With Direct Access, you can head straight to physical therapy without a referral from a doctor. Here are just a few reasons you should consider Direct Access today: Quick access to the care you need. Our goal is to see patients within 48 hours of scheduling an appointment. Compare this to the 24-day average wait […]
Many office environments do a good job providing optimal conditions for prolonged sitting using items like ergonomically correct chairs, keyboards and high-quality monitors. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many office workers had to shift away from their normal office routine into a home office that was far less suited for long periods of sitting. This […]
Physical therapists do more than help you recover from surgeries or injuries. They are movement experts and highly skilled in helping people get and stay active so they can be healthy now and in the future. Physical activity has a well known and impressive list of benefits including: • Controlling weight • Improving sleep • […]
While COVID-19 is front and center in most people’s thoughts, it isn’t the only illness out there that can be life changing. Heart disease, diabetes, strokes and cancer can all be devastating too. To become more resilient and to defend your health, research says you should move more. The dangers of a sedentary lifestyle are […]
Working From Home: A Real Pain If you’ve been working from home during the pandemic and are experiencing new body aches and pains, it could be caused by your home office set-up. With the sudden shift to remote work and school, many Americans have had to quickly create a home office using whatever space they had […]
Your Movement Can Predict Your Future Health with 2 Simple Tests Strong evidence suggests that movement is a valuable predictor of future health and resilience against disease. If your goal is to live a longer, healthier life, seeing a physical therapist makes sense, given their expertise in human movement. Here are two simple tests to […]
Physical Therapy: The Lowest Cost Back Pain Treatment Option Chances are, you or someone you know has had back pain. Over the course of our lives, 80% of us will have an episode of back pain. Even though back pain is common, many people struggle to find the right back pain treatment for them. Stories […]
What is Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s affects about a million adults in the United States. It is a progressive nuerodegenerative disorder that affects movement. Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in an area of the brain that controls movement become impaired or die. This nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to […]
While the coronavirus pandemic continues to be front and center in the news and in the thoughts of many people, other health issues have not gone away. Between aches, pains, injuries and surgeries, many people would benefit from seeing a physical therapist. However some of are reluctant to attend because of concerns over COVID-19. Prior […]
The weather is hot and you’ve been busy enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer. Taking a day off from your fitness program here and there is no problem, but if you’ve been consistently missing your regular run, bike ride, or gym session and notice some aches and pains showing up, you might have the […]
With health in sharp focus as a result of the pandemic, now may be a good time to look at the team of experts you have in place and see if there are any improvements you could make. You probably have a family doctor, dentist, and optometrist. Maybe you have some specialist physicians, a trainer, […]
The Best Sleep Position For What’s Causing You Pain Sleeping in the right position can not only help you feel more rested when you wake up, but can also help alleviate symptoms of common aches and pains. We will tell you the best, and worst, positions for what’s ailing you! Back pain According to the […]
Lyme Disease Watch The majority of human Lyme disease cases occur in the summer months; and with it being August, we are in the thick of it. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.When detected early, Lyme disease can be treated with […]
The lazy days of summer combined with social distancing, and stay at home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led many people to reduced levels of activity. Gyms are closed, races are cancelled and for most people running or biking alone isn’t as much fun as a group run or ride. However, just as […]
The Hidden Costs of Back Pain Healthcare costs in the United States are among the highest in the world and low back pain is one of the major contributors fueling high healthcare costs. People with back pain average 60% higher healthcare costs than for those without. In the workplace, lower back pain is the leading cause of work […]
A retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy in relieving painful intercourse and improving sexual function in women diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis. Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome is a frequent cause of premenopausal dyspareunia and is characterized by a sharp, burning pain located within and limited to the vaginal entry (vulvar vestibule). Pain is caused primarily […]
