Year: 2024

Physical Therapy Clinic in West BloomfieldBlog2024
By manish 0 Comments Headaches

Feeling Stressed? Dealing With Pain? PT Could Provide Relief with Headaches

When you see someone clutching his head at work or in a stressful circumstance, you could believe he’s either stressed out or has a headache. Indeed, you could be correct on both counts. Tension headaches can be caused by both physical and emotional stress; they can also be caused by cervicogenic and migraine headaches, all of which can render you effectively handicapped.

You may suffer from chronic or recurring headache discomfort, and you’re probably tired of taking pain killers all of the time. Perhaps it’s time to visit our physical therapist for a better solution.

Physical therapy can help you control your headache symptoms by treating the underlying reasons, resulting in a safer and more long-term solution.

How does stress contribute to headaches?

Physical and emotional stress are linked, with one capable of causing or intensifying the other. Muscles tighten as the body swings into “fight or flight” mode in response to perceived crises.

When small muscles at the base of the skull, such as the RCPM muscle in the neck, become tense, they may strain on the dura mater, a pain-sensitive membrane in the head. The dura mater responds by emitting pain waves, resulting in a characteristic tension headache.

Cervicogenic headaches also originate in the neck. These headaches are often caused by alignment problems or imbalances in the cervical spine. These imbalances place the neck muscles under physical stress, producing both headaches and neck pain. Emotional stress can also play a role in cervicogenic headaches, since the muscle tightness they create can help to pull the neck out of alignment.

Last but certainly not least, migraines are the most dreaded of headaches. In fact, a migraine attack may go far beyond the crushing headache it is notorious for producing, causing symptoms such as:

  • Visual distortions known as “auras”
  • Sound and/or light sensitivity
  • Faintness
  • Nausea and vomiting

While it’s hard to pin down the underlying causes behind migraines, many of triggers are well known – and they include stress. In addition to various foods, bright lights, loud sounds, weather changes and hormonal swings, migraines can be set off by physical overexertion or emotional strain.

How does a PT relieve headache pain?

Pain relieving drugs such as NSAIDs can relieve the occasional headache, but they can’t address the stresses that lead to chronic headache problems. For that level of relief, turn to physical therapy.

Our physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes an examination of your neck and cervical spine, discussion of your symptoms, and analysis of lifestyle factors that may be sources of stress. This background allows us to create a headache management program largely rooted in the management of stress and its effects.

This program may include:

  • Ergonomic adjustments such as changing your computer monitor height (to prevent constant neck droop)
  • Dry needling to ease stress-induced tension and pain
  • Massage therapy to relax a chronically tight neck
  • Exercises to limber up your neck or strengthen your neck muscles
  • Mindfulness exercises such as yoga to help you add more serenity to your daily life
  • Suggestions for changing or sleep position or trying a different kind of pillow
  • Chiropractic adjustments to correct cervical spinal alignment

Common reasons for stress-related headaches

One of the main causes of stress-related headaches is right there in the name: stress. The headache generally happens when the muscles in the neck or scalp become tense and contract.

Depression and anxiety are similar emotions to stress that can also lead to headaches. In addition, there may be a physical cause behind your stress-related headaches. An accident or injury to the neck or back can contribute to headaches. Poor posture and arthritis are two other potential causes.

The diagnosis will play a role in the management of your stress-related headaches. If your headaches are the consequence of a previous injury, for example, one course of treatment that would work for correcting your posture and strengthening your neck muscles might not be appropriate.

Stretching and strength training are likely to be part of your therapy plan. Your physical therapist may also use the following options:

  • McKenzie therapies
  • Cervical traction
  • Body mobilization
  • Hot and cold compressions
  • Soft tissue mobilization

Aside from your physical therapy sessions at the clinic, your therapist will also recommend exercises, stretches and lifestyle changes that you can make at home, which will all contribute to eliminating your headaches.

Schedule a consultation with a physical therapist today

Conquer your stress, and you may just conquer your chronic headaches as well. Get in touch with our physical therapist to learn more about this drug-free approach to headache relief!

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By manish 0 Comments Arthritis

Got Arthritis Pain? Find Relief Without Medication

Taking an opioid painkiller for relief when a person has arthritis, especially in a weight-bearing joint like the knee or hip, can be a great temptation.

