Blog

Read all the news about our company

Physical Therapy Clinic in West BloomfieldBlog
Combat-Stress-Related-Headaches.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Headaches, Physical Therapy

Combat Stress-Related Headaches With Physical Therapy

We’ve all done it: we get that familiar twinge of a headache and go for the Ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol. When it comes to stress headaches, though, a tablet isn’t always enough. A stress headache is characterized by a band of pressure around the head, as well as generalized aching and soreness.

Physical therapy treatments, on the other hand, can help you relax and straighten your posture, which will help you feel better. You’ll not only get rid of your current headache, but you’ll also have a lower chance of getting future stress headaches. Contact our office now to learn more about how our services can help you eliminate stress-related headaches.

Manual therapy: a hands-on approach to headaches:

There are a few headache prevention techniques that can be done at home. A physical therapist, on the other hand, can provide a much more specific approach to addressing headache problems. Altering between cold and heat therapy, for example, is a simple yet effective method. In addition to reducing muscle tightness, the customized compresses and soft electronic pulse wands provide relaxing comfort.

Because soft tissue mobilization relaxes stiff muscles, manual therapy often involves massage for stress-related headache treatment. Massage, as a result of this impact, can provide rapid pain relief and even help to avoid future headaches. In order to alleviate your discomfort, PT massage treatments help to relax the muscles in your jaw, temples, neck, and shoulders.

Patients with persistent tension headaches also report fewer instances of head discomfort when they receive massage therapy on a regular basis. Relaxing the muscles in and around the head aids in preventing painful contractions.

Emotional stress that causes tension in these trigger muscles can also be relieved with physical therapy massage. People who receive therapeutic massages on a regular basis report improved sleep, which leads to less stress throughout the day and, as a result, a lower risk of developing a stress-related headache.

Developing better posture:

It’s no secret that how we stand and sit has a big impact on how much pressure we exert on our muscles. Poor posture compresses muscles and nerves, and many people get a provoked tension headache as a result of these overworked muscles and nerves in the shoulder, chest, and neck area.

Your physical therapist can assess your posture and suggest areas for improvement. He or she will also show you how to move, sit, and stand properly to avoid unnecessary compression.

A physical therapist can recommend healthy lifestyle changes in addition to showing chest, back, and shoulder positions. Changes to specific areas of the home and office can have a significant impact on posture. A telephone headset, a raised computer monitor, a modified chair, or even a rubber pad to stand on while cooking or washing dishes are all examples of this.

Help your muscles get stronger:

Even when performing routine tasks, you do a lot of “heavy lifting” with your shoulders, back, and neck during the day. They can quickly become overworked if the muscles in those areas are too weak. Resistance training is used in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back.

For many people, stronger upper body muscles are linked to fewer – and less severe – stress-related headaches. Neck strengthening exercises might start with simple chin-to-chest nods and progress to more advanced exercises as your treatment progresses. Free weights and resistance bands can also be used to strengthen shoulder and back muscles.

Better flexibility:

As you go about your day, the more you can move your neck and shoulders, the less strain you place on the primary muscle groups in those areas. This could also help you get rid of some of your stress-related headache symptoms. You will learn particular techniques to extend your neck as well as loosen up your chest, shoulder muscle, and tendon groups by participating in physical therapy treatments. Regularly performing these exercises can help relieve persistent tension headaches.

Call us today for a free consultation

If you’re living with chronic headache pain, contact our office today to learn more about reducing the frequency and intensity of your chronic stress-related headaches.

We’ll schedule an assessment to look over and discuss your specific issues. Following that, one of our physical therapists will create a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs in order to help you relax your muscles, sleep better, and combat those painful stress headaches.

Sources:
The-Best-Natural-Treatment-for-Arthritis.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Chronic Pain, Hip and Knee Pain, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Can Help You Reduce Joint Pain and Improve Mobility

As we grow older, we may find ourselves thinking the same thing: our joints aren’t what they once were. Perhaps you’re dealing with an injury that makes movement difficult, or you’ve developed osteoarthritis as a result of age-related “wear and tear.” Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: without aches and pains, you can’t get around as well. Taking painkillers or living a sedentary lifestyle to compensate for daily aches and pains, on the other hand, is not a healthy method to deal with your disease. If you want to live your life to the fullest without being hampered by joint aches and stiffness, consider an all-natural solution: physical therapy.

Causes for joint pain and stiffness

To comprehend how physical therapy may assist you with your joint difficulties, you must first comprehend why they are occurring. Joint stiffness and discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint may be damaged in an acute sprain or strain, for example. Inflammation can occur, which can be unpleasant and immobilizing.

