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Knee pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact your daily life. One of the most prevalent causes of knee pain is patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee. This condition occurs when the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed or irritated. While patellar tendonitis is a common culprit, there are other knee pain conditions that can benefit from physical therapy . Understanding Knee Pain Knee pain can arise from various factors, including: Injuries : Strains, sprains, and tears of the ligaments, tendons, or muscles surrounding the knee. Overuse : Repetitive activities that put stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, or squatting. Arthritis : Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis that cause inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Other conditions : Bursitis, meniscus tears, and fractures. The Role of Physical Therapy Physical therapy is an effective approach to managing knee pain. Experienced physical therapists at Agapé Physical Therapy can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Common Physical Therapy Techniques for Knee Pain: Aquatic Therapy : This low-impact therapy involves performing exercises in a warm pool , reducing stress on the knee joint and improving range of motion. 4 of our 6 Rochester locations include aquatic therapy. Brockport has an inground pool with an underwater treadmill. Penfield , Gates , and Webster have Hydro Tanks where you walk into an enclosed treadmill that fills with water to approximately waist height. Stretching : Stretching exercises help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension around the knee joint. There are many benefits of stretching, and each location has plenty of equipment to assist with learning how to properly elongate tight muscles. Our trained physical therapist will also perform manual stretching techniques as needed. Strengthening : Strengthening exercises target the muscles that support the knee, enhancing stability and reducing pain. You might be surprised by the amount of strengthening that can be done to reduce knee pain. Physical therapists often look below the knee at the ankle and above the knee at the hip and determine if there are weaknesses at any of these areas that could be affecting your knee pain. By addressing these weaknesses, the knee pain can often times be reduced. Manual Therapy : Techniques such as massage and mobilization can help to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and alleviate pain. Many locations also offer instrument assisted soft tissue massage (IASTM), active release technique (ART), and cupping as a part of therapy for pain relief around the knee. Blood Flow Restriction : This technique involves applying a band to the thigh to restrict blood flow while performing low-intensity exercises. This can help build muscle strength and improve function. Agapé Physical Therapy uses AirBands , which is safe and effective. AirBands calibrate to the individual and determine the optimal percent occlusion. This is much more effective and specific than using generic bands for BFR. Pneumatic Compression Device : All of our locations also offer the usage of the Game Ready system. This is an ice compression machine with a specialized cuff to support the thigh or knee. Our Chili location also has the newest model of the Game Ready which has the option of ice and heat alternating to provide contrast therapy. This type of therapy can create long lasting relief by reducing swelling and inflammation in the knee. Alter G Anti- Gravity Treadmill : All six of our locations also have antigravity treadmills . These treadmills can unload body weight up to 80%. This means that you can begin walking with less pressure on the knee and hip joints. These treadmills also can be used for standing balance and other exercises that would be beneficial to do while unweighted. It provides similar benefits like aquatic therapy but is more useful in a session where a person does not want to get wet. Why Choose Agapé Physical Therapy? At Agapé Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care for individuals experiencing knee pain. Our experienced therapists offer a wide range of treatment options, including those mentioned above, to address your specific needs. We believe in a holistic approach to rehabilitation, focusing on both physical and functional outcomes. Schedule Your Appointment Today If you are suffering from knee pain, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our physical therapists at Agapé Physical Therapy. We can help you understand the root cause of your discomfort and develop a tailored treatment plan to get you back on your feet. Schedule a visit to Agapé Physical Therapy today!

