If you talk to women in their 40s and 50s long enough, a pattern emerges:  “My hip just started hurting out of nowhere.”   “X-rays look fine, but I can’t sleep on my side anymore.”   “Stretching helps a little, but it keeps coming back.” Hip pain during peri- and menopause is incredibly common—and often misunderstood. While it’s frequently blamed on “aging,” the reality is far more nuanced. Hormonal shifts, particularly declining estrogen, play a significant role in how our j

Why Motion, Consistency, and Swelling Management Matter If you have arthritis in your hands, or you’re recovering from some type of upper extremity surgery, stiffness and swelling can feel like constant roadblocks. The good news? You don’t need aggressive exercises or fancy gadgets to make progress—you need smart motion, consistency, and good swelling management . Let’s break it down. Motion Is Lotion 🖐️ One of the most important things to remember when it comes to arthritic

With major changes coming to Medicare Advantage plans in Vermont—including the loss of United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage—many patients are now deciding between: Original Medicare (Part A + Part B) A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), often through Humana This decision matters—especially if you use services like physical therapy, imaging, or specialty care . Below is a simple breakdown of how these options work, what they typically cost, and why so

A shoulder frozen in ice Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. The symptoms develop gradually, worsen over time, and then resolve, typically within one to three years. This condition occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, thickens and tight

Person reaching overhead with shoulder pain If you're dealing with shoulder pain that makes everyday tasks like reaching for a shelf or throwing a ball feel impossible, you might be experiencing rotator cuff tendinopathy. This common condition affects the muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder, and it's something we often see at Manchester Physical Therapy. The good news? The latest Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) from experts in orthopedic and sports physical the

School is back in session, and so are fall sports! Whether your child plays soccer, football, volleyball, or is running cross country,...

How many times have you thought (or even said), “I just don’t have good balance!”? Trust us, you’re not alone. But here’s the kicker—so...

Are your sneakers looking fresh but leaving your feet feeling... not so fresh? It's time to make sure your kicks aren't just stylish, but...

Relief Through Movement: Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition, limiting your mobility and...

Breathing- The Right Way Where is Your Tongue Supposed to Be? Where is Your Tongue Positioned? Take a minute and find where your tongue...

How to Prevent and Decrease Low Back Pain from Long Distance Driving Are you and your family traveling this winter? Are you worried about...

unhappy person with shingles infection Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a challenging condition characterized by persistent nerve pain following a shingles infection. While there is no cure for PHN, physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. In this blog post, we'll explore evidence-based physical therapy interventions that have shown promise in addressing PHN. Exercise Therapy: Aerobic Exercise: Engaging in activities

“What is your dental history?” This question can be surprising for patients when they are in physical therapy for their hip, back, neck,...

It has become quite common to pee or leak when sneezing, laughing, jumping or coughing. While these have become common, they are not...

Have you ever had the sudden urge to pee that seemed to come out of nowhere?! Or do you get the urge to pee every time you hear running...

Connecting the Body from Head to Toe The “Deep Front Line” connects the underside of your feet, behind your lower leg, inside of your thigh, through the hips, pelvis, lower back, diaphragm, rib cage, through the upper back and ending on the underside of your mouth. When there is a disconnection or poor support from any of these connections, this is when the body starts to compensate, leading to injury and dysfunction. Have you ever thought about treating your headache with a

Have you ever heard of a TENs unit or electronic stimulation? A TENs (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit is a safe,...

Manchester Physical Therapy By Liz Sargent, ATC, LMBT Physical Therapy for Everybody Rehabilitative therapy tends to warrant the thought...