No referral needed via ‘Direct Access’ Getting to physical therapy at the first onset of pain is one of the key factors in achieving a positive, long lasting outcome. Delays of any kind in receiving physical therapy result in higher healthcare costs, decreased functional outcomes, and frustration to patients seeking relief. Adding in the fact that there […]
This time of year, many people are focused on fitness so it’s worth taking a look at what fitness really means. The dictionary defines fit as “sound physically and mentally healthy.” Using that definition, many “fitness” routines fall short of the goal. If you don’t enjoy running and dread every workout, you’re probably falling short […]
Effective Knee Pain Treatments for Golfers Golf is often viewed as a rather relaxed sport by non-players, but the reality of the game is that golf is exceptionally demanding on a golfer’s joints and musculoskeletal system. A 2017 study revealed that up to 18% of all golfers (professional and amateur combined) have experienced a knee […]
Beating the Flu with Good Nutrition The Influenza virus is notorious for changing its genome, continually introducing new strains of influenza virus into the population. Because of the genomic changes, infection with an influenza strain from the previous year does not guarantee immune protection from a new strain. A study called The Influence of Nutrition on Influenza […]
Effective Hip Pain Treatments for Golfers The more you use your hips, often the more power, speed, and distance you can achieve. Unfortunately, all this hip action can often lead to pain. In fact, nearly 20% of male golf professionals report experiencing hip pain, and unsurprisingly, this increased with their age. Pain can also be […]
Our bodies are complex, especially in areas like the shoulder. That’s why our therapists offer shoulder & arm treatment that looks deeper than surface-level symptoms to identify the underlying issues causing your pain. To do this, we begin with a thorough and precise initial evaluation. Then we learn about your lifestyle and your goals to […]
From a total joint replacement to leg pain, hip pain or knee pain, find long term relief through a thorough examination and customized treatment plan at Western Berks Physical Therapy. If you have leg pain, hip pain or knee pain, your physical therapist will perform a thorough examination to help determine the cause of the […]
Foot & ankle treatment is available at Western Berks Physical Therapy. Our physical therapists will get you back on your feet by reducing foot pain and related symptoms caused by injury, surgery, arthritis and chronic conditions. Explore our foot physical therapy services below for treatment of a wide range of problems including foot pain, ankle […]
Hand and wrist pain makes it difficult to complete even the simplest daily tasks. Let our Physical Therapists get to the root of your pain through hand & wrist treatment at Western Berks Physical Therapy. Learn more about the hand and wrist conditions that Western Berks Physical Therapy can help with and request an appointment […]
Recent research is showing that surgery might not be needed as often as we think. A large review estimates that 10% to 20% of surgeries might be unnecessary and that in some specialties such as cardiology and orthopedics, that number might be higher. From rotator cuff tears, degenerative disc disease and low back pain, to […]
High levels of anxiety before surgery not only cause hardship on the day of the procedure, but also have a profound impact on a person’s recovery. Statistics show that 40% of all adults undergoing surgery experience high anxiety and adverse effects, both during and after the surgical event. While there is no doubt that medicine […]
During the weeks before your surgery, many people will ask about insurance coverage, medical history, and legal arrangements. You may feel that you are answering the same questions over and over again, but this repetition is necessary to meet quality assurance and medical insurance guidelines. To make this easier and less stressful, take a […]
Getting Past Your Leaking Excuses, published by The Section on Women’s Health-American Physical Therapy Association (SoWH), discusses the excuses we give for not treating our incontinence and tips for overcoming them. While we did not write this article below, we needed to share this with you because it is so important! For many of us, […]
As 2019 comes to a close and another year begins, people begin to set goals and make resolutions. Losing weight, getting to the gym more often or getting into “better shape” are all common. According to a recent survey, 60% of people make New Year’s resolutions but only 8% are successful in achieving them. More […]
Choosing a Yoga Mat for Pain Relief For many of us, yoga is much more than just a simple pastime, it’s a practice that provides natural pain relief. So, if you’re already one of “us” and are familiar with yoga for pain relief, it’s time to get familiar with what yoga mat you should actually […]