As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it's important to take steps to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma. Fortunately, physical therapy can play a crucial role in improving your strength and balance, reducing your risk of falls. Why Falls Happen Several factors can contribute to falls, including: Muscle weakness : As we age, our muscles naturally lose strength, making it more difficult to maintain balance. Oftentimes, older adults are not as active as they once were, and muscles can tend to atrophy which means that they get smaller. Prolonged sitting can then lead to tightness in the front of the hips and weakness in the backs of the hips. The glute muscles on the backs of the hips are one of the most important muscle groups for maintaining balance. Poor balance : Reduced balance can lead to tripping or stumbling, especially on uneven surfaces. One easy test to try at home is to stand on one leg for as long as you can. If you can hold balance for 10 seconds, you are in a low fall risk category. However, if it is less than 3, you are in a high risk category. This makes sense because every time we walk, we stand on one leg for a short amount of time. If we are able to maintain that single leg balance, then walking will be less difficult and balance will become easier. Vision problems : Impaired vision can make it challenging to navigate your surroundings and avoid obstacles. Depth perception can also affect balance and cause it to be more challenging to go up and down curbs or climb stairs. It is important to see an eye doctor regularly as vision also changes as we age. Cataracts and glaucoma are 2 things that can cause blurred vision that the eye doctor will check at your visit. Medications : Certain medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls. It is important to have medications frequently analyzed by either your primary care provider or a pharmacist. This could help prevent falls looking at medication interactions. Also, talk to your doctor if you are increasing a dosage of medication and begin to feel increased dizziness or lightheadedness. Medical conditions : Health conditions such as arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson's disease can affect balance and mobility. These conditions often affect one side of the body more than the other, making it challenging to maintain equilibrium and walk without difficulty. This asymmetry can increase the risk of falls, as the body's weight distribution is uneven, and the ability to compensate for instability is compromised. How Physical Therapy Can Help Doctors of Physical Therapy at Agapé Physical Therapy can provide a comprehensive program to improve strength, balance, and overall functional ability. Here's how it can help reduce your risk of falls: Strength training : Physical therapists can design targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in your legs, core, and upper body, improving your stability and reducing the risk of falls. Balance exercises : Balance training helps to improve your body's ability to maintain equilibrium, even on uneven surfaces. This can involve activities such as standing on one leg, walking on a small balance beam, or using a balance board for ankle strengthening. Functional training : Functional exercises mimic everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair. This helps to improve your overall mobility and reduce the risk of falls in real-world situations. Fall risk assessment : Physical therapists can assess your individual fall risk and identify areas where you may need to improve. Home safety evaluation : Your physical therapist can provide guidance on making your home safer, including removing tripping hazards like rugs and installing grab bars. Take Action Today Don't wait until a fall occurs to take preventative measures. Physical therapy can help you improve your strength, balance, and overall well-being, reducing your risk of falls and enhancing your quality of life. Schedule Your Appointment To learn more about how physical therapy can help you prevent falls, contact Agapé Physical Therapy at one of our six Rochester locations . Our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your individual needs. Schedule a visit to Agapé Physical Therapy today!

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. While there's no cure, physical therapy can significantly improve quality of life. At Agapé Physical Therapy , we specialize in helping individuals with Parkinson's regain their independence and enhance their overall well-being. Understanding Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for movement, begin to deteriorate. This leads to symptoms like: Tremors Stiffness Slowed movements Poor balance Difficulty swallowing Reduced speaking volume The Role of Physical Therapy Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing Parkinson's disease by: Slowing symptom progression : Regular exercise can help protect nerve function. Improving mobility : Targeted exercises can enhance balance, gait, and overall movement. Providing education : Our therapists offer guidance on managing the disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Creating personalized programs : We tailor exercise plans to meet your specific needs and goals. Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease Boxing is a popular type of exercise that utilizes the mechanics of the sport to combat symptoms related to Parkinson's disease, such as balance and coordination deficits, stiffness, tremors, and soft voice syndrome. This is accomplished with movements such as: Punching a heavy bag : Helps by generating power and improving spine, shoulder, and hip mobility. Resistance Training : Building strength throughout the body. Aerobic Training : Improving cardiovascular endurance and activity tolerance. Stretching : Allow for your joints and muscles to move with increased ease. Footwork : Improve balance and coordination in standing and walking. LSVT BIG: A Powerful Therapy The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG) program is a specialized approach to physical therapy for individuals with Parkinson's. It focuses on increasing the amplitude of movement, helping patients move with greater ease and efficiency. Benefits of LSVT BIG: Improved balance and coordination Increased walking speed Reduced risk of falls Enhanced ability to perform daily activities Improved quality of life Why Choose Agapé Physical Therapy? At Agapé Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective care for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our therapists are trained in LSVT BIG and have a deep understanding of the condition. We work closely with our patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. Parkinson's disease can be challenging, but with the right physical therapy approach, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life. At Agapé Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you regain your independence and live a fulfilling life. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you with Parkinson's disease.

Did you know that Agapé Physical Therapy has four locations with pools? Brockport has an inground pool equipped with a 6 foot deep end, a space to stand and exercise, as well as an underwater treadmill. Gates , Webster , and Penfield are equipped with HydroWorx 300 freestanding underwater treadmills that allow for individual aquatic therapy sessions. Aquatic physical therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that provides a unique environment with many benefits. It can help individuals recovering from injuries, chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia , or seeking to improve their overall fitness and health. How Does Aquatic Physical Therapy Work? The warm water in the aquatic therapy pool provides several advantages. First, it reduces the impact on joints, making it ideal for those with arthritis , joint pain, or recent surgeries. Second, the buoyancy of the water helps support the body, making it easier to move and exercise without feeling overwhelmed by gravity. Third, the resistance of the water provides a gentle yet effective way to build strength and improve cardiovascular health.

