Summer is here and many of our favorite summer sports have kicked into full action!  Some summer favorites like baseball, tennis, soccer, swimming, kayaking and more can cause some painful injuries.

Some of the most common injuries we see in our practice during the summer include things like:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Fractures

To understand how therapies like acupuncture, trigger point massage, myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy and aqua massage can help, we must understand what the common ailments actually are. Many times we use terms without fully understanding what it is we are trying to alleviate.  With that being said, it is important for you not to attempt to “self-diagnose” any injuries you or a loved one may have suffered.  Please seek medical attention when injured.

Muscle Strains:

Muscle strains are defined as a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon.  The tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscle to bones.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Pain
  • Muscle spasms and weakness
  • Swelling
  • Cramping
  • Difficulty moving the muscle

Sprains:

A muscle sprain is a is the stretching or tearing of ligaments which are the tough bands of fiber that connects two bones together in your joints.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Inability to move the sprained area

Tendonitis:

Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon.  In most cases, this is a result of overuse but tendonitis can also be caused from infections.

Common Symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Limited ability to move the affected area
  • Sensation of feeling “heat” in the joint
  • Feeling itchy in the affected area
  • Weakness

Bursitis:

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa which is a sac filled lubricating fluid.  The bursa is located between tissues like the bone, muscle, tendons and skin.  The purpose of the bursa is to cushion and to reduce, rubbing, friction and irritation.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Feeling achy or stiff in the joint area affected
  • Pain increases when you move or apply pressure to it
  • May appear swollen and red

Fractures:

Fractures are the breaking or cracking of cartilage or bone.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Unable to apply weight on the injured area
  • Grating sensation is experienced
  • Discolored skin around the area

Many of the treatments we offer at East West Healing Solutions can help to minimize pain and begin the rehabilitation process.  Some of the most successful types of treatment for sports injury can include:

Depending on your injury and the pain you are experiencing, our team at East West Healing Solutions can design a healing protocol best match to your situation and recovery goals.

marie perkins acupunture specialist in palm harborDr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.

Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.

Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.

“Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!,” Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.

East West Healing Solutions is located at:
34876 US Highway 19
Palm Harbor FL 34684

Phone: 727-216-3972

Fax: 727-216-3982

Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3

Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3