Have You Been Waking Up Feeling Achy? If So, You’re Not Alone

Did You Know Physical Therapy Can Help You Relieve Your Aches and Pains

There are few things worse than waking up in the morning to chronic pain in your neck, back, or joints. Morning aches and pains can make it difficult to complete even the simplest tasks, like getting up out of bed or putting on your shoes.

But with the help of a few physical therapist approved stretches, you can begin to work certain areas of the body in the AM to help relieve pain and discomfort. The following physical therapy stretches are ideal for starting your day with flexibility in mind.

They are also helpful in restoring your natural range of motion, reducing pain and inflammation as well. Keep reading to learn more.

3 stretches you can do in the morning to help relieve your pain

By committing to a few simple morning stretches each day, you can help to keep your body feeling limber and reduce pain in between your regular physical therapy appointments.

Some of the best stretches to use early in your day include:

The Inchworm

This is another physical therapy stretch that is great for relieving joint pain and improving circulation in the mornings.

Start by standing with your abs engaged. Slowly roll down, bending at the knee if necessary and touch the floor. Walk your hands forward, until you are in the push-up position. Then walk your feet forward, inch-by-inch, until you reach the back of your hands.

Slowly roll your body back up into a standing position. Repeat the stretch at least 5 times, with your core engaged each time.

Low Back Stretch

If you’re dealing with recurring low back pain in the mornings, this simple physical therapy stretch can provide you with a great deal of relief. Begin by laying down on your back, bending your knees and keeping your feet flat on the floor.

Use both hands to pull up one knee towards your chest, while keeping the other foot flat on the floor. Bring the active leg back to the starting position and repeat the stretch with the opposite leg. Keeping the other foot flat on the floor.

Next, bring both knees to your chest at once. Hold each position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the stretch at least 3 times.

Child’s Pose

Popular in yoga routines, Child’s Pose is a great stretch for connective tissue and joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis in the knees or low back pain, this is a great stretch to complete before beginning your day.

Start the pose by kneeling in bed, then sitting back so that your bottom is resting comfortably on your heels. Next, gently bend your body forward until your head touches the mattress. It can be helpful to then stretch your arms out and fold them in front of your face for additional support.

Once you’ve eased into the position, you can then reach your arms out forward to help open the connective tissues in your neck, shoulders, and back area. Hold the pose for at least 2 minutes.

Did you know staying active could also help relieve pain?

The key is to find a fun activity that you enjoy doing and that also fits your current fitness level.

If you spend your days hobbling painfully from your bed to your reclining chair and back, the notion of pursuing any kind of vigorous activity may be the furthest thing from your mind.

The truth, however, is that getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Could you be in need of a new mattress?

According to Spine Health, “Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause or worsen lower back pain. Lack of support from a mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to low back pain.

Sleep comfort is also sacrificed if a mattress does not match one's individual preferences. A mattress that provides both comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to really rest and rejuvenate during the night.”

While the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years, the way you feel in the morning is a better indicator that it's time to replace your sleep surface.

If your mattress was once comfortable but now seems to be at the root of your aches and pains, it may be time to replace it. Physical changes like injuries, surgery and weight change can also change your body's position as you sleep, necessitating a faster change in your mattress.

Find relief for your aches and pains by scheduling a consultation with a physical therapist

If you struggle with aches and pain every morning, you should speak with our physical therapist sooner rather than later about creating a personalized treatment plan.

There's no reason to start your day off in pain and suffering through feelings of discomfort. Are you interested in learning more about the many benefits of physical therapy for pain management?

Contact us for more information and be sure to schedule an initial consultation with our friendly and experienced physical therapist today.

Ready to Leave Those Pain Relievers Behind? Physical Therapy Can Provide You With Relief

If you're taking pain relievers and just don't want to stay dependent on them forever, physical therapy can be exactly the solution you need.

Physical therapy can be very beneficial for both short-term pain (usually, that which lasts just a few weeks or months) and long-term or chronic pain (that which lasts for more than three months).

