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Dealing With Lower Back Pain? Here Are 3 Tips To Reduce Your Discomfort

Do you have back discomfort in your lower back? If you have, you are aware of how debilitating it can be. It may appear simple to take medication to relieve pain, but with prescription medication overuse becoming a national epidemic, many people with lower back pain are looking for a more straightforward alternative.

According to a study published in BMC Health Services, physical therapy has been shown to minimize total health costs associated with pain management and to prevent habit-forming reliance on prescription medications.

In fact, your physical therapist will not only help relieve your lower back pain during your sessions, but they can also provide simple pain-relief strategies that you can carry into your daily life.

Our clinic has put together some of the best pain-reducing techniques that you can undertake both at home and during physical therapy. Keep reading to learn what they are, and give us a call when you’re finished to set up your physical therapy appointment.

1. Pay attention to your hamstrings.

While not typically considered by back pain patients, your hamstring muscles can influence whether or not your lower back joints become over-stressed. To compensate for the tightness in the backs of your upper thighs, your lower back has to work extra hard. Stretching your hamstrings lengthens those muscles, which can assist to relieve pain in your lower back, especially if it’s in spasm.

A physical therapy session can assist you in identifying precise stretches for your hamstring muscles and explaining how the two muscles interact. In the meanwhile, try bending over twice a day and reaching for your toes. Reach down without straining, and avoid locking your knees. If you experience any pain during the workout, stop and consult your physical therapist about other hamstring lengthening activities.

2. Alternate between ice and heat remedies.

Using hot and cold compresses or packs alternately on your lower back can assist to relieve pain. It is not required to switch every time if you prefer one remedy over the other, but alternating the two extremes can often help provide a broader variety of benefits.

Heat increases circulation, and when your body receives more blood, your body’s healing properties are activated in the bloodstream. Hot compresses and packs also help to relieve pain by blocking the painful “signals” that go from your lower back nerves to your brain. Cold packs, on the other hand, can help by numbing pain, stopping spasms, and reducing swelling in the affected area.

These ice and heat therapies will be applied by experts during physical therapy. Your physical therapist can also advise you on the best heat and cold treatments for your ailment. Ice packs and heating pads, in general, are fantastic all-around solutions because they are effective, affordable, and widely available.

3. Find a natural balance between your rest and exercise.

In some circumstances, bed rest is a popular first-line treatment for lower back pain. This is especially true if the pain is caused by an injury or re-injury. Resting while applying ice packs is a tried-and-true method of lowering swelling in the first few days. Moving around, on the other hand, is a much better treatment for persistent lower back pain than lying down. Physical activity releases endorphins, which have antidepressant and pain-relieving qualities.

Of course, before talking with your physical therapist, you should not overdo your workouts! Keep it easy by going for a small walk or doing some housework to limber up your back and produce those beneficial endorphins. Wear a brace to support your lower back as you move if it helps to relieve your pain.

Physical therapy is a useful form of exercise. It provides the benefits of exercise as well as the supervision of an expert to ensure that you are employing the right technique and remaining wise. Your physical therapist will be able to advise you about moves that could cause re-injury and will work with you on both flexibility and strength.

These exercises are meant to build up the muscles that support your spine, in order to ease pain on your lower back. They also help provide greater range-of-motion as you work through that back stiffness.

Ready to start eliminating your pain?

Contact�our office now to book a consultation if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to addressing your lower back discomfort. You can begin learning how to make basic modifications that will reduce the severity and frequency of your lower back pain episodes during your first session. Our caring physical therapists will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that you achieve all of your objectives on your path to long-term pain relief!

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When To Seek A Physical Therapist For Sciatica Pain

While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, it can help relieve your pain and speed up the healing process.

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body? It stretches from the lower back down to the legs, ending at the feet. People living with sciatica typically describe their discomfort as “shooting pains,” typically down one side of the body.

It can be hard to determine whether or not your symptoms are in need of a specialist’s intervention, but Premier Therapy Centres in West Bloomfield put together a list of the three most prominent We’ll you’re Don’t therapist’s for your condition.

