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Are You Experiencing Both Back AND Neck Pain? PT Can Help

Relieve Your Back and Neck Pain with the Help of Physical Therapy!

Back and neck pain are very common problems that many people deal with throughout the course of their lives.

According to the National Institute of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Even school-age children can have back pain.

Unfortunately, it's not always a straightforward job to locate the exact cause of pain you experience in your neck or back. Pain can also spread to your arms, legs, and head.

Fortunately, physical therapy can help .People often end up paying for costly surgeries to find relief, or falling back on addictive medications that can cause adverse health effects later in life.

However, there is a safer remedy for pain in the back and neck: physical therapy!

How can physical therapy help with my back and neck pain?

No matter what age you are, neck and back pain is absolutely not easy to deal with! The good news?

Physical exercise, regardless of the root cause of pain, has been shown to help with neck pain or back pain. For those trying to prevent costly procedures or dangerous drugs, physical therapy is a completely safe, natural, and effective mode of care.

If you have pain in your neck or back, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today and see how physical therapy will help you get back to a pain-free life.

Our physical therapists are trained and waiting for you; they've helped a lot of people, and you're next in line!

What can I expect from a PT treatment plan?

A personalized recovery plan that is tailored to your needs will be developed by your physical therapist.

Since the origin of your back or neck pain may vary, this treatment plan may be different for you than it would be for anyone else.

For example, you might be experiencing pain because of a herniated disc, a degenerative disc disease, whiplash from an auto accident, a sports injury, arthritis or poor posture.

A few conditions that could be the root cause of the pain you’re feeling are as follows:

  • Strains & sprains: This is a very common issue that sends people straight to a physical therapist. It is not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports that require aggressive overuse of a body part or muscle.
  • Osteoarthritis: Arthritis is developed due to wear and tear on the facet joints. This causes friction when bending, can result in pinching a nerve root, or in sciatica.
  • Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when there is wear and tear on the discs.
  • A herniated disc: This condition occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.

How can a physical therapist help me?

A thorough evaluation of your physical condition will be done, and a customized recovery plan will be formulated to remedy the cause of your back or neck pain.

To find the root cause of your back or neck pain, your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive examination. To test your range of motion, he or she may use an instrument called a goniometer. It is also likely that they will conduct a strength test on you.

Spinal mobility is assessed along with palpation in order to find sore or tight muscles. Your physical therapist will also ask you to perform some activities in order to find out what your level of functional mobility is.

Your physical therapist will also take a look at your medical history to see if there are any factors that could be contributing to the discomfort you are currently experiencing, such as previous accidents or surgeries.

During this time, you can discuss the things that you are now not able to do as a result of any past injuries you might have sustained.

What else should I know?

There are several common methods of physical therapy for neck and back pain. Physical therapy for these disorders focuses on spinal support systems.

They include tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Physical therapists typically provide stretches, exercises, and adjustments to alleviate discomfort in the neck and back.

Some therapists also use water exercises to make the therapy even easier. Aquatic therapy is helpful because the buoyancy of the water eliminates the pressure from the cervical and lumbar spine when you exercise.

Passive physical therapy also involves a range of techniques, such as heat or ice therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound therapy.

Heat or ice therapy can increase blood circulation to speed up the healing process and reduce swelling and inflammation. Massage therapy will relax your muscles to reduce your pain.

With electrotherapy, electrical waves are sent directly to the sensory nerves to prevent the signs of pain from reaching the brain. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to reach deep into the tissues and soothe affected areas.

Ready to get started?

Make a call today and learn how we can get you on the road to recovery.

When we have the answer right here; there's no need to suffer from pain any longer! Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today.

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Improve Your Balance Today with Core Strengthening Exercises

Become Steady on Your Feet with the Help of Physical Therapy!

Did you know that strengthening your core muscles is related to the development of better balance? It’s true!

When your core muscles are good, they have a better chance of stopping you from suffering chronic lower back pain and other injuries.

They can even stop you from losing your balance or falling over. A strong core helps hold you in an upright position, particularly as you get older and become more at risk of falling and injuring yourself.

If you are interested to learn more about developing a core routine to strengthen your balance, please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Schedule a meeting with one of our licensed physical therapists today!

Have you tried the drawing in maneuver?

To start with, stand up straight. Find the right pelvic position by moving your hips forward and backward until you are relaxed. Then take a deep breath and draw your belly button to your spine. Make sure you don’t hold your breath, because this isn’t a breathing exercise!

