Author: manish

Physical Therapy Clinic in West BloomfieldArticles by: manish
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By manish 0 Comments Chronic Pain

If You’re Living With Chronic Back Pain, You Must Read This Now!

Do you feel as if you’ve been shut out of your own life because of your constant back pain? This nagging, excruciating symptom can be caused by a number of underlying causes and it can get worse with time, to the point that you can hardly move! Along with these horrible movement restrictions, you may be wary of putting your back through the risks of major surgery or putting your body through the threat of addiction with prescription medications.

The good news is that, thanks to physical therapy, you do not need to go to those lengths. A professional physical therapist can pinpoint the cause of the discomfort and build a tailored recovery plan that prevents the use of medication or surgery.

To learn more about how back pain can be remedied by the use of physical therapy, Feel free to contact our highly trained physical therapist at Premier Therapy Center.

How does chronic back pain develop?

Back pain seems to affect the majority of people. Low back pain, in particular, affects about one-fifth of adults at some stage in their lives. Many of these problems are linked to acute injuries, such as car crashes, sports injuries, or occupational injuries caused by poor lifting techniques. The pain from these injuries is meant to go away while they recover. Back pain disappears after the baby is born and the body returns to its usual weight and spinal alignment in some situations, such as pregnancy.

Back pain, on the other hand, may often turn into a chronic affliction. Spinal arthritis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis are examples of disorders that don’t heal on their own, leaving you in chronic or recurring pain.

Repetitive motion injuries and soft tissue strain are two other sources of chronic back pain. Bad workplace or sports ergonomics, poor back muscles that don’t maintain a natural stance, or musculoskeletal anomalies like fallen arches can cause chronic pain in your upper or lower back.

Have you been dreading your chronic back pain operation more than the pain itself? Many back pain sufferers are understandably worried about the possibility of taking a large number of painkillers, which can temporarily relieve their pain while also causing long-term complications.

They may be even more apprehensive about undergoing major spinal surgery, such as vertebral fusion, which may restrict the range of motion even more, prove unsuccessful in treating the pain, or even make it worse.

There is a safer, healthier alternative to these routes of treatment, however: physical therapy.

How physical therapy can help chronic back pain sufferers find relief

The most effective way to treat chronic back pain is to make your back function more naturally, which can be done through physical therapy. From a degenerative disease to sore muscles or an unbalanced body, our physical therapist will identify the source of your upper or lower back pain.
A physical therapy program that contains the following elements could be beneficial to you:

  • Flexibility exercises to gently and carefully extend your pain-free range of back motion
  • Stabilization exercises to help keep your spinal components in place as you perform everyday tasks (from sitting in a chair to getting out of bed)
  • Strengthening exercises to help you enjoy better spinal support and maintain a straighter posture
  • Alternating cryotherapy and heat therapy to relieve tissue pain and inflammation
  • Orthotics to compensate for foot or leg imbalances that are straining your muscles
  • Chiropractic adjustments to normalize your spinal alignment and improve spinal joint function
  • Lifestyle changes to prevent unnecessary strain due to awkward workplace or sports ergonomics
  • Cold laser therapy and/or massage therapy to soothe, warm and relax tight muscles and connective tissues

Are you ready to experience true pain relief?

We know just how debilitating chronic back pain can be. If you’re sick of dealing with this condition day in and day out, know that there are effective pain relief options available to you through physical therapy. Contact Premier Therapy Centers today to learn how you can gain control over your chronic back pain by making your back healthier!

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By manish 0 Comments Uncategorized

If Stress-Related Headaches Are Holding You Back, You Need To Read This

If you’ve ever experienced the sensation that your head is smashed in a clamp, chances are you knew straight away that what you were experiencing was a headache. However, did you know that there are different types of headaches, and this one is referred to as a stress-related headache?

Headache pain can keep you from enjoying your life. Whether the pain starts in your neck, the back of your head or front and center behind your eyes, stress headaches can derail your entire day.

We’d all like to think that something as simple as reducing your levels of stress can reduce your stress headaches, however, getting rid of all the work and life-related pressure you are under is not always practical. The good news is that physical therapy may be able to help your condition.

Contact Premier Therapy Centers today and find out how a physical therapist just may be the key to getting rid of stress-related headaches once and for all!

What is a stress-related headache?

Stress-related headaches, also known as tension headaches, feel like a dull ache or pressure in your forehead or in the back of your neck or head.They occur when the neck and scalp muscles contract or become tense. Lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to days at a time, this type of headache is the most common kind of headache in adults.

