Category: Natural Pain Relief

Physical Therapy Clinic in West BloomfieldBlogNatural Pain Relief
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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!

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief

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

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

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

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

How are balance and core strength related?

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

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

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

How can my balance benefit from physical therapy treatments?

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

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

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

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

Let us help you strengthen your core today

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

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By manish 0 Comments Back Pain, Joint Stiffness and Pain, Natural Pain Relief

5 Tips For Increasing Energy and Decreasing Chronic Pain

You know how limiting pain can be if you live with it. Fortunately, you can reduce your discomfort while also raising your energy levels by making a few simple lifestyle modifications. When you combine these exercises with your physical therapy treatments, you may help yourself heal from discomfort and achieve the physical goals you’ve set for yourself.

To find out more about how we can help you increase your energy and decrease your pain, contact�Premier Therapy Center today!

How can I improve my energy levels and experience less discomfort?

1. Practice a nutritional diet.

The food you eat is what fuels you throughout the day. Certain foods can provide you with more energy, in addition to relieving the pain you feel. A few of these include:

  • Cherries. Cherries increase antioxidants, which can relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Ginger. The ginger plant has been known to relieve pain from migraines, as well as muscle aches and nausea. It is typically used as a spice and can be easily sprinkled into a meal.
  • Hot peppers. This spicy treat has been known to relieve arthritis pain. Even if you aren’t a fan of the spice, a serving as small as half a teaspoon could help bring some relief.
  • Salmon. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve neck, back, and joint pain.

2. Relieve your stress.

While we are all aware of the psychological effects of stress, it can also increase physical pain. As a result, it’s critical to carry some stress-relieving tactics in your back pocket for when you need them.

A warm bath is an excellent technique to relieve tension while also soothing sore muscles and joints. Breathing exercises can also aid relaxation by soothing the mind and body. Taking two or three deep breaths and slowly releasing them through your nose is an easy technique.

3. Get a good night’s sleep.

Did you realize that you spend around a third of your life sleeping? As a result, it’s critical to make sure your mattress is the correct fit for you. Your sleeping mattress might have an impact on how your body feels when you’re awake. Because everyone sleeps differently, it’s best to pick a mattress that matches your sleeping style:

  • Soft mattress. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer mattress, as it is easier on their sides.
  • Firm mattress. If you sleep on your back, a medium-to-firm mattress will help with those backaches.
  • Memory foam. If you toss and turn all night, or if you switch positions repeatedly, you may want to try out memory foam. It may help you stay in one place, as it forms to the shape of your body.

4. Boost your endorphins.

When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. It may seem difficult to exercise when you are experiencing aches and pains, but even light movement can provide much-needed relief.

You can also boost your endorphins by sniffing a soothing lavender scent, listening to your favorite music, or even eating chocolate. All around it’s a win/win!

5. Come in for your physical therapy treatments!

At our practice, we have several treatment methods that can help alleviate your pain and increase your energy. We will find where your pain is originating so we can address it at the root, providing you with long-lasting relief. Some common methods we employ for pain relief include:

  • Aquatic therapy. Water can stimulate nerves and provide resistance for exercise and strength training. It allows for easier movement, which can ease the stress on your body.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound produces sound waves that can assist in blocking pain signals to the brain.
  • Ice and heat therapies. Heat works to warm the muscles and tendons, making movement easier and less painful. Ice works to reduce inflammation, also providing soothing pain relief.
  • Massage therapy. A physical therapist is highly educated on painful areas of the body. Through massage, he or she can manipulate your painful muscles and joints, thus reducing inflammation and providing relief.

Call Premier Therapy Center today to schedule an appointment!

By implementing some of these tips into your daily life, you should notice a boost in energy, as well as a decrease in pain. If you’re living with a chronic condition, it’s a good idea to let our clinic know so that we can assist you with getting back up on your feet iwth the least amount of discomfort.

To get more help, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We’ll help you achieve your physical goals so you can live the life you want!

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By manish 0 Comments Natural Pain Relief

6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Provide Pain Relief Without Medication

Have you found yourself unable to enjoy your daily routine because of pain? Do you think you’re still suffering from the effects of a previous injury or degenerative condition that calls for constant pain management? If so, you might find that your “go-to” pain relief technique comes in the form of medication. However, prescription drugs pose threats of their own to your health!

Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to receive pain relief. Contact our office to learn more about this type of treatment, and find out how physical therapy can benefit you the most!

Why Don’t I Need Drugs With Physical Therapy?

There is an opioid epidemic going on in our country. While it’s true that drugs give quick relief from many forms of pain, that relief is only temporary. Drugs can harm you just as much as they can help you, and the most obvious example of this is addiction to opioids. Opioid dependence has become a real life nightmare right before our eyes, and many people have unfortunately lost their lives due to overdose.

Even over-the-counter medications can be dangerous: aspirin can cause internal bleeding if taken too often for too long, and other popular drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause severe damage to the organs.

You might be wondering “If I shouldn’t take those, what am I supposed to do to stop the pain?” That’s where physical therapy comes in! Physical therapy can provide the pain relief you’re looking for without forcing you to risk drug dependence or side effects. One of the best things about physical therapy is that it can address your pain symptoms as well as the underlying cause of your pain. Physical therapists can do thorough evaluations to figure out exactly what is ailing you. Then they can provide a mix of therapeutic techniques to help ease your pain, such as:

  • Exercises and stretches to loosen tight muscles, strengthen weakened areas, and increase your range of motion
  • Stress management recommendations to help you avoid unnecessary physical tension
  • Manual therapies such as massage to release internal scar tissue or painful muscle knots
  • Postural corrections and exercises to reduce nerve impingement problems and symptoms

When Does Pain Become Chronic Pain?

Everyone experiences pain. It’s a normal part of being alive! Pain is your body’s natural warning system, and it’s a very important and useful asset under the right circumstances. When you experience pain, your nerve signals are alerting you to a problem that requires attention, from an infected area or traumatic injury to joint or overuse of a particular muscle group. This is especially true of acute pain. Sensations of pain and stiffness discourage you from using an injured body part while it’s healing, and once the condition resolves on its own or receives treatment, the pain goes away.

However, in many cases, pain can linger for months (or even years) after your body has done all it can to heal or address the underlying problem. This is chronic pain, and it affects roughly 116 million people in the U.S. alone. Chronic pain might plague you constantly, or it may come and go in bouts that last for weeks at a time.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can develop for a variety of reasons. The most common causes and types of chronic pain include some of the following.

  • Joint disorders – One example of a joint disorder is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that can cause chronic pain.
  • Neuropathy – Nerve damage, disease, or impingement can cause pain as well as numbness, tingling, and other unpleasant symptoms.
  • Chronic strain – Overuse of a joint can damage your tissues faster than they can repair themselves, causing chronic strain and inflammation.
  • Stress – Chronic emotional stress can lead to unremitting physical tension and pain.
  • Post-injury/surgery pain – Internal scar tissue may form after an injury or operation. This formation can interfere painfully with normal muscle and connective tissue motion.
  • Muscle knots and spasms – Chronic tension due to a physical imbalance or systemic disorder can leave you with painful muscle knots known as trigger points.

If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, it’s important to contact a physical therapist’s office as soon as possible for an assessment. The sooner you see a therapist, the quicker you’ll be back up and running!

Call Our Office Today To Schedule An Appointment

If you’re ready for a pain management solution that doesn’t come from a pill bottle, it’s time to call in the professionals. Contact Premier Therapy Centers today to learn more about our non-invasive, safe, and effective pain management options. We’ll have you feeling like your old self in no time at all!

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief, Nutrition, Physical Therapy

Dealing With Pain and Inflammation? Here’s How Eating Healthy Can Help.

A Proper Diet Could Be Your Key to a Pain-Free Life

Maintaining a healthy diet plays a vital part of any physical therapy routine. Proper nutrition is important, especially if you deal with chronic inflammation and pain. Eating the right foods can help your body recover from many different painful conditions.

Reducing stress, eating healthy meals, and getting regular exercise all work together to decrease pain. If you are interested in learning more about how to adjust your daily routine to improve your condition, contact Premier Therapy Centers to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists.

What Is Inflammation Caused By? Is It Normal?

If you are feeling pain in any area of your body, it is safe to say that there is probably inflammation in that location. Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process, and it is also our immune response to getting sick or being injured. Your immune system is triggered whenever you receive a wound, have tissue damage, or an infection in your body. An injury cannot heal without inflammation, as crazy as that sounds!