You’re supposed to be able to speak, breathe, and walk around your house with your belly button pulled in. It sounds pretty straightforward on paper, but if you’re older, recovering from injury, or out of shape in general, it’s going to be a little difficult at first.

The goal is to build up your core strength until you can keep your belly button for 30 seconds. Then you can move on to some more demanding core exercises.

If you feel any pain at all from this maneuver, stop right away, as it shouldn’t be painful!

As you build up your core, your physical therapist will recommend that you move on to more strenuous tasks and workouts that are better suited to your age and capacity.

They range from bridges and planks for more athletic individuals, to gentler routines (like yoga) for older individuals. Your therapist will also work with you on clear core activities to help you balance.

Improve your core muscles strength and balance with PT!

You don’t need a bunch of expensive gym equipment to start working on your core strength. In fact, here’s a quick exercise that many physical therapists will recommend if you’re just starting out. It’s called the “drawing in maneuver,” or if you prefer the less fancy term, “sucking your gut in.”

Contrary to what many believe, it’s not necessary to go out and buy a ton of expensive gym equipment or memberships to work on your core strength. According to the Mayo Clinic, any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back counts as a core exercise.

Here is a fast and easy exercise that many physical therapists recommend to patients who are just beginning to work on theirs. It’s referred to as the “drawing-in maneuver.” We all have probably done it before; ever heard of the phrase “suck your gut in?” This is pretty much the same thing!

What should I know about my core?

Most people believe that when you’re working on your core, you’re just doing abs, but your core muscles are more than just abs! There are two types of core muscles: the inner core and the outer core.

The inner core muscles are attached to the spine. These are the muscles that balance the core and hold it in the correct place. The outer core muscles work together with the inner core muscles when you need to rotate your body to perform much of everyday physical activities.

Core stability has to do with the inner core muscles. These muscles are stabilizing for the spine. Core strength relates to the outer core muscles, and when properly formed, works to help you move about with ease.

Frequent visits with a licensed physical therapist will help you train your inner and outer core muscles for improved balance and movement!

How balance and core strength complement one another in your core muscles

In total, your body has three systems that help regulate and sustain your balance. The first one is the vestibular system, which is responsible for giving your brain the necessary information it needs about how we move, our head position, motor functions, etc.

The liquid in your inner ear functions as part of this system, sort of like a “carpenter’s balance” to keep you level. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling off-kilter or dizzy, it means that the liquid in the vestibular system is off a bit.

The second balancing system is your visual system. Your eyes send informational signals to your brain regarding your position in relevance to the world around you. The third balancing system is the proprioceptive system, which deals with your core and the muscles in that area.

Your proprioceptive nerves are sensory nerves located all over your body. They make you aware of your posture, as well as aware of where you are positioned compared to things surrounding you.

In order to stay properly balanced, all three of these systems need to be in equilibrium. A weak core is one element that can not only throw off this internal equilibrium, but can also make you feel off balance to the point of falling over.

Improve your balance today!

Physical therapy will help if you have a poor core or are struggling with balance!

Your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, determine your physical ability, and build a personalized care plan to suit your needs.

Please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and arrange a meeting today to get started with a physical therapist.

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Ready to Gain More Energy and Say Goodbye to Pain?

Better Your Health with These 5 Tips!

If you have recently been dealing with pain and are searching for lasting relief, our physical therapists are here for you. With a personalized physical therapy plan, you can discover highly efficient ways to treat your pain and improve your overall energy levels.

Our physical therapists have the experience to help you actually live a pain-free life. Please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to learn more and arrange your first appointment with us!

Here are five helpful tips that you can use to generate more energy and alleviate acute or chronic pain!

1. Make sure to hydrate

It is recommended that we drink about an ounce of water for each pound we weigh each day! That seems like a lot, but it normally averages out to be around 7-8 glasses.

Drinking enough water will prevent you from dehydrating, and this will allow you to avoid muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and constipation.

Water is always the healthiest drink option, so make sure you keep a full bottle or thermos near you at all times during the day.

You will notice that the more water you drink, the less pain you feel, and the more energy you have. The added bonus is that it can help you keep your appetite under control so you’re less likely to gain unnecessary weight.

2. Practice proper posture

If you make improvements with your posture it can make a massive difference with your overall health.

