Farmingdale PT: Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Pain

Health & Wellness by Farmingdale Physical Therapy West

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

JOE’S JOURNEY

By Joe Cottone

“Since I was young I knew I wanted to help people, I just did not know which path of medicine to pursue. Although I had heard of physical therapy when I was younger, I did not know as much about it as I did with other medical professions. When I was 17 I started working as a physical therapy aide at Farmingdale Physical Therapy West. Coming into this job I did not know what to expect, as I had never had a job of this caliber before. Even though I was not as well-rounded in physical therapy, I kept an open mind and continued to work hard and learn from all of

the therapists and aides in the facility. As I learned more about physical therapy, I became extremely interested and shifted my studies to Health Science. During my final semester at Hofstra University, I decided to apply to physical therapy school. After an intensive interviewing process, I was accepted to the Physical Therapy program at NYIT. The program will last three years, and I am excited and prepared to begin my schooling and career as a physical therapist.”

- Joe Cottone

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SHOULDER, ELBOW & WRIST PAIN Reach For The Stars Without Fear Of Pain! Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body Long Island’s Top PT Clinic!

INSIDE:

• What Is Causing Your Shoulder Pain? • Healthy Recipe

• Employee Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

movement relies on your posture to be in good order. When you slouch or sometimes do a repetitive task, like reaching across your desk, certain muscles can become too tight or strong while others become weak. This muscle imbalance leads to that area not working as well as it should. For example, you sit at a desk all day and you slouch your shoulders. Now, your shoulder doesn’t work as well, but you still move your mouse around with your arm, which causes your wrist and forearm muscles to overwork. As this happens over time, you start to notice aches and pains in your wrist and elbow. If this goes on too long, it becomes severe and you need to seek medical help. Solving the problem Typically a brace may be put on the area, but that does not solve the cause of the problem. The real reason can be because your shoulder was stiff and weak from slouching. An expert physical therapist has the right medical training to spot where your posture is not optimum and how you are compensating. With the right evaluation and treatment from the experts at Farmingdale Physical Therapy West, you can relieve your shoulder, elbow or wrist pain quickly and be back to doing what you like to do. Our home programs make it easy for you to maintain your gains and stay well for the long haul. Call us today to learn more about how we can relieve your pain and get you back to enjoying your activities.

You try to get through the day, but that nagging pain in your shoulder, elbow or wrist just keeps your attention focused on it. It sure is hard to concentrate on work, your family and other activities you need to do! It is common to fixate on the body part that hurts. It is often thought that because it hurts there, the problem is right there. However, this is typically not

HENRY“BUTCH”PURSLOW, DPT

the case, as the cause of the problem is in another area. The body part that is painful is usually the one that is doing all the work because other areas are not doing their job. Why it hurts The body is truly amazing and all the parts work together as one whole. However, when an area of your body becomes weak or stiff because of poor posture, stress or injury, other areas strain from the overwork. A common word that is used for this type of repetitive injury strain is called “tendonitis”. This is simply an inflammation of the tendons, which attach muscles to bones. The upper extremity works in 3 parts, the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. They rely on each other to make the incredible movements of your arm so you can reach, grasp and do ordinary daily tasks we take for granted. Proper

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WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR SHOULDER PAIN? The majority of pain that travels to your shoulder from your neck is referred pain. Your shoulder may not necessarily be the problem. In fact, the first 10 degrees of movement in your shoulder comes from your shoulder joint. The rest relies on the movement of your upper back, neck, shoulder blade, and collar bone. If these areas work incorrectly then shoulder pain can occur. Most neck and shoulder pain is a result of prolonged poor posture, lifting heavy objects and minor falls or injuries. These irritate the joints in the neck and upper back. This then makes the muscles around the upper back and shoulder tighten and become sore. Suddenly, you now have neck and shoulder pain.

There are many nerves that come off of the cervical (neck) vertebral bodies that pass down in front of the shoulder heading towards the arm. Irritation of these nerves can refer pain to the shoulder. Poor posture, especially with sitting at work or at home, can cause this to occur. Rotation or tilting of the neck may create your shoulder pain if these nerves are involved. It is important that a physical therapist examine you thoroughly if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you have had a fall injury and suddenly develop shoulder and neck pain, seek help immediately. Any injury may affect the many sensitive structures in your neck and upper back. Shoulder and neck pain, if they occur together, may relate to disc injuries. This is more likely if you are having neck and arm pain, rather than just shoulder pain. Pain that travels down the arm to any extent may indicate more severe problems. Shoulder pain can result in restricted movement of your body. Pain involves the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and respiratory system. To avoid referred shoulder pain or any kind of referred pain, you

should have a strong immune system for prevention of diseases. A strong body can fight infection or disease and can enhance the functioning of all the body systems. A balanced diet, regular physical therapy exercises and a stress-free mind are the keys to maintaining an active life. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, consult one of our expert physical therapists for a full evaluation to determine where your problem is originating from, so correct treatments can be applied to help you.

The Ultimate Healthy Buttermilk Pancakes

INGREDIENTS • 1 c + 2 tbsp (135g) all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour flour (measured correctly) • 1 tsp (3g) baking soda • ½ tsp (2g) baking powder • ¼ tsp (2g) salt • ½ tbsp (7g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg • 1 ½ tsp (8mL) vanilla extract • ½ c (120mL) low-fat buttermilk, room temperature • 1 tsp (5mL) pure maple syrup • ¼ c (60g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, and vanilla. Whisk in the buttermilk and maple syrup. Stir in the yogurt until no large lumps remain. Add in the flour mixture, and stir until just incorporated. 2. Lightly coat a large pan or griddle with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat over low heat. 3. Using 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake, dollop onto the hot pan, and spread into a circular shape if desired. Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes, or until a slight skin starts to form around the edges and the bottom is light golden brown. Slide a spatula underneath, and flip. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes or until light golden brown on both sides. Serve hot.

