Schedule an Appointment Today

760-444-0102

We strive for 100% patient satisfaction.
Our clinics are spacious.
We offer on-site Aquatic Therapy.
We use the latest techniques and technologies.
Vista
Rancho Bernardo
National City
Mission Valley
Carmel Valley
Carlsbad
Chelsea

Chelsea - Physical Therapist

DPT

Chelsea has been working with the ProActive team as a physical therapist since 2012. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at University of St. Augustine in San Marcos. She has taken several continuing education courses focused on manual therapy interventions, which make her eligible to sit for her manual therapy certification, in addition to Kinesio taping and Graston technique courses. She is committed to helping people of all ages achieve their goals and return to their prior level of function through physical therapy interventions. As a former high school/college athlete, Chelsea especially loves working with athletes both on the field as a coach and off the field. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and friends outdoors in beautiful San Diego.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Bursitis Hip Injury Inflammation

Hip pain is one of the more frequent complaints as people age, and many times it may be attributed to bursitis in the hip. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that helps provide cushion between bone and soft tissue, and they can be found all over the body. When a bursa gets irritated or inflamed, it is referred to as bursitis.  On the outside of the hip/upper thigh, there is a large bony point called the greater trochanter, and the trochanteric bursa is one of the more commonly affected areas where bursitis can occur (often referred to as trochanteric bursitis). Trochanteric bursitis can occur for a variety of reasons, including direct injury to the area, prior hip surgery, biomechanical factors like leg length differences or gait abnormalities, and overuse from repetitive activities like running, cycling, stair climbing, etc.  Symptoms may include pain on the outer part of the hip that may or may not refer down the outside of the thigh or buttock, pain when lying on the affected side, pain getting in/out of the car or a deep chair, and pain with repetitive activities like walking, running, biking.

Conservative treatments like rest from overuse, ice, and NSAIDS may be effective to reduce inflammation and pain from trochanteric bursitis. Your doctor may also decide an injection may be beneficial to help relieve symptoms.  Physical therapy can be very useful in helping reduce symptoms and prevent future exacerbations of pain as well. Exercises and manual interventions in physical therapy will aim to improve flexibility and mobility in surrounding areas that are tight, as well as improve strength in muscles that are weak, to improve the stabilization of the core, hips, and legs. Balance and proprioceptive exercises may also be given to help improve pelvic stability to aide with returning to your prior level of function.

If you have questions or would like more information on trochanteric bursitis, please contact us at ProActive Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.

Reference:

Foran, Jared R.H. Hip Bursitis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org . Reviewed September 2018. Accessed January 27, 2019.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Ankle Support - Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

One of the most common dysfunctions to occur in the ankle/foot amongst both athletes and non-athletes is called posterior tibial tendonitis. The tibialis posterior is a muscle that starts from the back of the tibia (or shin bone).  The tendon then runs down the inside of the leg and ankle, attaching on the inside of the foot near your arch. This tendon plays a crucial role in providing stability to the foot/ankle and supporting the arch of the foot with weight-bearing activities. Injury to the posterior tibial tendon can occur from trauma, like a fall.  However, very commonly, overuse injuries occur from repetitive activities like walking, running, and jumping, causing pain and inflammation in the tendon. Classic symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis include pain along the medial aspect of the ankle/foot, swelling, decreased range of motion, and sometimes instability in the foot/ankle.  Because of the vital role the posterior tibial tendon plays in providing arch support, as the tendonitis progresses, the arch in the foot may flatten, changing the position of your foot and causing stress and strain in other areas of your ankle and foot as well.

Depending on the severity of dysfunction to the tendon, conservative treatment can be very successful in decreasing symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis. This may include a regiment of rest, ice, compression, and possibly NSAIDS. Physical therapy can also be very beneficial to help improve range of motion, flexibility, and stability in the foot/ankle. Exercises to help stabilize the core and hip/pelvis may also be useful to improve overall mechanics of foot and ankle and prevent future injuries.  In addition, orthotics may help to provide better arch support to decrease symptoms and prevent future injury as well.