A physical therapy program can help you improve your posture, and this is something you can also carry out long term. Sitting and standing with your shoulders back, chest out, and a straight spine is a good start.

Avoid sitting slumped over a book, desk, or your computer at work! Your physical therapist can guide you towards proper posture habits that will help relieve pain and pressure.

3. Make ergonomic changes to the way you sit

The way you sit can have a massive impact on your pain and energy levels. Your physical therapist might recommend that you change the way you’re sitting to relieve pain.

A lumbar cushion behind your back can help relieve pressure in your lower back region. By avoiding pain, you’ll feel less zapped of energy at the end of the day. Your physical therapist will be able to offer a specialized treatment plan full of tips and exercises to help you adjust your sitting habits at home and in your work environment.

It’s also important to make sure you’re not sitting for prolonged periods without breaks. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include obesity and a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.”

Be sure to take breaks at work and get up to move around!

4. Get moving

Most of us underestimate how critical it is to move around a lot every day. This is something physical therapy will make very clear to you! When you are in pain, it might be instinct to curl up in the fetal position on your side, but that’s the worst option you can choose.

Forcing yourself to get up and walk around a bit every hour is a better choice, even if you just take a simple walk around the room. This can help relieve your pain immensely, and give you an extra boost of energy.

5. Make sure to breathe

Obviously you’re breathing all the time, however, it’s not focused breathing! Your physical therapist will show you how practicing focused breathing techniques can help relieve your pain and give you an energy boost during the day.

Every few hours, make sure you take a moment to yourself to stop, shut your eyes, and breathe. Breathe in deeply through your nose.

Make sure your lungs are as full as possible, and then breathe out through your mouth. Let a bit of air out through your lips by keeping them lightly pursed, and focus on nothing but your breathing for a few minutes.

You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference it can make with your energy and stress levels!

Ready to get started?

Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, non-invasive way to recover from injury or illness and get back to feeling your absolute best. Be sure to use the tips above to add to your customized physical therapy plan for optimum results.

If you’re ready to learn more about how healthy eating and exercise will bring back your energy and alleviate irritating pain, we’re here for you! Call Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to arrange a consultation with a licensed physical therapist!

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Ready to Relieve Pain the Natural Way? Say Goodbye to Drugs with PT

Kick Pain Management Drugs to the Curb Today!

The world we live in today is heavily medicated. Go to any grocery store or pharmacy and you'll find countless over-the-counter drugs. Doctors also consistently prescribe more extreme pain relievers, including opioids that have been widely abused over the years. Drug abuse is everywhere, and it is an ongoing battle that patients are constantly fighting.

If you've ever experienced an injury, you know it can turn your everyday life upside down. If it's a car accident, a sports-related injury, a workplace injury, or even an unintentional fall, the pain from a sudden injury can make you feel helpless. To fight this, many people resort to pain-relieving medications, such as opioids. However, what many people don't know is how much more damage these drugs do to their body than they realize.

If you're struggling with chronic pain but don't want to pump your body full of addictive drugs, you'll be delighted to discover a better, safer alternative: physical therapy. Physical therapy is a natural and effective approach to chronic pain that can make you feel better in the long-term. Let's look at how this kind of natural treatment will boost your quality of life!

You can choose the natural path to pain relief!

Your physical therapist is going to show you what to do but they don't have to do all the work! In order for physical therapy to be effective for you, you have to make an effort.

Our physical therapists here will take the time to teach you about your pain and the value of maintaining your stretches and workouts at home for long-term relief.

However, at the end of the day, you make the decision to completely partake in your journey to get rid of pain!

How can a physical therapist help relieve my pain?

Because everybody is different, and the pain levels of everyone are different, physical therapy procedures must be as well! Depending on your particular condition, your physical therapy pain treatment strategy may be different from anyone else's.

Your doctor might decide to use massage therapy, heat, ice, ultrasound, or other therapies to relieve your pain and speed up the healing process if you are dealing with pain from a recent injury.

If you are able to get up and exercise comfortably, a physical therapist will recommend simple stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling to assist with the mobilization process.

These kinds of physical therapy are excellent for helping to restore mobility to soft tissues, allowing them to function more freely and comfortably. They are also excellent at keeping arthritic joints mobile and lubricated.

Strengthening exercises can repair and rehabilitate weakened muscles to avoid causing pain. Physical therapy often includes certain exercises to help strengthen your posture, balance, and gait.

