Conditions We Treat

At Compass Physical Therapy we offer comprehensive care for a wide range of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions affecting the entire body. Browse our full list of conditions we treat below.

Spine

The spine, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a complex structure consisting of 24 vertebrae and several other supporting structures. It is a vital part of the body, providing protection to the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spine also plays a crucial role in supporting the head and neck, allowing for trunk motion and dispersing forces to the lower extremities.

Some of the most common spinal injuries include:

Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition in which the intervertebral discs break down over time, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Disc herniation: A disc herniation occurs when the soft center of an intervertebral disc pushes through the outer layer, causing pain and nerve irritation.
Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on another, causing pain and nerve irritation.
Myelopathy: This is a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed, leading to weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Radiculopathy: This is a condition in which a nerve root is compressed, leading to pain and numbness in the affected area.
Sciatica: This is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, is compressed or irritated, leading to pain and numbness in the affected area.
Osteophytes/bone spurs: These are bony growths that can develop on the vertebrae, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Compression fracture: This is a type of fracture that occurs when a vertebra collapses, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Scoliosis: This is a condition in which the spine curves to the side, leading to pain and also decreased mobility.

Shoulder

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, made up of four distinct joints that work together to allow a wide range of motion. These joints are the glenohumeral (GH) joint, the scapulothoracic (ST) joint, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and the sternoclavicular (SC) joint.

Our therapists are experienced and expertly trained in treating most shoulder conditions including, but not limited to:

Rotator Cuff Strain and Tears: When the muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone are impaired the result can be pain, weakness and decreased range of motion in the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Inflammation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the GH joints.
Brachial Plexus Injury: This type of injury occurs when the network of nerves that run from the neck to the arm is damaged, often as a result of trauma.
Clavicle Fracture: A broken collarbone is a common injury usually as a result of trauma.
Impingement: Impingement occurs when the muscles of the shoulder joint complex are no working efficiently resulting in improper movement, causing tears, swelling, and decreased mobility.
AC Joint Sprain/Separation: This is usually caused by a traumatic event and can cause significant pain and instability in the shoulder.
Dislocations, Separations and Subluxations: These conditions occur when the upper arm bone, known as the humerus, comes out of the ball and socket joint. This temporary disruption to the GH joint can cause damage to all the related structures.
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): This condition commonly occurs for no specific reason, but is often associated with a previous injury or immobilization of the shoulder and results in a significant loss of mobility.
Fractures (Breaks): A broken bone along any point of the shoulder complex can cause significant pain and limited range of motion if not addressed.
Osteoarthritis: Arthritis in a joint is the result of cartilage loss causing inflammation with simple movements resulting in pain.
Instability or Hypermobility: Shoulder instability isn’t necessarily a problem in itself, but if not addressed it can lead to a number of different, worse conditions.
Labral Tears: The labrum is a cartilage ring within the GH joint that helps cushion the shoulder joint, and can easily tear and cause pain and instability in the shoulder.
Bicipital Tendinitis: The long head of the biceps tendon crossed the GH joint to inflammation of this tendon can cause pain in the shoulder joint and create weakness.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Nerves and blood vessels that run from the neck past your first rib (thoracic outlet) can become compressed in this area resulting in numbness and weakness.

Knee

The knee joint is a simple single plane of motion joint, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It is classified as a synovial hinge joint, and it is designed to help absorb impact during weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and jumping.

The knee joint is supported by four ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). In addition, there are two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci, which act as shock absorbers and distribute weight evenly across the joint and through the lower limbs.

Pain and discomfort in the knee is extremely common and can be caused by many different reasons, including:

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage in the knee to wear away over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Meniscus Tear: A tear in either meniscus can cause locking and/or buckling and must be addressed quickly to prevent long-term irreversible damage.

Ligament Sprain or Tear: Injuries to the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL can result in significant instability in the knee, making it difficult to simply walk or stand.

Patellar Tendinitis: Inflammation of the patella tendon that crosses over the patella (kneecap) to the tibia, is very common in runners and can cause significant discomfort.

IT Band Syndrome: The Iliotibial band is a thick collection of inflexible fibrous tissue running along the outside of the hop down to the later aspect of the knee, and can become uncomfortable for no reason at all.

Runner’s Knee: A condition caused by repeated stress through the knee joint, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. Can occur to others, not just runners.

Patella-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Pain, discomfort, swelling and decreased range of motion in the knee joint caused by the patella (kneecap) moving improperly during flexion and extension.

Baker’s Cyst: a fluid-filled sac that forms in the knee joint, usually in the back of the knee.

Cartilage Injuries: Damage to the cartilage in the knee joint can lead to early onset arthritis and requires strengthening of the muscles around the joint to support it.

Chondromalacia: A condition in which the cartilage on the back of the patella softens and breaks down, no longer providing cushioning to disperse forces.

Patellar Dislocation: When the patella becomes dislodged from its normal position, usually through a traumatic event.