If you’re struggling to live a normal, comfortable life as a result of sciatica, know that the solution to your pain is just a call away. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

1. What you’re doing at home to manage pain stops working.

You might already be trying these basic home remedies to help alleviate some of your sciatica pain, but when using ice and heat compresses alternately, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees, for example, no longer relieves discomfort and stiffness… there’s a problem.

These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management, but they, unfortunately, do not always work. If your home treatments are having a little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, you should seek the aid of a physical therapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains.

2. You notice your pain getting worse instead of better.

The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Symptoms may include severe shooting pain, weakness or numbness on one side, or the inability to move your feet. If your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder or bowel function, and you may lose control of those functions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with both your primary doctor and your physical therapist to discuss a treatment plan for easing your pain and getting you back to your normal function. Your doctor may also run a number of tests to rule out any other underlying conditions.

3. You suffered an injury that caused sciatica to form.

Your symptoms may worsen over time with moderate sciatica, or they may go away on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms appear suddenly after an injury or trauma (such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, or a hard fall), you should see your doctor and physical therapist very away.

Because these symptoms are the result of a powerful impact surrounding the sciatic nerve, they are likely to be severe, and it is critical to assess the extent of the injury. Physical therapy will almost always be recommended by your primary physician, regardless of the course of treatment he or she advises.

Get a physical therapist’s help today

Are you experiencing pain from sciatica? If this is the case, physical therapy may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us�if you’re ready to get rid of your sciatica problems.

Targeted stretches and exercises will be used in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on increasing range of motion and improving posture to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve and prevent pain from recurring.

We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible!

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You Can Have a Quicker Recovery After Surgery With Pre-Hab!

Do you require surgical intervention? Do you work in a physically demanding job or participate in a physically demanding sport? Is it true that your muscles and joints are weaker than they once were? If you recognize yourself in any of these instances, preventative rehabilitation, sometimes known as “pre-hab,” may be beneficial.

Participating in pre-hab therapies has several advantages. It can help the body heal faster and avoid injuries, all while speeding up recovery time. Pre-hab can be divided into two categories: Pre-hab for injury prevention and pre-hab for surgical recovery are two different types of pre-hab.

Contact our office now to learn more about the numerous types of pre-hab and how it can help you!

Recovery doesn’t have to take months of your time…

Many people are afraid of the long recovery times that come with surgical operations. This is particularly true for people who have had total joint replacements. When faced with the prospect of spending time in a rehabilitation facility, many people put off joint replacement surgery because they are afraid of the long and arduous recovery ahead.

Pre-hab, fortunately, can considerably shorten recovery time. Did you know that participating in preventative rehabilitation can lower your chances of needing inpatient rehab by 73%? You will fulfill your physical milestones much faster after surgery if you are stronger before surgery, reducing your recovery period by days or even weeks.

For example, patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery are typically expected to walk 500-1,000 feet 24 hours after their procedure. This may sound like a difficult task; however, those who participate in pre-hab before their surgery are much more likely to meet this demand than those who do not.

Did you know you can prevent injuries with pre-hab as well?

Pre-hab is a great resource for those prone to injuries, or for those at risk of developing injuries. To figure out where your problem areas are, you will complete a thorough evaluation with your physical therapist�to determine what your treatment plan will consist of. These typically include a combination of exercises, stretches, and pain-relieving techniques that target areas where injuries are likely to occur.

Military personnel, for example, are more likely to suffer foot, knee, hip, and back problems as a result of the rigors of training and combat. Many of these injuries can be avoided with pre-hab, which teaches good posture, core strengthening exercises, and lifting techniques to keep service members strong and healthy. Firefighters, manufacturing workers, and other personnel in physically demanding jobs are in the same boat.

Both pro and amateur athletes can also benefit from pre-hab treatments. Their treatment will focus on targeting poor technique and doing conditioning exercises to correct it. Their physical therapists will also focus more on the areas of their body that are repeatedly stressed and overused by their sport, determining their likelihood of injury and creating a plan to reverse that likelihood.