Tension headaches often start in the middle of the day, in the back of your head and can spread forward as time goes on. They often appear as a result of high-stress levels, poor posture, neck or jaw problems, fatigue, or arthritis. It’s also possible to experience them when feeling anxious or depressed.

Sometimes, you may even feel pain on your face along your jaw and cheeks when experiencing this kind of headache. Many people have compared this type of pain to wearing a tight hat, having their hair tightly pulled back, or having their head squeezed.

Although many headaches will dissipate on their own and don’t need medical intervention, if you’re experiencing severe headaches right now as a result of increased stress levels, it’s time to see a professional.

Common causes of stress-related headaches

Plenty of things can cause a person to become stressed. A hard day at work, loud sounds, feeling disorganized, the list goes on and on. But what about the physical aspect of stress? How we carry our bodies when we’re stressed out and not paying attention can be the cause of headaches.

Poor posture, drawing your shoulders toward your ears, tense muscles in your back and neck, and fatigue can all contribute to the poor body positioning that often causes stress headaches.

While most headaches do not have a definitive cause, stress-related headaches are often triggered by either a singular stressful event or a buildup of tension over the course of the day. That is why they tend to happen at mid-day, when stress buildup has already occurred. This timing tells us that what is causing the problem is not the stressful event itself, but rather the way our body is positioned as we experience it.

Physical therapy can decrease the amount of headaches you’re having

It may seem strange at first to see a physical therapist about a particular condition when you’ve never seen one before. Physical therapists are experts in body mechanics, and can absolutely help you discover the cause of your headaches and prevent them from coming back constantly.

If you experience chronic stress headaches (more than 15 per month) or are simply tired of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for tension headaches, physical therapy can address the underlying structural cause. I However, physical therapy addresses all movement and posture problems, not just those that happen after surgery.

First, a physical therapist will evaluate your posture, body strength and movement. They may also ask you to take photos of your work station and bring them to your appointment to see if poor posture throughout the day is contributing to your headaches. Next, they will prescribe a series of stretches to do throughout the day to give your body a chance to reset its position.

Lastly, they may give you a series of strengthening exercises to do on your own to strengthen the muscles in your stomach, back, shoulders, and hips so you can hold your body properly as you work. You’ll be provided with several pain relieving techniques to do on your own whenever you experience tension headaches. These may include ice, heat, massage, stretching, or specific movements.

Ready to find true pain relief from stress-related headaches?

If you are tired of stress-related headaches derailing your day, it’s time to say “No more!” once and for all. Contact Premier Therapy Centers to make an appointment with our physical therapist. You’ll be surprised by what a difference physical therapy can make.

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By manish 0 Comments Physical Therapy

5 Fun Ways To Get Active Again

We lead pretty sedentary lives, especially with the way most of us have had to work from home over the past 12 months or so. Because of this, it’s important that we take advantage of the free time we do have to get out and do something active.

According to HHS, “More than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, and more than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth.” Finding the time or the motivation to exercise is difficult for many people.

The key is to find a fun activity that you enjoy doing and that also fits your current fitness level. Maintaining a high level of physical activity can possibly lengthen your life as well as improve the overall quality!

Here are five fun activities that can be adapted to fit almost any fitness level. If you are unable to participate in physical activity due to chronic pain, call our clinic today to set up an evaluation with one of our skilled therapists.

Ready to get in the groove?

1. Get your hands dirty in the garden.

Gardening is a great way to get fresh air in your lungs and also begin growing your own organic vegetables and fruits! Whether you live in the country or in an urban area, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy gardening.

Container gardening is an easy way to grow flowers and vegetables almost anywhere. Four or five medium-sized containers on the patio are enough to grow several items. Planting, hoeing with a hand spade, and regularly watering your plants can provide a moderate level of activity.

2. Get out on the dance floor!

Dancing is a great way to have fun and stay active at the same time. There are several different types and levels of dancing to choose from. You can take lessons or join a group that gets together to dance on a regular basis.

Everything from ballroom to ballet is a fun activity that people at different fitness levels can enjoy. If you don’t want to make the commitment or spend the money taking classes, dancing on your own at home while listening to your favorite music is a fantastic way to get moving and burn calories. Depending on your weight and how strenuously you’re able to dance, you’ll be able to burn approximately 200 to 300 calories during half an hour of dancing. That’s a lot!