Soft tissue injury, on the other hand, does not have to happen in a dramatic catastrophe; it can happen gradually over weeks, months, or even years. Chronic tendinitis or bursitis can develop if your chosen sport, career, or pastime leads you to repeatedly overstress certain joints.

Soft tissue discomfort can occur even if you don’t do anything. If you’ve had your arm in a sling for a long period, a condition called adhesive capsulitis, sometimes known as “frozen shoulder,” can cause your shoulder to become unusable.

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain and stiffness. Age-related degeneration of the cartilage between the bones of a joint is the most common cause of this ailment. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a painful and debilitating joint illness caused by autoimmune disorders, is another prevalent type of arthritis.

Different pain relieving methods used in physical therapy

As you can see, there are a variety of causes for joint discomfort. Fortunately, there are several types of physical therapy that can help you relieve your discomfort and increase your range of motion by addressing these symptoms.

One of our skilled physical therapists will begin by thoroughly assessing your issue. An investigation of your overall health, daily activities, and the nature of your symptoms will be conducted.

Evaluation of the joint itself and your ability to move it will also be a crucial part of your evaluation, as it can reveal exactly what the underlying problem is. This will lead toward the recommendation of specific types of therapy, such as:

  • Stretching exercises. Stretching exercises help injured muscles and connective tissues heal back to their former length and range of motion. These exercises are also good for keeping arthritic joints from becoming stiffer.
  • Joint mobilization techniques. Joint mobilization techniques can help improve your pain-free range of motion and increase your function. You may also benefit from techniques aimed at breaking up internal scar tissue, which can form over old injuries and cause chronic stiffness.
  • R.I.C.E. RICE stands for “Rest,” “Ice,” “Compression” and “Elevation.” If you are nursing an acute joint injury, your physical therapist will likely prescribe this protocol in order to reduce pain and swelling.

Set up an appointment with a skilled PT today

Our highly qualified physical therapists may design a unique treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and objectives. Don’t put up with your aching joints any longer; contact our office today to begin your journey to healing and relief!

Sources:
Living-With-Arthritis-Pain.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Physical Therapy

Living With Arthritis Pain? Physical Therapy Could Make Your Life Easier

Millions of people suffer from joint pain and stiffness as a result of arthritis. Many arthritis patients take many steps each day to alleviate their stiff and aching joints. Physical therapy can be a useful component of a pain-relieving approach that also allows you to stay active. Contact our office now to learn how a physical therapy program can help you manage or possibly eliminate arthritis pain!

Staying physically active through physical therapy:

While exercise will not cure arthritis, it will help to slow down the progression of the disease and lower the severity of the symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy body weight, as recommended by your physical therapist, can also help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the pressure on your joints. A physical therapist can demonstrate a range of stretches and exercises that can help you relieve pain in your joints.

Physical therapy may also assist you in avoiding the use of excessive amounts of medication to alleviate your discomfort. A physical therapist is qualified to assess your ailment and prescribe the appropriate exercises.

Aquatic therapy is a popular physical therapy exercise for arthritis patients because it provides a pleasant, low-impact workout. Working out in a heated pool may also be recommended by a physical therapist to assist ease the discomfort in your arthritic joints.

Eating the right foods to stay healthy

Nutrition can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. You’ll want to include some specific foods to your diet that can help reduce your arthritis pain, in addition to avoiding MSG, refined carbs, and sugary meals that aggravate inflammation. Some of them are as follows:

  • Ginger. Ginger may be able to help reduce inflammation and alleviate arthritis pain. It also adds incredible flavor to almost any food, including soups, fruits, veggies, and meat.
  • Soy. Soy is high in protein and low in fat, and it is also a great-tasting way to fight inflammation. You can get your soy through tofu, soy milk, or roasted soybeans.
  • Walnuts. Much like the nutrients, you find in fish, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. Walnuts can be eaten alone or added to almost any sweet or salty dish.
  • Broccoli. Broccoli has an ingredient called sulforaphane, which has the ability to slow down or even prevent osteoarthritis. Broccoli is great served hot or cold, in salads, or as a casserole.