The bad news is that while an opioid can momentarily relieve pain, the patient’s bones continue to grind together, exacerbating the underlying source of the problem. That’s before you even consider opioids’ addictive properties. Rather than relying on opioids to relieve your arthritis pain, consider a chemical-free option: physical therapy.

Call our office to learn more about how working with a physical therapist can relieve your arthritis symptoms.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that attacks the joints of the body by causing mass amounts of pain, tenderness, and inflammation. Many people falsely believe that only the elderly can be affected by this condition, but that’s not true. Anyone at any age can develop arthritis in their joints!

The good news is that you can spot the signs of arthritis and seek help with us. Physical therapy may help to restore the use of these joints and increase your ability to move about and participate in everyday activities.

Signs of arthritis

Arthritis�symptoms can be managed with the help of physical therapy. Some of the most common symptoms that arthritis sufferers have to deal with include:

  • Swollen Tissues:�The pain and inflammation associated with arthritis can cause tissue swelling near the impacted joint. The area surrounding the joint might feel warm to the touch.
  • Grinding Sensation:�Arthritis is a result of lost cartilage, the material in the joints which acts as a cushion and lubricant between bones. The loss of cartilage can make it feel as if the patient’s bones are grinding together when they move.
  • Lost Mobility:�An arthritic joint can restrict your range of motion, to the point where you are unable to carry out daily tasks like you used to.
  • Joint Stiffness and Aches:�The joints are especially stiff upon waking and may feel sensitive or painful when touched.
  • Pain:�Arthritic joints may hurt during or after physical movement.

Why are opioids so dangerous?

Both opioid prescription rates and deaths from opioid overdoses have quadrupled in the last two decades. Given these identical statistics, one can’t escape the obvious conclusion: Reliance on painkillers has gotten out of hand, and the consequences can be literally fatal.

In a study published by the American Physical Therapy Association,�titled “Beyond Opioids: How Physical Therapy Can Transform Pain Management and Improve Health,” this issue is exhaustively analyzed. It identifies three important waves of the opioid epidemic:

  1. “Increases in deaths involving prescription opioids starting in 1999
  2. Increases in deaths involving heroin starting in 2010
  3. Increases in deaths involving synthetic opioids since 2013”

Beyond extreme physical risk, over-reliance on prescription painkillers can have other detrimental effects on your health. Withdrawal symptoms can be harrowing. And while you’re still using them, opioids can lead to depression, which sets up a vicious cycle of self-medicating in order to feel better emotionally as well as physically.

The Centers for Disease Control�offers some frightening statistics from opioid overuse in 2011:

  1. “Sales of prescription painkillers to pharmacies and providers had increased 300% since 1999
  2. In 2010, 12 million people ages 12 and older reported using prescription painkillers “non-medically”
  3. More than 40 people were dying each day from overdoses involving prescription opioids”

Fortunately, as the APTA study concludes, there is a safer alternative to opioid use: physical therapy. If you have been struggling with pain or discomfort, contact us today to find out how we can resolve your issues the natural way.

Physical therapy can help you find true arthritis pain relief!

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, you can work with a physical therapist to learn strategies that will help you manage your symptoms, without having to resort to painkillers.

Prepare to discuss your medical history with your therapist at your first meeting. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your day-to-day activities.

During your first appointment, your physical therapist will likely have you do a few simple tests. The tests will vary based on which joints are suffering from arthritis.

Expect to be assessed on your strength and balance, as well as your range of motion in the afflicted joints. These tests will be used to identify how far your arthritis has progressed and to help your physical therapist create the optimal treatment plan for you.

Your arthritis treatment approach will almost definitely include manual therapy. This type of therapeutic massage can help loosen muscles and increase the range of motion in arthritic joints while also relieving stiffness and discomfort. All licensed physical therapists receive training in arthritis manual therapy.

Another aspect of your arthritis treatment will involve body mechanics. Your physical therapist will show you how to perform daily activities with the least amount of strain on your arthritic joints. This helps to prevent the grinding feeling as well as the progression of the arthritic condition.

