There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis can occur for many reasons, including aging, “wear and tear,” autoimmune disease, trauma, and inflammatory disease. Arthritis usually affects the bones and the joints; however, it can affect other parts of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and some internal organs. Two of the more common types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are discussed below.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tender points on muscles. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there appear to be several factors that may contribute to it. In addition to lifestyle changes and physical... Read More
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition. It occurs when connective tissue at the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, is irritated and inflamed. The condition commonly occurs in people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Heel pain that occurs in the morning upon wakening is a hallmark sign of plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, for the majority of people, symptoms are relieved with non-surgical treatments.
Stroke Rehabilitation
In rehabilitation, a team of healthcare professionals with expertise in stroke care help people achieve their highest level of independent functioning for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs include basic tasks such as walking, dressing, swallowing, and talking. It also includes behavioral and thinking skills necessary for independent living and socialization. The rehabilitation team works together on goals and meets regularly to monitor a person’s progress.
Pediatric Care
Leslie Polinkas earned her Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Florida and is proud to be a Florida Gator. She has been a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) since 2006. Leslie has worked in Outpatient, Inpatient, Skilled Nursing and Home Health, with varied patient populations including Geriatrics, Pediatrics, CVA, orthopedics and hand injuries. She is certified in LSVT BIG therapy for Parkinson Disease. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with husband and family, travel and shopping.
Primary Care
Your insurance may require a referral from your physician or medical provider (primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist, chiropractor, etc.) for your insurance to pay for your physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment. We will be happy to call your insurance carrier and obtain that information if you are unsure. Medicare allows 30 days of treatment without a referral as do many other insurance plans.
Ear Infections
Vestibular neuritis is caused by a viral infection that affects the vestibular nerve and disrupts the nerve signals. Labyrinthitis can result after an ear infection, allergy attack, or an upper respiratory infection. It causes parts of the inner ear to become irritated and swollen. The inflammation in the inner ear interferes with balance functions and can cause hearing loss.
High Cholesterol
Emergency Care
Vertigo is usually a harmless condition, but a doctor should evaluate it. In some cases, vertigo is associated with serious and life threatening conditions. A person should be taken to a hospital’s emergency room if he or she experiences double vision, headache, weakness, difficulty speaking, abnormal eye movements, difficulty walking, difficulty controlling his or her arms or legs, odd behavior, difficulty waking up, and altered consciousness.
Constipation
Electrocardiogram
Heart tests will help your doctor determine if an underlying heart condition caused your stroke. An electrocardiogram (EKG) assesses the electrical activity of the heart. It can identify if a heart attack has occurred, what part of the heart is damaged, irregular heartbeats, and if there is a lack of blood and oxygen in the heart. The test is simple to conduct. Sticky patches attached to electrodes are placed on your skin. The electrodes transmit records to a machine for your doctor to interpret. This test is painless and only takes about 5-10 minutes to conduct.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and muscle movement. When the Median Nerve is compressed or entrapped, it cannot function properly. This syndrome has received much attention in the last few years because of suggestions that it may be linked with jobs that require repeated use of the hands. In actual fact, little proof of this exists.
Autism
Caitlyn Sanders graduated from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s of Health Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2019. She received her Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2021. During her graduate training, she was apart of the Aphasia House where she collaborated with colleagues to provide intensive training for individuals with aphasia. Over the last 2 years she has worked with a variety of patients with her clinical experience primarily including early intervention and school-age populations. She provides assessment and treatment for a variety of speech and language disorders and has experience with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).
Multiple Sclerosis
You may experience vertigo because of one or more contributing factors. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis most frequently cause vertigo. Vertigo can result from multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Ménière's disease, and acoustic neuromas.
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations (TPO) and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health information. "Protected health information" is information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health or condition and related health care services.
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, are associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Rheumatoid arthritis, joint dislocation, and fractures can cause the space in the tunnel to narrow. Some women develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome because of swelling from fluid retention caused by hormonal changes. This may occur during pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, or menopause.
