Most people assume when they have knee pain that they have suddenly done something to their knee. They go to the doctor, get it looked at, are prescribed medication and maybe some exercises and then get sent on their way. But the truth of the matter is that more often than not, the knee is not the problem.
In the video below, Mark talks about what is more likely the source of the problem, and what to do to correct it.
In this video, you will find out from Mark the different posture improvement moves you can do during the day to prevent pain. Watch as he demonstrates the following:
How to stand properly with your legs shoulder width apart
Where to point your feet while you are standing
Turning your knees out very slightly
Squeeze your backside together and tuck your pelvis in
Elongate your spine to make your spine tall and reset your shoulders
Turn your arms back to align shoulder sockets
Align your chin
Make sure you pay attention to head posture. Muscles in your neck can get wore out – especially those of you on computers all day long.
Go through this checklist every day to avoid back, shoulder and neck issues!
Tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy are common injuries that can plague a tennis player. The last thing an athlete wants to hear is, “You must rest and stop playing tennis.” Soft tissue injuries can be painful, limiting conditions that are slow to heal, which is particularly challenging to a tennis player who wants to get back in the game.
Many athletes seek advice from primary care and sports medicine physicians when they have tendon pain and then are often offered anti-inflammatories, injections, and told to rest. Typically, this common regimen only offers temporary relief and may not be the best method to heal a tendinopathy. Astym therapy targets the underlying cause of many soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to relieve symptoms. It is unmatched in its ability to resolve tendinopathies, and often works even after other approaches fail.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TENDINOPATHY, TENDINITIS AND TENDINOSIS?
The word “tendinopathy” actually means “disease of a tendon,” and is a broader term for two conditions known as “tendinosis,” or degenerative tendinopathy, and “tendinitis,” or acute, inflammatory tendinopathy. Although “tendonitis” is used often, most cases of tendinopathy are not associated with significant inflammation and thus don’t respond well to anti-inflammatory medications.
WHAT CAUSES TENDINOPATHY?
Tendinopathy can be caused by overuse or improper loading of the muscle-tendon unit. It can also be caused by degeneration of soft tissues due to injury, age or other reasons. Repetitive strain on a tendon may cause tiny tears that accumulate over time. These tears may result in pain and can eventually change the structure of the tendon resulting in acute inflammation and/or degeneration that can lead to pain, tissue adhesions, movement impairment and eventually loss of function.
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPISTS HELP HEAL TENDINOPATHY (TENNIS ELBOW)
Assess or change equipment, for example choosing a racquet with a larger sweet spot will help reduce load on the arm.
Correct stroke mechanics, for example bending knees at least 10 degrees during the service motion will lessen the load on the shoulders and elbows.
Identify proper training loads and recovery to avoid overuse injuries.
Incorporate proper warm-up or cool-down for tennis.
Develop a balanced training program for tennis to include stretching, strengthening, speed, core stability, agility, balance and coordination.
WHY ASTYM THERAPY IS SO SUCCESSFUL
Astym therapy, evidenced to engage the regenerative mechanisms of the body and promote the healing of soft tissues, has repeatedly been shown safe and effectivein controlled clinical trials, clinical study, and large population outcomes data. A new approach to soft tissue treatment, Astym therapy resulted from a large, groundbreaking research endeavor supported by major hospitals and universities. It is used in settings ranging from therapy clinics to hospitals to industrial rehabilitation to elite/professional athletics, and has been proven to be more effective than other available treatments.
Astym-certification is advanced training and not everyone is qualified to perform this higher level of care. In order to become Astym-certified, a clinician must undergo intensive training and testing. Doctors often prescribe Astym therapy for their patients because it is safe, high quality care that has been proven to be effective.
If you are having tennis elbow issues – we can treat that! Mark Slaughter is an Astym certified clinician and will be happy to address your issues. Contact our office today to learn more!
Astymtherapy or Astym treatment is a regenerative physical/occupational therapythat resolves many frustrating musculoskeletal cases, including tendinopathies and post-op or post-injury scarring. Astym treatment is one of the most researched and effective therapy interventions available, and it is unmatched in its ability to resolve a wide range of soft tissue dysfunctions.