However, if inflammation continues for too long, it can become a chronic condition, and you will need to see a physical therapist about it to discuss treatment options. Your physical therapist will be able to get the issue under control so that you do not suffer from worse outcomes, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more.

Common methods of dealing with inflammation include cutting down on exercise and physical activity and taking medication. However, not getting enough exercise can put you in a worse position than you were in before the inflammation began.

Medications can also cause unpleasant side effects. Your physical therapist will be able to show you simple stretches and exercises to relieve pain, and also teach you about how diet and proper nutrition can benefit you more in the long run.

What Does An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Consist Of?

Inflammation does not have to rule your life. One of the best ways to combat inflammation? Taking a trip to your local grocery store! Patients report being able to successfully reverse their symptoms by eating healthy, anti-inflammatory diets.

Since the body is busy purifying itself during the inflammation process, eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods that complement the removal of toxins can help speed that up! Some dietary suggestions include:

  • Avoiding Red Meat: Proteins in red meat require your kidneys to do a lot of extra work to process it. This slows your healing process way down if red meat is prominent in your diet! If you want to reduce inflammation, it’s important to cut back on how much steak, beef, sausage, bacon, and other red meats you’re having. Your maximum limit should be a single serving of red meat once a week. You don’t have to do away with meat altogether though — fish and chicken are fine for an anti-inflammatory diet! They go great with vegetables too.
  • Loading Up On Greens & Veggies: Vegetables are a necessary component of any healthy diet, but especially to an anti-inflammatory one. All vegetables are good to add to your plate, but Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are the best options.
    • It is also a good idea to load up on raw vegetables each day, preferably nine servings. If nine servings of veggies seem like a lot to you, no problem! You can substitute fruit for some of those servings to give yourself some variety. Limiting the number of processed foods you’re taking in will help immensely with inflammation.
  • Cutting Back on Dairy & Grains: There is no surprise eating tons of dairy products and grains like pasta and rice isn’t good for you. Avoid simple carbs and sugars as much as possible to make your immune response strong. That means no pastries, no white bread, and no donuts, which might feel like a struggle in the beginning, but your body will thank you for it later!
    • You can still have whole grains such as barley, oats, wheat, and brown rice. Dairy products should be limited as well, so make sure to cut back on cheese and milk. Opting for nut milk, such as almond or cashew, is a good idea.

Additional Ways To Reduce Inflammation

You should notice a dramatic improvement in your pain and inflammation symptoms pretty quickly after beginning (and sticking to) the dietary recommendations above. Another great way to combat inflammation is by losing excess weight, so that will also help.

Make sure to work daily exercise into your routine, and take time out of your day to manage your stress. Go on a long walk with your dog in the park, take up a yoga class, and consult your physical therapist about proper stretching techniques to reduce inflammation.

Contact Premier Therapy Centers today if you suffer from pain and inflammation. We can make an appointment for you to meet with a physical therapist and learn more about pain management, and how to get back to living a pain-free lifestyle.

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy

How to Stay Active When You Have a Desk Job

At Premier Therapy Centers, we see hard-working patients who want to excel in their careers and provide for their families—but it’s hard to do that when dealing with an injury. Unfortunately, many people eventually realize that it’s the sedentary nature of their job that’s directly impacting their health and job performance.

Everyone needs to move a lot throughout the day. But if you sit for the majority of your work day, it’s essential to find a way to get moving more frequently. Not only will regular movement help mitigate the risks associated with excessive sedentary behavior (like back pain, obesity, and even heart disease), but research suggests it can also increase your productivity, mental focus, and job satisfaction.

Need some tips to stay moving? Check out these helpful ideas from our physical therapist staff.