The opioid epidemic is often in the news, and it may have started you thinking about the effect that pain pills are having on your life. You might be tired of needing to take pain relievers every day when you wake up, during the day as you struggle to move without pain, and at night just to sleep comfortably.

Fortunately, physical therapy can provide you with long-lasting relief. Physical therapy can help you govern your pain without drugs, giving you a chance to break away from your reliance on opioids.

Relieving pain with physical therapy

Physical therapy can help you get a handle on your pain so that you don't need opioids anymore. Of course, you should only discontinue high doses of opioids under professional medical supervision (to prevent a potentially dangerous withdrawal).

In the meantime, however, our physical therapist can work with you on treating the biomechanical problems that caused your pain in the first place.

Here are just a few of the physical therapy modalities that can help you conquer your pain:

  • Exercises can increase your pain-free range of motion, strengthen the muscles that support your body, and increase blood flow to reduce inflammation.
  • Massage therapy can control painful muscle spasms, help the tissues expel inflammatory substances, and direct more blood and oxygen to an injury.
  • Laser therapy can ease pain caused by injuries, arthritis, muscular strain, tendinitis, or neuropathy.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical energy to block pain signals to nerves.

The many benefits of physical therapy

Physical therapists are now equipped to help you in two different ways: by restoring your function and relieving your pain.

Your physical therapist restores your function by strengthening the weakened muscles, ligaments, tendons, and body tissues. This allows your body to heal and gives you the strong support system you need to enjoy full function long-term.

In addition to getting stronger, you'll also get pain relief from the newest evidence-based pain interventions.

Your doctor and physical therapist can work together to help you feel better. Instead of opioid pain medications, which can be addictive and even deadly, your doctor may prescribe an option like nerve membrane stabilizers and then send you to a skilled physical therapist who can help you heal without the interference of opioid medications.

Your physical therapist can also help you with stress management.

If you're dealing with stress and anxiety because of your pain, physical therapy can improve your life by teaching you new mindfulness techniques like meditation, stress reduction exercises, and other alternative ways to deal with the situations that tend to lead to problems.

Opioids vs. physical therapy

Opioid medication does play a role in pain management, but it's really best for situations where you feel severe pain immediately after the injury or immediately after surgery. Ideally, opioid medication should be used sparingly and only for a week or less.

Opioid medication was never designed to be the type of drug that you take for months, years, or a lifetime. Opiates can trigger extreme sensitivity in your pain receptors, which is why they may end up making your pain even worse over time.

That's why physical therapy is such a good alternative. It allows you to bypass that chronic dependency. Physical therapy is designed to relieve the pain without drugs.

If it seems too good to be true, just keep reading. You'll learn how physical therapy can stop the pain and help you leave the pills behind for good.

Evidence supporting PT

As stated by the APTA website, “The White House has announced that APTA is among the organizations that have joined a public-private partnership to combat opioid usage and prescription drug abuse, and that the association will reach out to the public and its members to deliver the message that pain can be effectively managed through conservative, non drug approaches.

Physical therapists can help individuals manage pain, and greater use of physical therapy could make a real impact on the tragic levels of drug abuse in this country—abuse that often begins with a prescription for pain medication."

If you are ready to find relief without the side effects of opioids, contact us today.

Find fast relief today

Physical therapy isn't just about your pain. It's about your whole-body function, your mental wellness, and your long-term health.

Your physical therapist can help you improve every aspect of your wellness to overcome pain and enjoy a life without the fog of pain pills for the rest of your life.

Get in touch with our caring physical therapists at Washing Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation to get past pain medication now.

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Feeling Achy or Sluggish? These 5 Tips Can Help You Feel Healthier!

Did You Know Exercise Could Help Improve Your Overall Health and Wellness?

Staying active is one of the key factors in maintaining long-term health. Fitting exercise and even moderate activity into your daily routine; however, isn't always easy.

Whether it's because of a busy schedule or a health condition, you may find it difficult to get the daily exercise you need. The following are five easy ways to stay active.