Why YOU should choose physical therapy

If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, you’ve most likely heard about the dangers of opioids. These narcotics, which include both illegal drugs and prescription medication, are the cause for at least 115 overdose deaths in America every single day.

The APTA states that clinicians “[…] should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient." Opioids are extremely powerful and can interact with other drugs in a dangerous way. They also lead to abuse and addiction as well.

Steroids are another dangerous class of prescription medication, and pose many risks and dangers to your health. Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve pain, but can cause arthritis in the hips, cataracts, stomach ulcers, elevated blood sugar, and nerve damage stemming from the injection itself.

Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are capable of causing liver problems and bleeding in the stomach, which is worrisome, because many people who don’t even have chronic injuries use these daily.

Physical therapy can prevent you from having to deal with all of these unpleasant side effects. Some cases of severe discomfort might still require you to take medication, but physical therapy helps plenty of patients decrease -- or even eliminate -- their dependence on pain medication.

Our physical therapists will use a combination of treatment techniques to help get your pain condition under control, no matter if it’s from an acute injury, or a wound from a recent surgery.

Physical therapy is a good option for you especially if you’re looking for ongoing chronic pain management that doesn’t include constant drug usage, or if you’re already on other essential medications and you’re worried about how they will interact with your pain meds.

Ready to get started?

It should be clear now that opioids and over-the-counter medications are not the only choice for pain relief.

There are a variety of treatment services available to you via physical therapy. Our therapists are here, waiting for your call!

Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to learn more about our natural options and get back to a drug-free, pain-free lifestyle.

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You Don’t Have to Live in Pain – Discover Relief with Physical Therapy

Finally Find the Relief You’ve Been Looking For

Have you suffered from sports injuries or a traffic accident recently? If you have, chances are you're still struggling with the consequences. It's time for a shift if you are dealing with acute or chronic pain and have yet to find relief. To learn more about how our certified physical therapists will get you on the road to a pain-free life, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today.

How can physical therapy help me avoid injuries?

The nervous system can still send signals of pain even after the injury has completely healed. A physical therapist can also inform you about sensory re-education for chronic pain, in addition to offering pain relief for you. Sensory re-education reduces sensitivity and desensitizes the nervous system to the affected region.

In order to avoid re-injuring the same position in your body in the future or getting a new injury, your physical therapist will also teach you new ways to move in your daily life. For example, if you regularly lift heavy objects, you're likely to strain your muscles without noticing them until much later. Physical therapists will teach you the best ways to bend and lift without damaging yourself.

Do you have any of these conditions?

According to the APTA, “Studies have established the efficacy of physical therapy in treating and reducing pain as well as preventing chronic pain.”

Here are a few common disorders that, with the help of a licensed physical therapist, can be eased or even removed.

  • Arthritis: Arthritis is typically mistaken for a disease that one only encounters as they age, but no matter how old someone is, it can affect everyone! Therapeutic exercise services can alleviate pain and enhance the physical function of individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
  • Rehabilitation done before and after surgery: "Pre-hab," or rehabilitation prior to surgery, has become more popular. It has been found to enhance patient outcomes and mechanisms of recovery. Studies also show that beginning physical therapy about a month before a planned procedure can also greatly accelerate the recovery period. During the healing time following a procedure, seeing a physical therapist is often a must to ensure proper alignment of muscles and joints when you learn to move around again.
  • Lower back pain & sciatica: Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates down the legs, thighs, and buttocks. It is also normal for some parts of the leg to feel a numbness, burning, or tingling sensation. Exercises and stretches of physical therapy can help ease the pressure put on the sciatic nerve and in turn, minimize general discomfort felt in areas of the back.

What will a PT treatment plan look like?

Certain modalities can also be used in physical therapy to obtain pain relief.

A few are as follows:

  • Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound technology can send sound waves deep into inflamed tissues and joints, prevent pain signals from getting to the brain, and is useful for musculoskeletal problems.
  • Electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is often used in some physical therapy treatment programs, where currents are sent to soothe affected areas and relieve discomfort.
  • Direct manipulation. Direct joint manipulation may be performed to enhance functioning and maintain proper alignment.
  • Massage therapy. Massage therapy is a manual procedure used to improve mobility in confined or limited areas. This is achieved by rhythmic stretching and applying deep pressure to fibrous muscle tissue. Massage therapies are effective in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. It also helps increase blood flow and circulation to affected muscles and soft tissues.
  • Hot and cold therapy. Heat and ice packs may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas. In physical therapy, this is a very prevalent treatment tool which can be used to complement other forms of pain relief.