FARMINGDALE PHYSICAL THERAPY WEST 4277 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage, NY 11714 • 516-731-3583

www.fptwest.com

Patient Success Spotlight

Employee Of The Month

STEPHAN G. AUTHORIZATION COORDINATOR

I always feel great after a physical therapy session.

Stephan likes to go to the movies, enjoys reading, yoga, and hiking/ nature/running to stay active. His favorite foods are bagels and sushi. The best part about working at Farmingdale PTWest is the employees.

“I came in with an injured foot and using a camwalker. Within a few short weeks, I was able to come out of the cam walker, then started seeing a major improvement in how much I could do. I always feel great after a physical therapy session. I wish I could have this set up in my house and have Scott on call. Everyone here is super friendly, attentive, patient and really know what they are doing! I enjoy all my sessions and am sad to leave even though it means I’m feeling better.” - Mariah S.

Take Care of Your Pain Before It’s Too Late.

Patient Of The Month

Patricia Peterson

Patricia has been a patient with for a couple of months now. In her free time, she loves to golf, read, travel, and also spend time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys coming to PT because of the professionalism of our facility. Patricia thinks it’s great to see progress of others here because it motivates her to work harder and see her own progress at the same time. She also enjoys the camaraderie between the patients and the entire staff and PTs.

CALL TODAY! 516-731-3583

Attention Pain Sufferers WE ARE HOSTING A GREAT WORKSHOP!

BACK PAIN & SCIATICA WORKSHOP

June 19th | 5:30 pm

- 7:00 pm

You’ll learn: • Main causes of Back Pain and Sciatica • Benefits of PT for Back Pain and Sciatica • How posture plays a role in Back Pain

• Exercises to improve strength of your back • Exercises to relieve Sciatica symptoms

New Being Held at a Location! SPORTIME Bethpage Multi-Sport 4105 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, NY 11714

*Right down the street from FPTW*

SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING!

I want to thank everyone from Farmingdale PT West for all of their help and support getting me back to enjoying life again... “As I get older, I have been suffering from a condition of spinal stenosis and has caused extensive lower back pain and some sciatica issues. With treatment at FPTW, my back issues along with some muscle spasms in my leg have subsided. When I finally decided to see an orthopedic doctor, it was recommended to have both knees replaced. The success results I received from previous treatments have brought me back to Farmingdale PT West to continue with my therapy. The knowledgeable staff headed by “Butch” Purslow, set up a program of exercises and muscle strengthening equipment, which has gotten me back to walking with confidence. I want to thank everyone from Farmingdale PT West for all of their help and support getting me back to enjoying life again, where I can stroll on the beach, play golf and chase my grandchildren.” - Michael L. I have improved so much with therapy and no longer need to use a cane. “IfirstwenttoButchfortherapy in2001,thenwhen Ihadarthroscopic surgery on my left knee. I have been back several times since. In June 2017, I had a total knee replacement. I then returned to Farmingdale Physical Therapy West. It has been my experience that Butch is an excellent therapist. His enthusiasm and sense of humor encourages patients to persevere. I have improved so much with therapy and no longer need to use a cane. I also thank all the other therapists, assistants, aides, and the staff up front for all their help. Everyone is always very friendly and present.” - Mary T.

I found the entire staff to be both professional and caring. By my second appointment all the staff called me by my first name. “Approximately a month after my total left knee replacement I started physical therapy at FPTW. I found the entire staff to be both professional and caring. By my second appointment all the staff called me by my first name. The staff spent the necessary time to instruct me the proper way to perform my exercises in a safe matter. By the sixth visit, I was able to use the stationary bike with little to no difficulty. The biggest challenge was to straighten my left knee. Jill worked so hard to finally get me to achieve this most difficult task. I highly recommend this facility to anyone who is working for caring professionals to bring them back to greater mobility and independence.” - John C. “MyexperienceatFarmingdaleWestPTwasapositiveone.Everyone there was very friendly and knowledgeable. My PT, Scott helped me with my frozen shoulder. The aides were great, especially Liz and Danny. Very helpful and nice. All and all they helped alleviate my pain when I was there, and when I was leaving supplied me with exercises to do at home. Thanks to all!” - Carole K. My experience has been nothing but fantastic. I thank the whole team for helping me in my recovery. “My experience with P/T was wonderful. I had bilateral knee replacement, at first I had little motion. Butch measured to me about 70 degree bend, by working with him we reach to a 120 degree bend. When first riding the bike, it was very difficult for me, and now I can go full range on the bike. I walk without my walker, and can now bend my knees when walking. The staff from the beginning was always pleasant and positive. My experience has been nothing but fantastic. I thank the whole team for helping me in my recovery.” - Frances A. Everyone there was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Thank you for the good work, I will always recommend this place...

“This place is one of the most amazing physical therapy firms I’ve been. I have been to several others, but this is exceptional. Before I became a member, I was in pain and also had tight muscles. As of now I can testify that the pain has reduced compared to the previous experience. Thank you for the good work, I will always recommend this place to family, friends, loved ones, and strangers as far as I’m concerned.” - Dani D.

CALL TODAY!

516-731-3583

631-495-6179

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