The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily — whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt.
Physical Therapy N E W S L E T T E R
I S Y O U R B A C K T R Y I N G T O TELL YOU SOMETHING? S T O P I G N O R I N G Y O U R B A C K P A I N
Exercise Essentials Try this exercise to strengthen core muscles
Solving Your Pain Getting to the Bottom of Your Back Pain
Exercise &Wellness How physical activity affects your mental health
N E W S L E T T E R
I S YOUR BACK TRY I NG TO TELL YOU SOMETHING? DON ’ T KE EP I GNOR I NG YOUR BACK PA I N
physical therapist early on so that you know exactly what is going on with your body from the get-go. Once the cause of your back pain is determined, your physical therapist will be able to identify the best treatment options for your body’s needs. This will likely include the following: • Targeted exercises that are specialized to the region of the back that is experiencing the most pain. These exercises are designed to help build strength and support the surrounding muscles. • Guided stretching designed to improve range of motion and flexibility. This will take into account the health and vivacity of vertebrae and any potential stretches that may support optimal back health. • Support and guidance with an exercise routine and habit formation, especially with cardiovascular activity that can stimulate improved blood circulation to the affected areas of the back, as well as strength- building activities. Attempting to undertake any of these changes on your own after you’ve experienced a back injury is both dangerous and not recommended. Working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist can provide you with the guidance and ongoing support that you need to ensure that you do not experience any further injury as you attempt to heal the cause of your back pain.
The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily —whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt. It is no wonder that so many people experience back injuries every year. What is a big wonder is that so many people choose to ignore their back injuries year after year! When you break an arm or get a cut on your leg, you are likely to do something about it right away. The sight of blood leaving your body or the realization that a bone isn’t sitting right is something that not many people are going to deal with for too long before seeking medical attention. Yet when pain begins in the back, it is almost normal to ignore it. Everyone develops back pain, time to time, right? There is no reason to stress about it or overreact, right? Absolutely wrong! Understanding Back Pain Back pain may be common, but it is absolutely not normal. There are actually a lot of serious conditions that can cause your back to begin to hurt, and it is smart to have your back looked at by a physician or
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G E T T I N G T O T H E B O T T O M O F B A C K P A I N
When it comes to back pain, Don’t Wait! When you experience an injury to your back, or realize that you are experiencing regular pain as a result of an ongoing injury or overuse, it is important to find out the cause of your back pain as quickly as possible. Back pain can quickly become chronic, as a potentially small issue can become complicated when it is not addressed early on. Working with a physical therapist can help you to identify the difference between environmental causes and something more medically based. To get started with putting an end to your back pain, contact us.
There are a lot of different reasons as to why you may be experiencing back pain, and ignoring any of them is not a good idea. Some of the most common issues that cause back pain to linger include: • Muscle sprain or strain
• Slipped vertebrae or disk • Arthritis
• Tear or hyperextension to the supporting muscles or tendons
These concerns can develop as a result of a myriad of environmental issues, such as having poor posture, prolonged sedentary activity, car crash, sporting accident, stress, heavy lifting, and so on.
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If you’re suffering from back pain, call your Physical Therapist at Bear Lake Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment today!
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DIRECT ACCESS?
Perform This Exercise To Strengthen Your Core In Minutes!
1. Call and consult directly with a physical therapist at one of our locations to discuss your pain and symptoms. No prescription needed! 2. Your physical therapist may suggest exercises or precautionary measures to relieve or avoid pain. 3. If further assessment is needed to find the cause of your paint, your therapist can schedule an appointment with you.
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PRONE ALTERNATE LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up a leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time. Alternate 20 times.
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Call your physical therapist today! 833.946.2777 (Garden City) • 208.847.1342 (Montpelier) • 833.946.2777 (Randolph)
Walking is the #1 exercise prescribed for arthritis. Some helpful tips to make your walking program more enjoyable and beneficial are as follows: 1. Talk before you walk. Discuss your program with your physical therapist. 2. Walk a mile in your shoes and then reassess your need for arch supports or orthotics. BEST EXERCISE FOR ARTHRITIS
T H E CONN E C T I ON B E TWE E N EXERC I SE & MENTAL HEALTH
• Exercise and ADHD. Exercising regularly is one of the easiest andmost effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. • Exercise and PTSD/ trauma. Evidence suggests that by really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise, you can actually help your nervous system become “unstuck” and begin to move out of the immobilization stress response that characterizes PTSD or trauma. Instead of thinking about other things, pay close attention to the physical sensations in your joints andmuscles, even your insides as your body moves. Exercises that involve cross movement and that engage both arms and legs—such as walking (especially in sand), running, swimming, weight training, or dancing—are some of your best choices. Outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing (downhill and cross-country) have also been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. When you’re under the cloud of an emotional disorder and haven’t exercised for a long time, setting yourself extravagant goals like completing a marathon or working out for an hour everymorning will only leave you more despondent if you fall short. Better to set yourself achievable goals and build up from there.
Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for the body. But exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better. • Exercise and depression. Maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing. It promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. • Exercise and anxiety. Anything that gets you moving can help, but you’ll get a bigger benefit if you pay attention instead of zoning out. By adding this mindfulness element—really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise—you’ll not only improve your physical condition faster, but you may also be able to interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head.
3. Walk with a buddy.
4. Be careful with leashed dogs. They might “walk you” and increase your risk of falling down. 5. Listen to your body: modify distance, time and intensity as needed. 6. Move slowly and use assistance as needed (with a cane or walking stick). Other popular types of exercise for people with arthritis includes: stretching, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, water exercises, cycling, strength training and hand mobility exercises. It is best to seek medical advice before starting any exercise program and to work with a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise program.
HEALTHY RECIPE TOMATO, CUCUMBER & AVOCADO SALAD
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INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar • 1 teaspoon orange zest • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon honey • ½ teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted and chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk oil, vinegar, orange zest, salt, honey and chile powder in a large bowl. Add cucumber; toss gently. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes. Fold in tomatoes. Gently fold in avocado. Serve immediately.
Is pain, injury, or chronic condition holding you back? Visit us online at BEARLAKEPT.COM to start living pain-free!
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