NorthernPTVT_Relieving Back Pain with Traction

Newsletter for Northern Physical Therapy, P.C.

Newsletter

Northern Physical Therapy Clinical Update

• So, How Exactly Does Traction Work?

• Baked Chimichurri Chicken

• Exercise Essential

• Experience The Benefits Of Stretching

Newsletter

Relieving Back Pain With Traction How It Can Benefit You

If your back hurts, should you lie in bed or take a rest on the couch? Neither; in fact, while it might feel good to take a load off temporarily, either one of these can actually prolong or even worsen your symptoms. Lower back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported form of pain. It is a major cause of medical expenses, work absenteeism, and disability. According to a study conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association, one third of adults surveyed say that low back pain impacted their ability to sleep, work, or exercise. A common physical therapy treatment for relieving back pain is traction. This has proven to significantly help in getting patients back to their normal levels of function. With traction, you can find some much-needed relief and get back to comfortably living your daily life.

Traction is a form of decompression therapy that we are happy to offer at our physical therapy practice. It relieves pressure on the spine and alleviates pain from joints, sprains, and spasms. It can also treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions. Traction is performed by skilled physical therapists and/ or the use of mechanical units. The different types of traction include: • Mechanical Traction . The specialized treatment technique of mechanical traction uses devices that work by stretching the spinal vertebrae and muscles.

For more information on how this could benefit you, contact Northern Physical Therapy today!

How can physical therapy help back pain? Physical therapy is the ideal treatment for patients experiencing chronic low back pain. Unlike prescription pain medication, physical therapy does not have any unwanted side effects, does not carry the risk of dependency, and addresses a person’s mobility, as well as pain reduction. One recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine also reported that physical therapy is as effective as surgery for treating low back pain conditions, without the risks or recovery time. Many people already associate physical therapy with movement, balance and mobility, but few understand the role physical therapy can have in pain relief. Therapies such as traction play a big role in physical therapy’s ability to relieve a patient’s pain. When combined with other physical therapy modalities, traction is actually more effective than pain medications in providing long-term relief.

• Manual Traction. With manual traction, our physical therapists use their hands to stretch the spinal vertebrae and muscles.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation, and figure out how physical therapy can help you!

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SO, HOW EXACTLY DOES TRACTION WORK?

Traction relieves pressure on the spine and alleviates pain. Cervical traction and lumbar traction are similar, but they have a couple of key differences: with cervical traction, a gentle force is used to stretch or pull the head away from the neck. With lumbar traction, a gentle force is used to gently gap the pelvis from the lower back. Both of these methods are useful in manipulating the spine and providing relief. How can I add traction to my treatment plan? For low back pain sufferers, one key element to relief is traction. Combining this method of treatment with additional pain relief modalities is the most

effective way to treat low back pain, rather than mask it with pain relievers or muscle relaxers. If your back has been bothering you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Northern Physical Therapy today to discuss how we can add traction to your treatment plan. One of our highly trained physical therapists will design a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. Don’t live with lower back pain – traction can help get you moving.

Sources: https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/1877039/low-back-pain https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2018/03/30/LancetLBP/

Healthy Recipe BAKED CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp oregano, dried • 1 cup parsley, packed • Dash of maple syrup or raw honey

• 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar • 3 – 4 large garlic cloves • 1 tsp salt

• 4 lbs of bone in chicken thighs or 3 lbs boneless thighs or breasts • 1/2 cup olive oil, extra virgin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor or high speed blender, add Chimichurri ingredients and process on Low until chunky sauce forms. 2. In a large bowl, add chicken and pierce randomly with a small knife. Pour half of Chimichurri sauce on top and mix with your hands to coat the meat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30minutes or preferably overnight. 3. Rub the bottom of large baking dish with oil

and lay marinated chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer. Bake uncovered in 450 degrees F preheated oven for 25-35 minutes for chicken breasts and 40 minutes for thighs. Or until internal read thermometer registers 150 degrees F internal temperature. 4. Serve hot drizzled with remaining Chimichurri sauce.

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Exercise Essential

Patient Success Spotlight

PRAYER STRETCH

While in a crawl position, slowly lower your buttocks towards your feet until a stretch is felt along your back and or buttocks. This is a good stretch if you sit at a computer all day

STRETCHES LOWER BACK

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

“I am pain free for the first time in a while...” “I am pain free for the first time in a while in my bad hip and because of Northern Physical Therapy and the staff members I am able to mount from the ground again. It has been three years since I’ve been able to do that. I have also stacked over 2,300 hay bails so far this season because of Northern Physical Therapy.” - R.M.

CALL TODAY! (802) 626-4224

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Come Back In For An Evaluation Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your health, you can choose the physical therapy practice you want! Come back to Northern Physical Therapy for a consultation today!

Experience the Benefits of Stretching

As you age, your muscle tissue actually dries out a little, tightening. This causes a loss of range of motion in your joints and tissues. In addition to the loss of range of motion, it can really limit your active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as dressing or squatting down to tie your shoes, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program helps lengthen your muscles and makes daily living activities much easier. Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Stretching is a natural part of what we do on a daily basis. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program: • Reduced muscle tension • Increased range of movement in the joints • Enhanced muscular coordination

Good For A FREE Injury Consultation Beat Aches & Pains! Mention or bring in this coupon for a FREE Consultation with one of our physical therapy specialists!

• Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains at work • Back and neck pain

• Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties while working

• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body • Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

CALL TODAY! (802) 626-4224

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