Additional treatments for your arthritis may include:

  • Posture:�Your doctor will show you different methods of body mechanics that will optimize joint function and minimize pain. To relieve pressure on arthritic joints, you will also be taught ways to use the best muscles and joints.
  • Education:�Sometimes arthritis in the hip or knee will require the use of assistive mobility devices, such as a cane or walker. Your physical therapist will teach you the proper way to use these devices.

Exercise and weight management may be included in your physical therapy treatment plan. Your therapist may recommend aquatic exercise in a pool for joint relief depending on the location of your arthritis (as one possible example).

The goal will be to build strength in your muscles so that they can better support your weight without putting excessive strain on your arthritic joints.

Contact us today

Physical therapy can help you manage the pain of arthritis without turning to powerful opioids or other painkillers. Call our office today to schedule your first appointment with a licensed physical therapist.

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By manish 0 Comments Shoulder Pain

5 Conditions Causing Your Shoulder Pain

Frequent appointments with a physical therapist are suitable for people of all ages! Usually, patients undergo physical therapy to help relieve symptoms of chronic pain and avoid potential injuries. One of the most important reasons for new patients to visit our physical therapy clinic is to identify and treat the cause of their chronic shoulder pain.

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment choice intended to improve movement and alleviate pain arising from a wide variety of work and sports injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, age-related conditions, and more.

Several common causes give rise to chronic pain in the shoulder. However, one thing is certain: coping with shoulder pain will make it difficult to complete everyday tasks if left untreated.

To learn how physical therapy can help alleviate (or even eliminate) your problem, contact our office today! If you or a loved one is experiencing shoulder pain, we can help.

What can physical therapy do for me?

Seeing a physical therapist as soon as possible if you have encountered persistent shoulder pain may be a good idea.

Physical therapy is a safe and natural recovery choice that will enable patients of all ages to recover from their shoulder injuries effectively.

Your physical therapist will analyze your condition, find the cause of your pain, and develop a detailed, specialized treatment plan for your individual needs.

To get relief from shoulder pain, there’s no justification in spending loads of money on costly operations or counter drugs. Physical therapy could help you get back on the pain-free road.

5 common conditions of shoulder pain

Without giving much thought to how they use their shoulders, most people typically just go about their day.

Did you know that to help you complete daily tasks, your shoulders do a good bit of work?

There is a good possibility that if you injure or strain your shoulders, you will end up experiencing severe pain.

Five of shoulder pain’s most common causes include:

1. Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a condition that occurs when the top part of the shoulder blade lifts away from the body and puts too much pressure on the underlying soft tissues in the arm.

As the arm lifts, the shoulder blade rubs against the bursa and tendons. If this condition goes untreated, an impingement in the shoulder can result in bursitis and/or tendinitis.

2. Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that occurs following an injury or alongside another shoulder condition.

Most physical therapists�recommend that patients with frozen shoulders rest often in between physical therapy appointments to avoid developing scar tissue in the shoulder.

On the chance that scar tissue does develop, the muscles surrounding the shoulder may eventually freeze up as well. This will limit your full range of motion and result in chronic pain.

3. Bursitis

The shoulder is made up of a very complex network of moving parts. This makes it a pretty complicated joint! One of the main components that make up the shoulder is called the “bursa.”

The bursa contains small fluid-filled sacs that work to keep the joint lubricated. If the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated in any way, you could develop bursitis. This will call for a physical therapist’s touch, as soon as possible!

4. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a very common condition that often sends people straight to a physical therapist for pain relief. It causes inflammation and usually affects people who take part in many physical activities, or work at a job that requires them to use lots of repetitive motions every day.

Take this, for example, if you are an athlete who plays tennis or a professional painter, you could be at high risk for developing tendonitis in your shoulder. This is because you make the same repetitive motions every day to play your sport or do your job.

Those who are at high risk for developing this condition should be aware of how important it is to not only visit a physical therapist regularly but also rest their shoulders often to prevent chronic pain.

5. Tendon Tears

If you experience an acute injury or have a degenerative condition, the result can be a torn tendon in your shoulder. The natural aging process, overuse, and random injuries can often cause split or torn tendons as well.

Regardless of whether a patient has experienced a partial or full tendon tear, the pain can be searing and may require regular appointments with a physical therapist in our clinic.

Contact us today!

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder pain, call our offices today�and begin your journey towards living a pain-free life!