There are various types of ultrasound devices that can provide your doctor with pictures of your heart and arteries. A stroke can occur if pieces of a blood clot in the heart break away and travel to the brain. An echocardiogram can determine if a blood clot is in your heart. An echocardiogram takes an image of the heart using ultrasound. A transthoracic echocardiogram uses a device that is placed on your chest. The device transmits images of your heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram uses a scope that is placed inside of your esophagus to take pictures. You will receive a light sedative for the test. A carotid duplex ultrasound can determine if the carotid arteries are blocked by plaque, clots, or narrowing of the arteries. For this test, an ultrasound device is gently placed on your neck to take images.
MRI
X-rays are used to see the condition of your bones and joints, and to identify areas of arthritis or bone spurs. The tissues that surround the joint do not show up on an X-ray. In this case, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be requested to get a better view of the soft tissue structures, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
X-Rays
Computed Tomography
Imaging tests help your doctor determine if bleeding or a clot caused your stroke. Imaging tests can identify the location and magnitude of the stroke. Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are used to provide a picture of the brain. These imaging scans evaluate brain structures, but do not directly assess brain functioning.
Chemotherapy
An injury, illness, chemotherapy, bed rest, inactivity, or disease may change the amount of control that you have over moving your body. Alterations in your health status may result in poor endurance, decreased muscle movement, paralysis, and loss of balance,... Read More
Courtney grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Terry Parker high school in June 2014 and later attended FSCJ in the fall. Courtney graduated with her AA in 2017 and later decided to go back to school at FSCJ in 2019. She enrolled back into school in the spring of 2020 where she later found out she was accepted into FSCJ PTA program. Courtney graduated in the fall of 2022 as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Her clinical experience includes general orthopedics, sport related injuries, post operative patients, and cardiac rehab. Courtney's future professional goals she would like to go back to school one day to become a DPT. In her free time she likes to go to Disney with family and spend a lot of time doing photography.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve extends from your lower back down to your feet. If the sciatic nerve is compressed or inflamed, a painful condition called Sciatica can result. Symptoms... Read More
Whiplash
BPPV occurs when the otoconia break off and float freely in the ear canal or enter the semicircular canals. The otoconia may break free during a whiplash or head injury. Because the otoconia are free floating, they send confusing messages to the brain about the body’s position. The mixed messages result in vertigo.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic Surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The procedure, also called an Arthroscopy, requires only small incisions and is guided by a miniature viewing instrument or scope. Before arthroscopy existed,... Read More
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Generally, traditional open joint surgeries take several months to heal, depending on the joint. Minimally invasive surgery and arthroscopic surgery use smaller incisions and typically heal in a shorter amount of time, from several weeks to a few months. Your doctor may restrict your activity for a short time following your surgery. In most cases, rehabilitation is recommended to mobilize and strengthen the joint.
Joint Replacement
In advanced arthritis, the damaged joint can be replaced with an artificial one. Artificial joints are made of metal, plastic, ceramics, or a combination of the materials. The material selected depends on the reason for the surgery, as well as which joint is being replaced. Joint replacement can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility.
Arthritis Surgery
Recovery from arthritis surgery is very individualized. Your recovery time will depend on the extent of your condition, the joint that was involved, and the type of surgery that you had. Your doctor will let you know what you may expect.
Bunions
A bunionette is a bump that occurs near the base of the little toe on the foot. They are not as common as bunions, a similar condition that develops near the base of the big toe. However, people with bunionettes... Read More
Arthroscopy
All-Arthroscopic Repair is another option for rotator cuff repair. This technique is commonly used to reconstruct ligaments or remove damaged tissue and bone spurs. Arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional surgical methods. It has a decreased risk of infection and a shorter recovery period.