The Astym process includes the non-invasive stimulation of regenerative mechanisms of the body, and a customized program of stretching and exercise, which positively influences the alignment of new collagen. More benefits include:
Solves chronic issues
Quickly decreases pain and increases range of motion
Short treatment course: Typically 4-5 weeks
Targets the source of the problem, not just the symptoms
Stimulates regeneration of damaged soft tissues and the resorption of scar tissue
Patients continue to be active during therapy
Until now, the option for treating tendon pain and soft tissue problems were limited and not very effective. Often, people could suffer for months, even years, with pain and movement restrictions due to soft tissue dysfunction. Finally, Astym Therapy is now available and is highly effective AND clinically proven. Mark Slaughter has undergone the intensive training and study to become certified in Astym therapy. It is important that you see a certified provider if you are interested in this treatment. Only certified Astym clinicians are trained in this specific protocol. Mark will follow specific treatment parameters to initiate a regenerative process in the affected soft tissues, including applying mild to moderate topical pressures, and provide a customized program of stretching and exercise.
Some general conditions Astym therapy is highly effective for include:
Chronic tendinopathy
Joint and muscle stiffness
Sprains and strains
Conditions resulting from dysfunctional scar tissue or fibrosis (post -traumatic, post-surgical, etc.)
Some specific conditions Astym therapy is beneficial for include:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Ankle Pain and Stiffness
Chronic Wrist Pain and Stiffness
Golfer’s Elbow
Hamstring Strain
IT Band Syndrome
Jumper’s Knee
Low Back Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Mastectomy Scarring
Post-Surgical Scarring
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Scar Tissue
Tennis Elbow
Again, Astym therapy rebuilds and heals the soft tissues of the body, eliminates pain and restores movement. It does not involve injections or surgery. Astym therapy has helped countless people by resotring their movement, getting ride of their pain, and giving them back their lives. To find out if Astym treatments are right for you, call the office or contact us here so we can schedule and appointment and get started today!
Your feet play a very important role when it comes to stability and preventing pain. If you stop and think about what your feet actually have to do, it is amazing. They are responsible for keeping you upright when you are standing and walking.
In our clinic, we see a lot of people that stand or sit with their feet turned way out. This will directly affect their mechanics from their feet all the way up to their neck. You want to have a stable structure to function properly. So we will take a look at how they stand and walk, and typically their feet are turned out or they have flattened their arches, and that is why they are complaining of pain. Whether it is ankle, knee, hips, typically the pain is coming from a problem with their feet – not the area that is hurting.
So what can you do?
Strengthening your arch. Even if you think you have a “flat arch”, it probably is just poor muscle structure. Simple exercises can be done to strengthen those muscles and regain a proper arch – helping you become more stable.
Focus on how you walk and stand. Make sure you are keeping your feet pointed straight ahead. when you walk.
Core stability, or “core”, still seems to be the buzz word. That part of the body is designed to be stable. It is not meant for excessive movement. Core muscles are endurance muscles and need to be trained accordingly. Some also call it the “anti-rotation muscles.” It is important to train the muscles to fight the rotational movements like vacuuming or opening car doors. When people do these movements, most often they are rotating through their spine, instead of rotating through their hips. This should be avoided.
One way to avoid this, or re-train your movements, is to train the muscles that help fight rotation. There are many exercises you can do to stabilize your core – make sure to check out our YouTube channel where we will show you several.
Check out this video where Mark explains several things you can do to help re-train your movements and to fight rotation in your spine.
Mark Slaughter is absolutely brilliant when it comes to figuring out what’s going on with your body when things quit working right or you need surgical recovery! He got me up & moving the same day I went to see him... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:21:35+00:00
Mark Slaughter is absolutely brilliant when it comes to figuring out what’s going on with your body when things quit working right or you need surgical recovery! He got me up & moving the same day I went to see him for back problems and plantars fasciitis after several visits to an ortho surgeon, a foot doctor and 2 chiropractors couldn’t seem to help me. Amazing! He’s down-to-earth, fun, easy to learn from and so genuine. He truly cares about making people the very best they can be! Mark is simply the best there is. Period.