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By manish 0 Comments Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy: The Answer To Your Aches and Pains

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced (or will experience) back pain? That’s a depressing statistic, especially if you’re already one of those sufferers. Chronic back pain can prevent you from performing the countless daily tasks you need or want to perform. Even when you’re not engaged in physical activity, your back pain may be keeping you miserable 24/7. But don’t assume that drugs can provide more than temporary relief, or that surgery won’t create more problems than it solves. Instead, go with the healthy, natural way to kiss your back pain goodbye — through physical therapy.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic back pain refers to pain that lasts more than three months. It is a progressive pain that gradually worsens with time and basic daily activities. Furthermore, the specific cause of back pain may remain unknown. A person simply may not know what caused it or pinpoint a point of origin.

However, most people can recover from back pain by understanding its causes, especially those that do not derive from an incident, such as a car accident.

My back hurts! Why?

Chronic back pain can be caused by a number of things, including a catastrophic injury or repeated stress on the vertebrae. Prickling, burning, tingling, stinging, severe pain, and pains are all examples of pain sensations. Acute pain is a common physical reaction to a serious injury.

According to the NINDS, however, repeated usage of joints following an inflammatory reaction might aggravate symptoms and accelerate disease progression.

In addition, those with poor posture, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities and osteoporosis may suffer from chronic back pain more often than their peers, says the Mayo Clinic. Other facts, such as age, weight, poor lifting practices, and even mental health conditions, may increase the risk for back pain, and it only takes one injury for a condition to persist into the realm of long-term problems.

Physical therapy can help you kiss back pain goodbye

Instead of numbing yourself with drugs or risking major surgery, give physical therapy a chance to relieve your chronic back pain in a safe, natural way. Our physical therapist�will first take the time to examine your back, analyze your symptoms, evaluate your medical history, and talk to you about your pain management goals.

This information enables the physical therapist to devise a comprehensive physical therapy plan just for you. Here are some ways you can benefit from such a plan:

  • Strengthening exercises can give weak back muscles the reinforcement they need to hold your back straighter and with less fatigue.
  • Stretching exercises can help you increase your range of motion, allowing you to do more with less back pain.
  • Mindfulness practices and other techniques can help you reduce anxiety and other reactions to pain that might make the pain worse, helping you control your pain responses for the better.
  • Our physical therapist can recommend specific lifestyle modifications to help you ease the stress on your back and avoid future back problems.
  • Laser therapy, massage therapy, and heat or cold treatments can reduce chronic inflammation and relax painful muscle spasms in your back.

You should consider PT before medication

  • Back pain can be either acute or chronic in nature. Acute back pain often occurs as the direct result of torn muscles or other sudden, intense damage. But as agonizing as cute back pain may be, at least you have the comfort of knowing that your pain will probably subside as the injury heals.

    Chronic back offers no such comfort. By definition, any kind of chronic pain lasts for more than 3 months, either attacking you in bouts or plaguing you with constant discomfort. The underlying cause is often progressive and/or irreversible.

    Common causes of chronic back pain include:

    • Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis of the spine
    • Chronic muscle strain from an unbalanced posture or weak back muscles
    • Bulging or herniated discs
    • An old back injury that failed to heal properly, leaving you with internal scarring and chronic stiffness
    • A narrowing of the spinal canal known as spinal stenosis

    Drugs can relieve chronic back pain, but only imperfectly. After a few hours of lessened symptoms, you have to take another dosage, and then another. If you’re using opioids to dull your pain, you can end up in a frightening cycle of increased tolerance and addiction.

    The most extreme form of treatment, spinal surgery, can permanently limit your back’s flexibility. You might even end up with an even more painful problem known as failed back surgery syndrome.

Call us today for help

You have the power to master your chronic pain, starting with the decision to treat yourself to physical therapy.

Contact our physical therapist today to schedule an initial consultation!

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By manish 0 Comments Back Pain, Chronic Pain

Is A Painful Herniated Disc Throwing Off Your Routine? PT Could Help

Did you know the spine is made up of 24 bones? Five of such bones are found in the lower back. The spine also contains nerves and intervertebral discs in addition to these bones. Because the spine is such a complicated component of the body, discomfort might arise from time to time.