Working with a physical therapist:

A physical therapy treatment program can ease the pain from arthritis and help improve your daily life. Working with a physical therapist can help you achieve the following goals:

  • Learning how to correctly use devices. A trained physical therapist can help you learn how to use orthotics, walkers, and any other assistive device correctly. This will help lessen the strain on joints when you move and ensure that you are using the devices safely.
  • Strengthening your muscles. When the muscles that surround and support your aching joints are stronger and more flexible, your arthritis pain will be much less severe. Physical therapy techniques can be used to increase strength, which in turn will relieve pain.
  • Increasing your range of motion. A physical therapy program can help reduce stiffness by keeping both your muscles and ligaments loose. This will lessen your pain and improve your overall range of mobility.

What kinds of arthritis pain relief methods are there?

In order to help relieve arthritic pain, a skilled physical therapist may use a variety of treatment modalities. Massage, for example, can be used by a physical therapist to loosen up the muscles and tendons that surround your arthritic joints. In order to alleviate inflammation, physical therapy treatments may involve the use of ice packs and ice baths.

To loosen up your stiff muscles, your physical therapist may use heating pads or other heat treatments. As determined by your physical therapist, laser or ultrasound treatments may also be used to provide relief.

Getting started with your physical therapy treatment program

A qualified physical therapist can put together an individualized program to help reduce your arthritis pain and keep you as active as possible. Physical therapy is an excellent way to keep your joints, tendons, and muscles working together efficiently. Contact�our office today to see how physical therapy can help you relieve your arthritis symptoms and live a pain-free life!

Sources:
Suffering-From-Back-Pain.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Back Pain, Physical Therapy, Sciatica

Suffering From Back Pain? A Herniated Disc Might Be The Culprit

You know something is wrong with you, but you’re not sure what it is. Strange neck pains, back pain, or extremities symptoms can suggest a multitude of issues, including a herniated disc or several herniated discs.

What are your options if you have a herniated disc? These questions don’t have to add to your physical pain and confusion!

Our physical therapist has provided some useful information regarding herniated discs, their frequent symptoms, and how physical therapy can help you overcome your discomfort.

Herniated discs, defined

“Herniated disc,” “slipped disc,” and “ruptured disc” are all just different ways of describing the same physical problem. Your spinal discs are squat discs of tissue that lie between the vertebrae.

A disc consists of a fluid-filled center called the nucleus pulposus encased in an outer structure called the annulus fibrosus. This arrangement makes the disc both tough enough and spongy enough to absorb shocks.

Unfortunately, that toughness has its limits. Sometimes a disc will lose hydration over time, causing the nucleus pulposus to shrink. The disc loses its height, which stresses the spinal joints and may cause the disc to bulge outward.

Eventually these changes can cause part of the annulus fibrosus to balloon and tear open; this is a herniated disc. Herniated discs can also occur suddenly due to an auto accident, workplace accident, or sports injury that traumatizes the spine.

Symptoms of Back Pain: herniated disc

Herniated discs don’t always cause symptoms, but the symptoms that they do cause can help you troubleshoot the nature of your problem. The most common symptoms include:

  • An inability to walk more than a few steps without pain
  • Pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in a limb (the result of a herniated disc pressing against nerve roots)
  • Back pain that seems to grow worse when you sneeze, cough, stand up, or sit down
  • Neck pain (if it’s a cervical disc)
  • Symptoms that began after you gained a lot of weight (since obesity is a risk factor for disc problems)
  • Symptoms that started shortly after an accident, extreme twisting of the neck or back, or an attempt to lift a heavy object

If your symptoms seem to be soothed by massage, heat, or cold, you’re more likely to have a strained muscle or tendon than a herniated disc.

Ultimately, the most accurate way to confirm a herniated disc is through medical imaging. X-rays can reveal not only the abnormal shape of a herniated disc, but also whether the herniation is pinching a nerve.

Treatment for Back Pain: herniated discs

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for herniated discs. One of our physical therapists will run diagnostic tests at your first consultation to discover the source of your discomfort and confirm that it is really caused by a herniated disc.

Once the source of your pain has been identified, a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs will be developed for you. This usually consists of a sequence of stretches and movements targeted at reducing discomfort, enhancing function, and supporting your body’s natural healing process. As your physical therapist sees fit, further treatments may be offered. These are some of them:

  • Manual therapy
  • Ice and heat therapies
  • Traction
  • Class IV laser therapy
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Education on posture and lifting mechanics

Your physical therapist will also advise you on any lifestyle changes that may be recommended in order to prevent herniated discs from developing again in the future. Physical therapy is one of the safest, quickest, and most effective ways to treat herniated discs. It is a holistic and non-invasive approach that, in many cases, has been able to eliminate the need for harmful drugs or surgical intervention.

