Per the latest guidelines from the CDC, the use of a face mask is optional. Clinical staff will wear masks upon request.
To ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, we are asking that you please call to reschedule your appointment if you are feeling sick or have been in close contact to someone who has recently tested postitive for Covid.

ACL injuries are not uncommon among female athletes. Although there are several factors that may come into play

ACL injuries are not uncommon among female athletes. Although there are several factors that may come into play

The knee joint is stabilized by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Injuries to this ligament are particularly common in female athletes in sports that require jumping, cutting, turning, and twisting. Strength and body control are two elements that contribute to a higher injury rate in females. In fact, ACL injuries occur 2-6x more in females than in males. 

All female athletes who are vulnerable – soccer players, basketball players, volleyball players –  should take precautions to avoid ACL injuries. An ACL injury risk reduction program can significantly minimize this risk. Howard Physical Therapy is a certified Sportsmetric™ ACL Injury Prevention and Training Program provider. Sportsmetrics™ has scientifically been proven to reduce ACL injuries. The Program significantly decreases non-contact injury rates by altering dangerous neuromuscular movement patterns, particularly among female athletes.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/05/health/women-acl-injury-prevention-world-cup/index.html

Virtual Reality Enhances the PT Experience

Virtual Reality Enhances the PT Experience

Howard Physical Therapy is merging traditional rehab with technology. Mark Howard, PT, DPT, talks to WIVB Channel 4 about REAL® Virtual Reality System and its role in physical therapy for a wide range of patients recovering from upper-body injuries, replacement surgeries, and various neurological conditions such as post-stroke recovery and MS. Immersion in a virtual setting engages patients in their rehab therapy. It often motivates them to move more than they would with just traditional physical therapy. Read / Watch the full story on WIVB.com.

Virtual Reality Becomes “REAL” at Howard Physical Therapy

Virtual Reality Becomes “REAL” at Howard Physical Therapy

Howard Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy practice located at 4721 Transit Road in Depew, NY, has recently added the “REAL” Virtual Reality System to their clinical services. The “REAL” system incorporates state-of-the-art technology into the rehabilitation setting and has been shown to markedly improve patient outcomes, compliance, and satisfaction. By donning a virtual headset and motion sensors, patients can move within a “virtual” world. In this environment, they perform a variety of activities designed to improve mobility, balance, strength, and coordination. While the “REAL” system was originally introduced for hospital-based patients, its benefits have made it a valuable tool in the outpatient setting. Research has shown it to be very effective in the management of chronic back and neck pain. In addition, clinicians and patients have found it to be highly useful in the treatment of many other orthopedic conditions. At Howard Physical Therapy, patient response has been overwhelmingly favorable with many preferring the virtual activity to traditional exercise. From a clinical perspective, therapists are seeing patients demonstrate a greater tolerance to exercise when distracted by the virtual world, thereby allowing them to move farther and longer than with regular activity.

For more information on the benefits of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation, visit the “REAL” system at www.realsystem.com or contact Howard Physical Therapy at 716-656-1880

Impact of Strength Training on Balance for Chronic Ankle Instability

Impact of Strength Training on Balance for Chronic Ankle Instability

A recent literature review looked at 554 published studies and determined that strength training had minimal detectable benefit in improving balance in patients with chronic ankle stability. While strengthening is recognized as an important component of any ankle rehabilitation, this review indicates that strengthening alone is not sufficient to significantly improve balance in patients with chronic ankle instability. Additional activities, beyond pure strengthening, designed to improve proprioception and balance should be integrated into an ankle rehabilitation program.  This is especially important when working with athletes subject to repetitive injury, or older patients at risk of falling.

Does Strength Training for Chronic Ankle Instability Improve Balance and Patient-Reported Outcomes and by Clinically Detectable Amounts? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lijiang Luan, MSc, Roger Adams, PhD, Jeremy Witchalls, PhD, Charlotte Ganderton, PhD, Jia Han, PhD
Physical Therapy, pzab046, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab046

Impact of Childhood Obesity on Posture

Impact of Childhood Obesity on Posture

A recently published article summarized the findings of 73 previously published articles related to childhood obesity and postural changes in children and adolescents. The results of this review confirmed that obesity can contribute to a number of significant postural changes including increased lumbar (low back) curvature, genu valgum (knock knee) and pes planus (flat feet). These are all postural problems that can lead to pain, dysfunction and degenerative changes as children mature.  In addition to the medical benefits associated with managing childhood obesity, we now have evidence of concurrent musculo-skeletal issues that can be reduced with proper weight management. For more information on managing the effects of childhood obesity, speak with your child’s pediatrician and a Physical Therapist.

The Impact of Childhood Obesity on the Body Posture: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 
Pablo Molina-Garcia, PhD, Damian Miranda-Aparicio, MS, Esther Ubago-Guisado, PhD, Celia Alvarez-Bueno, PhD, Jos Vanrenterghem, PhD …
Physical Therapy, pzab066, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab066

Howard PT Logo

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!