Matching Your Workout to Your Goals Using the wrong workout program can lead to wasted time in the gym, frustration, plateaus in progress and an increased risk of injury. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into matching your workout to your goals and the cost of getting it wrong. Exercise Selection There are […]
Medical diagnoses don’t need much of an introduction. They’re what you get from your doctor when you’re sick. Examples would be influenza, diabetes, or hypertension. They describe the underlying problem that is causing your symptoms. When people feel sick, they know they need to go to the doctor and find out what’s going on to […]
Preventing Medicare Fraud Just about every week of the year, a person or group of people is found to have committed Medicare fraud. And the fraud doesn’t amount to thousands of dollars—we’re talking billions. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of The Inspector General, along with state and federal law enforcement partners, participated […]
According to authors of a new study, infants of mothers who engaged in exercising during pregnancy showed better motor development at 1 month compared with infants of non exercising mothers, The researchers also believe that aerobic exercise during pregnancy could be a hedge against childhood overweight and obesity. Researchers analyzed data from 60 healthy mothers […]
Rates of medically treated falls are rising as the older adult population increases. Falls affect us all personally or someone we love or care about. Every second of every day an older adult falls. In 2015 alone, more than one in four older adults reported falling and more than 28,000 older adults died as a […]
Injury Free Labor Day Labor Day is synonymous with the end of summer, and the long holiday weekend is upon us. Whether you’re planning a final summer outing or staying home to wrap up summer chores, we want you and your family to enjoy this weekend safely. For an injury free labor day, keep these […]
Most people think of heart rate or blood pressure when they think of vital signs. It is common to use numbers to quantify health and risk of disease. The American Heart Association encourages people to “know their numbers” referring to blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, and weight. However, research is now showing the importance […]
The changing of seasons can trigger cluster headaches, which are defined as a series of relatively short but extremely painful headaches every day for weeks or months at a time. One possible reason for the trigger of cluster headaches is as the seasons shift, so does the amount of sunlight you get. In the summer, days are longer and […]
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurologic disease that damages the nerves. This damage often leads to serious symptoms such as numbness and tingling, weakness, muscle pain and vision problems. In some people, multiple sclerosis can be aggressive and advance quickly. In other people, it can be mild and progress at a much slower pace, with long […]
How Does Physical Therapy Treat Pain? Physical therapy is an excellent choice for treating pain and can truly find the root of its cause. Physical therapists are experts in human motion and can identify areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding stress to the places that already hurt. After a thorough evaluation, your […]
Physical therapy for seniors is an excellent choice for patients over ager 65 recovering from injury or illness and for those experiencing chronic pain. Physical therapy can help relieve pain and restore physical functions such as flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Physical therapy treatments for conditions commonly experience by seniors including: Osteoarthritis Joint replacements Chronic […]
By becoming an educated healthcare consumer you can go from being a passive patient who take the first recommendation to an active consumer who weighs options and makes choices. Think about the last time you made a big purchase, say $1,000 or more. Did you go out and buy the first thing you saw? Or […]
Urinary incontinence affects more than 25 million people in the United States, but incontinence is rarely discussed. We’d like to put an end to that. Below are 4 urinary incontinence myths along with non-invasive treatment options available from our Pelvic Floor Specialists at Western Berks Physical Therapy. MYTH #1: INCONTINENCE IS THE SAME FOR EVERYONE […]
If weight lifting as you age seems harder as you grow older, your aging body may be at fault. Even healthy people typically lose a little muscle strength each year as a result of the normal effects of aging. Studies have shown that the loss of strength starts at about age 55, with muscle strength […]
Summer is about to be in full swing and for some athletes that means additional sports participation in the form of summer sports leagues, camps and workshops. Participation in any sport, whether it’s recreational bike riding or Pee-Wee football, can teach kids to stretch their limits and learn sportsmanship and discipline. However, sports also carry […]