How will physical therapy benefit me?

Physical therapy is aimed at minimizing and removing pain while enhancing mobility and function.

According to WebMD, "Physical therapy is often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain (also called chronic pain) or an injury. It can make you stronger and help you move and feel better.”

Typical physical therapy includes numerous targeted workouts and pain relief stretches. You are presented with these exercises to strengthen the function of your core muscles. To help restore balance and range of motion, some physical therapists use bikes, exercise balls, weights, or other devices.

It may also be part of the recovery plan to use your own bodyweight for pushups and lunges. All exercises are intended to alleviate discomfort, target trouble areas, and relax muscles.

Ready to get started on your PT plan?

It's time to put your foot down if you are dealing with pain that affects your everyday life. Enough is enough. You don't have to deal with soreness, aches, and inflammation day in and day out that stops you from enjoying the things you love!

A licensed physical therapist will analyze your condition, determine any underlying health conditions that you may have, identify the cause of your pain, and clearly develop a personalized care plan for your needs.

To learn more about our pain management and relief options, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today; our physical therapists are ready to help. Schedule an appointment with us today to find relief!

Surgery Coming Up? Physical Therapy Can Help Both Before AND After!

Understanding the Benefits of Physical Therapy - Both Before and After Surgical Procedures

It's a wise idea to work with a physical therapist both before and after surgery.

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.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy can help not only with an overall wellness but also prevention.

When the operation is done, 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.

What does physical therapy look like before a surgical procedure?

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 fairly scary.

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 adjustments you will have to make in the immediate aftermath.

For example, your therapist can get you ready for riding in a car, moving around your home, your eventual return to work, and 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.

Exercise will also be a part of your physical therapy plan before surgery. Strength training, stretching for flexibility, and aerobic exercise to improve oxygen flow will all help you to recover more quickly after your operation.

Becoming fairly fit prior to surgery can even prevent the need for inpatient rehabilitation with a physical therapist.

What does physical therapy look like after a surgical procedure?

Your work with a physical therapist can begin soon after your surgery -- perhaps on the same day.

Depending on the type of operation that you have undergone, 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. A physical therapy exercise plan will be tailored toward gradually rebuilding your strength, without the risk of tearing any sutures or reinjuring yourself.

Remember that 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.

For example, you probably won't be heading into a gym for heavy weightlifting sessions after surgery, followed by a 10-mile run on a treadmill.

You are much more likely to go through water-based training sessions in a pool, to reduce strain on muscles recovering from surgery.

You may also learn assisted exercises in which your therapist or a helper at home can aid you in moving your limbs to contract muscles -- without straining or reinjuring anything.

What else should I know about pre-surgical and post-surgical rehabilitation plans?

You may be familiar with rehabilitation after surgery, or post-surgical rehab. It makes sense – your body loses a lot of strength when undergoing a surgical procedure, and rehabilitation treatments are needed in order to help you regain your function.

Post-surgical rehabilitation tends to focus on targeted exercises and stretches that are aimed at helping relieve your pain, improve your strength, and redeem your optimum function in the affected area(s) of your body.

It may also incorporate additional methods or modalities as needed, such as manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more. Essentially, it helps you make a full recovery from your surgery.

Pre-surgical rehabilitation is a bit different. It focuses on stretches and exercises prior to surgery in order to prepare your body for the procedure ahead.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, participating in exercise therapies prior to surgery can exceptionally improve your post-operative outcomes and reduce your recovery time.

It is no secret that surgery takes a toll on the body, so preparing yourself beforehand with strengthening stretches and exercises can greatly benefit your results.

It can also help you prepare mentally, by giving you a better peace of mind going into surgery, knowing you did everything to make the procedure as easy on you as possible.

How can I get started?

If you have a planned surgery coming up and would like to know more about how physical therapy can help with your preparations and recovery, contact our office and schedule an appointment today.

Relieve Your Achy Joints with These 3 Tips!

Physical Therapy Can Help You Live Your Life Comfortably

If you are living with chronic pain in your joints, you are not alone. In fact, 20% of the United States population experiences chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At our physical therapy clinic, we work with people every day who are dealing with the physical and mental effects of chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.

So, if your joints are achy and stiff, we invite you to consider working with a physical therapist in the New Year.