3. Try a rowing machine out!

Have you ever heard of rowing? Learning to use a rowing machine is relatively easy. This is not something you can only do in the water (although it can prove to be great practice if you want to really row a boat!) The treadmill and the stationary bike may be more popular, but the rowing machine is a great way to get a good workout even if you’re not in top physical shape. It’s also low impact while offering high calorie-burning potential. The great thing about the rowing machine is that you can do it while sitting down.

4. Go for a swim!

Swimming isn’t only for the beach, the Olympics, or lazy pool days! Regularly swimming can give you the boost of physical activity you need in your life. There are several different swimming strokes to learn. The backstroke is one of the easiest to do. Whether you’re swimming laps, floating, or tossing an inflated ball with a friend, swimming is fun yet healthy activity.

It’s a low-impact activity, easy on the joints, and provides a good cardio workout. The best way to get started is to sign up for a class at your local Y or fitness club. If you have access to a private pool, for both accountability and safety reasons, make sure to swim with a partner.

5. Call our physical therapy clinic to learn more about an exercise program.

Did you know that a physical therapy program can increase your fitness level and help you make the most of your favorite activities? If you are unable to get around safely or participate in the things you love the most because of chronic pain, physical therapy could be the answer to your problems.

A physical therapist can evaluate your current physical condition and assess your fitness level. Whether you’re currently moving with assistance or you’re a serious athlete, physical therapy can help you increase your fitness level, reduce your chance of injury, and eliminate pain from sore muscles. A physical therapist can teach you the proper techniques for warming up before your chosen activity and the best post-workout stretches for an effective cooldown.

Contact�Premier Therapy Centers today to learn more about the benefits of physical activity, and get started on your own fitness journey.

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By manish 0 Comments Aches & pains

Do You Wake Up Feeling Sore? The Culprit Could Be Your Mattress

Imagine waking up after an 8-hour nap feeling completely refreshed. When you slowly awaken, you attempt to sit up… only to be greeted by a backache. When you walk, the aches in your shoulders and neck become more noticeable, but when you stand up, the dull ache in your hips and legs takes over. What in the world is going on? After a good night’s sleep, how can you feel so achy?

The answer is more simple than you think: it’s possible that your mattress is to blame.

If you don’t believe us, keep on reading to find out how your mattress affects your morning aches and pains. If you’re living with chronic back pain that just won’t quit, contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment with a skilled physical therapist!

Why does my body ache in the morning?

A 2008 study found that 1 in 15 to 20 cases of chronic pain can be attributed to sleep problems. One of the biggest causes of chronic pain is something called “long-term malpositioning.” In short, your body is in the wrong position for too long! Bad posture, poor workstation positioning, even sleeping on the wrong mattress and pillow can force your body into positions your back, hips, shoulders, neck, and head are not meant to be in. The result is morning achiness, even if you have adequate sleep at night.

How does my mattress affect my quality of sleep?

The amount of support you need from your mattress will be determined by your preferred sleeping position. If their hips rest on top of the mattress, people who sleep mostly on their backs will feel low back pain. If their knees are below their hips, side sleepers can feel aches and pains in their hips and low back. Since their shoulders are resting behind their hips, stomach sleepers can wake up with back pain. Although properly placed pillows can help with morning aches and pains, they cannot replace a mattress that supports your natural sleeping position!

You may need to start searching for a new mattress!

While the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years, the way you feel in the morning is a better indicator that it’s time to replace what you’re sleeping on!

If your mattress was once comfortable but now seems to be at the root of your aches and pains, it may be time to replace it.

Physical changes like injuries, surgery, and weight change can also change your body’s position as you sleep, necessitating a faster change in your mattress.

The best way to find out is to visit a physical therapist to receive a full assessment of your body and areas that are lacking in support. Our clinic’s physical therapists can take a look at the position you’re sleeping in as well as any areas that are plaguing you, and give you helpful tips to get a good night’s rest!

How can a physical therapist help me improve my sleep quality?

It might seem strange to consult a physical therapist for aches and pains that may be caused by your mattress, however, their expertise may be just what you need!

As experts in posture and movement, a physical therapists can assess your body’s position while you sleep and make recommendations for the type of mattress that best supports your body.

They will also assess your posture and movement for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your morning aches and pains. The physical therapist may develop a physical therapy treatment plan aimed at improving your posture, strengthening your body, and improving your sleep.

Contact our clinic today

We’re here to support you and make sure you’re getting the best possible quality of sleep there is. With a little bit of work with a physical therapist and a little bit of time, you can say goodbye to morning aches and pains and hello to a restful night’s sleep! Contact�Premier Therapy Centers today to schedule your first appointment, and rest assured (no pun intended!) that we’ll have you sleeping like a baby in no time at all.