At Agapé Physical Therapy , we believe in the transformative power of physical therapy. We go beyond just treating injuries; we strive to cultivate an environment of healing and growth, guided by the principle of agapé love. Agapé love is a selfless, unconditional love that transcends emotions and desires. It's a love that compels us to act in the best interests of others, and that's exactly what we aim to do for our patients. We listen attentively to your needs and concerns, creating personalized treatment plans that promote your recovery, well-being, and optimal physical performance. Our Vision: Recovery, Wellness, and Performance Our vision at Agapé Physical Therapy is threefold: Recovery : We are committed to helping you recover from injuries and regain your full range of motion and function. Our experienced therapists utilize a variety of techniques to address your specific needs, from manual therapy to therapeutic exercise. We have the most up to date equipment to help you recover including anti-gravity treadmills at all locations , aquatic therapy pools at 4 locations, and golf simulators at 2 of our locations. Wellness : We believe that physical therapy is an essential part of overall wellness. We don't just treat injuries; we help you develop the tools and knowledge you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent future problems. We can help you improve balance, increase strength, or start a general conditioning program. Performance : Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, we can help you achieve your peak performance. Our therapists can design programs to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance , allowing you to move with greater confidence and efficiency. Many of our facilities include squat racks with weights to help you build strength to achieve maximal benefit from your physical therapy sessions.  Listening and Caring: A Personalized Approach At Agapé Physical Therapy, we understand that every patient is unique. We take the time to listen to your individual story, your goals, and your concerns. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to care. Our therapists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve your desired outcomes. Are you ready to experience the Agapé difference? We typically have appointment availability within a week. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to recovery, wellness, and performance.

Fall is on the way. So are school buses and students carrying…backpacks. You might not think much about those bags full of books, pencils, crayons and computers, but physical therapists are. Why Backpacks Matter Students will always have things to carry between home and school. A backpack is a great way to do that, but if they're too heavy, they can cause problems. Research has shown that carrying a heavy backpack changes students' posture, walking speed, step length and more. Unsurprisingly, we also know that as students walk greater distances and become more fatigued, all of these changes get worse. These changes can lead to neck pain, back pain, or other musculoskeletal issues. How Heavy Is Too Heavy? How much weight a student can safely carry is directly affected by how much they weigh. Studies have shown that changes in posture and performance start to occur when the weight of the backpack is 10% of the student's body weight. The consensus among experts is that students should not carry more than 15% of their body weight in a backpack. Unfortunately, most of the data show that more than half of students are carrying more than the recommended load. 5 Tips for Parents and Students To reduce backpack weight and help your student avoid pain, here are a few tips: Plan ahead - Each night, go through the backpack and remove items not needed the next day. Likewise, make sure your student isn't bringing things home that they won't need that night. Use your locker - Planning ahead can help remove extra weight between home and school. The locker can lighten the load during the school day. By making a few stops at their locker, students can avoid carrying extra loads around during the school day. Pack right - Heavier items should be placed close to the student's back and lighter items further away. Wear it right - Using both shoulder straps, and front or hip straps if you have them to help distribute the load evenly. The bottom of the pack should be even with the bottom of the low back. Packs worn too high or low exaggerate postural changes and can restrict movement. Pick the right pack - If you're shopping for a new backpack, look for one with two straps rather than one. A chest strap and hip belt can help distribute the load. The pack should also be sized appropriately - no longer than the student's torso. You can't control what your student needs for school. However, you can use these tips to help reduce the load your student carries, and to make sure that they carry it right. If your student is having pain in their back, neck, or anywhere else, give Agape Physical Therapy a call today or schedule online . We are here to help!

Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks a struggle. If conservative treatments haven't provided relief, shoulder replacement surgery might be an option. But with two main types - traditional and reverse - choosing the right procedure can feel overwhelming. This blog explores the key differences between traditional and reverse shoulder replacements, helping you navigate this critical decision. Understanding Your Shoulder Anatomy Your shoulder is a complex joint with several muscles and ligaments working together to provide mobility and stability. The rotator cuff muscles, located around the shoulder joint, play a crucial role in keeping the ball (humeral head) of your upper arm bone securely in the socket (glenoid) of your shoulder blade.