The top 3 benefits of physical therapy for joint pain relief

You don't deserve to spend every day in pain, and with physical therapy you may not have to!

Here are three reasons to work with a physical therapist for your achy joints:

1. A natural, holistic treatment method

Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative to pain-relieving medications like opioids?

Physical therapy has been proven 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).

For example, 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. But physical therapy can also help you achieve longer-term pain relief.

2. Physical therapy can provide you long-term relief

Beyond alleviating your joint pain and stiffness, a physical therapist also uses a variety of individually tailored techniques and services that can address the root causes of your joint issues.

In the long-term, this can help you avoid or minimize daily pain, slow disease progression, and even prevent your joint problem from getting worse.

Examples include:

  • Neuromuscular education techniques to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls, which may otherwise exacerbate your pain
  • Prescription and fitting of custom orthoses, braces, and other devices to support, compensate for, and/or alleviate pressure on your affected joints
  • Therapeutic exercises and stretches to correct strength or mobility imbalances, promote tissue healing, and improve overall joint function and stability
  • Manual techniques like joint mobilizations and massage to improve joint alignment, reduce swelling and stiffness, and break up painful adhesions

3. A physical therapist is there every step of the way

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.

With less pain, greater strength, and improved function, you gain more independence and support your caregivers, too.

Could the cause of your joint pain be arthritis?

Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability across the United States? According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 50 million people live with arthritis.

While it is possible for arthritis to develop in any joint, it most commonly affects the neck, back, hands, hips and knees.

There are two main types of arthritis that are the most common culprits when it comes to joint pain: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Here is a closer look at these types of arthritis:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's healing systems attack the joints. This causes inflammation of the joints, which can be extremely painful. Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins in the hands, wrists or feet, but it can spread to the hips, knees or shoulders -- getting progressively worse -- if you aren't proactive in combating it. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will likely prescribe pharmaceutical treatments to stave off the symptoms. However, physical therapy can be a tremendous help as well.
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis by far. It typically develops later in life and can be caused by poor body mechanics, overuse of the joint or an injury. The cartilage in joints serves as a natural barrier that lubricates and distributes force during physical activity. When that cartilage breaks down and no longer provides a cushion between adjoining bones, the result is osteoarthritis. The hands, hips, knees and spine are the most common body parts impacted by osteoarthritis.

Certain ailments like gout, bursitis, lupus or tendinitis can also contribute to joint pain.

The source of your joint pain may cause the specific course of physical therapy that is recommended for you to vary.

Relieve your joint pains today!

Is it time to see what physical therapy can do for your chronic pain?

Contact our physical therapy clinic today to schedule an appointment and get on the road to a life freer from pain.

Put Aches and Pains Behind You – With a Diet Change!

A Nutritional Diet Can Provide You with Pain Relief!

Certain foods with a specific diet have been known to alleviate inflammation, where some foods can aggravate it.

In fact, according to Harvard Health Publishing, “A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation."

If you work with a physical therapist to help manage a chronic pain condition, you will probably receive some nutritional advice as part of the process.

Physical therapists are not nutritionists, but providing nutritional advice to patients is well within the scope of a physical therapist's duties.

For some chronic conditions, dietary changes can make the biggest difference in reducing or eliminating pain. If you'd like more information on how nutrition and physical therapy go hand-in-hand, give our office a call.

Pain relief and lifestyle changes

By maintaining a nutritious dietary plan with the help of a physical therapist, you should quickly begin to notice a decrease in your pain and inflammation symptoms.

In addition to this, you can also help manage your pain and inflammation through:

  • Daily exercise: Exercise will keep the muscles warm, which can alleviate pain or stiffness, and stop the inflammation from becoming worse.
  • Stress management: If you’re feeling mentally stressed, your body can become physically stressed - causing more inflammation and a longer recovery rate. Taking time to relax can actually allow you to heal quicker!
  • Weight loss: If you have some unwanted weight, getting down to your ideal body weight will help with your pain and inflammation.

How can nutrition help manage the pain of my condition?

There are a number of common conditions in America that are directly related to diet and nutrition.