Through strength and balance training, physical therapy treatments typically aim to increase mobility and pain alleviation. Pre-hab can help you enhance your physical talents while lowering your chance of injury in your activity or employment.

Patients receive the stretches, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving treatments they need for a quick and pain-free recovery during pre-hab.

Schedule an appointment with us today

Are you looking to get started on your very own preventative rehabilitation plan? If so, don’t hesitate to schedule your initial appointment today.

We’ll figure out the best treatment for your specific needs, so we can aid you in your recovery and help you reach your physical goals. Contact us today to begin the first steps!

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Chronic joint pain can be debilitating. Find out how physical therapy can help relieve your aches and pains

Chronic joint pain can last for weeks and even months. Joints are the structures that form the connections between the bones. Joints provide support and assist you in movement. There are many different conditions that can cause chronic joint pain, including bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and strains. Joint pain can occur in any part of the body, but the knee, hip and shoulder are most common.

Physical Therapy for Joint Pain

A physical therapist�can work with you to strengthen the muscles that surround the joint, improve range of motion, stabilize the joint and relieve joint pain. Passive treatments by a physical therapist include cold therapy, heat therapy and hydrotherapy. Cold therapy decreases swelling and helps relieve pain. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the joints and promotes circulation. Hydrotherapy includes exercises in warm water to facilitate motion. Strengthening exercises increase the power of the muscles and can also help alleviate pain. Flexibility exercises help increase movement and restore the joints back to normal function. Depending on the cause of joint pain, a physical therapist may implement soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization. Studies have supported that these types of manual therapy are beneficial for those suffering with joint pain.

Causes of Chronic Joint Pain

“Osteoarthritis and joint disorders rank among the most common conditions for visits to health care providers, according to a new Mayo Clinic Proceedings study. Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disorder caused by gradual loss of cartilage. Cartilage loss results in the development of bony spurs and cysts at the surface and margins of the joints, which leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness, limited movement and possible deformity of the joint.” Osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic joint pain.

Bursitis is a medical condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs. These sacs are known as bursae. They are the cushions of the joints. It often occurs from repetitive motion. The bursae becomes inflamed and causes joint pain. Bursitis often occurs in the elbow, shoulder and hip. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles in the affected area and eases the pain from bursitis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects joints in the hands, knees, feet, wrists, shoulders and ankles. Enzymes attack the body’s tissues and destroy the linings of the joints. The end result is stiffness, pain, swelling and reduced movement. Physical therapy can help ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and even slow the progression of this disease.

Chronic joint pain can also be due to psoriatic arthritis. This skin condition is characterized by joint swelling, stiffness and pain. The immune system attacks the joints in psoriatic arthritis. It often occurs in the finger and toe joints but can occur in the back and knees.

No matter what the cause of joint pain, physical therapy can help you manage the pain and increase joint function. A physical therapist will create an individualized treatment plan depending on the cause of your joint pain. Physical therapy has helped hundreds with chronic joint pain and can help you, too.

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Got A Scheduled Surgery? Plan On Physical Therapy Before & After!

Do you have a scheduled surgery on the books? If so, it’s a wise idea to work with a physical therapist both before and after surgery to optimize your outcome and recovery!

Working with a physical therapist prior to your operation — sometimes referred to as “prehab” — can help you to prepare emotionally and physically for the surgery.

After your operation is finished, physical therapy can help to ensure a speedy and full recovery. If you have an upcoming surgery planned, contact us to learn more about how physical therapy can help you with both preparation and recovery.

Chronic pain can keep you from doing almost everything you enjoy. It can hinder your ability to play sports, to have fun outside with your friends, to get a good night’s sleep, and even from doing your job. So, what are you supposed to do about it? What can possibly be done to improve your quality of life, besides taking prescription medication? Our highly trained physical therapist at  Premier Therapy Center will create a therapy treatment plan that is best for you.

The benefits of physical therapy after surgery

A physical therapist has many tools and techniques at their disposal, and they are trained specifically in the best methods to help you recover from an injury or surgery. Your work with a physical therapist can begin soon after your surgery — perhaps on the same day! Of course, this depends on the type of operation that you have undergone.