1. Prepare your meals at home

Cooking at home not only means healthier eating but is an easy way to stay active and burn a few extra calories.

Standing on your feet, moving around the kitchen, and chopping and mixing food burns a lot more calories than eating out.

When you take into account shopping for groceries, pushing a cart, and the clean-up after a meal is over, this can add up to a lot of activity.

2. Get moving with your pet

Getting a pet, especially a dog, will help improve your overall activity level. You're more likely to enjoy moving if you have a cat or a dog to play with.

Taking daily walks and spending time with your pet outdoors is a fantastic way to get moderate exercise that is both fun and healthy.

Having a pet may also reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

3. Consult with a physical therapist

Physical therapy can help improve long-term injuries that never completely healed and reduce the pain from chronic conditions such as arthritis. Even if you're in relatively good health, physical therapy can help you stay active and feel more energetic.

A physical therapist can design an exercise routine that can improve your overall stamina, strength, and flexibility.

Whether it's athletic improvement or the ability to carry out daily activities with greater ease and endurance, physical therapy can provide a number of benefits.

4. Get moving during your work breaks

If you have a desk job, you should already know how important it is to get up and periodically start moving around. You can walk the stairs or around the perimeter of your office during lunch breaks.

There are even simple exercises and stretches you can do at your desk. If you don't work outside the home, you can still incorporate walking breaks and intermittent stretching into your daily routine.

5. Go walking!

You probably already know that walking is one of the easiest and best forms of exercise. But are you taking advantage of all your opportunities to walk?

Are you walking up and down the stairs in your home or apartment instead of always taking the elevators or staying seated for long periods of time?

Even walking to the end of the drive each day to get the mail instead of picking it up from the car window can make a difference.

There are a few tips to follow that will encourage you to walk more:

  • Get a walking partner. Having someone who will keep you accountable will help you stay motivated on the days you don't feel like walking.
  • Walk with a pedometer. A pedometer is a low tech item that counts the number of steps you take. It's a fun way to keep track of how far you've walked.
  • Wear more comfortable shoes. If your feet are sore because of shoes that fit poorly, you'll be less likely to spend time walking. A physical therapist can help you select the best shoes.

Another tip on getting active

The key is to find a fun activity that you enjoy doing and that also fits your current fitness level. If you spend your days hobbling painfully from your bed to your reclining chair and back, the notion of pursuing any kind of vigorous activity may be the furthest thing from your mind.

The truth, however, is that getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Remember to avoid injuries!

While it’s always important to get active to relieve aches and pains, and to improve your health and wellness, it is also important to avoid injuries.

Here are some great ways to avoid injuries while also staying active:

  • Using the proper equipment. When engaging in any type of physical activity, it is important to make sure you have the right equipment. For example, running shoes, hiking boots, helmets, and more can help you avoid injury and stay safe while doing the activities you enjoy. They can make all the difference when it comes to preventing injuries.
  • Staying within your abilities. It is important to train and practice for any physical activity you’d like to try. Start small in the beginning and build up from there. For example, if you aren’t used to running but you’d like to complete a 5k, don’t start off with 3-mile runs. Begin with a half mile and slowly build up. When you push your body past its current limits, you make yourself more prone to injuries because your body is not prepared for the physical demands being asked of it. A physical therapist can help you understand the limits of your body and can create an exercise plan for you to reach your physical goals.
  • Hydrating and eating nutritious meals. Did you know that your body is over 70% water? Because of this, it requires water in order to remain supple and function properly. Without adequate water and nutrition, your body’s tissues are more prone to over-stretching and injury. Make sure you drink the recommended 8 glasses of water a day, and always keep a water bottle with you when you are working out. If needed, you can also replenish your electrolytes with sports drinks, such as Gatorade.
  • Stretching. This is one of the most important ways to prevent injuries. Your tissues require water in order to be elastic, and stretching helps to bring water into the tissues. This increases muscle flexibility and prevents them from becoming stiff or tight, thus decreasing the chances of them over-stretching and/or tearing.

Ready to get started?