Here are some conditions in which nutritional advice will likely be a part of the patient's physical therapy regimen:

  • Osteoarthritis: Obese patients are more likely to develop arthritis, especially in the knee. Once a person has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, managing their weight becomes the most important key to managing the arthritis and pain.
  • Obesity: Pain related to obesity can become a vicious cycle. Being overweight causes a patient pain, so they become more sedentary. Becoming more sedentary causes them to gain more weight, which leads to more pain.
  • Inflammation: American diets tend to have a lot of vegetable oils and other inflammatory foods in them. This can make the pain from inflammation even worse. In many cases, a physical therapist will prescribe a diet with more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to help manage pain.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: The combined total of various autoimmune disorder patients (such as Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis) now outnumber cancer patients in America by a wide margin. Autoimmune disorders are frequently linked directly to deficiencies in a patient's diet.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes and pre-diabetes pave the way for more serious conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. More than 90 percent of patients with diabetes also experience neuropathic pain. Diet and nutrition will play a key role in managing these conditions.

Physical therapy and nutritional advice

Using proper nutrition can prevent many types of disease and illness. The good news is that correcting your diet can also help to reverse the symptoms and pain of many conditions.

Your physical therapist will not only help you to restore muscle and joint pain through exercise, but also through nutritional advice.

During your first appointment with a physical therapist, addressing your dietary status and needs may be a key part of the process.

In some cases, patients can also be referred to a dietitian. You may be prescribed an entirely new diet to help reduce chronic aches and pains, lose weight, and improve your overall health.

Here are two possible diets that a physical therapist might recommend for patients:

  • Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet has been linked to the strikingly low rates of heart disease in certain Mediterranean countries. This diet features a lot of fish with Omega-3 fatty acids. It's also high in plant-based fats such as olive oils and nuts.
  • DASH Diet: DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It's a diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and which has a heavy emphasis on more fruits and vegetables. The DASH Diet can reduce hypertension and lower the risk of heart disease, while also helping patients to manage their weight.

Having a physical therapist work with you to manage your pain through exercise and diet can turn your life around.

Physical therapists help hundreds of thousands of patients each year to improve their health and reduce aches and pains.

Ready to make nutritional changes?

If you're ready to schedule your first appointment with a licensed physical therapist, call our office at Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab today!

Ready to Say Goodbye to Opioids? Find Effective Relief Through PT!

Did You Know that Physical Therapy Can Help You Achieve Even Better Results than Opioids?

Another day, another trip to the pharmacy. This is the treadmill that many chronic pain sufferers find themselves walking, month after month and year after year.

Prescription pain medications can only do so much to keep your suffering at bay -- and in the case of opioids, you may find yourself purchasing larger amounts more frequently just to keep up with your ever-increasing tolerance to these powerful drugs.

If you're tired of exhausting your patience, wellness and wallet, maybe it's time you talked to your doctor about switching to physical therapy as your primary pain management strategy.

Physical therapy can help you govern your pain without drugs, giving you a chance to break away from your reliance on opioids.

How physical therapy can help you find effective and long-lasting relief

Instead of emptying your pockets on frequent drug refills that don't even address the source of your discomfort, ask your doctor whether physical therapy might help you wean yourself off of opioids or other medications. (You may need medical supervision to reduce heavy opioid use safely.)

An experienced physical therapist can examine the reasons for your pain and then devise a targeted, personalized pain management plan. Here are just a few of the ways physical therapy can replace all those bottles of pills:

  • Chronic nerve pain can be controlled with a technique called transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (TENS), which uses electrical impulses to intercept pain messages. Cold laser therapy can ease neuropathy symptoms and promote nerve healing.
  • Chronic muscle spasms respond well to cold laser therapy, massage therapy, and heat/cold therapy.
  • Chronic headache/migraine pain can be reduced through a combination of massage, cervical spinal adjustment, and lifestyle or dietary changes to help you avoid known headache or migraine triggers.
  • Severe neck or back pain can be managed through a combination of strength training, stretching exercises, and chiropractic adjustment.
  • If you suffer from crippling arthritis pain, physical therapy exercises and massage therapy can help you control joint pain and stiffness.

The many perils of opioids

There's no disputing the fact that pain medication is a profitable industry. In addition to the enormous sums spent by consumers on over-the-counter pain relievers, the worldwide market for opioid drugs has been estimated at $25.4 billion -- and it's expected to keep growing.

Opioids prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, enabling them to combat even the most severe pain. Unfortunately, the price of frequent opioid use far exceeds the money you pay for these drugs. The more you use opioids, the more likely your body is to develop a tolerance against them.

As a result, you need to keep taking more frequent and/or more potent doses to achieve the same degree of pain relief. This is a fast, potentially deadly path to addiction.