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By manish 0 Comments Physical Therapy

5 Ways To Stay Healthy Through Physical Activity

Staying Fit Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

Let’s face it, sometimes it can be really hard for us to slow down and take it easy. We all just want to get as much done during the day as possible! However, it’s time that we become a bit more realistic about what is and isn’t feasible for us to accomplish through sheer willpower alone. Our bodies have limits.

Even though you might really want to complete your entire to-do list within a 24-hour time span, it probably isn’t going to happen! Instead, you need to begin using these tips and tricks to keep yourself motivated, active, and moving forward on your journey to do it all.

To make things a bit easier for you, here are five easy strategies you can begin implementing immediately to stay active and engaged in your life.

Tip #1: Make Living Pain-Free a Priority

The top reason most people give for not staying active is because they are in pain. According to the National Institute of Health, most Americans experience chronic pain on a daily basis. Nearly 40 million adults report suffering from moderate to severe pain, which is pretty concerning and also points to underlying health issues.

There is good news though! Physical therapy is an effective and easy way to get rid of a majority of your pain. Manual therapy from a licensed physical therapist, or ultrasound treatments can drastically improve a person’s condition, help alleviate pain, and restore joint and muscle function.

Tip #2: Tools Can Help Track Your Progress

There are plenty of products out there that can track, encourage, and inspire your physical activity. Using products like these can even increase your levels of activity, however, the key to success is to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals for yourself, so the tools can track your progress. Below are some ways using trackers can help!

  • Make sure you use your tracking device or tool every single day. Being consistent with something makes it a habit (and you know habits are hard to break!)
  • Write your goal down on paper. You might want to try to get in 10,000 steps per day, but make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard.
  • Get your friends and family involved in your activities as well. Lots of trackers have features that allow you to measure your progress against another user’s. This kind of comparison can serve as effective motivation! Not to mention, it’s a lot of fun to work out with someone rather than by yourself.
  • Make sure to take part in activities you really enjoy. Most tools have limitations with what kinds of activities they are able to measure, so it’s really important to choose a tracker that is based on the activities you like the most. This way you’ll have an easier time maintaining progress.

Tip #3: Establish a Healthy Sleep Schedule

It probably sounds ridiculous to say that if you want to stay active, you need to rest more, but it’s the truth. Not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to your health.

About a third of the population in the United states struggles with getting to sleep, and staying asleep. One benefit of physical therapy is that it can help you achieve better sleep, and in turn be more active when you are awake.

Physical therapists have special training that allows them to target areas critical to a good night’s sleep, including tissue healing and pain modulation. A physical therapist can also provide suggestions for how you can integrate sleep health with overall well being.

Tip #4: Walk Your Dog More

Having a dog is a super effective way to get yourself moving around outside. Pets need lots of play and activity so that they can stay healthy, and holding yourself accountable for your pet’s health will most certainly get you outside and running around with them!

Even if it’s just for a short walk with your dog, this kind of exercise is better than sitting on your couch all day. Some physical therapists might even suggest adopting a dog as part of your treatment plan.

Tip #5: Clean House!

Keeping a tidy house can benefit you in more ways than one. Cleaning employs a variety of muscle groups and keeps you moving and active. With every stretch you make to dust up on a ledge, or to mop underneath a table, you’re exercising muscles that might not get much action otherwise. For an extra benefit, squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles as you go from room to room!

Ready To Live Pain-Free Again?

Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard, but it’s important that you fit it into your daily schedule. Whether you’re on a quest to stay fit and healthy, or simply want to enjoy your life more, contact Premier Therapy Centers to schedule a consultation and find out how physical therapy can help.

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By manish 0 Comments Arthritis

Are You Suffering From Arthritis? Physical Therapy Could Help!

Have you ever found yourself relating a little too much to the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, barely able to walk around because of painfully stiff joints? Unlike the Tin Man, you might have arthritis, and it’s gonna take a whole lot more than a little bit of oil to get you moving again! If your arthritis pain is preventing you from leading a normal, active life, it’s time to look into physical therapy.

Physical therapy can provide a number of benefits, from a wider range of motion to greater joint strength and stability — without the risks and side effects of anti-inflammatory medications. Believe it or not, your painful joints may bother you less once you start using them more! Our physical therapist will be happy to help you conquer your arthritis pain, so contact our physical therapy center today!