A PT can help you feel better, faster

A herniated disc can cause a lot of misery — but don’t panic. Most herniated discs can be treated successfully without surgery. Physical therapy can be instrumental in helping you reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Our physical therapist can recommend specific exercises to build up the strength in your back or neck. These exercises can counter any atrophy or weakness you’ve experienced due to your herniated disc. They can also reinforce your neck and back, lending these structures extra support and making them less vulnerable to future herniation.

We may also recommend other non-invasive techniques to complement your physical therapy exercises and help you heal.

Contact us today

Are you ready to learn more about herniated discs and get the answers your neck or back needs? Contact�our physical therapist today to schedule a consultation!

Bounce-Back-To-a-Pain-Free-Life.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Aches & pains, Physical Therapy

Bounce Back To a Pain-Free Life With Physical Therapy

Are you in serious acute or chronic pain? Perhaps you’ve had an issue with your back or hip for a long time. Maybe you’re healing from an unforeseen sports injury, or you’re still coping with the effects of an automobile accident. No matter what the case may be, physical therapy can help you with any problem you’re having. If your pain is interfering with your everyday activities, please contact our clinic as soon as possible to book a physical therapy session.

Our physical therapists are experts in human mobility, and our practice uses a variety of drug-free, non-invasive, and successful strategies to help our patients in a variety of ways — far beyond symptom treatment.

Physical therapy treatments are effective in helping patients restore the healthy, joyful, and active lifestyle they desire and deserve for five reasons:

1. Physical therapists are able to identify hidden factors contributing to a patient’s pain.

Your discomfort will not be “masked” by a physical therapist. Our therapists uncover and address underlying issues that are contributing to your current health and putting you at risk for chronic problems.

Shortened muscles, scar tissue, range-of-motion limits, muscular activation issues, poor ergonomics, and body mechanics, and postural abnormalities are all common causes of chronic pain. If factors like these are left unaddressed, your symptom relief would likely be temporary at best.

Through services such as patient education, work-conditioning programs and other techniques previously mentioned, a physical therapist can address both symptom and cause of your pain condition.

2. You don’t have to worry about side effects with physical therapy.

Physical therapy treatments, unlike many drugs and invasive procedures, have a very minimal risk of side effects. They’re also still quite good at reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with a patient’s disease. Physical therapy approaches involve minimal downtime and may be tweaked to ensure that everyone, from infants to elders, is safe to utilize.

3. Physical therapists work with their patients to help them achieve their full functional mobility, capacity, and performance.

A physical therapist helps patients improve coordination, core stability, endurance, agility, and any other physical skills that they can carry over into their sports, work, hobbies, and everyday life.

This is essential for young active people who are looking to improve performance, as well as the older population who are looking to avoid age-related debility.

In other words, our physical therapy team can manage your injury or disease now as well as help prevent injury in the future.

4. Attending physical therapy treatment means you won’t need opioids.

The current national opiate abuse epidemic implies that these potentially dangerous medicines are regularly overprescribed. For the treatment of many types of chronic pain, the CDC recommends physical therapy before narcotics.

Furthermore, physical therapy treatment procedures are “evidence-based,” which means they’ve been put to the test in scientific research studies to prove their safety, efficacy, and usefulness.

5. Physical therapy treatments are customized for the patient.

A typical physical therapy treatment plan is completely personalized for each individual patient. The major emphases of any treatment plan are to address the patient’s particular goals, resolve their impairments, and improve their recovery, functional independence, and long-term health. These aims can be achieved with the use of physical therapy strategies such as:

  • Neuromuscular re-education, such as balance training.
  • Modalities, such as ultrasound, kinesio taping, dry needling, orthotics and prosthetics fitting, electrical stimulation, or diathermy.
  • Manual therapy, such as massage or joint mobilizations.
  • Therapeutic exercises.

After undergoing a thorough examination with your physical therapist, you’ll receive an individualized treatment plan that will aim to accelerate your healing. This plan is modified to meet your specific needs and lifestyle, and it relies on your feedback throughout the process, giving you an active role in your recovery.

Call our office today

We know you’re tired of dealing with chronic pain, day in and day out. Are you prepared to find long-term relief, once and for all? Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our professional physical therapists and get started on your road to recovery!

Sources:
Add-Stretching-to-Your-Daily-Routine.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Stretching

Add Stretching to Your Daily Routine to Improve Your Health

Is it possible to increase your total health, wellness, and quality of life with a few simple physical motions? When it comes to stretching, the answer is unmistakably yes. For this reason, stretching exercises are a common part of physical therapy.