Don't assume that you're getting a good deal from non-addictive pain relievers, by the way. Milder drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen may not get you "hooked," but their painkilling effects are short-lived, forcing you to keep dosing yourself every few hours.

These medicines can also cause health problems with frequent or heavy use, with risks ranging from stomach bleeding to liver failure.

Find pain relief with physical therapy today

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.

Say goodbye to opioids, once and for all!

If you're going to invest time, effort and money into feeling better, do it in a way that actually helps your body for safer long-term solutions.

If your doctor agrees that physical therapy can help you ditch the drugs, contact our physical therapist to schedule an initial appointment and work out a pain management program!

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Discover the Benefits of both Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation!

Did You Know That You Could Benefit From Both Our Pre AND Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Services?

Pre and post surgical rehab is often recommended for those having orthopedic surgery. These types of surgeries could include foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, shoulder, neck, and spine surgeries.

Rehab can, however, be beneficial for just about any type of surgical procedure. A physical therapist can put together both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation plan for an individual preparing for surgery.

In fact, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are proven benefits to both pre-surgical rehabilitation AND post-surgical rehabilitation.

The following are several important benefits of having pre and post-surgical rehab.

The benefits of physical therapy for surgical recovery

A trained physical therapist can advise you regarding the best prehab and post-surgical plan for your specific needs. As soon as you know when your surgery is scheduled you’ll want to make an appointment with a physical therapist.

A therapist will likely do a complete physical assessment before creating a unique prehab and rehab program.

Physical therapy treatment can help you achieve as much strength, stamina, flexibility, and improved range of motion as possible both before and after your surgery. A physical therapist may use a variety of manual therapies or teach you exercises you can do at home.

A therapist might also use heat, ice, or electrical stimulation. You’ll want to get started as soon as possible to make sure you’re prepared for surgery and can make a quick and full recovery.

What’s the purpose of pre-surgical rehabilitation?

Many people fear the harsh recoveries that follow surgical procedures. This is especially true for anyone who has had a total joint replacement. Faced with the knowledge of time spent in a rehabilitation hospital, many people delay joint replacement surgery out of fear for the long, difficult recovery ahead.

Fortunately, pre-hab can help significantly reduce recovery time. Did you know that by partaking in preventative rehabilitation, you can reduce your odds of needing inpatient rehabilitation by 73 percent? If you are stronger before surgery, you will meet your physical milestones much quicker after surgery, decreasing your recovery time 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. Pre-hab provides patients with the stretches, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving techniques they need for a smooth and speedy recovery.

Rehabilitation after surgery

It’s important to start a post-surgical rehabilitation plan as soon as your doctor states that you’re ready.

The following are a few of the benefits of post-surgical rehab.

  • Regain Lost Strength– The more quickly you regain strength and stamina, the more quickly you’ll get back to your daily routine. A physical therapy program can be designed to target the specific areas in your body that need strengthened after surgery.
  • Reduce Pain and Swelling– The right type of post-surgical treatment can help reduce the amount of pain and swelling you experience after your surgery. Icing and ultrasound are both techniques a physical therapist may use to reduce localized swelling and pain. According to PT in Motion News, patients that received the same day, post-operative physical therapy needed fewer opioids after knee surgery.
  • Improve Circulation– Improved circulation not only facilitates faster healing but reduces the chance of a blood clot forming. Something as simple as massage can improve circulation. Many types of basic exercises and simple movements prescribed by a physical therapist can promote increased blood circulation.

Rehabilitation before surgery

This is often called prehabilitation, and it helps an individual prepare physically and mentally for a surgical procedure.

There are several benefits of going to rehab before your surgery.

  • Less Anxiety– Patients that have undergone some sort of prehab are often less prone to anxiety or stress prior to the surgery. Starting a process of physical activity that improves strength, endurance, and flexibility can improve overall confidence that the procedure will be successful.
  • Fewer Complications– The weaker and more frail an individual is, the more likely it is that the person will experience complications such as infection after a surgical procedure. Prehab can increase strength and immunity prior to surgery.
  • Faster Recovery– Learning the exercises you’ll need to do before surgery trains your muscles in advance. This will make post-surgical rehab easier and more effective. PT in Motion News states that even a few sessions of physical therapy prior to surgery can reduce post operative care for some patients.

Recover faster today!

Are you looking for a speedy recovery after your surgery? Of course you are!

Contact us today to get started on both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation plan to optimize your results!

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