I have loved coming to Mark. It has been so much fun & I really feel my arm is getting better everyday. Mark has also helped with my posture which makes me happy. I also feel like I am getting stronger... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:00:35+00:00
I have loved coming to Mark. It has been so much fun & I really feel my arm is getting better everyday. Mark has also helped with my posture which makes me happy. I also feel like I am getting stronger everyday.
What a GREAT place to rehab! Mark Slaughter, PT is both professional and personal and he always puts his patients best interest as his number one priority by going over and beyond to assure progress. It's clear how much he cares... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:49:03+00:00
What a GREAT place to rehab! Mark Slaughter, PT is both professional and personal and he always puts his patients best interest as his number one priority by going over and beyond to assure progress. It's clear how much he cares about his patients. Sharon is terrific too!! As a massage therapist and recipient I am very particular in choosing a therapist. In my opinion, Mark Slaughter and his staff are the best in the area.
After spending almost 4 months on complete bedrest at Mercy Hospital for complications associated with my triplet pregnancy, I needed extensive therapy. At the time, I could not walk up stairs without sitting on each step and using my arms... Read more ...
2016-08-15T14:07:47+00:00
After spending almost 4 months on complete bedrest at Mercy Hospital for complications associated with my triplet pregnancy, I needed extensive therapy. At the time, I could not walk up stairs without sitting on each step and using my arms to assist me. My doctor recomended Mark Slaughter. She as well as other doctor friends, use him for their personal p.t. I went in for my initial visit and immeditely knew I was in great hands. They worked with me and my busy schedule of raising preemie triplets. Mark was one on one with me each visit using the latest techniques to ensure my full recovery. He makes it fun with his awesome personality and jokes. He always asked for updates on my triplets. Mark pours his heart into his patients to make sure they are at their best. He loves his job and helping others and it TRULY shows! The clinic is a fun atmosphere where you always feel welcome. I have referred my own family and friends to him numerous times. As for me, I now have the strength to enjoy normal activities thanks to Mark!
After 5 months of procrastinating over an injured elbow that seemed not to be healing it was recommended I call Mark Slaughter at FYZICAL for Life. Mark did an excellent job of diagnosing the injury, developed a thorough plan that reduced... Read more ...
2017-03-27T10:15:43+00:00
After 5 months of procrastinating over an injured elbow that seemed not to be healing it was recommended I call Mark Slaughter at FYZICAL for Life. Mark did an excellent job of diagnosing the injury, developed a thorough plan that reduced pain, improved mobility, strengthened the muscles surrounding the elbow, and allowed the torn tendon to heal. I highly recommend Mark and his staff. Great Job and Thanks!
Very friendly staff. They always are prepared when you arrive and have your therapy plan for the day ready. Mark listens to what I have say and always makes sure I understand what is being done and why.
2016-03-18T13:23:09+00:00
Very friendly staff. They always are prepared when you arrive and have your therapy plan for the day ready. Mark listens to what I have say and always makes sure I understand what is being done and why.
This is the perfect place to come to if you are in pain and then to continue coming to to stay on track. It is a small, friendly place to work out. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. Mark... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:03:23+00:00
This is the perfect place to come to if you are in pain and then to continue coming to to stay on track. It is a small, friendly place to work out. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. Mark keeps an eye on everyone so we do our exercises right. He is always right - but don't tell him I said that!
Mark and Sharon were instrumental in my progress to gain strength, balance and flexibility after multiple surgeries on my legs. He brought a new awareness to all my workouts. He encouraged my success with a positive attitude and attentiveness. Thank you... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:50:45+00:00
Mark and Sharon were instrumental in my progress to gain strength, balance and flexibility after multiple surgeries on my legs. He brought a new awareness to all my workouts. He encouraged my success with a positive attitude and attentiveness. Thank you Mark, I feel I was given a second chance to be better and stronger.
Mark Slaughter and his staff at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center are very knowledgeable, professional, caring, friendly, and helpful. Mark was able to diagnose my problem even when I was unable to say exactly what was wrong with me! He... Read more ...