Research has consistently shown that exercise produces a number of benefits, ranging from improved mood to better strength and cardiovascular health. But, what is the best time to exercise according to science? One study found that your body’s ability to perform peaks in the afternoon. Your body temperature increases throughout the day, optimizing your muscle […]
Western Berks Physical Therapy specializes in providing the highest quality physical therapy services at our three convenient office locations for Berks County patients and beyond. Our clinicians have extensive training and years of clinical experience in understanding, evaluating, and treating complex orthopedic and pelvic floor problems, truly finding the root of the issue. Our highly […]
Temperatures are starting to rise in many parts of Pennsylvania. Just like your AC system that has probably been dormant all winter, a body that hasn’t been physically preparing for summer activities may have trouble getting started again. Taking a day off from your fitness program here and there is no problem, but if you’ve […]
The Importance of Goal Setting & Communication in Physical Therapy When you kick off a new project at work, chances are you spend a fair amount of time setting and reviewing goals. These goals help you, and those you’ll be working with, to get a clear sense of what you’re looking to achieve and begin […]
Ways to Gain Control of Injury-Related Stress to Improve Your Physical Therapy Experience Dealing with the pain and limited mobility associated with an injury or illness can be stressful for so many reasons. You might have questions like, “How long will I be sidelined?” and “What do I need to do to get better?” Or […]
The University of North Georgia is looking at the health effects of visually impaired people that use guide dogs in a way that nobody else is. UNG is the first to extend the scientific study, linking guide dog usage and decreased falls, and it has also shown a potential link between guide dog harness handle […]
If winter weather has you prepared to hit the slopes, be sure to take the necessary precautions minimize the risk of ski injury to keep yourself injury-free this season. In addition to using the proper gear and sticking to the slopes that match your skill set, proper strengthening and stretching exercises can prepare your body […]
Got back pain? You’re not alone. 80% of Americans suffer from low back and neck pain at some point in their lives. With such great odds that you, or someone close to you, will one day become a statistic, wouldn’t it make sense to arm yourself with preventive strategies and knowledge? Physical therapy for back pain […]
It turns out that while our early ancestors spent their days out in the wilderness hunting and foraging for food, they may also have been keeping their brains sharp. Researchers at the University of Arizona may have found the secret to better brain health in the connection between the highly active lifestyle that was prevalent […]
We’re rapidly transforming into an out-of-shape nation. Most Americans spend the bulk of their days driving a car, working on a computer, eating meals and watching TV. Newsflash: America has a sitting addiction. With the advent of wearable devices to track fitness levels and so many other resources to safely add more activity into our […]
Physical Therapists Boost Falls Prevention Programs as our Nation Quickly Ages This year, one-third of all Americans 65 years old and older will experience a fall. Some will quickly brush off the dirt and go about their day, but others won’t be so lucky. The physical therapy profession has long been involved in fall-prevention efforts, […]
The critically acclaimed film Concussion has brought the subject of concussion into a new light for athletes across the United States. In the public health exposé, Will Smith portrays a Nigerian forensic pathologist who fights the National Football League’s efforts to bury research on the brain damage suffered by its players. Now that concussion awareness […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 9 million Americans pack a full week’s worth of exercise into just two days every weekend. These occasional athletes, also known as Weekend Warriors, account for the largest population encountering nonprofessional sport-related injuries. However, these injuries can be minimized with a few simple weekend warrior […]
Your Smart Phone Could Be Rapidly Aging Your Spine Chances are that you probably haven’t given much thought to how your neck and back are faring in the era of the smart phone, but studies show that you most certainly should. It’s practically a reflex these days to pull out our smart phones when we’re […]
Physical Therapists Play Key Role in Reducing Frequency of ACL Injuries A quick change in direction on the soccer field or a shaky landing following an explosive jump on the basketball court can spell trouble for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Each year, the United States sees anywhere from 80,000 to 250,000 ACL injuries, resulting […]