Here’s How to Move More If You Sit at a Desk for Work

  • Do mini “workouts” throughout the day. At least once per hour, pause what you’re doing and take a few minutes to run through some simple exercises or stretches. These can be done in the privacy of your own office or even out in the open (hey—maybe you’ll inspire your co-workers!). Ask a physical therapist to provide you with an individualized program that can address your specific needs and be tailored to your job duties.
  • Drink water. Staying well-hydrated on the job offers multiple benefits: it helps your tissues and joints stay healthy, it improves focus, it eases headaches, and yes—it will make you need to get up more frequently to use the bathroom!
  • Use the building to your advantage. Come up with ways to move more on and around your work area. Can you park farther away from the building? Allocate 10 minutes of your lunch break to a brisk walk around the campus or neighborhood? Take the stairs instead of the elevator? Walk down the hall to chat with your colleague or employee instead of sending an email or text?
  • Wear a pedometer. Research shows that wearing a simple pedometer (you can find super inexpensive options online and in sports retail stores) helps increase the number of steps you take per day. This kind of objective data can be inspiring and get you to move more frequently than you may otherwise. You may even consider getting some colleagues to join the “pedometer club” and create a little friendly competition to see who can get the most steps in throughout a typical workday or week!
  • Get nagging injuries addressed. It’s hard to stay focused and comfortable at work if you’re in pain. And while we know that sitting for longer than 7 to 8 hours per day is associated with health problems, sometimes the idea of increasing your physical activity can seem like a huge obstacle. By consulting with a physical therapist, you can get underlying health problems diagnosed and managed. Our therapists use non-invasive, evidence-based techniques that work with your body’s natural healing power—it’s not just about masking the pain! Doctors of physical therapy can also prescribe expert guidance on ergonomic improvements around your office and can help you maximize your posture, core strength, and other elements of health so you can function better while on and off the clock.
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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief, Nutrition

If you don’t think nutrition has an effect on your aches and pains, think again.

If you have chronic pain, have you ever considered that your nutrition choices could be making your aches and pains better—or worse?

Scientific evidence shows that the things we eat can influence our experience of pain—whether by alleviating an underlying health condition or exacerbating it. Our physical therapist team is happy to educate our patients about ways to make smarter choices in their diets so their physical therapy treatment plan will be more effective overall. We encourage you to call Premier Therapy Centers today if you’d like to set up an appointment with a physical therapist and see how your food can help with your mood and function.

Creating A “Pain-Free” Plate—3 Tips to Improve Your Nutrition

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition, but the following suggestions are good places to start:

1. Avoid foods that promote inflammation.

Chronic inflammation has been linked with everything from arthritis to Alzheimer’s disease. Foods known to promote damaging inflammation in the body include dairy, gluten, trans fats, and perhaps the most notorious of all—sugar.

Eliminating or minimizing these pro-inflammatory foods from your diet is one of the best ways to help reduce your chronic pain. Keep in mind that if you eat these things regularly and then take a “diet vacation” from them, you may actually notice a brief flare-up of your pain and other symptoms like headaches, food cravings, and irritability. This can happen if your body is so used to having these substances in your body that removing them causes withdrawal-like symptoms! Fortunately, most people see these issues resolve within a week or two.

2. Consume plenty of healthy fats.

Omega-3 fatty acids—found in foods like fish, eggs, and nuts—decrease inflammation and promote a healthier gut and immune system, all of which can lead to improved pain management. Eating more of these foods and adding a high quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement is essential for people with chronic pain. This is especially true since many of us consume too little omega-3 and too much omega-6, which is found in things like vegetable oils. In fact, the standard American diet has a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which has been shown to promote inflammation. Increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption helps normalize this ratio and will improve tissue health throughout the body.

Other nutrients that help reduce inflammation include antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins and minerals like magnesium and Vitamin C, which are rich in foods leafy green vegetables and berries.

3. Drink More Water!

Our bodies are mostly water, and we need to be replenishing ourselves sufficiently throughout the day to replace the water we lose with movement, metabolism, sweating, and other basic physiological functions. Drinking enough water can also keep your tissues healthy and may help reduce stiffness in your joints. So in addition to consuming water-rich foods like veggies and fruits, it’s also important to drink filtered or spring water regularly.

How much is enough? Aim for about one-third to one-half of your body weight in fluid ounces per day, but you may need more or less depending on your health, activity, and environment.

Ready to See How Nutrition Choices Can Improve Your Pain?

If you want help dishing up healthy and pain-relieving meals that can enhance your injury recovery or chronic pain condition, contact�Premier Therapy Centers today and schedule an appointment. We’d be happy to offer you comprehensive and customized guidance.