Pain, on the other hand, can sometimes be the result of an underlying problem, such as a herniated disc. One of the earliest signs of a herniated disc is lower back discomfort, which can range from mild to severe.

You might also have weakness, numbness in the legs, or severe and shooting sensations. Patients have also reported losing bladder control as a result of a herniated disc in certain extreme situations.

Herniated discs occur when the jelly-like nucleus protrudes from an intervertebral disc. This happens when the cell wall of the disc is not strong enough to keep the nucleus secure, therefore allowing it to push through the outer ring and begin to bulge.

A herniated disc can develop anywhere along the spine; however, they are most common in the lower back. If you are experiencing back pain and you think it may be caused by a herniated disc, contact our office today to find out how we can help.

Signs you may have a herniated disc

If you believe you may be suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to consult your primary care physician first. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess muscle strength and sensation to see if your disc is herniated, and he or she may also conduct a neurological exam.

If your doctor believes your disc is herniated, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to confirm the diagnosis. From this scan, your doctor will be able to clearly see if there is a herniated disc in the lower back region.

If the disc is putting pressure on the spine, it can be detected. Your doctor will then provide you with a treatment plan, and will likely recommend physical therapy for pain relief.

How does a herniated disc occur in the first place?

Herniated discs are typically associated with aging, as the spine begins to wear down and become more brittle. This is known as “disc degeneration.” The discs in the spine contain a high water content when we’re young, but as we age that water content gradually decreases. This causes the discs to shrink. Therefore, the older we get, the more prone we become to disc degeneration. Other risk factors that can make you more prone to herniated discs include:

  • Driving frequently.
  • Being overweight.
  • Being between the ages of 20-50.
  • Being male.
  • Engaging in improper lifting techniques.
  • Engaging in a sedentary lifestyle.

Physical therapy can provide much-needed relief

Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This will begin with passive treatments such as manual therapy, traction, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or hydrotherapy to relieve pain and enhance function.

After your passive treatments are finished, active treatments will commence. This could include back-strengthening core exercises, stretching, and flexibility activities to improve range of motion, and any other muscle-strengthening exercises recommended by your physical therapist. In addition to these exercises, your physical therapist will advise you on any lifestyle modifications that he or she thinks may help you avoid future pain and injury.

Call our clinic today for help

Our physical therapy office is equipped with the best resources and methods for helping you recover and get back to your life. If you are looking for a natural, safe, and non-invasive way to treat your herniated discs, look no further. Call us today�to get started on the first steps toward relief!

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief

Feeling Off-Balance? A Stronger Core Can Help Steady You

Do you sometimes feel weak, or like you just can’t get your footing under you? There are several reasons why this might be happening, and a weak core is one of them. A weak core might make you feel unbalanced and shaky. Physical therapy can help you strengthen your core and improve your balance as a result.

Physical therapy should include core strength training. Your core muscles play an essential part in keeping you balanced whether you’re sitting, standing, or sprinting. The muscles in your core assist in anchoring your center of gravity, allowing you to maintain balance.

Are you trying to find a way to improve your balance? If that’s the case, get in touch with us right away to learn more about how our core strengthening services might help you.

How are balance and core strength related?

It’s crucial to know where your core muscles are before you can focus on strengthening them. Many folks mistakenly believe they are working their core muscles when working their upper abdominal muscles. These muscles are vital for core strength, but they’re not the ones you’re after!

Your exclusive core muscles are in your pelvis, hips, and lower back, along with the transversus abdominis muscles that make up the “pelvic corset.” These core muscles serve as your body’s natural stabilizers, making constant adjustments in response to nerve cells called “proprioceptors,” which give you your sense of spatial awareness.

As your core becomes stronger, you will be able to steady your balance much easier. When muscles are weak, it is more difficult to balance yourself from your center of gravity. This increases your risk for falls, and it can affect your arm and upper body movements. Back pain, difficulty standing up from a seated position, and incontinence may also indicate an unstable core.

How can my balance benefit from physical therapy treatments?

Our physical therapists are highly skilled and dedicated to helping you improve your balance through core strengthening. When you arrive for your first appointment, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your stance, gait, balance, and core muscles.