Are you among the millions of Americans who have high fitness aspirations for how you’ll spend the extra time during your golden years? Fitness in Your Golden Years: Staying Active As You Age Whether you plan to travel the world, pick up fly fishing, spend more time woodworking or sign up for a golf league, […]
Physical Therapy Should be as Routine as an Oil Change The automobile industry recommends regular oil changes to keep your car running at its peak performance. Chances are that you adhere to the guidelines outlined in your car manual as closely as possible, and probably even have a favorite business nearby that performs the services. […]
As we age, regular exercise plays an increasingly prominent role in maintaining a healthy spine and reducing the risk of developing spine-related problems. For those in or approaching the golden years, it’s important to live an active lifestyle that focuses on healthy posture, function and movement. It’s normal to experience some functional decline as our […]
The media has paid a great deal of attention to suggestions that passengers exercise during flights or car rides, particularly those lasting four hours or more. Although some reports may have been sensationalized, it is true that exercise reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where a clot occurs in […]
Combat Depression with Physical Therapy Experts are starting to recognize that regular exercise is not only good for your mood but may help combat depression, too. Until physicians and other healthcare providers universally prescribe exercise as an alternative treatment for depression, it’s best to turn to a group of professionals who are already in the […]
For the past week, the pain and stiffness in your lower back has been unbearable. Daily activities like unloading the dishwasher, opening the car door, and taking the trash out are a struggle. Even sneezing is painful. You missed a day of work and your spouse has taken over all childcare duties. If you can […]
Physical Therapy Scores High in Spinal Stenosis Treatment Patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis are often surprised to learn that physical therapy for spinal stenosis and low back pain can be as effective as surgery without the associated costs and complications. The debilitating and painful diagnosis is a daily struggle for nearly 400,000 Americans. The […]
We’ve scoured the internet to bring you our favorite healthy summer recipes! Whether it’s for a Fourth of July celebration, a family reunion, backyard barbecue, or a casual party, these dishes are sure to please. With two entrée options below 400 calories and two salad options below 145 calories, mix and match these dishes to […]
In March 2018, a 2018 budget bill was signed that includes more than $3 billion for opioid efforts as the opioid crisis continues across America. The plan allocates $500 million in grant funding for research on opioid addiction, development of opioid alternatives, pain management, and addiction treatment; $20 million for telemedicine and distance learning in rural […]
Creating an Exercise Routine After Birth Starting a new workout routine is challenging enough on its own, let alone after giving birth. Between feedings, changing diapers and coping with changes to your body after pregnancy, you may be feeling overwhelmed about starting to exercise again. At Western Berks Physical Therapy our skilled pelvic floor specialists […]
Physical Therapy for a Smooth Birth As your physical body changes and accommodates to the needs of your growing baby, you may experience pain or discomfort. Physical therapy can be invaluable for remedying common discomforts like back pain, strengthening your pelvic floor and enhancing your body’s ability to have a smoother pregnancy, birth and recovery. […]
The Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask About Pain During Pregnancy From discomfort, pain, and even urinary incontinence, we’d like to answer a few questions we know you’ve been wanting to ask about pain during pregnancy. Is pain during pregnancy normal? For many, the general response to pain during pregnancy is, “It’s just because […]
Reoccurring Back Pain: What Causes It? After the common cold, the most reported reason Americans miss work is back pain. Unfortunately, once you have experienced a back strain or injury, it can easily turn into a recurring back pain problem. Many cases of back pain are due to the way we live. Unless you implement […]
Most of us know that regular exercise provides many benefits. However, as we age, we lose muscle mass, bone density and strength. Strength training, also called resistance or weight training, can substantially slow or reduce these effects of aging. Strength training is any exercise where muscles work and contract against an object. Push-ups, lifting weights […]
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The information included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is in no way intended to diagnose or correct any medical condition, but is an attempt to make available further information regarding certain medical conditions. If you feel that you exhibit symptoms of the conditions described on these pages, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
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