Altitude Physical Therapy treats many common injuries and conditions, from aches and strains to sprains and fractures. Pain should not be something you deal with. The sooner you find out what is causing your pain, the faster you can determine what's happening, receive care and feel better. Our team understands your unique needs and can help you recover from an injury as soon as possible.
What hurts?
Please select the area where you have been injured or are experiencing pain to learn about symptoms, possible injuries and treatments:
Treating dizziness and headaches
We take a global approach to symptoms relating to dizziness and headaches, providing treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition and overall goals.We offer expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing limitations associated with:- Vertigo and dizziness
- Concussions
- Difficulties with imbalance
Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, our expert PTs will listen and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.Head injuries we treat
Vertigo and dizzinessVertigo and dizziness can arise from many causes and, in most cases, involves the inner ear. Sometimes you may hear vertigo and dizziness used interchangeably; however, there is a difference. Vertigo involves a sensation of seeing the room quickly spin, while dizziness captures most other sensations.
Additional symptoms of vertigo and dizziness may include:- A loss of balance or unsteadiness
- A sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving
- Blurred vision when you are moving
- Nausea
- Vomiting
With vestibular rehabilitation, our goal is to minimize your vertigo and dizziness, improve your balance and prevent falls by restoring function to your inner ear.
One treatment option is a positioning procedure that clears debris from your inner ear. Our therapists will work to determine the right treatment for your unique symptoms and the specific cause of the vertigo and dizziness.ConcussionA concussion can result from a bump, strike or jolt to your head, neck or body and causes an impulsive force to your brain temporarily changing the way it functions. Symptoms of a concussion can include:- Balance issues
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
balanceDifficulties with balance and gait (walking) are very common. Due to the complexity of our sensory symptoms, you can have imbalance and trouble with walking from a specific medical diagnosis or, sometimes, you can have them because your sensory symptoms aren’t communicating well. You can also feel these limitations with weakness, especially in your legs.
People may begin to lose their balance more with aging, but it is something we can treat regardless of your age.
Some common diagnoses that can cause imbalance are:- Vestibular disorders
- Concussions
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Catching your toes or tripping with walking
- Change direction suddenly when you are walking
- Difficulty getting out of a chair
- Difficulty walking at night or first thing in the morning
- Falls or near falls
- Loss of balance
- Walking while holding onto furniture or walls
Complete treatment for your neck injury
Neck pain can make daily activities – working, driving, exercising or simply turning your head – difficult. Your pain could be the result of a repetitive motion, poor posture, an accident, sports injury, fall or a long-term problem in your spine. The good news is that most neck pain does not require surgery and responds well to physical therapy. Our Altitude PTs offer expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing pain associated with:- Disc injury
- Pinched nerve
- Repetitive strain
- Whiplash
Regardless of your injury, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.Neck injuries we treat
Disc injuryA disc works like a shock absorber for your body. Your cervical discs allow you to turn your head and stabilize it. Over time, discs can become worn or damaged. Symptoms of disc injury can include:- Loss of mobility
- Numbness radiating down your shoulder, arm and hand
- Pain or stiffness
- Weakness
pinched nerveNerves in the neck carry information to and from the arms and brain. They transmit sensations like hot, cold and pain. They also activate the muscles in your arms. A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve in the neck – the part connected to the spinal cord – is injured or inflamed. This can happen from a sudden motion, repetitive action or degenerative changes to the bones or discs in the neck. Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:- Limited range of motion
- Numbness
- Sharp pain
- Weakness in the upper extremity
repetitive strainNeck strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move your head and neck. Symptoms of repetitive neck strain can include:- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Weakness
whiplashWhiplash is the result of a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement in your neck. It often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but can also result from a sports accident or trauma. Symptoms of whiplash can include:- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion
- Pain or stiffness
- Tenderness or pain in your shoulder, upper back or arms
- Tingling or numbness in your arms
Treating shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries frequently involve muscles, ligaments and tendons. These types of injuries are generally due to activities that require repetitive motions such as swimming, tennis, pitching, weightlifting yardwork or playing a musical instrument.Altitude Physical Therapy provides expert care for patients with these conditions and more:- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendonitis
Regardless of your injury, we will listen to your symptoms and overall goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.If surgery isn’t required, your treatment will focus on restoring range of motion, strength, function to reduce pain and swelling. If surgery is necessary, your physical therapist will work with you, before and after the procedure.Shoulder injuries we treat
BursitisBursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the small fluid-filled sac that supports the shoulder joint becomes damaged, irritated or inflamed. Symptoms of bursitis can include:- Pain on the tip of the shoulder
- Pain when lying on the sore shoulder
- Pain when rotating the arm or pushing or pulling open a door
Frozen shoulderFrozen shoulder is the progressive stiffening of the shoulder due to scar tissue. It typically develops slowly and in three stages, including:- Freezing: moving your shoulder causes pain, and range of motion is limited.