Making a few simple changes in your life can dramatically increase your activity level.

These changes, along with visiting a physical therapist, can improve your health and overall well-being. Contact us today!

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So You Have Back Pain – Chances Are, It Could Be From a Herniated Disc

Did You Know Your Back Pain Could Be Stemming From a Herniated Disc?

How do you know whether you have a herniated disc or it’s just good old back pain? One telltale sign can be where the pain is located.

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems - including one or more herniated discs.

How can you tell for sure whether you have this specific problem? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it?

With a herniated disc, the pain is typically located in the lumbar spine. That’s the lower part of your backbone. The pain may radiate from the back to the thighs, buttocks, or calves.

A herniated disc can cause pain whether you're resting or active. Even a cough or sneeze can cause pain as it puts pressure on pinched nerves.

The benefits of physical therapy for herniated discs

A physical therapist will have you engage in specific exercises to ease the pain and strengthen the muscles associated with a herniated disc. Physical therapy programs also include ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage, ice and heat treatment, stretching exercises, electrical muscle stimulation and aerobic exercises.

Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and muscle tension due to a herniated disc. Heat therapy helps increase nutrients and oxygen to the affected area for healing. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Active treatments like exercise for a herniated disc focus on core stability, flexibility and muscle strengthening. Keep in mind that core muscles help support the spine. Learning proper stretching and flexibility techniques will help your body move easier. Muscle strengthening creates a solid support system for the spine and helps relieve pain.

A physical therapist will also teach your self-care principles and home exercises. This way, you can prevent further injury and enjoy the long-term effects of physical therapy. With physical therapy, you’re an active participant in your recovery.

“Herniated discs can be very painful injuries that impact your day-to-day life. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to get surgery to repair your herniated disc. In fact, studies have shown that 90% of patients were able to recover by pursuing non-surgical courses of treatment like physical therapy.” That percentage is a testament to how effective physical therapy is in the treatment of a herniated disc.

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

A good way to determine if you have a herniated disc is to visit your physician. Likely, your doctor will do a physical exam and may even take an x-ray.

While an x-ray won’t show a herniated disc, it can help rule other causes of your pain like a fracture. If your doctor recommends having an MRI, this test can show detailed 3-D images of the spinal cord and pinpoint if there is a herniated disc. It also shows which nerves are affected.

The purpose of spinal discs is to act as a shock absorber when you engage in daily activities, like walking, sitting, lifting and running. Each disc has a soft inner ring and a tough outer ring. When the outer ring is injured, the inner ring may protrude out and cause pain.

Common causes of a herniated disc include weak muscles, age, being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle. And if you turn suddenly, you can also incur a herniated disc.

What can I expect from treatments?

Herniated discs can be successfully treated with physical therapy. At your initial appointment, one of our physical therapists will perform diagnostic tests to determine the root of your pain and verify that your pain is indeed being caused by a herniated disc.

Once the cause of your pain is clear, an individualized treatment plan will be created for you, based on your specific needs.

This typically includes a series of stretches and exercises aimed at relieving your pain, improving your function, and promoting the natural healing process of your body. Additional treatments may be added as your physical therapist deems fit. These include:

  • 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.

Learn how to get started

If you are suffering from a lower back pain and you think it may be due to a herniated disc, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitations today.

We’ll help discover the origin of your pain and treat you accordingly. Schedule a consultation to get started and begin your journey toward living your highest quality of life, free of lower back pain!

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Find Effective Relief for Your Hip and Knee Pains Today With Physical Therapy

Are You Living With Hip or Knee Pain? Physical Therapy Can Help

There are so many causes of hip and knee pain, from excess weight to sports injuries, advancing age to repetitive motion injuries. Whatever the cause of your hip and/or knee pain, if you are experiencing it regularly you need to find a way to manage it.

Many people use medications like anti-inflammatories to minimize their discomfort. However, these medications have potential side effects, so it can be helpful to find other ways to relieve your pain. Physical therapy may be the solution you are looking for.