Arthritis Defined

According to the CDC, there are over 100 causes of joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis can prove to be confusing as it is painful. Conditions ranging from uric acid accumulation to bacterial infection can inflame and damage the body’s various joints. The usual symptoms include swollen, stiff joints that cause pain either constantly or with joint motion.

The two chief types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically occurs as the end result of many years of ordinary joint usage, although it can also develop more quickly in association with an injury or extreme joint wear. The cartilage that normally permits smooth, friction-free motion within the joint grows thin and breaks up, while at the same time, the joint may start producing less and less of its own natural lubricant fluid.

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to occur in periodic flare-ups instead of causing constant pain and deterioration. In this form of arthritis, an immune system reaction attacks the joint components as if they were foreign invaders. It affects the soft tissues around joints. Fluid builds up in the affected joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. What causes this kind of arthritis isn’t known, but it may be linked to genetics or environmental factors.

Do I Have Arthritis?

The classic symptoms of arthritis vary according to what type of arthritis you have. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, redness and deformation. But rheumatoid arthritis may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, weakness and fatigue. It also tends to come and go in acute episodes, while osteoarthritis is more of a constant, progressively worsening presence in your life.

The most common arthritis symptom is pain in the joint that has lost too much cartilage. That joint will feel stiff in the morning when you wake up, or if you sit or lie down for extended periods. Activities that use an affected joint will be painful. The joint will also hurt if you touch it or put pressure on it. An arthritic joint might be “noisy,” making cracks and pops when it is used. Your body might even attempt to grow new bone structure in the arthritic joint, as a defense mechanism; this is painful and you will feel it!

Physical Therapy Treatment For Arthritis

If it’s hard for you to turn your head, use your hands, or even walk around without pain, you might be leaning towards not using those arthritis-filled joints at all. However, regularly exercising and flexing those joints in your body really can help you feel and move better! Research shows that exercise can reduce the pain experienced by arthritis patients. Based on your particular condition and type of arthritis, our physical therapist may recommend the following kinds of physical therapy exercises:

  • Flexibility exercises – These exercises are designed to help you increase your pain-free range of motion. They can be as simple as shoulder rolls or raising your arm repeatedly.
  • Strength-building exercises – Gentle, careful weight training, as prescribed by a physical therapist, can help your muscles and connective tissues assume more of the joints’ burden and can lend extra stability to your joints.
  • Aerobic exercises – Aerobic exercises boost your circulation. This increase in circulation supports joint tissue health while helping inflammatory substances and excess fluids to exit the joints.

Contact Us For An Appointment

Remember that arthritis doesn’t discriminate against any age. You might be struggling with arthritis even if you aren’t a grandparent yet! So, are you looking for a powerful, drug-free way to ease your arthritis pain? Contact Premier Therapy Centers to schedule an appointment today.

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By manish 0 Comments Stretching

5 Ways Stretching Daily Can Improve Your Life

Have you found that your joints and muscles bring you discomfort or feel achy and stiff after a long workout? Are you not getting the results you want even though you’re exercising every day? There might be a reason for that — you aren’t stretching enough!

Our clinic would love to help you create a customized and effective stretching routine that will improve your overall athletic performance, improve your physical health, and keep you from injuring yourself in the future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

5 Advantages To Stretching Regularly

Stretching gives you more energy and makes you much more flexible and limber. Resear`ch shows that stretching improves your health in many different ways!

Here are 5 advantages to adding stretching into your daily workout routine.

  1. Stretching eases stress. There’s a strong link between physical tension and mental tension.By decreasing your physical tension with a consistent stretching routine, you can also ease psychological stress, too. Research shows that stretching before a workout also improves your “psychological readiness” and helps you get mentally prepared.
  2. Stretching improves circulation. In addition to improving muscle mechanics, enhanced circulation and blood flow can speed up your recovery, reduce post-workout soreness, and increase the amount of energy you have.
  3. Stretching increases the range of motion in your joints. Obviously joints that move better, work better. Stretching regularly helps your joints move more easily through their full range of motion without interruption. This improves movement efficiency and function. If you’re an athlete, this means better sports performance.
  4. Stretching decreases muscle tension. Chronically tense and tight muscles have restricted blood flow and may not work as well. Stretching (especially with tools such as foam rollers) alleviates this tension and also helps muscles to contract and relax more efficiently.
  5. Stretching can reduce your risk of injury and lower back pain. Stretching prepares your body for exercise, improves posture, maximizes flexibility in the hips, shoulders, and ankles, and helps correct muscle-length imbalances. All of these are essential for improved injury prevention and spinal health, which means you have less to worry about when it comes to injuring your back.

