]

In case you haven’t heard the great news, OC Sports & Rehab is now offering Lake Forest massage therapy and Foothill Ranch massage therapy! Call the front office today to schedule an appointment with our new massage therapist! Or check with your treating physical therapist to see if they recommend adding massage therapy to your [...]

Sciatica is a type of nerve-related pain that is caused by the pinching of the sciatic nerve between the vertebrae in the spine. Unfortunately, sciatica is a condition that plagues millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, there are some conservative options and lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate the pain it causes! The sciatic nerve is [...]

We’ve already mentioned that our office is currently offering Telehealth services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we’ve received many questions on exactly how our telehealth services work. So today, we’d like to discuss a few specifics with our new and existing patients: We are offering telehealth services for both new and existing [...]

Our Foothill Ranch Physical Therapy and Lake Forest Physical Therapy Locations are Open! For all our current patients, and for all new patients looking for a reputable clinic or referred directly to us by their doctor, WE ARE OPEN. While we are limiting our hours and days of operation, we are here, ready to treat [...]

We all know how scary car accidents can be. Whether the accident was your fault or someone else’s, they are almost always unexpected and very nerve-racking to be in. The never-ending questions almost immediately start running through your head, and the uncertainty of things can create a lot of stress for everyone involved. Injuries, property [...]

OC Sports & Rehab is THE Gold Standard for Physical Therapy Services and Clinics This week on our blog, we’d like to go into greater detail about the specific modalities we offer at each and every one of our locations. We utilize a wide range of tools and equipment to enhance your rehabilitation and get [...]

Have you ever wondered what it takes to live to be 100? Is it good genes? Good habits? Not smoking? Being an ultra-marathon runner? Healthy relationships? Healthy eating? Super advanced medicine? Well, as you might have guessed, the answer is not as simple as doing one single thing. And for those who even live to be [...]

As a clinic that specializes in the treatment of lymphedema, it’s no surprise that our staff has extensively studied and treated other forms of edema as well. One specific form of edema is known as re-feeding edema, and it occurs when a malnourished body begins to attempt to eat normally again. It’s rare, fortunately, but […]

This week, we’d like to discuss how to prevent injuries. Whether you are an elite athlete, playing sports at the youth or high school levels, or simply a weekend warrior trying to stay in shape, injuries can be a bummer. They can severely set you back, hinder your progress, and kill your motivation to get [...]

With the endless amount of overwhelming information regarding health & fitness in the media, in research, and in our social lives, it’s no wonder the majority of us are confused about how to lead healthy lives. Which diets really work? How can we prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and obesity? What kinds [...]

What Type of Doctors Work at a Physical Therapy Clinic? When patients come into our Foothill Ranch Physical Therapy clinic, they often ask about each staff member’s title and educational background. These are excellent questions, and patients have a right to know about the staff members working on them. They’re curious to know about the […]

Some of the most common injuries that bring people into physical therapy are strains and sprains. While the average person might use these words interchangeably, these words are actually used to diagnose two completely different injuries. Both have varying grades of severity, and both should be treated differently. Understanding the difference between the two and [...]

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy At OC Sports & Rehab, we often utilize a modality known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as part of treatment sessions for our patients. LLLT, also known as “cold laser” therapy is beneficial for many injuries and conditions, including post-operative incisions/scars, and inflammatory conditions such as plantar fasciitis and achilles […]

Lymphedema Treatment At OC Sports & Rehab, we specialize in the treatment of lymphedema. For both our lymphatic patients as well as other patients in our facility, there is a lot of curiosity surrounding the condition and not much public awareness or education about it. Even though lymphedema affects more than 5 million Americans, most [...]

Concussion Symptoms  A current hot topic in the medical and professional sports communities are concussions. According to the CDC, “a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury-or TBI- caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly […]

Dangers of Crossfit Training CrossFit: It’s cool, it’s fun, its challenging, it’s effective. However, unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Like any activity, it can lead to serious injury if not practiced safely and appropriately. For those who don’t know, CrossFit is a fitness routine consisting of a variety of functional movements, including powerlifting, gymnastic-like […]

Work is important but not as important as your health and well-being. Here are some tips to keeping a strong, healthy back at work. To avoid posture-related injuries in your mid-back (thoracic spine) and in the surrounding muscles be sure to customize your workstation. Stand up desks are a great way to keep your back […]

Tips to Prevent Knee Injuries For gym and fitness enthusiasts, knee injuries are very common. The fact of the matter is that knee pain can affect not only your workout sessions but your walking ability as well. Following are some tips and techniques that will help you prevent knee injuries during workout. First, it is […]

Proper weight lifting technique – Any lift We all want a smart and healthy look so as to be called ‘fit’. However, there are some people who want to go beyond fitness. These people want their body to be in the best shape possible. Our body is generally uneven, there are some parts, which need […]

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Taking Omega 3 Fish Oils Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. The only way it can be taken in the body is via seafood. The body is unable to produce them internally. Seafood like tuna, salmon, and halibut are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. A few plants like krill […]