The many benefits of physical therapy

Once our physical therapist has isolated the underlying cause of your hip or knee pain, we can prescribe techniques to help you start feeling - and moving - more like your old self.

Physical therapy for hip or knee pain may start with passive exercises, in which we move the afflicted joint for you to increase its pain-free range of motion.

Exercises that reduce the amount of weight on the joints can also be extremely helpful. For instance, we may recommend swimming or “water walking” as a way to exercise the hips and knees without also forcing them to bear your full weight.

Other types of exercises can also help you overcome your hip or knee pain while improving joint function. Strengthening exercises help by reinforcing the muscles and connective tissues that serve the joint. Corrective exercises and neuromuscular re-education can help you maintain a straighter, more symmetrical posture.

Last but not least, physical therapy offers a variety of helpful modalities beyond exercise. We may treat your joint pain with heat, ice, manual techniques, and more!

Physical therapy over prescription drugs

If your doctor has prescribed you pain relievers it is best to follow the guidance of your doctor.

However, you are welcome to discuss physical therapy with your doctor as well.

If you find that your pain level has decreased through physical therapy, you can discuss reducing your pain reliever usage with your primary physician.

Physical therapy for hip and knee pain relief

You may discover pain relief when you are going through your physical therapy treatments, but what about when you go home?

A major goal of physical therapy is to heal your injuries in the long-term. The various exercises and treatments physical therapist’s use with you will steadily improve your condition so that you experience less pain on a daily basis.

As your body gets stronger and more mobile, you are likely to experience less pain in your hips and knees.

What can I expect from my treatment plan?

If your doctor has told you to take pain relievers every day for your hip and/or knee pain, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. But it also cannot hurt to ask about alternatives like physical therapy.

Working with a physical therapist can help reduce or eliminate your pain in a variety of ways, including:

  • Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound is used by physical therapists to apply heat deeper in your soft tissues to provide pain relief. The heat can improve circulation and aid in healing, which can ultimately reduce the pain you experience day to day.
  • Heat and ice therapy. Heat can be used to improve your mobility and decrease the amount of pain you are experiencing so that you can move more freely. Ice can also be used to lessen pain from your hip and/or knee as well as to reduce inflammation.
  • Exercises to improve mobility and flexibility. Often hip and knee pain can lead to loss of mobility and flexibility – which then increases the wear on your joints and leads to even more pain. Physical therapists can take you through exercises to improve your mobility and flexibility so that you can move your limbs and joints in the fullest range of motion that is available based on your body and circumstances.
  • Exercises to increase your strength. Loss of muscular strength can contribute significantly to hip and knee pain because the weaker your muscles get, the more stress is put on your joints. Physical therapy centers around specific exercises designed to target various muscles and strengthen them so that they better support your joints.
  • Identify the causes of your hip and knee pain. There may be one or several reasons why you are experiencing hip and knee pain. A physical therapist can examine your movement to help identify things that are contributing to your pain, such as poor posture, unhealthy walking patterns, or unhealthy movement patterns at work. Once they identify these kinds of issues, physical therapists can tell you how to correct them.

Find relief today!

Please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist for your hip and knee pain.

We are standing by to assist you!

Need More Physical Activity? Here’s How to Get It

Did you know that 80 percent of the U.S. population falls short of the Physical Activity Guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services? Millions of Americans are risking serious health consequences simply because they do too much sitting and not enough moving around. You may not find that information shocking, especially if you're one of those 80 percent. What really might surprise you, however, is just how easily you can give your daily activity level a dramatic boost. Here are seven simple tips from our physical therapist for adding some much-needed additional exercise to your life.

1. Walk Instead of Drive

Many people automatically get into their cars even for a brief trip to the mailbox or corner store. What if you spent an extra few minutes each day walking instead of driving? It might not sound like much of a workout, but walking increases the circulation, exercises your legs and feet, sheds excess pounds, keeps your joints limber and helps to release stress.