Can I Get Better At Stretching On My Own?

Remember, it can be easy to injure yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing with your body when it comes to exercise and stretching! Not all stretches are the same. Here are 3 tips from our physical therapy staff to ensure you’re stretching properly.

  1. Practice dynamic and static stretches. It’s not clear that static stretching pre-workout causes injury—assuming, that is, you’ve adequately warmed up your body as previously discussed.4 In fact, studies suggest that a combination of static stretching and dynamic sports-specific movements before a workout can improve performance and optimize range of motion.3,4 Your best bet is to do both static and dynamic stretches—static isometric holds increase range, while dynamic moves prime your muscles and central nervous system for activity.
  2. Warming up first is key. It’s true that stretching may reduce the risk of injury, but it may actually cause tissue damage if done without a proper warm-up! Warming up ensures your tissues are warm and pliable enough to withstand the demands of stretching. Before you stretch, try jogging for a few minutes or cycling. Do something that gets your heart rate slightly elevated, your limbs moving, and your blood flowing.
  3. Hold your stretches long enough. A quick 30-second quad stretch isn’t going to do anything meaningful for your tissues. It’s similar to stretching a rubber band for a few seconds and then letting it go right away. Your connective tissues will just go back to their normal position after a short stretch, and this is due to a phenomenon called “creep.” Static stretches should be held for at least 90 seconds to 2 minutes in order to make noticeable changes in muscle and tissue length. Set a timer on your phone and get to stretching!

Ready To Learn More About Stretching?

You must learn to understand your body and your particular needs. No two people are alike, and no two stretching routines have to be the same! Everyone has different areas of mobility limitations, postural imbalances, adhesions, scar tissue build-up, and so on. In fact, some people have too much mobility in certain joints and should focus on stability and strengthening rather than stretching in these areas.

If you need help establishing an individualized and effective stretching and mobility routine, contact Premier Therapy Centers to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today.

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By manish 0 Comments Physical Therapy

7 Things You Can Start Doing NOW To Increase Your Physical Activity

What are you doing right now, being still or something else? If you are not moving around, you may be suffering from a sedentary lifestyle. As explained by the American Heart Association, increasing physical activity does not mean a person must train in a state-of-the-art gym. Take a moment and think about how many times a day you get up and move around.

If you work a desk job, chances are you are living a pretty sedentary lifestyle. Many people are appalled to learn just how much activity they should be getting in everyday, because they know they aren’t. You might think that in order to get that much exercise in, you need to be in the gym every evening, training hard, but that’s not true!

Upping your physical activity doesn’t have to mean training in a fancy, state-of-the-art gym. The simplest steps have a dramatic impact on health, and it’s absolutely possible to improve your activity at home, work or during recreational activities. To increase your level of physical activity, see a physical therapist, and start following these tips today!

1. Get off the bus a few blocks early.

If you’re trying to get more steps in each day, an excellent idea is to get off the bus a block or two earlier than you normally would. This might not be possible for those that drive to work or the store, but provided that towing restrictions aren’t applied, they still have the option to park a few blocks away and walk to the entrance!

2. Do your chores.

One of the best and easiest ways to improve physical activity begins at home! Do your own chores, regardless of whether they are indoors or outside. Sweeping, mopping, mowing the lawn, and raking leaves are all examples of chores that can get you up, moving around, and stretching your muscles. Of course, always be vigilant of your surroundings, especially possible dangers that may result in an injury.

3. Get a standing desk at work.

The Mayo Clinic states that sitting for prolonged periods is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of premature death. That’s scary to think about, especially if you’re sitting as you read this! Instead of sitting for too long, consider standing to perform work at your desk or computer. You might even want to look into investing in a converting standing desk. This kind of desk raises your workstation, and it allows you to sit and rest when necessary.

4. Dance like no one’s watching!

Dancing is exercise! Dancing stimulates the body’s cells, and with time, a person’s endurance increases. Playing music while walking or running outside also helps pass the time and encourages you to continue. Music has been shown to help people with mental health problems, such as Parkinson’s, control their movements and walk more, according to the National Institute of Health.

5. Let a physical therapist organize an exercise program for you.

Improved physical activity during physical therapy reduces risk for coronary and cardiovascular problems, reports the American Physical Therapy Association’s PT in Motion. For those that have already suffered a major cardiovascular event, such as a stroke, improving physical activity during physical therapy, reduces your risk for several health problems.