- Frozen: pain may lessen, but your shoulder is stiffer and becomes more difficult to move.
- Thawing: your range of motion improves.
shoulder impingementShoulder impingement occurs when your shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons are overused or injured. This causes pain and limits your movement. Symptoms of shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendonitis can include:- Pain with activity and while resting
- Pain that radiates from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm
- Pain when throwing a ball, especially in athletes
- Sudden pain when lifting and reaching
rotator cuff tear/tendonitisA rotator cuff tear usually happens to people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or during sports. An extensive rotator cuff tear may require surgery and symptoms of a tear can include:- Arm weakness or limited motion
- Discomfort when laying on the arm
- Dull shoulder ache
Treating elbow injuries
Our experienced team at Altitude Physical Therapy evaluates and treats elbow injuries and pain, minimizing your downtime so you can return to daily activities as quickly and safely as possible. Elbow injuries are often a result of overuse and repetitive motion or stress.Altitude Physical Therapy provides expert, compassionate care for pain associated with the following and more:- Bursitis
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
Regardless of your injury, our expert PTs will develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.Arm injuries we treat
BursitisBursitis is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled sac that support joints. It’s common on the elbow, shoulder, knee or hip. Symptoms of bursitis can include:- Achy or stiff joints
- Pain when you move or press on the joint
- Swollen or red area
Cubital tunnel syndromeCubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that includes pressure or stretching of the funny bone in your elbow. Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome can include:- Pain and numbness in the elbow
- Tingling and numbness in the ring and little fingers
golfer's elbowGolfer’s elbow causes discomfort on the inner side of your arm and elbow. Symptoms of golfer’s elbow can include:- Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers
- Pain and tenderness in the inner side of your elbow or forearm
- Stiffness
- Weakness in your hands and wrists
tennis elbowTennis elbow is the result of damaged tendons on the outside of your elbow. Symptoms of tennis elbow can include:- Pain that radiates into your forearm and wrist
- Difficulty gripping
- Increased pain when lifting or opening objects
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Weakness in your forearm, wrist or hand
Individual treatment for your back pain
Back pain is a very common medical condition. Most adults have pain in the upper, middle or lower part of the back at least once in their lifetime and it can vary in discomfort or pain. It is also the leading cause of disability worldwide.Injuries, overuse of your back muscles, issues with your spine and other conditions can cause back pain. Select Physical Therapy provides customized care for patients experiencing back pain, including conditions such as:- Back sprain/strain
- Herniated disc
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sacroiliitis
- Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis
Our experienced team of therapists will work with you to identify the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan based on the pain and diagnosis to get you on the road to recovery.Back injuries we treat
Back sprain/strainA back sprain happens when you stretch or injure a ligament or tendon in your back. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones at the joint. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone.
When you suffer a back sprain or strain, you may feel a pop or tear. Other times, your symptoms may include:- Decreased range of motion, making it difficult to walk, bend forward or stand straight
- Limited function
- Muscle cramping or spasms
- Pain
Herniated discA herniated disc is a problem with one of the discs or rubbery cushions between the vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine).