2. Get a Bicycle

If that trip to the corner store takes too much time on foot, maybe it's time you remembered how to ride a bicycle. Cycling exercises different muscles than walking, making it a valuable complement to that discipline when you need to go a little farther and a little faster. It also provides you with a significant cardio workout.

3. Take Up a New Sport

Getting that extra activity doesn't have to be a chore; it could just as easily take the form of new fun. Have you thought of taking up tennis, golf, surfing, swimming, running, or a team sport such as soccer or softball? These sports all offer different physical benefits, and they all get you up and moving.

4. Join a Yoga Class

Physical activity isn't always a matter of running or jumping around at a frenetic pace. Yoga offers profound benefits to body and mind by releasing stress, stretching muscles, increasing your range of motion, and helping you master your breathing. A yoga class offers structured learning as well as a positive social environment.

5. Stand at Your Desk

Standing desks have become all the rage in workplaces, and for good reason. Standing at your desk instead of sitting can help prevent unwanted weight gain, regulate blood sugar levels after meals, ease back pain, elevate your mood and energy level, reduce your heart disease risk and add years to your life expectancy. You may even find that you get more work done!

6. Turn "Couch Potato Time" Into a Workout

There's nothing wrong with spending some quality time watching your favorite TV shows or movies -- but you don't necessarily have to spend all those hours sprawled on your couch, motionless. Consider getting a stationary bike or treadmill that you can use while you're catching up on your stories. You'll have just as much fun, but you'll be working out instead of sacking out.

7. Exercise With Your Dog

Have you ever marveled at the sheer energy and endurance displayed by your dog? Dogs love to walk, run, play catch and explore. Join in these activities, and you'll find that your dog gives you one heck of a workout.

One Final Tip: Get Physical Therapy

Are there activities on this list that you'd love to try -- if only your body would let you? Physical therapy could get you back in shape to get into better shape. Ask our physical therapist for a one-to-one consultation!

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6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help You Improve Your Physical Health

Physical therapy improves the physical health of people who have injuries, illnesses and medical conditions. An individualized physical therapy program is a conservative approach to managing these types of problems. It improves overall health and well-being.

Six Ways Physical Therapy Improves Health

Reduces or Eliminates Pain

Manual therapy treatments like soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electric stimulation and targeted exercises help relieve pain and restore joint and muscle function. These types of methods also help prevent pain from coming back.

Lessens the Need for Surgery

When physical therapy works to heal and reduce pain, the need for surgery is greatly decreased. “For some conditions, including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, treatment by a PT has been found to be as effective as surgery.”

Improves Balance and Prevents Falls

With physical therapy, a physical therapist will screen your risk for falling. Exercises will be given to improve your balance in real-life situations. Assistive devices will be given to ensure safe walking. And if you have a problem with your vestibular system, a physical therapist will perform specific methods to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.

Improves Mobility

With both passive and active treatments, physical therapy improves mobility. Muscles are strengthened and flexibility is greatly improved. This way you can engage in activities and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Manages Age-Related Problems

With aging, the chances of developing osteoporosis or arthritis are increased. A physical therapist is a trained expert at helping patients recover and manage age-related health problems like osteoporosis and arthritis.

Manages Lung and Heart Disease

Physical therapy is a component of cardiac rehabilitation. To address pulmonary issues, a physical therapist will help improve your health and quality of life through breathing, strengthening and conditioning exercises. Physical therapy also helps clear fluid from the lungs.

Case Study of the Impact of Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis

Clinical studies support the benefits of physical therapy for health conditions like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the ten most common illnesses. "Patients were recruited from the osteoporosis outpatient clinics of Klinikum Südstadt hospital and the University hospital of Rostock to engage in physical therapy for osteoporosis. Over a period of 3 months, 44 patients with osteoporosis completed a twice-weekly 30-minute intensive exercise program. The conclusion was that physical therapy reduced pain and improved function, with the sling exercise patients benefiting most. The combination of functional improvement and pain mitigation resulted in improved health."This study is just one of the many proving the health benefits of physical therapy.