You might be shocked to see how many different ways stretches can benefit you. Here are some of the main reasons why our physical therapist could recommend stretches to help you live a better life.

The importance of stretching

Many common aches and pains stem from tight muscles and poor movement. The key to good health is to keep your body flexible. This helps your circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal systems. When your tissues are flexible, normal blood and lymphatic fluids circulate the body easier, oxygenating your tissues properly. This helps you feel energized, relieves pain, and allows you to perform daily tasks without feeling tired.

Additionally, stretching is necessary for dedicated athletes, weekend warriors, or anyone looking to improve their physical performance. After a workout you may not feel the need to stretch if your muscles aren’t aching or sore.

However, there are several potential effects of not taking the time to stretch correctly after exercise. You might experience stiffness if you’re not stretching adequately. Muscles and tendons that aren’t stretched properly after exercise may be more susceptible to injury.

Stretching has several health benefits

Stretching has a number of advantages for helping your body maintain its health. Stress alleviation is one of the most crucial of these. Everyday life presents you with several challenges, and the accompanying tension can be stored in your muscles.

Tightness, spasms, and chronic discomforts including headaches and neck pain result. Stress causes cortisone and adrenaline, which are “fight or flight” chemicals, to flood your body. These abnormalities can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

viruses and other diseases. Hypertension is yet another dangerous consequence of chronic stress.

Regular stretches help your body release all that pent-up stress. By relaxing and loosening your muscles, you can maintain better control over your blood pressure, avoid chronic muscle pain, and keep your immune system ready for anything.

Stretching and tissue health

Are you used to seeing athletes perform a series of stretches before a tournament or a training session? They’re not just extending for the sake of stretching; they’re attempting to improve their athletic performance while also avoiding injury.

Tissues that are tight, stiff, or unprepared for difficulties may rip, resulting in a strain or sprain that ends your participation prematurely.

Stretches provide a safe, gentle way to work out the kinks and get your tissues ready for action. As you become more limber, you reduce your risk of a soft tissue injury. You’ll find those tissues more capable and responsive as you work or play.

Stretching after your activity is just as beneficial; it prevents your muscles from seizing up and getting stiff once they’re no longer being exerted.

Stretching can improve your mobility

Individuals suffering from chronic pain issues are frequently prescribed various stretching exercises by physical therapists. When you’ve become less mobile owing to conditions like osteoarthritis, stretching is especially important. The less you move your joints, the more likely it is that your muscles and connective tissues will lose length.

This modification ostensibly restricts joint motion even further, putting you in even greater discomfort. Stretches help increase blood flow to troublesome joints and increase your pain-free range of motion when used in conjunction with other physical therapy recommendations like walking, heat therapy, or massage therapy.

Chronic pain syndromes often involve tight muscles. Syndromes such as fibromyalgia and its cousin, myofascial pain syndrome, cause muscle knots that limit muscle motion and trigger referred pain to other parts of the body. Regular stretching can help you “untie those” painful knots.

Ready to get started? Contact us today

There are right ways and wrong ways to stretch. For one thing, different kinds of stretches offer different benefits. Your particular situation might call for active stretches (in which you move a body part with no assistance), passive stretches (in which the body part is held or supported), or both.

Stretches can also hurt you if you perform them incorrectly. Our physical therapist can help you stretch safely and effectively — so contact�our physical therapy center today!

Sources:
Putting-An-End-to-Your-Hip-and-Knee-Pain.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Hip and Knee Pain, Physical Therapy

Putting An End to Your Hip and Knee Pain Naturally

To aid in complex movement, the hips and knees have a multitude of tendons, muscles, and joints linked together. It can be tough to perform daily tasks if you have an injury (and consequent discomfort) in a specific location.

Physical therapy, fortunately, can assist you in a variety of methods in permanently resolving your hip and knee pain. To learn more about how a qualified physical therapist may help you manage your pain, call our office right now.