This will help determine the origin of the weakness and will be the foundation of your treatment plan. Treatment plans will be designed specifically for you and your individual needs. These plans for balance improvement typically include:

  • Tai chi. Tai chi is a slow-motion form of Chinese martial art. The poses and transitions done within this type of treatment can help your body develop the core muscles it needs in order to retain the necessary stability from one move to the next.
  • Gentle exercises. Depending on the severity of your balance impairment, it may be best to start off slow. Your physical therapist may suggest beginning with gentle and safe exercises, such as leg lifts or pelvic tilts. These types of exercises can help strengthen your back, pelvic, and abdominal core muscles.
  • Stability boards. Various types of physical therapy balance boards have a flat surface and a curved underside. Standing on these devices and working to maintain your stability can greatly improve your core balance.
  • Abdominal exercises. These may include sit-ups, pushups, and crunches. Abdominal exercises help strengthen the abdominal muscles that work with your core.

Sometimes, when your core is weak, it can cause you to experience added pressure on areas like your neck and back. When you improve your core strength, you are likely to also improve your posture and thereby reduce your risk of developing neck or back pain in the future. Furthermore, the exercises that help to improve core strength are often helpful in promoting weight loss, and for those who are overweight, this could also help reduce pain in your neck and the back.

Let us help you strengthen your core today

Are issues with your balance hindering your daily life? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us�as soon as possible. If the problem is a weak core, a physical therapist can help you to improve your strength in no time at all! We’ll provide you with the core strengthening exercises you need to get back on your feet!

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By manish 0 Comments Aches & pains, Physical Therapy

Don’t spend your life taking medicine to control the pain. Try physical therapy!

Our bodies are amazing machines. Not only do they have the ability to heal and repair themselves, they can adapt to nearly any situation. That includes the types of things we put into them. Temporarily taking medicine to control your pain as you recover from an injury or surgery can be a viable part of your treatment plan. However, taking these medications on a regular basis, over a long period of time creates dependency and fails to address the underlying problem. Fortunately, physical therapy can reduce dependence on pain medication while restoring the body’s function. Call our office today to find out how a physical therapist can help.

How Pain Medication Works

There are two basic types of pain medication – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. While NSAIDs are aimed at reducing inflammation in a particular part of the body, thereby reducing pain, analgesics (including opioids) work by blocking the pain receptors in the brain. Whenever you are hurt, your body produces natural opioids. These travel to the brain where they join with opioid receptors to reduce pain levels throughout the body. When you take prescription opioids, you are flooding the brain with these chemicals that quickly bind to the opioid receptors and keep pain signals from reaching your brain. This is a great short-term solution immediately after surgery when pain levels are high and physical activity levels are intentionally low. However, there is the risk of dependency even in short-term courses of medication.

Dependency vs Addiction

We often throw around the words “dependency” and “addiction” interchangeably. However, they are very different processes in the body. Remember how your body has an incredible ability to adapt to nearly any situation? As your brain is flooded with synthetic opioids, it adapts to having that level of opioid readily available. Your body produces less opioid on its own while your brain begins to depend on high levels for relief. Soon, you require higher and higher doses of the painkiller to receive the same benefit. The body also begins to feel more pain as the underlying problem worsens. Addiction refers to the compulsion to use a drug, despite its negative effects.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Regardless of the pain source, prescription painkillers fail to address the structural problems at the root of your discomfort. Physical therapy is the process by which you regain your ability to move. As this happens, you experience less pain and require fewer prescription pain medications to find the same amount of relief.

A physical therapist will begin by taking a full history, including the amount of painkillers you are currently taking. Next, they will evaluate your body’s function and movement. Once they identify areas that require physical therapy, the physical therapist will create a treatment plan designed to help restore your mobility, flexibility and strength. Over the course of your physical therapy experience, they will give you non-drug pain relieving methods such as ice, heat, electrical stimulation, massage, ultrasound therapy, and more. They may prescribe specific stretches to do at home or at work along with strengthening exercises to incorporate into your day. The better you adhere to their treatment plan, the more your body will adapt to your new norm, the better the result.

If you are ready to end your relationship with pain and pain medicine, call our office today to schedule your free consultation. Our physical therapist is ready to get you back on your feet and pain free.