Have you ever felt like you're lost in a confusing maze? That's a feeling many people with rare diseases share. Getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the right treatment can seem like an endless journey. But the good news is, you're not alone . Healthcare providers such as physical therapists are here to guide you through this labyrinth, and there are steps you can take to become an active participant in your own care. Understanding Rare Diseases What are they? A rare disease is any condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. While each disease is uncommon, there are over 7,000 recognized rare diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Who is affected? An estimated 25-30 million Americans live with a rare disease. That's a significant number, and it means there's a whole community of people who understand the challenges you face. Challenges You Might Encounter Delayed Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis : The road to diagnosis can be long and frustrating. It may take years to get a correct answer, and sometimes you might receive an incorrect diagnosis first. This can delay getting the treatment you need. Finding Providers Who Understand : It's perfectly understandable that healthcare providers like physical therapists can't be experts in every single disease. But sometimes that can lead to a feeling that they don't quite understand what you're going through. You might also experience unclear communication about your treatment options. Limited Access to Specialized Care : Experts in rare diseases are often located in academic medical centers, which tend to be in urban areas. If you live in a more rural area, this can make it difficult to see a specialist and get the care you deserve. How You Can Take Charge of Your Care Work with Your Care Team for a Holistic Approach : A comprehensive assessment is important. This means providing your doctor with a detailed medical history, including your family history. Rare diseases can sometimes present later in life, so letting your doctor know your full medical picture is crucial. Advocate for Yourself : Don't be afraid to ask questions and express your concerns. You are the expert on your own body and experiences. The more information you share with your care team, the better they can understand your needs. Build a Support Network : There are many resources available to help you on your journey. Look for patient support groups or advocacy organizations for your specific disease. These groups connect you with others who understand what you're going through and can offer invaluable advice and support. How Physical Therapy Can Help Many people with rare diseases experience physical limitations, pain, or difficulty with daily activities. A physical therapist can be a valuable member of your healthcare team. Physical therapists are experts in movement and function, and they can create a personalized plan to help you: Improve your strength and flexibility Reduce pain and stiffness Increase your balance and coordination Learn techniques to manage your symptoms Stay active and independent In many cases, getting moving can be a powerful tool in managing a rare disease. Exercise can help improve your overall health and well-being, and it can even boost your mood and energy levels. Take Charge of Your Health Today! If you're living with a rare disease, don't hesitate to explore all the resources available to you. Talking to a physical therapist at Agape Physical Therapy can be a great first step. Our team of experienced professionals can work with you to develop a safe and effective exercise program that meets your individual needs and helps you live a more fulfilling life. We have aquatic therapy at 4 locations and anti-gravity treadmills at all our locations which can help you move more freely in a less stressful environment. Call Agape Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment and take charge of your health!

Looking to improve your golf game and prevent injuries? The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) might be the key. In this post, we'll explore what TPI is, its benefits for golfers of all levels, and how to get started with a TPI assessment. What is TPI? TPI is the world's leading organization dedicated to understanding the connection between the human body and the golf swing. Founded in 2003 by Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips, TPI's philosophy revolves around: Optimizing swing mechanics : A properly functioning body leads to a more efficient and consistent swing. Identifying physical limitations : TPI helps identify limitations that can hinder your swing and potentially cause injuries. Educating golfers and professionals : TPI's mission is to equip golfers and industry professionals with the knowledge to improve the body-swing connection. Who Can Benefit from TPI? TPI caters to a wide range of golfers, from amateurs to seasoned professionals. Whether you're looking to: Boost your game : TPI can help you swing more efficiently and consistently, leading to better performance. Reduce pain : TPI can identify and address physical limitations that contribute to pain while playing. Improve mobility : TPI helps assess and improve your mobility, promoting a smoother swing. Correct swing inconsistencies : TPI can identify issues in your swing sequence and guide you towards correction. What to Expect in a TPI Session A typical TPI session involves: Physical screening : A functional movement screen to pinpoint limitations affecting your swing and posture. Golf swing analysis : Utilizing a golf simulator at our Brockport or Chili locations to analyze common swing characteristics that can cause an inconsistent and inefficient ball striking.  Getting Started with TPI Ready to unlock your golfing potential through TPI? Contact George Collins at Agape Physical Therapy via email at gcollins@agape-pt.com or call (585) 637-0790 . Improve Your Golf Game, Enhance Your Body By incorporating TPI principles, you can swing with more efficiency, reduce pain, and achieve a more consistent and powerful game. Take control of your swing and elevate your performance with TPI. Listen to George on the radio talk about this very topic!