Appointments
To schedule an appointment, please call (907)747 4559 during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Insurance/Billing Enquiries
Please direct all billing and insurance enquiries to (907) 747 5136. We accept assignment on Medicare, Medicaid, Workmen’s compensation, and Champus/Tricare, and are preferred providers with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Our insurance staff will file all other insurance claims, including Fishermen’s fund as a courtesy.
Location
Sitka Physical Therapy is located on the second floor of the Center for Community Building at 700 Katlian Street. The building is equipped with an elevator and parking (including Handicapped) is available at the front of the building.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Confidentiality
Medical information is released only with your consent.
Initial Evaluation
During evaluation, your therapist will need to thoroughly inspect the affected body part and posture as a whole; shorts are provided in the clinic for this purpose. For females, a sports bra or similar is advisable. Initial evaluation typically takes 1 hour.
Contact us:
Call (907) 747 4559 during office hours. Fax (907) 747 5415.
E-mail: info@sitkaphysicaltherapy.com
GUIDE TO SELF TREATMENT: ACUTE INJURY
Acute Ankle Sprains: guide to initial treatment.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is stretching and tearing of ligaments, which are fibrous bands connecting adjacent bones in a joint. This can lead to swelling, bruising, pain, weakness, instability and subsequent loss of function. If left untreated, chronic instability and re injury is common. The most common type of ankle injury is a sprain. There are many ligaments around the ankle and these can become damaged when the ankle is forced into a position not normally encountered.
The most frequently seen sprain occurs when weight is applied to a foot which is on an uneven surface, and the foot "rolls in" stressing the ligaments stabilizing the lateral - or outside - part of the ankle. Many patients report hearing a "snap" or "pop" at the time of the injury. This is usually followed by pain, swelling and possible bruising on the lateral aspect of the ankle.
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
Signs of an ankle sprain are swelling, pain, bruising and trouble moving the ankle after the injury. Accepting weight through the leg may be difficult and painful. Your doctor will usually be able to tell if you have a sprain by asking you some questions about how the injury occurred and by examining your ankle. Occasionally, x-rays may be taken to rule out a fracture.
How is an ankle sprain treated?
Treatment will be based on a thorough evaluation by a physician or physical therapist who will ‘grade’ the injury by severity of sprain.
- DEGREE OF SEVERITY OF ANKLE SPRAINS
- Grade I - stretch and/or minor tear of the ligament without laxity (loosening)
- Grade II - tear of ligament plus some laxity
- Grade III - complete tear of the affected ligament (very loose)
Recommendations regarding timeframes of return to activity and sport will be based on the grade of injury and subsequent progression through rehabilitation.
The PRICE formula should be employed following accurate diagnosis:
PROTECTION; You will likely be placed in a removable splint to support the ankle, restrict side-to-side movement and prevent further injury when on you feet.
REST; You will need to rest your ankle, either completely or partly, depending on how serious your sprain is. If walking is painful, you will be provided with crutches and advised to take a comfortable amount of weight through the leg.
ICE; Using ice packs, ice slush baths or ice massages can decrease the swelling, pain, bruising and muscle spasms. Cover the ankle with a towel and apply the ice pack for 30 minutes every two hours.
COMPRESSION; A wrap or compressive sock will help decrease swelling and provide additional support.
ELEVATION; Raising your ankle to or above the level of your heart will help prevent the swelling from getting worse and will help reduce bruising. Try to keep your ankle elevated for about 2 to 3 hours a day if possible.
It is desirable to regain range of motion, strength and balance skills about the ankle as soon as possible while protecting the damaged tissue. Your Physical Therapist will prescribe appropriate exercises to quicken your recovery and return to function while ensuring optimal healing of the damaged ligaments.
Physical Therapy should be started immediately and will commence with basic motion, strength and balance exercises progressing to more challenging and activity/sport specific drills. Ultrasound may be used to facilitate ligament healing. Your therapist will also guide you through timely discontinuance of the crutches and brace/splint and ensure you maintain strength and fitness while healing.
Return to full function can be as rapid as 1 week for grade 1 and 4-6 weeks for grade 3 sprains.
Call 747 4559 to speak with a therapist or to schedule evaluation.
Acute Low Back Pain: guide to initial treatment.
What is the source of my pain?
There are many structures in and around the back which may be injured or aggravated by acute injury (e.g. lifting), poor posture, muscle strains, or a disease process. These include the disc, ligaments, joints, muscles and nerves with pain often radiating to areas away from the back such as the buttock, leg or foot. With so many possible sources of pain, accurate diagnosis can be difficult in the early stages of injury. Thorough evaluation is necessary to identify the likely source of your pain such that appropriate recommendations can be made to protect the injured structure and establish a plan of treatment.
So what can I do to get more comfortable?
As a general rule, avoid positions and activities that increase your pain. For example, sitting and bending tend to aggravate pain originating from the intervertebral disc and can worsen your condition. Avoid lifting and do not attempt activities with impact such as running. Ice can be applied for up to 30 minutes several times through the day and will likely be best tolerated lying on your back with your knees bent. Your physician can recommend appropriate pain relieving medications.
Is complete bed rest advisable?
In short, no. Research suggests that in most instances this is detrimental although short periods lying down though the day may be of help. Try to keep moving and avoid prolonged postures, particularly sitting. Pursue low impact cardiovascular exercise such as walking, but only if this does not aggravate your pain. Short but frequent distances are usually well tolerated.
What can I do to treat my back pain and get back to functioning?
The first step in treating you pain is identifying the possible source. This will require that you visit with you physician who may recommend imaging studies, such as x-rays and advise you on pain management. Most often, you will be referred to physical therapy where hands on mobilization, electrotherapy and exercise are directed at reducing symptoms and treating the source. Your therapist will help guide you in return to activity at an appropriate pace to allow for healing and avoidance of re-injury.