A herniated disc can irritate nearby nerves. In some cases, this causes very little or no discomfort. In other cases, this condition can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of a herniated disc can include:- Difficulty getting up from a sitting position
- Inability to stand up straight
- Limping
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain in your buttock and legs, including your calf, foot and thigh
- Weakness in your back
lumbar radiculopathyLumbar radiculopathy refers to a pinched nerve or inflammation in the spine. Radiculopathy can be caused by an injury, or it may occur for no obvious reason. Your risk for radiculopathy increases as you get older and a family history of degenerative bone conditions.
Symptoms from lumbar radiculopathy are typically worse after long periods of sitting and standing. These symptoms may include:- Numbness or weakness in the leg and foot
- Pain that begins in the back and moves to the foot
- Tingling in the legs
sacroiliitisSacroiliitis is the inflammation of one or both of your sacroiliac joints, located where your lower spine and pelvis connect.
There are many causes of sacroiliac pain, including injury, arthritis and pregnancy. In rare cases, an infection in the joints can cause sacroiliitis. Symptoms of sacroiliitis may include:- Difficulty walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Muscle tightness and tenderness in the hips or buttocks
- Pain that is worse when standing and walking and then eases when sitting or lying down
- Pain that radiates down to the knee
- Sharp, stabbing or dull pain in the pelvis or low back area, groin or tailbone
spondylolisthesis and spondylolysisSpondylolisthesis and spondylolysis are often described together because the symptoms, common ages of patients with these conditions and treatment are very similar.- Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra (a bone of the spinal column) slips over the vertebra beneath it
- Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the lumbar spine
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis can include:- Lower back pain
- Muscle tightness or stiffness
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain radiating down the legs
Complete treatment for your hip injury
Our hips are prone to a variety of injuries, whether the injuries are related to general wear and tear or accidents or falls. Our Select Physical Therapy team offers you expert, compassionate care for your pain associated with:- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Labral tear
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Hip flexor strains
Regardless of your injury or ongoing aches and pains, the Altitude Physical Therapy PTs will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.Hip injuries we treat
ArthritisHip arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain. When you have arthritis, you experience inflammation of the hip joint, which breaks down cartilage that ordinarily cushions your hip bones.
Common symptoms of arthritis include:- Pain that gradually gets worse
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness
bursitisBursitis is a condition in which bursae — sacs of liquid found between bones, muscles and tendons that ease the friction from these tissues rubbing together — get inflamed and cause pain. In most cases, bursitis develops due to repetitive activities that overwork and irritate the hip joint.
As part of your treatment plan, your therapist will work with you to strengthen your gait, hip and core muscles to help take pressure off of your hip joint.labral tearA hip labral tear occurs when you rip the ring of cartilage just outside of the socket of your hip joint. We see hip labral tears most often in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive twisting movements.
Symptoms of hip labral tears include:- A clicking or locking sound in the hip
- Hip pain
- Hip stiffness
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which extra bone grows on the side of the hip joint, causing the bones to have an irregular shape. As a result, the bones don’t fit together properly, rubbing against each other when you move.
Symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement can include:- Hip pain
- Hip stiffness
- Limited range of motion
hip flexor strainsHip flexor strains occur when your hip flexor muscles are stretched or torn. We classify hip flexor strains from grade one to grade three based on their severity. Grade one is when you experience mild stretching and microscopic tears, while grade three is when muscle fibers are completely torn or ruptured, causing you to no longer bear weight.