With physical therapy, you get an individualized treatment plan to address your challenges, needs and goals. A physical therapist will help you manage pain, improve chronic conditions, recover from an injury and prevent future chronic diseases. A physical therapist will also collaborate with other health professionals to ensure that you get the best of care. Patients are encouraged to be active participants in their treatment plan. All around, physical therapy is designed to improve your health and help you engage in your regular activities.

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So You’ve Been Having Back Pain… Could it be Caused by a Herniated Disc?

If you’ve been experiencing back pain, it just may be a herniated disc. A herniated disc can put extra pressure on the muscles and nerves around the spinal column. Symptoms may include, pain on one side of the body, pain that radiates to the arms or legs, aching, burning sensations in the affected area and pain with certain movements.

What is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal column is comprised of a series of bones. “The cervical spine has seven bones, the lumbar spine has five bones and the thoracic spine has 12.” Each disc has a gelatinous inner section and a tough outer ring. When the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it is known as a herniated disc. This can cause numbness, pain and discomfort.

There are a number of factors that can cause a herniated disc. Certain motions like turning or twisting can cause a herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects is another culprit. Being overweight can cause a herniated disc, too. This is because the discs have to support more weight. Older people are at risk for a herniated disc. As we age, the discs begin to lose some of their protective water content. This causes the disc to slip more easily out of place.

“Studies have indicated that genetic factors influence many, if not most of the diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice by physical therapists, such as herniated disc. Genetics has been shown to play a role in end-plate herniations at 40-49 years of age.”

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from a herniated disc. A physical therapist implements different techniques for pain relief and healing. Passive treatments like deep tissue massage, electric stimulation and hot and cold therapy are a few examples of passive treatments. Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and deep muscle tension due to a herniated disc. Hot therapy increases blood flow to the affected area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation. Electric nerve stimulation reduces muscle spasm by sending a tiny electric current to the nerve pathway.

Active treatments by a physical therapist address joint movement, stability, flexibility, strength and posture. A physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises to strengthen the back muscles. You’ll also engage in body muscle exercises to strengthen and condition your body. In addition, a physical therapist will teach you flexibility techniques and proper stretching techniques.

If you have back pain, 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. The goal of physical therapy is to help you attain an active and pain-free life. It’s helped thousands of others and can help you, too. Get on the road to recovery from a herniated disc with Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

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Stand Up to Your Back Pain with Physical Therapy Relief

Most Americans will suffer temporary back pain at some point in their lives. When back pain is not temporary, however, it becomes a major quality of life issue. The good news is that you don’t have to live with back pain permanently. Taking a proactive approach like working with a physical therapist can help you find back pain relief at long last. Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for more information on how physical therapy can relieve your back pain.

Types of Back Pain

There are three main types of back pain:

  • Acute Back Pain: Acute back pain is the most common type. This is a temporary pain that goes away in less than three months.
  • Recurrent Back Pain: This occurs when acute back pain goes away for a while, but then comes back periodically.
  • Chronic Back Pain: If back pain lasts longer than three months without subsiding, it is classified as chronic.

Back pain is usually not serious and will resolve on its own. Recurring pain and chronic pain, however, can be a sign of a more serious health problem. There is a broad range of potential physical conditions that could be causing your back pain, which include osteoporosis, degenerative disk disease, a herniated disk, fractures or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Diagnosing Back Pain with a Physical Therapist

Your journey with a physical therapist will start with a discussion of your symptoms. Your therapist will also review your medical history for any past injuries or illnesses that could be contributing to your current pain. Your physical therapist will also conduct an exam to assess how you are able to move and function as a result of your back pain.

