Forward Omaha Physical Therapy
The Most Overlooked Injuries That Physical Therapy Can Help
A Guest Post by Dylan Kumar, PT, DPT
Regain Performance Physical Therapy
1. Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction
Persistent jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing isn’t just a dental issue. It could be a sign of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) or another type of treatable chronic pain. TMJ problems can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, poor posture, or muscle imbalances in the neck and jaw.
Physical therapists can help by using manual therapy techniques, posture correction, and exercises to relieve tension and restore balance in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
2. Rib Dysfunction and Chest Tightness
Ever feel sharp chest pain when twisting or breathing deeply—only to find out your heart is fine? Rib dysfunction is a frequently missed cause of upper back and chest pain. Misalignment or joint restrictions in the rib cage can create sharp, radiating pain that mimics serious conditions.
At Regain Performance Physical Therapy, we help patients recover from rib dysfunction by restoring mobility to the thoracic spine and surrounding structures. Manual adjustments and mobility work often bring immediate relief. Don’t ignore symptoms like shortness of breath or chest tightness—especially if they persist after other medical causes have been ruled out.
3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men and Women
We’re all glued to our devices—whether it’s scrolling through our phones, working on laptops, or binge-watching shows. Unfortunately, this often leads to “tech neck,” a condition caused by constantly looking down at screens. This posture strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper back, potentially leading to headaches, stiffness, and long-term pain.
What to do instead: Be intentional about how and when you use your devices. Raise screens to eye level and hold your phone at chest height instead of looking down. Take breaks every 20–30 minutes to stretch and realign. For more support, explore posture-focused care at Forward Omaha.
4. Shoulder Blade Pain and Scapular Dyskinesis
If you feel burning, aching, or tightness between your shoulder blades, it could be more than “bad posture.” Scapular dyskinesis—when your shoulder blade doesn’t move properly—can lead to shoulder instability, neck pain, and arm fatigue.
People who sit at desks, lift weights, or play overhead sports (like tennis or volleyball) are especially at risk. A personalized therapy plan that strengthens stabilizer muscles and improves movement coordination can relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Our team helps patients retrain shoulder mechanics for smoother, pain-free function.
5. Nerve Entrapments (That Aren’t Sciatica)
We’ve all heard of sciatica—but what about other nerve entrapments that cause tingling, numbness, or weakness?
Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, or peroneal nerve entrapment can mimic other injuries and often get overlooked in standard exams.
If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still experience nerve-like symptoms, a physical therapist may be able to identify hidden mechanical causes. At Regain, we use hands-on assessments and other techniques to pinpoint the source of nerve irritation and teach mobility drills and strength routines that reduce compression and restore nerve health.
Why It’s Important to Get Evaluated
Too often, people delay treatment or wait until pain interferes with daily life. But early intervention is key. Physical therapy is not just about recovery—it’s about preventing small issues from becoming chronic problems.
At Regain Performance, our evaluations go beyond symptom management. We take time to understand how your body moves, where imbalances exist, and how to get everything working together again. We’re not here to give you a one-size-fits-all program—we’re here to partner with you for real, lasting results.
You Don’t Need a Referral to Start
One of the best parts is that you don’t need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy in many states—including California. So if something feels off, you can skip the wait and start getting answers right away.
Visit Regain Performance’s website or stop by our Danville or Walnut Creek locations to learn more about their approach, book your first session, or browse educational resources on conditions you might not even realize physical therapy can treat.
Final Thoughts
The most frustrating pain is the kind you can’t explain—or that others dismiss as minor. But pain is always a signal, and you don’t have to ignore it. Whether it’s a stiff jaw, burning between your shoulder blades, or unexplained nerve symptoms, help is available—and often more effective than you think.
Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes or surgery patients. Regain Performance helps people from all walks of life move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain. If you’re tired of guessing or settling, we’re here to help you find answers. Contact their team today!