6. Find some smartphone apps to get you moving!

Although it’s important not to stay on your phone all day, there are thousands of apps available on iTunes and Google Play that promote an active lifestyle. Google Fit can coach and actively remind users to get up from a sitting position, move around, drink water, and more! Google Fit also tracks movement with “Move Minutes’ Goals,” which help people see their progress. An added plus? Many apps are totally free to download and use.

7. Park at the back of the lot.

You’ve probably heard this one before, but parking further away from entrances to stores or even the workplace is a great idea! Doing this means you’ll have to get in more steps to reach your destination. As a result, heart rate increases, and with continued activity, cardiovascular muscle tone improves. This has the same connotations as getting off your bus a few stops early, or walking on a treadmill.

Call Us Today For An Appointment

A sedentary lifestyle comes with significant health risks, but the good news is that you can turn things around on your own today by utilizing the 7 tips above. People who make it a point to get more physical activity in may have longer, healthier and even happier lifespans!

Contact Premier Therapy Centers to learn more about how you can improve your physical activity. We’d be happy to schedule a physical therapy appointment for you today!

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By manish 0 Comments Arthritis

Suffering From Arthritis Pain? Relief Is Right Around The Corner!

You Don’t Have To Live With Constant Pain

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects over 50 million people and is the leading cause of disability across America. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age and can become downright debilitating for those who suffer from it. There are many important steps that people dealing with this condition can take to relieve their stiff and aching joints. Physical therapy is one of them! It’s a great way to create an effective plan to ease pain while remaining active. If you want to kick your arthritis pain to the curb, call our (town) office today and find out how a physical therapy program can lessen or even eliminate your pain!

Eating Healthy Is Key

Eating a healthy and nutritious diet plays an important role in easing arthritis pain. Besides kicking the refined carbs, MSG’s, and sugar filled foods (which all increase inflammation) you should add these great tasting, natural foods to your diet!

  • Walnuts – Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can reduce inflammation and soreness. You can eat them alone as a snack, or add them into almost any sweet or salty dish for an extra crunchy boost.
  • Soy – Soy is a great tasting way to fight inflammation, as it is high in protein and low in fat. You can get your soy through roasted soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. You don’t even have to be a vegetarian to try it!
  • Ginger – Ginger helps reduce inflammation and ease arthritis pain. It also adds flavor to almost any food including meat, fruit, veggies, and soups.
  • Broccoli – Did you know that broccoli has an ingredient called sulforaphane in it, which may slow or even prevent osteoarthritis? It’s true! Broccoli is great hot, cold, in salads and casseroles, or as a side dish for meals. It is very important to get your greens in when you’re trying to have a healthy diet.

Why Choose Physical Therapy?

Exercising daily is not enough to reverse arthritis, but it can certainly help slow down its progression while easing the painful symptoms. Your physical therapist can help you form a regular exercise routine which can help you lose some weight. This will ease the strain on your joints. A physical therapist can also teach you many kinds of stretches and exercises to target your specific areas of pain. You can also stop taking excessive amounts of medication if you decide to go down the physical therapy route, which is a huge added bonus to your health and wallet!

Physical therapists are professionally trained to evaluate your condition and provide the correct exercises to meet your needs. Most of the exercises they will teach you can be done on your own at home as well, so you can continue treatment outside of appointments. You might even have some aquatic exercises! Working out in the water provides exercise that is non-impact and extremely calming to the joints. A physical therapist may recommend working out in a heated pool to help relieve pain in arthritic joints.

But How Can Physical Therapy Help Me?

Physical therapy treatment programs can not only lessen the pain you experience from arthritis, but they can also help improve your daily life. Working with a physical therapist every week can improve the following:

  • How To Start Using The Proper Technology – Physical therapists can teach you how to use walkers, orthotics, and other assistive technology devices correctly. This can help ease strain on your joints when you move.
  • Strengthen Your Muscles – Physical therapy techniques are often used to increase strength. If the muscles that surround and support aching joints become stronger and more flexible, they can help relieve arthritis pain.
  • Increase Your Range of Motion – Physical therapy can help keep your muscles and ligaments loose which will reduce inflammation and stiffness. This will decrease your pain levels, and improve your overall range of mobility.

What Treatment Methods Do Physical Therapists Use?