Common causes of hip and knee pain include

The knees and hips are frequently affected by a variety of disorders. Repetitive motion, acute damage, or chronic disease can all cause these problems. The following are the most common causes of hip and knee pain:

  • Meniscus tears. One of the most frequent knee injuries is patellar tendonitis. A torn meniscus can cause pain, edema, and stiffness ranging from minor to severe. This syndrome can develop as a result of a sudden injury or repeated motions. If you participate in a sport or pastime that requires a lot of turning and twisting of your legs, you’re more likely to tear your meniscus. A torn meniscus can be treated non-surgically by a physical therapist.
  • Bursitis. Bursitis occurs when a small sac of fluid, known as the “bursa,” becomes inflamed. This is often caused by overuse or repetitive injuries. Bursitis can occur in a variety of locations in the body, including the hips and knees. Physical therapy can aid in recovery and the reduction of pain.
  • Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that results in the inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints. This condition can cause knee and hip pain if it develops in those joints. A physical therapist can teach you correct posture and proper movement techniques to protect your joints and relieve arthritic pains.
  • Sprains and strains. Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits, while strains occur when a muscle or tendon is beyond its limits. It is also possible for ligaments to rupture, which can cause pain, bruising, and limited mobility. A physical therapist can help you recover quickly while showing you exercise techniques to reduce pain.

How can physical therapy provide relief?

No matter what condition is causing your hip and knee pain, a physical therapy program can help relieve your pain. There are several treatment methods a physical therapist may use to help limit or relieve both knee and hip pain, including:

  • Ultrasound therapy. A physical therapist may use ultrasound to provide deep heating in the tissues and identify any problem areas.
  • Manual therapy. A physical therapist might use hands-on techniques to reduce pain in your hips and knees, including stretching exercises or a variety of massage techniques.
  • Laser therapy. Laser therapy is increasingly being used in physical therapy for pain management. It can help increase circulation, reduce swelling, and improve the growth and reproduction of cells.
  • Home exercises. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do at home, in order to alleviate your hip and knee pain. Physical therapy techniques can be incorporated into a home exercise program that can become part of your daily routine.
  • Ice and heat therapies. Ice is typically used to reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat is typically used to increase mobility and lessen pain.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Range of motion and strength measurements may be taken during the physical therapy evaluation.

Make an appointment with us today

Physical therapy treatments can help you stay as active and pain-free as possible. To cure your specific ailment, one of our highly-trained physical therapists will build a personalized treatment plan for you.

To schedule an evaluation with a skilled physical therapist, call our office today. Also, learn how physical therapy can help you get rid of your hip and knee discomfort!

Sources:
Do-You-Have-Back-Surgery-On-The-Calendar.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Back Pain, Chronic Pain

Do You Have Back Pain Surgery On The Calendar? Try Physical Therapy First

Back pain is one of the most disabling disorders. Back discomfort, which can range from a mild ache to agonizing, can prevent you from performing ordinary daily things that you used to love. While approximately 80% of persons will suffer from back pain at some point in their life, the methods utilized to relieve it are diverse. Despite this, many people believe that surgery is the best way to cure back pain. Back surgery is a major undertaking that has a significant amount of risk and necessitates months of rehabilitation. Fortunately, surgery isn’t the only way to get rid of back discomfort! Physical therapy can help you to feel better.

Premier Therapy Center wants to give you some things to think about before you go ahead with back surgery. Read this blog and then give our clinic a call to set up an appointment!

Why try PT before surgery?

Many people associate physical therapy with a post-surgical treatment plan. While it does play a vital role in helping patients recover once they have been under the knife, it is also an incredible tool for pain relief. A physical therapist can treat acute pain with manual therapies such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and massage.

However, what most people don’t realize is that pain relief often requires strengthening the structures around the injury, not just treating the injury itself. If you are experiencing back pain, you may need to strengthen your core muscles in your abdomen and legs to help your back find relief.

This process is not a fast one, but a physical therapist can show you exercises that are aimed at relieving your pain!

How can a physical therapist help you before surgery?

If you are already planning on surgery to help alleviate back pain, you may already have a recovery plan that includes physical therapy. What you may not know is that physical therapy is a great way to prepare for surgery as well.

Not only can it improve your cardiovascular function, but physical therapy can also strengthen the muscles and muscle attachments in areas that will already be weakened by surgery. Even a few sessions with a physical therapist have been shown to reduce postoperative care by more than 25 percent. Since most back surgery procedures require long periods of recovery, the idea of cutting it down by a fourth is appealing.

Back pain and physical therapy

If you are already planning on surgery to help alleviate back pain, you may already have a recovery plan that includes physical therapy. What you may not know is that physical therapy is a great way to prepare for surgery as well. Not only can it improve your cardiovascular function, physical therapy can strengthen the muscles and muscle attachments in areas that will already be weakened by surgery.

Even a few sessions with a physical therapist have been shown to reduce postoperative care by more than 25 percent. Since most back surgery procedures require long periods of recovery, the idea of cutting it down by a fourth is appealing.