A physical therapy exercise plan will be tailored toward gradually rebuilding your strength, without the risk of tearing any sutures or reinjuring yourself.

Your therapist can teach you the proper ways for getting in and out of bed, using mobility assistance devices, getting dressed, and using the restroom. From there, physical therapy will involve helping you with recovery and getting back to a normal life.

You may also participate in water-based training sessions in a pool, to reduce strain on muscles recovering from surgery. Your therapist might also teach you some assisted exercises in which your caretaker/helper at home can aid you in moving your limbs to contract muscles — without straining or reinjuring anything.

You’ll be taking it easy for a while after surgery, and therapy will make sure you don’t injure yourself during recovery. Sit tight, because you probably won’t be heading into a gym for heavy weightlifting sessions after surgery, followed by a 10-mile run on a treadmill!

How can physical therapy help me before surgery?

You might be thinking “Physical therapy before surgery? How in the world could that benefit me!” We’ll tell you!

Surgery is a frightening necessity for many people. They need to have the operation to improve their health in some fashion, but the idea of being placed under anesthetic and operated on is still something that can make a person very uncomfortable. Working with a physical therapist beforehand can help alleviate these fears. In addition, you will have a good plan in place for your recovery after the surgery.

Working with a physical therapist before surgery can help you get ready for modifications you will have to make during your recovery period. For example, your therapist can get you ready for moving around your home, your eventual return to work, and riding in a car.

They’ll also provide you with a post-operative exercise plan that won’t harm your recovery. Your therapist can also recommend assistive devices that you may need after surgery, such as a cane or walker.

Part of the prehab work with a physical therapist may involve recommendations for setting up a “recovery zone” in your home. For example, if your bedroom is on the second floor of your home, you might want to set up a bedroom or resting area on the first floor, to avoid having to use the stairs frequently after surgery.

Kitchen items that you might need to reach should be placed on lower shelves ahead of time, within easy reach. Physical therapy will be important for your recovery, but so will therapeutic rest. Have an area of your home prepared where you can comfortably sit, rest, and relax.

Contact our clinic today for help

Going into surgery as strongly as possible reduces the risk of surgical complications. Plus, a pre-operative physical therapy session or two can also give you a chance to practice the post-operative exercises you’ll be expected to do during your rehabilitation, learn how to move with any new weight-bearing precautions or mobility restrictions you’ll have after surgery, and overall make you a better educated and more well-informed patient!

To learn more about how physical therapy at our clinic can help you prepare for surgery and aid in a healthy, safe recovery afterward, contact Premier Therapy Center to schedule an appointment.

2. Physical therapists can empower you to be your best self

Physical therapist’s are in it with you for the long haul! When you work with a physical therapist, he or she becomes a partner in your healing and health. By teaching you exercises, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle modifications, breathing techniques, and safer ways to function in your daily life, your therapist can empower you to prevent recurring issues and optimize your overall health.

When you’re able to go about your day with less pain, greater strength, and improved function, you gain more independence and confidence as well!

3. Physical therapy provides safe, holistic pain relief.

Physical therapy has been proven by research studies to be effective for alleviating chronic joint pain and may even help you cut down on your medication (with your doctor’s supervision, of course).

Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative to pain-relieving medications like opioids? It’s true. Physical therapy offers long-term pain relief, unlike prescription medications, and there is no threat of fatal overdose with an exercise plan, either.

Your physical therapist will employ non-invasive modalities like electrical stimulation, diathermy, or ultrasound used by physical therapists can alleviate spasms and naturally block pain signals. This kind of short-term pain relief is valuable because it helps you participate in rehabilitation exercises and get better sleep, which we know is important for overall health and stress relief.

Call our clinic today for more information

Are you being plagued with chronic pain and growing tired of searching for relief? If you’re nodding your head, it’s time to see what physical therapy can do for your condition.

Contact Premier Therapy Centers today to schedule an appointment and get on the road to a life free from pain.

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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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