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By manish 0 Comments Chronic Pain, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy

NO MORE OPIOIDS! Seek help from a physical therapist.

Are you taking opioids to relieve pain? The National Institutes of Health states that the number of adults in the United States suffering from pain related health conditions has dramatically increased in recent years. Pain can substantially affect your ability to engage in even basic daily activities. You may feel that taking opioids to relieve the pain is your only choice. There are other options available, including physical therapy, that can help you live a pain-free life. Call Premier Therapy Centers to learn more about how we can help you reduce or completely eliminate your opioid use.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a group of pain medications that work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.

The perception of pain is then dulled or eliminated. They are also classified as narcotics.

Sometimes opioids are prescribed for pain when recovering from an injury or after a surgical procedure. There are several types of opioids that are often prescribed for pain.

  • Oxycodone
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Morphine

These are also sometimes sold under brand names such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet.

They can be administered in a variety of ways. They are often taken in pill form but can also be taken by IV, an injection, nasal sprays, skin patches, or even as lozenges. It’s extremely important that opioids, no matter what type or brand, only be taken as directed under a doctor’s supervision. While they may temporarily eliminate physical pain, they aren’t ideal for long-term use.

Causes and Symptoms of Opioid Use

You may have been in an accident that left you experiencing chronic pain. Certain health conditions may also increase the likelihood of recurring pain. While opioids are effective for treating pain, they have the potential to be highly addictive. The longer these medications are used, the greater the tolerance an individual has for them. When an individual takes greater amounts of an opioid to receive the same effects, this can increase the risk of overdose.

Side-effects and symptoms of opioid use include nausea, constipation, and sleepiness.

Long-term symptoms related to excessive opioid use could include impaired memory, inability to concentrate, or increased drowsiness. Individuals may experience increased cravings for the medication when they stop taking it. Life-threatening symptoms associated with an overdose may include slowed heart rate, shallow breathing, and unconsciousness.

How Physical Therapy Helps

It’s always better to treat the source of pain than to mask it or simply treat symptoms. A physical therapist may be able to help you reduce or even eliminate the amount of pain you’re experiencing. This can help you reduce your reliance on opioids. Whether your pain is the result of an injury or a medical condition, a physical therapy treatment program may be able to help. A therapist can evaluate your individual condition and create a program designed to treat your specific needs.

According to Move Forward, there are several specific ways physical therapy can reduce pain. A therapist can prescribe exercises to improve muscle tone, increase flexibility, and help you move more effectively, which can all help reduce pain. Manual therapy and dry needling may be able to ease pain in your joints and soft tissues. Physical therapy can also be used before and after a surgical procedure to eliminate any potential pain. Contact Premier Therapy Centers to learn more about how physical therapy can reduce your pain and eliminate your need for opioid medication.

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy

How to stay active when you have a desk job

How much time do you spend in a chair or on a couch?

Did you realize that sitting for 6-8 hours per day—or watching 3-4 hours of television—has been shown to increase the risk of chronic illness and early death? It’s stunning research, especially considering that the average American sits as much as 12 hours per day!

Sitting too much is simply hard on the body. Excessive sedentary behavior—common and seemingly “unavoidable” if you have a desk job—can increase the risk for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and other types of work-related musculoskeletal injuries.

At our physical therapy clinic, it’s our mission to help people move better and feel better—and minimizing chair time is a huge part of this. Talk to our physical therapist at Premier Therapy Centers staff if you’d like to set up an appointment and get going on a treatment plan that will help you start feeling (and standing) better than ever.

In the meantime, check out these tips for increasing your physical activity during your workday.

Stay Active at Work—A 5-Step Cheat Sheet to Get out of That Seat

1. Have Your Meetings in Motion

Instead of holding your meeting or phone calls while sitting in a boardroom, see if it’s possible to take that appointment on the move and talk while you walk. Bonus: walking has been shown to boost creativity and problem solving.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking at least one third to one half your body weight in fluid ounces per day can keep your body properly hydrated. It’ll also force you to get out of your chair more, because you’ll find yourself needing to relieve yourself more often!

Keep a stainless steel or glass water bottle handle, drink regularly, and thank your body for the frequent signals that are sending you to the bathroom.