Your current condition and level of pain will be assessed by a physical therapist. For more information and any imaging studies that are available, they will consult with your surgeon. After that, the physical therapist will devise a therapy plan targeted at providing immediate pain relief while also strengthening the body in preparation for surgery.

If you’ll need your arms for balance, the physical therapist will help you prepare by strengthening your upper body. If you need more core strength to keep your spine’s structures in place, the physical therapist will work with you to strengthen your muscles without causing further harm.

Less pain, better movement

It is important to remember that a physical therapist is an expert in the way the body moves. We have a natural tendency to rest when we are in pain, rather than move. In reality, many people who experience back pain need to learn how to move better.

Physical therapy can help you regain lost movement in your back and legs while decreasing your pain levels. A physical therapist can also show you how to prevent further injury in your daily life by teaching you how to bend, lift, stretch, sit, stand, or walk in ways that relieve your back pain.

Consult with a physical therapist today

A physical therapist will evaluate your current condition and pain level. They will consult with your surgeon for more information and any imaging studies that are available.

The physical therapist will then create a treatment plan aimed at immediate pain relief and strengthening the body in preparation for surgery. If you will need the use of your arms for balance, the physical therapist will help you strengthen your upper body in preparation.

If you need better core strength to hold the structures of your spine in place, the physical therapist will work on strengthening your muscles without causing additional damage!

Whether you are considering surgery or already have a surgical date, call our office to schedule a free physical therapy consultation and start experiencing relief.

Sources:
Is-a-Herniated-Disc-The-Culprit.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Aches & pains, Back Pain, Sciatica

Is a Herniated Disc The Culprit of Your Back Pain?

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to see our physical therapist. In fact, it’s the most common cause of pain in the United States. Back pain can be caused by a variety of medical disorders, but herniated discs are the most common cause.

It is estimated that about 60-80% of people will experience some level of lower back pain in their lives, and many may experience the issue due to a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but they are most common in the lower back. Other terminology for a herniated disc that physical therapy patients may be familiar with include “protruding disc,” “ruptured disc,” and “bulging disc.”

Nevertheless, the treatment for a herniated disc remains the same. While they can be very painful, our licensed physical therapists can help patients of all ages find fast relief and learn to manage their pain with regular physical therapy appointments.

Signs you may have a herniated disc

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary, depending on where the injured disc is located. Some of the most common symptoms people experience with a herniated disc include:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.
  • Weakness in the legs.
  • Pain when bending or twisting.
  • Pain that intensifies when bending, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

You may have a herniated disc if you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms. Physical therapy, fortunately, can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc or any other type of back discomfort.

To treat the discomfort before it worsens, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible.

Reasons for herniated discs

When you are young, your spinal discs have a high water-content level, made up of almost 80% water. However, as you age, the water content in your spinal discs lowers. This causes the discs to become less pliable, thus increasing the risk of tears or other defects.

Spinal discs are soft, rubbery cushions that sit between the bony vertebrae that help to support the spine. They’re made up of a thick cartilage outer ring and an interior gel-like substance that acts as a shock absorber. Your spinal discs assist in protecting your spinal cord and the delicate nerves in your back by allowing you to bend your back easily.

If the cartilage in your spinal disc somehow tears or develops a defect, the inner gel-like substance, also known as the “nucleus,” can break through. This bulging or herniation can then put pressure on the nerves, resulting in intense pain. In fact, even small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs in the lower back can be especially painful because they press against the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. The sciatic nerve is made up of many spinal nerve branches that run down the leg from the spine. Pain can spread from the buttocks area, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot if the sciatic nerve is pinched. Fortunately, physical therapy can help to alleviate the discomfort produced by this illness.

Some of the other common causes of herniated discs include:

  • Traumatic injury.
  • Repetitive twisting movements.
  • Heavy or incorrect lifting.
  • Excessive body weight or obesity.
  • High-impact sports.

How does physical therapy decrease herniated disc pain?

Physical therapy is a pain treatment option that is both safe and non-invasive, and it is meant to help patients of all ages heal from the inside out.

Our expert physical therapists can ease back pain, reduce inflammation, boost blood flow, and restore range of motion by applying tailored physical therapy treatments.

A physical therapist’s active treatments address joint mobility, stability, flexibility, strength, and posture. To strengthen the back muscles, a physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises.

To improve and condition the body, you’ll also participate in body muscle exercises. In addition, you will be taught flexibility exercises and proper strengthening techniques by a physical therapist.

If you have back pain, know that you can turn to physical therapy for help. A physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area.