If you have any questions about posterior tibial tendonitis or would like additional information, please contact us at ProActive Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.

Reference

Weatherford, Brian M. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org. Reviewed September 2017. Accessed January 26, 2019.

Dynamic Warm Up

Dynamic Warm Up Stretch

“Make sure you warm up.”  This is such a common phrase we tell people in the physical therapy setting, and yet many people still may not know exactly what that means.  Whether you are a competitive athlete, or someone who occasionally exercises for health/recreation, a proper warm up is essential prior to any workout.  But what should a warm up look like prior to a workout or competition? Research has shown that a proper dynamic warm up has several benefits that will not only improve your athletic performance but will help in injury prevention as well.  

Continue Reading »

Myofascial Decompression

Myofascial Decompression

If you were among the millions of Americans that watched the 2016 summer Olympics, then you probably noticed the red circles/marks that many of the athletes had on their bodies throughout the competition. These “cup marks” on the athletes have since brought a lot of attention to a not so new practice referred to by many as “cupping.” Traditional cupping is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years, particularly in Chinese medicine. Cupping in Chinese medicine is believed to have many circulatory benefits and is used to treat a variety of conditions, many of which are non-musculoskeletal.  However, in the physical therapy and sports medicine settings, the cups are being used as a form of myofascial decompression, and have gained popularity amongst both athletes and the general population as another treatment aiding in recovery.

Continue Reading »

Core Stability – The Multifidus

 

core-stability

Last week we discussed the “core” and the importance of two specific muscles that make up this group in order to provide spinal stability. We looked specifically last week at the transverse abdominis, and this week we will talk about the multifidus. Continue Reading »

Core Stability – Transverse Abdominis

CoreWhenever someone experiences pain in their low back, a phrase often heard is that they need a stronger “core.” The term “core” refers to several muscles primarily in the back/lumbar spine, abdominal region, and pelvis. When looking at the low back specifically, there is less bony stability than in the thoracic spine, which forces our muscles to provide the support needed to protect the low back. Two of the most important muscles in the core that provide this support are the transverse abdominis and the multifidus. These muscles act as a “back brace” (in addition to other core muscles) to help provide adequate spinal stability.

Continue Reading »

What to Expect on Your First Visit at ProActive

Physical Therapist with SpineWalking into a physical therapy evaluation can sometimes seem a little overwhelming if you do not know what to expect and have never completed therapy before. Although each therapist treats a little bit differently, here are some general guidelines that you can expect on your very first visit with a therapist at ProActive Physical Therapy.

Continue Reading »

What is the IT-Band and How is it Related to My Pain?

IT BandThe IT-band (or iliotibial band) runs from the top of the pelvis, or ilium, and extends all the way down the outside of the thigh to the top of the lower leg, or tibia. In the thigh, it also connects to your glutes and tensor fascia latae muscles, and as it travels downward, has fibers that blend into your knee cap as well. The IT-band is made up of very dense connective tissue, making it extremely strong to provide stability during weight bearing activity. Functionally speaking, when we bend and straighten our knee repetitively (i.e. during running), the band slides back and forth and can sometimes cause localized irritation or inflammation. This can result in a very common sports related injury called IT-band syndrome. Symptoms can be felt anywhere along the IT-band, but usually occur closer to the attachment near the lateral knee. Muscle imbalances, like tight hip flexors or weak hip rotators, can often times be the cause of developing IT-band syndrome.

So what are the best ways to treat IT-band syndrome?

First, make sure to address any muscle imbalances by getting into a regular stretching and strengthening routine. A physical therapist can help identify specifically which muscle groups you should address to improve overall mobility and stability. Make sure you address the overall mobility of the IT-band as well by using products like a foam roller or massage stick. These products can be used regularly to help treat and prevent further irritation.

Secondly, make sure you have proper footwear. A lack of proper support in your foot can affect the forces in in your knee and hip and contribute to muscle imbalances related to IT-band syndrome.

Finally, make sure you get into a routine of regularly icing the affected area for 15-20 minutes to treat any localized inflammation.