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By manish 0 Comments Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic Massage Can Improve Your Physical Function and Mobility

If you’re an athlete, you’re well aware of the commitment required. It’s no secret that substantial training is required whether preparing for a major game, competition, concert, or marathon. As a result, you’re likely to hit a hurdle along the route owing to sore or stiff muscles.

Thankfully, therapeutic massage can assist. Massage therapy relieves discomfort and loosens tight areas, allowing you to recuperate faster and get back into the game.

Do you want to learn more about how therapeutic massage can improve your performance?  Premier Therapy Center can help you get on the right track. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How do soft tissues work?

Your soft tissues work to make sure your body is functioning the way that it should. Because of this, it is important to make sure that your soft tissues are as strong and healthy as possible at all times.

Muscles are made up of many small, thin fibers that contract on command, working together to mobilize your muscle groups. These muscles are attached to your bones by connective tissues called tendons, enabling them to move your body parts.

Our bones are then connected by tougher bands of connective tissue called ligaments, for added stability. Your ligaments are covered by yet another connective tissue called fascia. All of these connective tissues can be referred to as “soft tissues.”

Soft tissues help in mobilizing your joints and giving your body the strength it needs to perform tasks. Your soft tissues provide you with the ability to do many things but they can aso limit you from pushing yourself too far – even if that’s your intention! These can be damaged by certain stresses, especially those caused by repeated actions within the athletic activity.

For example, “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow” are both colloquial terms used to describe tears in the tendons of the elbow. They got their name from the repeated swinging action that tennis players and golfer’s do, making it a common sport injury that they experience. A tear in the tendon such as this can lead to a significant amount of swelling and inflammation. Many athletes also experience sprains, which are caused by a ligament stretching farther than intended.

These may occur in response to the intensity of your sport, but they can also occur if muscles simply are too tight before you begin one of your workouts. Therapeutic massage can help with this, as it loosens up the muscles, and may even prevent some of these injuries from occurring.

How can therapeutic massage help athletic performance?

Therapeutic massage can benefit athletes both before and after training. There are different types of therapeutic massage that your physical therapist�may recommend for your specific needs, including:

  • Swedish massage. This type of massage relaxes any stiff or tense muscles you may have, allowing for increased blood flow and fluid drainage from swollen areas.
  • Myofascial release. This type of massage creates room for tissues that may be trapped by distortions or fascial adhesions, freeing them from constriction.
  • Deep tissue massage. This type of massage loosens up your muscles and their connective tissues.

One of the numerous advantages of therapeutic massage is that it speeds up the natural healing process of your tissues, allowing you to return to your sport sooner. It works to relax, loosen, and mobilize any trouble spots so you can go back to normal as soon as possible. This also reduces your chances of suffering an injury that would keep you out of the game for a long time.

Enhance your physical performance through therapeutic massage today!

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By manish 0 Comments Hip and Knee Pain

End The Search For Relief From Knee and Hip Pain

As the cartilage in one’s joints begins to break down with age, the risk of experiencing chronic hip or knee discomfort rises. Anyone can acquire hip or knee pain as a result of excessive overuse, unanticipated traumas, or underlying disorders.

While surgery may be required to repair specific disorders of the hip or knee, physical therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and increasing function. In many circumstances, physical therapy can completely get rid of the need for surgery.

Your hips and knees are important joints that work hard to provide you with optimum function throughout the day. Because of their complexities and constant use, they are common areas of pain and discomfort.

If you are living with hip and/or knee pain and you are looking for relief, contact us today for a consultation. Our therapists are skilled and able individuals who would be more than happy to help you feel your best.

Common causes of hip and knee pain

When you make an appointment with a physical therapist, you can expect a comprehensive examination as the first step. Your physical therapist will assess you to determine the location of the sore area as well as the source of the discomfort.

For example, discomfort in the hips can occasionally be felt in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or the front or side of the hips. Knee pain can also be felt on the front or rear of the knee joint. If there has been a trauma to the knee, it can also be felt on the inside of the knee, or on the outside of the knee if you have iliotibial band tension.