Common symptoms of hip flexor strains include:- A visible muscle deformity
- Bruising
- Inflammation
- Pain in the front of your hip or in your groin
- Pain when walking up stairs
Complete treatment for your leg injury
Anyone can experience a leg injury – an athlete, a weekend warrior, even an employee who carries around equipment. Teens and young adults most frequently experience leg injuries during sports or from accidental falls, while older adults have a higher risk of leg injuries because they lose muscle mass and bone strength as they age.Our Altitude Physical Therapy PTs offer you expert, compassionate care for your pain associated with:- Femur shaft fracture
- Groin injury
- Hamstring injury
- Quadriceps strain
Regardless of your injury, we will evaluate the injury or issue and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.Leg injuries we treat
femur shaft fractureA femur shaft fracture, or broken thighbone, typically occurs during heavy collisions, such as car accidents. The thighbone is the strongest bone in the body and takes a lot of force to break.
Common symptoms of a femur shaft fracture include:- Immediate, severe pain
- Inability to bear weight
- The affected leg appears shorter than the other leg
groin injuryA groin injury is a strain or tear to any muscles on the inner side of your thigh. Common causes of a groin injury include sudden movements, such as twisting to change direction while running, kicking and jumping.
Symptoms of a groin injury include:- Bruising
- Loss of strength in the upper leg
- Pain in the inner thigh
- Swelling
hamstring injuryA hamstring injury involves a strain or tear to the tendons or large muscles located at the back of the thigh. The injury can occur when you decelerate following a hard sprint or run.
Common symptoms of hamstring injuries include:- Bruising
- Pain
- Tenderness
quadricep strainQuadricep strains involve a group of four muscles in the front thigh that connect to the knee just below the knee cap. Quadricep strains are typically due to the overuse of the muscles. Common symptoms of a quadricep strain include:- Bruising
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Tightness in the thigh
Complete treatment for your knee injury
Knee pain can be an issue for everyone. Your pain can be the result of an injury or a medical condition. The good news is that, many times, knee pain can be easily treated with physical therapy.Our Altitude Physical Therapy PTss offer expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing pain associated with:- Cruciate ligament injuries (ACL/PCL)
- Collateral ligament injuries (MCL/LCL)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Meniscus injuries
- Osteoarthritis
Knee injuries we treat
Cruciate ligament injuries (acl/Pcl)The Cruciate Ligaments are found inside your knee joint. They cross each other to form an "X" with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament in back. The cruciate ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee. An ACL tear is common among athletes. Young female athletes are especially prone to an ACL tear. Symptoms of an ACL tear can include:- A feeling that your knee gives away when putting weight on it
- Popping or snapping sound
- Sharp pain
- Swelling
collateral ligament injuries (mcl/lcl)Collateral ligaments are found on the sides of your knee. The medial or "inside" collateral ligament (MCL) connects the femur to the tibia. The lateral or "outside" collateral ligament (LCL) connects the femur to the smaller bone in the lower leg (fibula). The collateral ligaments control the sideways motion of your knee and brace it against unusual movement. Symptoms of collateral ligament injuries can include:- Pain at the sides of your knee. If there is an MCL injury, the pain is on the inside of the knee; an LCL injury may cause pain on the outside of the knee.
- Swelling over the site of the injury.
- Instability — the feeling that your knee is giving way.
patellofemoral pain syndromePatellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap. It is sometimes called "runner's knee" or "jumper's knee" because it is common in people who participate in sports—particularly females and young adults—but patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur in nonathletes, as well. The pain and stiffness it causes can make it difficult to climb stairs, kneel down, and perform other everyday activities.
Many things may contribute to the development of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Problems with the alignment of the kneecap and overuse from vigorous athletics or training are often significant factors.