Hip Replacement
When you need surgery to replace a damaged or diseased hip, some orthopedic surgeons have advanced training to perform anterior hip arthroplasty, also known as the direct anterior approach to hip replacement. This procedure is considered... Read More
Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement Surgery is the most common type of joint replacement surgery. The knee is one of the most easily injured joints. Knee problems can occur from injury, aging, “wear and tear,” and arthritis. Arthritis is a disease that causes joint... Read More
BOTOX® is useful for more than smoothing out wrinkles. In fact, it is indicated for treating painful muscle spasms and contractions in the neck (cervical dystonia), tension headaches, migraine headaches, back pain, and myofascial pain. BOTOX injections are used to... Read More
Complete decongestive therapy consists of skin care, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, and decongestive exercises. During the initial phase, the patient will see their certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) on a daily basis. Following discharge, the patient continues a lifelong, self-management phase.
The tibia, commonly called the shinbone, is located in your lower leg. A tibia fracture is a common injury. A fracture is a broken bone. Vehicle crashes, falls, and sports injuries are frequent causes of tibia fractures. Depending on the... Read More
Physical Therapy
As a result of the compassionate care we deliver, we develop lasting relationships with our patients. Many times we hear from our patients about how Lake Area Physical Therapy & Aquatics in North Central Florida has helped them. For those of you we hear from, we thank you for passing along your kind words.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is prescribed by a physician for individuals who, due to age, illness, injury, disease, or disability, experience a loss of function in their daily activities, at work, or during their leisure activities and hobbies. Occupational therapy is also widely used in the evaluation and treatment of certain hand and upper extremity injuries and surgeries.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is a condition that results in deterioration of the tendon fibers that attach to the bone at the outside of the elbow. Tendons are strong fibers that attach muscles to bone. They are tissues that do not stretch easily and are susceptible to degeneration under repeated or traumatic stress. Another name for Tennis Elbow is Lateral Epicondylitis.
Shoulder Pain
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprains rarely require surgery; however, it is an option when non-surgical treatments and rehabilitation fail. Each case of Ankle Sprain is evaluated on an individual basis. Your physician will discuss surgical options and help you determine the most appropriate choice for you.
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is an excellent treatment option for people who are coping with many sorts of orthopedic, neurological, and other health conditions, including but not limited to...
Manual Therapy
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a specialized type of physical therapy that works with the muscles of the pelvic floor to treat dysfunction in the pelvis and abdomen. Pelvic therapy consists of exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor, manual therapy techniques to reduce tension in the pelvic floor, pelvis and abdomen, and lifestyle modifications to address dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue in the pelvis, such as ligaments and fascia, work together to support urinary and bowel function, sexual function, and provide support for the pelvic and abdominal contents as well as provide stability for the rest of the body.
Ankle Sprains are a very common injury that can happen to anyone. Our ankles support our entire body weight and are vulnerable to instability. Walking on an uneven surface or wearing the wrong shoes can cause a sudden loss of balance that makes the ankle twist. If the ankle turns far enough, the ligaments that hold the bones together can overstretch or tear, resulting in a sprain. A major sprain or several minor sprains can lead to permanent ankle instability
Ankle Sprain
You may lose your balance and fall if your foot is placed at a poor angle on the ground. Some individuals may hear a “pop” noise when the injury takes place. You will probably have difficulty putting weight on your foot or walking. Pain is usually the first symptom of a Sprained Ankle. Swelling, stiffness, and skin discoloration from bruising may occur right away or take a few hours to develop.
Bunions Problems
Bunions are a common foot deformity, especially in females. They most frequently result from wearing shoes that are too small and or have a high heel. Abnormal pressure from poor fitting shoes causes the bones in the big toe and... Read More
Flat Feet
Hammertoes
Claw toe most frequently develops in older women. It causes the joint at the base of the toe to bend upward and the other joints on the toe to bend downward in the shape of a claw. Claw toe may... Read More
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are abnormal bony growths that develop at the back of or under the heel. Inflammation around a spur, more so than the spur itself, can cause significant pain. Fortunately, symptoms can be eased with non-surgical treatments for the vast... Read More
Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by structural problems in the foot. People with flat feet have an extra long plantar fascia, and people with high arches have a short plantar fascia, which makes them prone to plantar fasciitis. Sudden weight gain, obesity, and prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces contributes to the condition.