Hip pain is typically reported as a constant dull ache that doesn’t seem to go away. However, knee pain is a bit different, and is often assessed as one of several different types of pain:

  • Acute – Acute pain is the most intense type of knee pain. It typically occurs after an injury and will last for about a week. The treatment for acute pain is generally just to simply rest and isolate the affected area, as your body is working hard to heal it.
  • Subacute – Subacute pain is typically felt two to six weeks after an injury. Tone’sfected area will still be painful, but it will not be nearly as severe as the acute pain of the first week. The treatment for subacute knee pain generally consists of gentle motions meant to increase your range of motion and facilitate healing.
  • Chronic – Chronic pain can be defined as any pain that lasts longer than two or three months. If you’ve been living with serious knee pain for that long, you should consult with your doctor. They will most likely suggest performing another full physical exam, in addition to x-rays.

Find true, long-lasting pain relief with PT

When you arrive for your initial consultation, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the nature of your condition and the best steps for relief. This evaluation will include:

  • Strength tests. Testing the strength of your knee and hip structures will give your physical therapist a better idea of whether your pain is due to an injury or a physical imbalance.
  • Range of motion tests. Your physical therapist will test the limits of your knee or hip, to see how far it will bend. This helps in determining the severity of the trauma and will give your physical therapist insight into what the course of treatment should be.
  • Palpation. Your physical therapist will provide gentle palpation of the knee or hip to figure out where the pain is originating.
  • Gait analysis. Your physical therapist will assess how you walk to determine if anything is out of the ordinary with your gait.

Targeted stretches and exercises will be included in treatment regimens to relieve discomfort and improve function in the problematic hips or knees. As your physical therapist sees fit, other methods or modalities may be applied. Your progress will be continuously monitored to ensure that you meet your objectives as quickly as possible.

Depending on your symptoms, your physical therapist may also perform balance tests to see if your balance has been affected. If any areas are inflamed, your physical therapist will focus closely on those areas.

Call us for an appointment today!

At our clinic, we’ll provide you with the treatment you need so you can get back on your feet If you are looking to relieve your hip and knee pains the natural way, contact our office today.

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By manish 0 Comments Chronic Pain, Headaches

Headaches can ruin your day, let alone, make it difficult to get anything done. PT can help!

Dealing with headaches around the clock is incredibly frustrating, and can quickly become debilitating. Whether they are tension headaches or more traditional migraine headaches, waking up with the pain already present in your head only to feel it grow more intense and painful as the day goes on can interfere with whatever you have planned for the day—whether that is a productive day at the office or a fun-filled day with family and friends.

Relying on medication for your migraine headaches can have drastic side effects, as well, that can cause you to feel tired, depressed, or otherwise unable to participate in the activities you love. What’s more, when you rely on medication to deal with the pain you are not actually helping your body overcome those headaches, but instead are setting yourself up for long-term dependency on those medications. Turning to physical therapy to help address the chronic pain associated with migraine and tension headaches can provide you with a healthy alternative, allowing you to break free from dependency on medications while experiencing actual relief from the regular pain of your chronic pain.

Physical therapy utilizes a series of physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being strategies to improve quality of life with migraine and tension headaches. These strategies include:

  • Targeted massage: Your physical therapist may identify certain trigger points that could be associated with the pain of tension headaches, and targeted massage can help you to experience tension relief, and therefore headache relief.
  • Muscle training: Building strength in certain areas can help to further alleviate tension that may be built up in the neck and back, and this can help to reduce the pain of migraine headaches.
  • Exercise: Strategic exercises, especially when combined with particular attention to optimal hydration can help to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Plenty of people think of physical therapy as something to turn to following a severe injury or a car accident, and while there are plenty of times that physical therapy will be recommended in those situations, that is not the only use for this incredibly helpful therapy method. Physical therapy treatments are designed to help the body function optimally, and sometimes that means using the core PT strategies like exercise, muscle training and targeted massage, as well as adjustment and at times even acupuncture, to address whatever the primary cause of pain may be—including headaches.

Whether your headaches are bothering you every day, or just most days, the time to put an end to that pain is now. Chronic headaches can interfere with your ability to do just about anything, whether it is work related or a day at home with the family. Put the pain and frustration of chronic headaches in the past by working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist who can help you finally say goodbye to that head pain. The goal of physical therapy is to help you feel back to being your optimal self, free of the pain and frustrations of whatever it is that was holding you back, without a long-term dependence on pain medication.

For more information about how physical therapy may help you to overcome the chronic pain associated with your headaches, contact your physical therapy office today.