Symptoms are often relieved with conservative treatment, such as changes in activity levels or a therapeutic exercise program.meniscus injuriesThe meniscus is cartilage that cushions your knee. These injuries can affect both athletes and non-athletes and symptoms can include:- Difficulty bending the knee
- Difficulty walking or stepping up/down stairs
- Difficulty standing after prolonged sitting
- Popping or tearing sensation
- Sharp pain
osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions your knee. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include:- Pain with walking, stepping up/down stairs and moving from a sit to stand position
- Pain or stiffness after having your knee bent or straight
- Popping, cracking or grinding when moving your knee
- Swelling after activity
- Tender to touch
Treating your ankle injuries
Whether you’re a die-hard athlete, a weekend runner or even turned your ankle walking on uneven surfaces, you’ve probably suffered an injury to your ankle at some point or know someone who has. In fact, one million people visit emergency rooms each year because of ankle injuries.The clinical experts at Altitude Physical Therapy will help treat your ankle injury so you can resume your normal activities as quickly and comfortably as possible. We treat people of all ages who experience pain associated with:- Sprain
- Fractures
- Achilles injuries
Ankle injuries we treat
ankle sprainsAnkle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports, and they come in two types: low ankle sprain and high ankle sprain. Low ankle sprains are more common and often occur when you roll over the lower part of your ankle, turning in your foot. High ankle sprains occur when there is an injury to the large ligament above your ankle that joins together the two bones of your lower leg.
Ankle sprains often lead to symptoms such as:- Difficulty bearing weight
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Protection – rest followed by gentle motion and use of crutches, if necessary
- Optimal loading – weight-bearing exercises to stimulate healing
- Ice
- Compression – tape or socks/stockings
- Elevation
ankle fracturesWhen you experience an ankle fracture (a broken ankle), one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. Depending on the severity of your broken ankle, you can experience moderate pain while walking to complete inability to put weight on your ankle.
To determine whether you have a broken ankle, we typically first perform Ottawa ankle rules, a series of guidelines that help us decide if your ankle might be broken. If we suspect a fracture, we will immediately refer you to receive a radiograph to confirm whether you’ve suffered a broken ankle.
Treatment for a broken ankle can vary, depending on the severity of your injury. Our therapist will work with your physician to determine the right time to begin therapy and a specific plan of care to get you back to the things you enjoy.achilles injuriesAchilles tendinopathy is a common injury in which your Achilles tendon (which connects your calf muscle to your heel bone) becomes irritated, causing pain behind your heel. In many cases, Achilles tendinopathy occurs due to repetitive use of the Achilles tendon. We also treat people with Achilles tears, which require significantly more recovery time due to surgery to repair the torn ligament.
Treatment for Achilles tendinopathy involves a combination of activity modification, as well as treatment with your physical therapy team to restore strength, flexibility and mobility to the injured tendon.
Treating a torn Achilles requires surgery and a recovery process that typically takes eight months to a year before you fully return to physical activity. In this severe case, our therapists will stay in close communication with your physician during your healing process.Treating your foot injuries
Think about what your feet do for you as you go about your day. A foot injury can make your daily activities not only inconvenient but also difficult. Our Altitude Physical Therapy clinical experts are committed to accurately diagnosing your foot condition and then creating a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Our goal is to get you back to your normal activities as quickly and comfortably as possible.Our team provides trusted care for patients of all ages experiencing pain associated with:- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Stress fractures
We also evaluate and fit for custom orthotics.Foot injuries we treat
Plantar fasciitisPlantar fasciitis, or plantar fasciopathy, is a foot condition that gradually worsens over time as a result of repetitive stress. This can cause inflammation that builds up in a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops due to age, activities that place a lot of stress on your heel such as running and poor foot mechanics.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:- Heel pain after an increase in activity
- Pain in the arch of the foot, toward your toes
- Sharp pain that slowly goes away after you take your first steps in the morning or if you have been sitting for an extended period of time.
bunionsA bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.stress fracturesStress fractures in the foot are typically caused by overuse and are most common in individuals who run long distances. The most common stress fracture in the foot is called a calcaneal stress fracture or when you break part of your heel bone. Common symptoms of a calcaneal stress fracture include:- A bruised heel
- Pain that worsens over time and becomes worse when weight-bearing
- Pain when squeezing the heel bone
Your physical therapy team will also help you regain the muscle and flexibility throughout your leg following your period of rest to help get you back to your everyday activities as soon as possible.