2017-01-24T11:59:34+00:00
Mark Slaughter and his staff at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center are very knowledgeable, professional, caring, friendly, and helpful. Mark was able to diagnose my problem even when I was unable to say exactly what was wrong with me! He pinpointed my injury and tailored my therapy sessions which ultimately reduced my pain and furthered the healing process. Mark took his time explaining my injury, what was needed to heal and also what was necessary to prevent a recurrence of my injury. Despite being injured, It was always a pleasure going to therapy because of the upbeat personalities at FYZICAL
After a devastating injury when I was 21 which left me managing paralysis and pain in my right leg, I chose then not to “fit the mold” of having a disability. About 5 years ago when I turned 40, I... Read more ...
2017-03-27T10:17:06+00:00
After a devastating injury when I was 21 which left me managing paralysis and pain in my right leg, I chose then not to “fit the mold” of having a disability. About 5 years ago when I turned 40, I started to feel the effects of the injury on my overall health. I found it difficult to go up and down stairs as well as started taking medication to manage the pain. It was then that I realized I needed to do something different and joined a specialized gym. I saw incredible improvement in my strength and overall health. I am currently a member at Iron Orchid in Maryville where I enjoy working out with amazing coaches and members 3-5 days per week. The Gym has helped me to gain the strength to stay active. My husband Chad and I love hiking and have made it our goal to book a trip each year to see different parts of the country. Our most recent trip was in October to Tennessee where we hiked 26 miles in 5 days! Recently I felt something pop and tear in my “good” leg while working out. I panicked over what this meant for my ability to stay active, as I rely on this leg to make up the difference for what my right leg cannot do. With the diagnosis of a torn calf muscle, a set of crutches (kind of a joke hopping on a “bad/now good” leg you can’t feel), significant pain, and the possibility of surgery I was devastated. Chad quickly made call to Pat for an appointment and we got in with Mark Slaughter at Fyzical Therapy the same day to get a second opinion and therapy started. At my first appointment with Mark, I was so thankful that he wasn’t...
I had crossed things off my list that I didn’t think my body could do due to overuse and injury. Mark proved me wrong and I have never been as strong and healthy as I am today. The techniques he has taught... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:27:53+00:00
I had crossed things off my list that I didn’t think my body could do due to overuse and injury. Mark proved me wrong and I have never been as strong and healthy as I am today. The techniques he has taught me (ALWAYS with proper form), I will carry with me forever. Getting to the gym isn’t a problem for me anymore…it’s leaving.
Mark and his staff do a great job of getting your body back to normal as long as the person is willing to work hard. After I had knee surgery I was back to regular activities within eight weeks. I couldn't have done... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:04:47+00:00
Mark and his staff do a great job of getting your body back to normal as long as the person is willing to work hard. After I had knee surgery I was back to regular activities within eight weeks. I couldn't have done it without them pushing me.
I've suffered from back pain since I was 13 years old, caused by Scoliosis and then a major auto accident. A need for physical therapy took me to Mark Slaughter, who examined my back and listened to my history and... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:52:01+00:00
I've suffered from back pain since I was 13 years old, caused by Scoliosis and then a major auto accident. A need for physical therapy took me to Mark Slaughter, who examined my back and listened to my history and complaints. With Marks professional direction, I was able to begin strength training and endurance exercise and learned how not to hurt myself. Mark taught me techniques that I use daily to stay pain-free. He genuinely cares about people getting better. Thanks, Mark!
I get by with a little help from my friends- my friend Mark, that is. I have had the "pleasure" of Mark helping me rehabilitate after two injuries- knee surgery and a broken wrist. Mark knows how to push you... Read more ...
2017-01-24T12:03:04+00:00
I get by with a little help from my friends- my friend Mark, that is. I have had the "pleasure" of Mark helping me rehabilitate after two injuries- knee surgery and a broken wrist. Mark knows how to push you "just a little bit further" to get the most out of your session and to get you back to your old self as soon as possible. I recommend Mark and Pat- and the puppies- to everyone!