The diagnosis phase will also involve some tests to find symptoms of more serious conditions. If your physical therapist suspects that there is a serious health condition contributing to your back pain, you will likely be referred to a specialist for more testing. In most cases, this will not be necessary.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Once your back pain has been diagnosed, a personalized course of physical therapy will be outlined for you. Treatments for back pain will vary based on the diagnosis, your age, weight, physical ability and other factors. Your course of treatment may include any of the following:

  • Stretching and strength-building exercises
  • Manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve joint mobility and relieve tissue pain
  • Education on how to take better care of your back, such as proper methods of lifting, bending, sitting and sleeping positions
  • Hot or cold treatments, or electrical stimulation, for pain relief
  • Posture work to provide better support for your back

Physical Therapy Strategies for Back Pain

Over the course of your work with a physical therapist, your progress will be monitored to ensure that you are recovering. The goal is to eliminate the back pain so that you can live a normal life. A big part of working with a physical therapist is that you will learn strategies for movement and carrying out daily tasks in ways that will prevent the pain from recurring.

For example, your therapist will show you proper posture techniques while you are at home, at work or enjoying leisure activities. You will also learn how to keep up a regular exercise regimen to keep your supportive muscles strong, which will prevent the back pain from coming back. If your weight is contributing to your back pain, you will learn nutritional advice in addition to exercise to control your weight and keep back pain at bay.

The key is to be proactive in standing up to your back pain. If the pain lasts longer than three months, it probably won’t go away on its own. Request an appointment with Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today!

The Drug-Free Path to Pain Relief: Physical Therapy

Pain is a serious problem in today’s world. An estimated 1 out of every 5 Americans suffers from some degree of chronic pain, and 8 percent of those sufferers find the pain so intense that they can’t pursue their normal activities. It’s little wonder, then, that painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs have grown into such a mammoth industry. Unfortunately, these drugs offer their own share of troubles, from addiction to dangerous effects on internal organs. Many people are now seeking effective pain relief that doesn’t come from a pill bottle. If you’re one of those people, you need to know about the amazing pain-busting potential of physical therapy.

The Problem With Painkillers

A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications promise to ease pain and inflammation temporarily. Steroids do this by suppressing the immune system for people suffering from painful auto-immune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis). That same immune-suppressing power, however, also makes the body more vulnerable to infection. Long-term steroid use has also been associated with cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, acne, high blood sugar and osteoporosis. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. These drugs aren’t necessarily safe, either. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney damage in some individuals. They have also been associated with elevated heart attack and stroke risks.

Perhaps the most ominous danger comes from opioid drugs. Opioids can deaden more than just pain. These powerful drugs caused over 70,000 fatal overdoses in 2017 alone. Some of these deaths may have been related to recreational drug use, but over 60 percent of the deceased were chronic pain sufferers.

Physical Therapy for All-Natural Pain Management

Physical therapy offers numerous advantages as a safe, effective, all-natural pain management tool. A physical therapist takes each individual’s symptoms (and those symptoms’ underlying causes) into account when devising a physical therapy plan for pain management. Your plan might include modalities such as:

  • Aerobic exercises to get the blood flowing and encourage joint lubrication
  • Resistance training exercises to strengthen muscles, making physical actions less of a strain
  • Cold laser therapy and/or massage therapy to boost circulation, relax tissues and reduce inflammation
  • Electrical nerve stimulation to interrupt pain signals
  • Chiropractic adjustment to help joints move more freely and correct painful musculoskeletal imbalances
  • A soothing combination of heat therapy and cryotherapy

Physical therapy appears to have one more major contribution to make toward freeing pain sufferers from their symptoms. Some physical therapists have adopted “brain-rewiring” techniques such as graded motor imagery to help patients develop a new perception of their pain — one that allows them to master and minimize their responses to it. This form of physical therapy seeks to give individuals more control over their pain so that they can tolerate more exercise, which then reduces the pain even more.

Physical therapy can do more than just help you feel better. By providing you with non-pharmaceutical pain control measures, this form of care can help you steer clear of the side effects of prescription and non-prescription drugs. Better yet, you’re going beyond the temporary numbing of your symptoms by actually treating the underlying causes of those symptoms. Why settle for the illusion of relief when you can have the real thing — and improve your health and functionality in the process?

Looking for Answers to Your Pain? Talk to Our Physical Therapist

Our physical therapist will be happy to create a pain management program just for you. Request an appointment with Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today!

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