There are tons of treatment methods physical therapists may use to help relieve your arthritis pain. For example, they may use massage to loosen muscles and tendons around your arthritic joints. Physical therapy treatment might also include the use of ice baths or cold compresses to reduce inflammation and soreness.The use of heating pads is also normal in the loosening of tight muscles. Physical therapy treatment may also include ultrasound or laser treatment to send soothing heat waves into your joints as you progress.

Call Us Today To Get Started With Your Physical Therapy

One of our qualified movement specialists will put together an exercise treatment program to help reduce your arthritis pain and keep you as active as possible. Physical therapy is a safe and healthy way to keep your joints, tendons, and muscles working together the way they’re supposed to. Contact Premier Therapy Centers to see how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life.

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By manish 0 Comments Headaches, Health and Wellness, Physical Therapy

Trouble With Chronic Headaches? Here’s How Physical Therapy Can Help.

Do you find yourself plagued by headaches in the morning, at noon, and at night? Have you noticed that emotional or physical stress seems to trigger your chronic headaches? If you’re nodding yes, know that you’re not alone. You’re one of the many Americans suffering from stress-related or chronic headaches. Headaches affect 47% of the global population and are described by the type and location of pain in the head.

So, what’s different about these kinds of headaches? Tension headaches have their own distinctive traits, and some of their underlying causes may surprise you. If you’re ready to stop dealing with chronic tension headaches and drugs just aren’t an option for you, there’s good news. Physical therapy may provide relief. Contact our office today or visit us in West Bloomfield Township, MI to learn more.

What are Tension or Chronic Headaches?

For some people, stress serves as a trigger for intense migraine attacks. This can cause blinding headaches and issues such as vision problems, vomiting, dizziness, and faintness. But for the majority of us, the word “headache” refers to a tension headache. The emotional and physical stresses of modern everyday life seem to go hand-in-hand with headache pain.

Tension headaches definitely live up to their name, but they don’t always occur for the reasons you might think. Tension headaches don’t actually begin in your head. They start in the muscles of the neck or shoulders. If these muscles become chronically tense and tight, they tend to go into spasm. This is bad news for the dura mater, a pain-sensitive membrane attached to certain small muscles near the base of the skull. These tense muscles pull on the dura mater, which causes it to refer pain signals up into the head, causing a tension headache to form.

Causes of Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches are rarely as debilitating as migraines, however, they can vary widely in severity. They tend to cause a generalized ache over a broad region of the head, instead of causing localized pain to a specific area such as the eye (a symptom of a cluster headache).

If you experience emotional stress that creates chronic neck tightness, this could be the culprit behind your tension headaches. However, your headaches might also be caused by:

  • Repetitive motion or overuse from work or sports activities
  • “Text neck,” a strain disorder that occurs if you’re always leaning your head forward to look at your smartphone
  • Weak neck muscles that become fatigued easily
  • Secondary pain problems, such as arthritis in the cervical spine

It’s important to note that while headaches are usually nothing to worry about, tension headaches that bother you for more than 15 days out of the month for 3 months or more are considered a chronic pain condition, and it’s important to see a doctor about it. You may have an underlying condition that requires close attention and care.

Physical Therapy Can Help Ease Pain From Chronic Headaches

One thing that many people do when experiencing a headache is grabbed an over-the-counter pain reliever. These may reduce the symptoms of stress-related headaches for a few hours, but they do nothing about the stresses and strains that are causing those headaches day after day. Not to mention, many people find themselves becoming reliant on the short-term effects of painkillers and medication, which is another issue on its own.

If you want a longer-lasting solution, physical therapy is a good place to start! Our physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to see whether you’re dealing with chronic headaches or another kind of headache that requires a specialist’s attention.

Physical therapy strategies for treating chronic headaches include:

  • Strengthening exercises to improve for your neck muscles, to allow them to hold the weight of your head more evenly and with less strain
  • Flexibility exercises
  • Manual therapy
  • Heat or ice therapy
  • Postural and ergonomic advice to help you get rid of any bad habits that might be causing “text neck”
  • Stress reduction measures such as yoga, lifestyle changes
  • Advice on how to reduce common stress triggers in your life so that you experience less tension headaches

Get Pain Relief Today.

We understand that tension headaches can take the fun out of everyday life as well as keep you from getting your work done and going about your daily routine. The good news is that you don’t have to keep putting things on hold until your headache passes. Take action to stop those stress-related headaches from taking over your life. Contact our office today to learn about how physical therapy can offer much-needed pain relief from chronic tension headaches. We’re here help, contact us today!