Mark Slaughter is the top physical therapist in our area. His one-on-one personal and professional attention with myself as a patient and my family, is greatly appreciated! He has not only helped us with issues we have had, he takes... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:28:35+00:00
Mark Slaughter is the top physical therapist in our area. His one-on-one personal and professional attention with myself as a patient and my family, is greatly appreciated! He has not only helped us with issues we have had, he takes the extra step to insure that we are stronger to prevent future injuries. He worked closely with our daughter's surgeon before and after her ACL surgery and it was a total success! Thank you for always being there!
Through my athletic career, Mark helped me overcome injuries quickly and become the strongest I have been. His caring demeanor and encouragement made me push harder to achieve more. He genuinely cares about the people he works with and makes... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:06:21+00:00
Through my athletic career, Mark helped me overcome injuries quickly and become the strongest I have been. His caring demeanor and encouragement made me push harder to achieve more. He genuinely cares about the people he works with and makes the experience very comfortable.
It's special to know someone like Mark. He is been a part of me & my family for a very long time. Sports is in my whole family's DNA, & Mark makes me understand my body & helped make me who I... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:53:12+00:00
It's special to know someone like Mark. He is been a part of me & my family for a very long time. Sports is in my whole family's DNA, & Mark makes me understand my body & helped make me who I am today. Mark has touched the lives of many people & influenced them to be better in everything they do. Mark is the best in the business, no doubt about it.
Kudos to Mark Slaughter and the staff at FYZICAL. I can’t praise Mark, Pat, Sharon and his staff (even their dogs) enough for the way they treated me. They made me feel like part of their family. I highly recommend... Read more ...
2017-01-24T12:04:24+00:00
Kudos to Mark Slaughter and the staff at FYZICAL. I can’t praise Mark, Pat, Sharon and his staff (even their dogs) enough for the way they treated me. They made me feel like part of their family. I highly recommend them for any of your physical therapy needs. I was a mess when I first came to Mark. My recovery from my total knee replacement had not gone well. My knee flexion and extension numbers were actually worse than before my surgery ten weeks before. I honestly thought I was going to have to live with the pain and lack of mobility for the rest of my life. It was a friend of mine who actually recommended Mark. When I went in for my first consultation Mark listened, evaluated my progress, and developed a plan especially designed for me. It wasn’t a “one size fits all” like I had been getting. Mark explained the reason for each exercise. He always gave me positive feedback and encouragement. When I went back to my doctor after only three weeks with Mark he was pleasantly surprised with my progress. After another four weeks with Mark I was released from my doctor’s care and was able to go back to work. Amen to that! With my next knee replacement, I’ll go to Mark first!!
My experiences with Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center has been exceptionally satisfying. I recently had both knees replaced and with their professional therapy, I am motivated and feeling better than I have in years. I have had many friends watchimg my progress and ... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:30:16+00:00
My experiences with Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center has been exceptionally satisfying. I recently had both knees replaced and with their professional therapy, I am motivated and feeling better than I have in years. I have had many friends watchimg my progress and they have asked me how I'm am doing so well, so fast. I say "Mark Slaughter's Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center in Edwardsville. It's both professional and fun, and I have met many new friends who have had the same experience."
A few years ago I had a knee replacement. Getting your knee straight again is a problem after that. Mark worked on it for several weeks and it is straight an functioning well today.
2016-04-12T14:07:41+00:00
A few years ago I had a knee replacement. Getting your knee straight again is a problem after that. Mark worked on it for several weeks and it is straight an functioning well today.
In this video, you will find out from Mark the different posture improvement moves you can do during the day to prevent pain. Watch as he demonstrates the following:
Tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy are common injuries that can plague a tennis player. The last thing an athlete wants to hear is, “You must rest and stop playing tennis.” Soft tissue injuries can be painful, limiting conditions that are slow to heal, which is particularly challenging to a tennis player who wants to get back in the game.
Astym
Your feet play a very important role when it comes to stability and preventing pain. If you stop and think about what your feet actually have to do, it is amazing. They are responsible for keeping you upright when you are standing and walking.