Knee Dislocation: A serious injury that occurs when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of alignment. This can result in various impairments of the knee, including damage to the meniscus and ligaments.

Knee Plica: Irritation and inflammation of the synovial membrane around the knee joint.

Hoffa's Syndrome (Fat Pad Impingement): A condition in which the soft tissue behind the patella tendon becomes irritated and inflamed.

Osgood-Shlatter’s Disease: This disease affects mostly children and adolescents due to their bones growing faster that the muscles and tendons can keep up, and can cause pain in the knees.

Total Knee Replacement (TKA): A surgical procedure in which the damaged knee joint, usually as a result of severe arthritis, is either partially or fully replaced with an artificial hardware.

Patella Maltracking: A condition in which the patella does not move properly within the groove of the femur while crossing the knee joint during flexion and extension, resulting in increased friction and inflammation.

Gait Deviations: Abnormalities in the way that a person walks or runs, which can put excess stress on the knee joint and can cause pain not only in the knee, but also in the hip, foot, ankle, and lower back.

Spine

Shoulder

Knee

Wrist and Hand

Our expert therapists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of wrist and hand conditions. Our treatment plans include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat and ice to help reduce pain and improve mobility. We also work with patients to develop home exercise programs and ergonomic adjustments to prevent future injuries.

Here are some of the most common conditions we treat:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve, which runs down the forearm to the hand through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel, resulting in symptoms including numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the wrist and hand.
Ganglion Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can develop on the wrist or hand for no apparent reason and cause pain while limiting range of motion.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons that run from the wrist to the thumb. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with grasping or gripping objects.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease reducing the amount of cartilage between joint spaces resulting in inflammation, pain, swelling and weakness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder resulting in similar symptoms as Osteoarthritis.
Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Inflammation of degeneration of the tendons in the hand and wrist.
Muscle Strains: Strains can occur in the muscles of the wrist and hand, usually from repetitive overuse or traumatic events.
Ligament Sprains/Tears: Sprains can occur in the ligaments of the wrist and hand, resulting in instability and discomfort.
Depuytren’s: A condition where the tissues beneath the skin on the palm of the hand thickens and tightens, causing the fingers to curl inward and making it difficult to straighten them.
Trigger Finger: When the tendons in the fingers or thumb become inflamed, then thicken, causing them to catch or lock in a bent position.
CMC Joint Disorders: The Carpometacarpal Joint (CMC) is the junction between the wrist and thumb. This is one of the most important joints in the hand. Disorders of the CMC joint can result in a significant decrease in overall function.
Boutonnière Deformity: A condition where the proximal joint of the fingers bends toward the palm while the distal joint bends backward.
Mallet Finger: When the distal joint of the finger cannot be straightened due to a tendon injury.
Smartphone Tendinitis: This is an emerging problem caused by repetitive overuse of smartphones, resulting in inflammation and pain in the wrist and hand.
Fractures: Fractures occur most commonly from a fall, and in most cases will require a period of immobilization to allow the bones to heal, followed by a period of Physical Therapy.

Wrisit and Hand

Hip

Despite its stability, the hip joint is not immune to injury and damage. Below are some common hip conditions and injuries that require treatment:

Arthritis: Hip arthritis is a common condition that results from the breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. This can cause pain and stiffness in the hip and can make walking and other weight bearing and non-weight bearing activities difficult.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): FAI is abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. This abnormal contact results in improper movement and will eventually cause more damage including arthritis and labral tears.
CAM and Pincer Impingement: These are two forms of FAI, caused by extra bone growth on either the ball (CAM) or socket (pincer) of the hip joint. These growths can lead to impingement, causing inflammation, pain and impaired mobility.
Labral Tears: The labrum is a cartilage ring that lines the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum), providing cushioning and stability to the joint. A tear in the labrum can cause pain, clicking, and locking of the joint and often cannot be ignored.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band): The IT Band is a fibrous band of tissue that runs from the hip down to the lateral aspect of the knee. Overuse or irritation of this band can cause pain and inflammation in the hip and knee.
Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lumbar spine, down the back of the leg and all the way to the foot, becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause shooting pain in the hip, buttocks, leg and foot.
Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle runs from the sacrum to the femur and can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort in the hip, leg and foot. Sometimes it is referred to as “Pseudo-Sciatica.”
Bursitis: The bursae is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. Inflammation of this sac can cause pain and swelling in the hip, reducing overall mobility and resulting in gait abnormalities.
Dislocation: Hip dislocations occur when the ball of the hip joint comes out of the socket, usually due to a traumatic event. This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Hip Dysplasia: A congenital condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, and can lead to improper alignment of the ball and socket joint.
Avascular Necrosis: When the blood supply to the hip joint is interrupted, causing the soft tissue of the bone to die. This can lead to pain and loss of function in the hip. Often referred to as Bo Jackson Disease.
Adhesive Capsulitis: A condition where the hip capsule becomes inflamed and causes stiffness and limited mobility in the joint.
Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Tendinitis and Tendinosis are conditions that result from inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that cross the hip joint.
Muscle Strains: Strains occur when the muscles in the hip joint are overstretched or torn. The severity of the strain is classified by grades I – III, with a grade III being a complete rupture.
Ligament Sprains: Ligament sprains occur when the ligaments in the hip joint are overstretched or torn; and besides being painful, will lead to significant instability in the joint.
Fractures: Hip fractures are a serious injury that occur mostly in the elderly after a fall, and must be addressed immediately.