Get to the root of your pain today

If you’re living with back pain, know that you’re not alone. There are treatment options available to help you! Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and highly-trained physical therapists, and learn more about how our services can benefit you.

Sources:
Get-Rid-of-Hip-and-Knee-Pain.jpg
By manish 0 Comments Hip and Knee Pain

Get Rid of Hip and Knee Pain With The Help of A PT!

If you’ve been dealing with hip and knee discomfort for a long time, you may believe it’s permanent. After all, is there any way to gain long-term relief from severe joint pain?

You can, and physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to do so! You can reduce – and potentially even eliminate – the discomfort in your hips and knees with the correct physical therapy treatments.

Call our clinic today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you beat the hip and knee pain blues!

Common causes of hip and knee pain

Hip and knee pain can be caused by a great number of problems. Some of these are related to musculoskeletal misalignment, poor posture, and/or excess weight; others occur as the result of natural aging or unhealthy sports/work habits. Your hip or knee pain may stem from:

  • Runner’s knee, an instability of the kneecap
  • Osteoarthritis, a painful inflammatory condition involving deteriorated joint cartilage
  • Tendinitis, or stretched ligaments
  • Bursitis, an inflammation of the friction-reducing sacs surround the joints
  • Infections
  • Traumatic injuries, such as dislocation of the joint
  • Postural/alignment issues that throw your body off balance, straining the knees or hips

Our physical therapist can usually detect what’s causing your hip or knee pain just by looking at it. A problem with the bones or cartilage, for example, is more likely to create pain along the interior of the hip. An issue with the muscles, tendons, or ligaments on the outside side is the most common cause of pain.

Some other causes of hip and knee pain below:

  • Knee Pain – Injuries that include torn cartilage or damaged ligaments can cause knee pain. Fractures, tendinitis, and knee bursitis are all common knee injuries. Medical conditions such as arthritis or gout can cause mild to severe knee pain. You may be experiencing stiffness or swelling in one or both knees. It might be difficult to stand, walk, or fully straighten your knee. Sometimes knees will make popping or crunching noises.
  • Hip Pain – Hip pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions as well as from certain injuries. Inflamed tendons from over-exertion or an athletic injury can cause temporary or chronic hip pain. Tendinitis, dislocation, sprains, and pinched nerves can all contribute to or be the cause of hip pain. Hip pain may also result from repetitive injuries or poor posture.

All the ways PT can benefit you

Hip and knee discomfort can be quite annoying; it appears that no matter what you do, if you move, you will be in agony. However, there are techniques to lessen your suffering in the long run.

Physical therapy has been shown to help patients of all ages and backgrounds reduce hip and knee pain. It may require some time and effort on your part, but it has been proven time and time again to assist patients of all ages and backgrounds reduce hip and knee pain.

How can physical therapy provide such long-lasting pain relief? There are several causes for this, including:

  • Preventing future injuries.�One of the big frustrations with joint pain is that it never seems to fully go away. Even if you rest for a while and feel better, when you go out and start moving again the injury can flare up all over again. But with physical therapy exercises, you get much stronger than you were before. The added strength allows your muscles to better support your joints, so you are less likely to experience additional irritation in the joint.
  • Discovering how to move in the proper ways.�Many times the pain you are experiencing in your hip and knee is related to unhealthy movement patterns. They may have been learned over time or in response to an initial injury. Those unhealthy movements cause added strain on your joints and lead to further pain and injuries. Your physical therapist will help identify unhealthy movement patterns and give you advice to replace those patterns with ones that will protect your joints from further injury.
  • Helping you live a healthy and active life.�Chronic hip and knee pain can be improved significantly through regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Of course, you have to be able to move without significant pain to exercise – something that is made much easier by physical therapy. Your physical therapist can help you improve your hip and knee pain significantly and teach you ways to exercise so that you avoid injuring your joints. Through physical therapy, you can regain strength and mobility so that you can lead a more active lifestyle.
  • Treating your problem at its root.�If you just treat the symptoms of a hip and/or knee issue, you are almost guaranteed to see the problem pop up again later on. But if you can identify the source of the problem, you can actually treat what is causing the pain. Physical therapists have a process to identify the causes of hip and knee pain�so that they can give you targeted treatments designed to get to the bottom of what is causing your pain.

Find relief with us today

We want you to know that we are here to help if you are experiencing hip or knee pain. Our physical therapy experts can assist you in both acute and long-term pain relief.

Make an appointment with your physical therapy team now to start getting the relief you deserve!