3. Get an Adjustable Sit to Stand Set-Up

Many companies now offer sit to stand desks because they’ve seen the research: employees who get to stand more may experience increased job satisfaction, alertness, and productivity—while also reducing their risk for the physical effects of “sitting disease.”

Even if you can’t get an adjustable desk for your office, it may be possible to make your own DIY version with some sturdy boxes and other material. Get creative…and don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor or office manager about investing in adjustable desks or attachments.

4. Take the Stairs

Physical activity may not be able to offset all the negative effects of sitting too much, but it may help some. Meeting the American Heart Association’s minimum recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise is important, but those “non-exercise” activities add up, too.

So: park farther away from the office, take the stairs, and if necessary, talk to a physical therapist about custom orthotics and other strategies to make activity more comfortable.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Wear a pedometer to track your steps and motivate you to get up and move around the office more often. Also, consider setting a timer to go off once per hour to alert you when it’s time to take a break from sitting and get out of your chair.

The bottom line: sitting for too long just isn’t good for your body or your lifespan. Our physical therapy staff can help you manage an injury or condition that has limited your standing tolerance, and get you on your feet with greater confidence. Call Premier Therapy Centers today to schedule an appointment!

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By manish 0 Comments Health and Wellness, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy

Try a Natural Treatment! How Physical Therapy Can Help You Live Without Pain Meds

By any reasonable standards, ours is a highly medicated society. Scan any grocery store or pharmacy aisle and you’ll see all kinds of over-the-counter painkilling drugs. Doctors routinely write prescriptions for heavier pain relievers, including the opioid drugs that have become a national abuse nightmare. If you’re tired of suffering from chronic pain but you’re not ready to turn your body into an ongoing chemistry experiment, you’ll be happy to know that physical therapy can give you safer, healthier, longer-lasting pain relief. Let’s explore how this form of natural treatment could make all the difference in your quality of life.

A Healthy Alternative to Opioid, Steroid and NSAID Use

If you follow the media at all, you’ve heard about the serious dangers of opioid medications. These narcotics, which include both prescription medicines and illicit drugs, kill at least 115 Americans every day via overdose. Opioids are not only tremendously powerful and have the potential for dangerous interactions with other drugs, they frequently lead to addiction as well. Another class of prescription painkillers, steroids, can also pose risk and dangers. Epidural steroid injections to relieve pain can contribute to cataracts, arthritis in the hips, elevated blood sugar, stomach ulcers, and nerve damage from the injection itself. Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can cause stomach bleeding and liver problems — and they offer only temporary pain relief.

Physical therapy may allow you to sweep all of those risks, worries and unpleasant effects aside. While some cases of severe pain might still require some pharmaceutical intervention, physical therapy can help many patients greatly reduce — or even eliminate — their reliance on painkilling medications. Our physical therapist can use a combination of techniques to treat a wide range of painful problems, from acute injuries and post-operative wounds to chronic pain syndromes and conditions. This is especially good news if you’re looking for some form of ongoing chronic pain management that doesn’t involve constant dosages of drugs or if you’re already on essential medications and you worry about their interactions with painkillers.

How Our Physical Therapist Helps You Feel Better

Our physical therapist treats each and every individual on a personal basis since every human body and every condition is different. Your physical therapy pain relief or pain management plan may vary according to your specific problem. If you’re suffering from a recent acute injury, for example, we may use massage therapy, ultrasound, heat, ice and other techniques to ease your pain and jump-start the healing process.

Once you’re safely able to move to exercises, our physical therapist can prescribe gentle stretches, walking, cycling, swimming or other motions to help mobilize your body. These forms of physical therapy are good for helping soft tissues move more easily and comfortably and for keeping arthritic joints mobile and lubricated. Strengthening exercises can rehabilitate damaged muscles so they can perform without pain. Exercises can also help you maintain a straighter posture and ease pain from spinal nerve compression. These techniques work: An 11-year study of chronic pain sufferers showed that regular exercise meant less pain.

Effective physical therapy isn’t just the work of the physical therapist — it also depends on the efforts of the patient. We will take the time to educate you about the nature of your pain and the importance of following your routine faithfully. But it’s still up to you to engage fully in the journey toward pain relief.

Just Say No to Drugs — and Yes to Our Physical Therapist

Drugs aren’t your only pain management option. Contact our physical therapists today to learn more about your natural alternatives!