Hip

Foot and Ankle

Injuries to the foot and ankle are some of the most common we treat due to their frequent use during everyday activities, sports, and exercise. Here are some of the most common issues that can affect the foot and ankle:

Inversion Ankle Sprain: This occurs when the foot turns inward, causing damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Eversion Ankle Sprain: When the foot turns outward, causing damage to the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle.
High Ankle Sprain: Damage to the ligaments above the ankle joint, at the distal aspect of the tibiofibular joint which can result in delayed healing time.
Achilles Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Normally an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone (calcaneus).
Ankle Fracture: A broken bone in your ankle from trauma and can cause significant pain and limited range of motion if not addressed.
Ligament Tears: Ligament tears can occur from sudden trauma, causing pain and limiting range of motion.
Muscle Strains: Muscle strains can result for any reason, but most commonly from overuse, fatigue, or trauma.
Plantar Fasciitis: A condition that affects the plantar fascia, dense tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, often resulting in shooting pain, inability to bear weight, and can limit overall mobility.
Osteophyte (Bone Spur): Growths, usually benign, that can develop on the bones of the foot and ankle.
Stress Fractures: Cracks in the bone that can occur from overuse or repetitive impact and are usually found in people with osteoporosis.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (Shin Splints): A very common condition, especially in runners, that can cause intense pain.
Arthritis: A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage between joints breaks down and causes pain.
Compartment Syndrome: A very serious condition that occurs when pressure builds up within the lower leg due to trauma, leading to reduced blood flow and nerve damage. This condition requires a trip to the ER.
Hallux Valgus (Bunion): A “bump” that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain and discomfort, and can limit movement.
Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe): The joints in the base of the big toe can lose its mobility and cause pain.

Post Operative

Our therapists have the training and experience to treat a wide range of post operative procedures including, but not limited to:

Joint Replacement Surgeries, such as Total Knee Replacement or Total Hip Replacement, are common procedures that require post-operative physical therapy. Our therapists will work with you to help manage pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the joint. By doing so, we can help you regain your functional mobility and improve your overall quality of life to return you to your previous levels of function.
Arthroscopic Surgeries, such as Hip Labral Repairs, Meniscus Repairs, and Ligament Reconstruction (such as ACL Reconstruction) require post-operative physical therapy to return to pain-free function. Our therapists will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that targets the affected area and helps to restore its strength and range of motion.
Carpal Tunnel Release is another common procedure that often requires post-operative physical therapy. Our therapists will work with you to help manage pain and swelling, improve grip strength, and reduce the risk of re-injury or complications.
Spinal Surgeries such as Laminectomy, Microdiscectomy, Spinal Fusions, or minimally invasive spine surgery, require gentle post-operative rehabilitation and progress at your pace. Our team will work with you to help regain mobility, improve your balance, and reduce the risk of further complications.

Foot and Ankle

Post Op

Vestibular

Vestibular physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that aims to improve balance and reduce dizziness. It involves a series of exercises and activities that help the brain and body adapt to changes in the vestibular system, which is the part of the inner ear that controls balance and eye movements.

A common vestibular condition is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is a common inner ear disorder that can cause dizziness, vertigo and other symptoms when you move your head. It occurs when calcium crystals called otoconia become detached from their normal position in the inner ear and move into semicircular canals. When you turn or change position, the crystals can clump together and sink to the bottom of the ear, causing the fluid to slosh around and making you feel you’re moving even though you are not. A maneuver called Epley’s is used to treat this condition.

Vestibular

Pelvic Floor

What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that stretches from the pubic bone to the tailbone, supporting the pelvic organs including the bladder, urethra, bowel, rectum and anus. The pelvic floor also supports the vagina and uterus in female bodies and the prostate in male bodies. A healthy pelvic floor can contract, squeeze, lift and relax. Various health conditions and life experiences can cause these muscles to become strained, weakened or overly tight.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized type of therapy which includes exercises that can help relieve symptoms like pain, discomfort, and disruptions to your quality of life. The type of therapy prescribed will depend upon the symptoms you’re experiencing. Some will require relaxing and lengthening of the muscles, while others may require strengthening the muscles.

Some conditions that can be improved with pelvic floor physical therapy are:

Urinary problems
Bowel problems
Pelvic pain
Sexual dysfunction
Pelvic organ prolapse
Postoperative care

Pelvic Floor