ImotionPT_Building A Strong Core To Relieve Back Pain

Do you want to target your core? One of the first actions a physical therapist does is to evaluate your core strength, flexibility and coordination. This can pinpoint the root cause of your back pain. Then with hands on therapy, the spinal joints can be freed up to move like they should and specific exercises are prescribed to restore your core strength.

Health

& Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body BUILD A STRONG CORE TO RELIEVE BACK PAIN Life Is Better Without Pain!

Do you want to target your core? One of the first actions a physical therapist does is to evaluate your core strength, flexibility and coordination. This can pinpoint the root cause of your back pain. Then with hands on therapy, the spinal joints can be freed up tomove like they should and specific exercises are prescribed to restore your core strength. If you suffer from an aching back or even neck pain, weakness in your core muscles can be to blame. Do you have to sit for long periods at a computer, in the car, or are you just not that active anymore? All these positions can lead your core muscles to become weak.

Even if you exercise regularly, unless you target your core muscles, you can cause an imbalance in your muscle strength, straining your back and putting you at risk for injury. A prime example of how important core muscle strength is to protect against back pain was shown in a study with 443 firefighters that were put through core strengthening routines. Over a 12month period, those firefighters had 62% less injuries than the group who did no core strengthening exercises. When your core is strong, it means your spine is better protected against injury when you twist, lift or strain your body doing an activity.

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Core Activation Tips

1. Strengthening Perform specific strengthening exercises that engage all the layers of your abdominal wall, pelvic muscles and spinal muscles. Lying on your back, place your hands on your lower abdomen. Try to activate the transverse abdominis muscles beneath your hands drawing the muscles together towards your belly button. Keep breathing while you do this and hold for 10 second counts. Repeat 10 times and do 3-4 times a day, even while you stand! 2. Balance While keeping your abdomen tight in standing, try to stand on one foot. Stand close to a wall so you can keep your hand on it. Hold for 10 seconds each foot and repeat 5 times a day. Enhancing your balance engages the nerves that control the core muscles, helping everything work together. 3. Move Avoid sitting for prolonged periods and if you have to work, then break up the day with standing for 1-2 minute periods every 30 minutes. Keep working on tightening up your abdominal muscles in sitting, standing and lying down. Walk for 15-30 minutes a day, focusing on your posture and abdominal muscles. 4. After pregnancy Pregnancy severely stretches out the abdominal wall and many women can suffer froma condition called diastasis recti. Carefully strengthening your core muscles is essential for long term spinal rehabilitation after child birth. Talk to one of our physical therapists today about having a complete recovery, even years after your last pregnancy.

Patient Spotlight

5 STARS INMY BOOK! “I been to a lot of Physical Therapy with my back surgeries... but Kashmira & Ray have to be the best physical therapists I ever had. The whole staff is so kind & friendly. I would recommend highly to my family and friends -- 5 stars in my book!!” D.B.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! Fremont: 510-745-7700 Los Gatos: 408-637-4777

Healthy Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats • ½ cup of ground flax seed • 1 tablespoon of black chia seeds • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon • ½ cup of raw honey

• ½ cup of peanut butter • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder • ½ cup of dark chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Add rolled oats, ground flax seed, chia seeds, cinnamon, honey, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and vanilla protein powder to food processor. 2. Pulse until ingredients are blended (about 7-9 times). 3. Add mixture to a large bowl, add in chocolate chips. Stir to combine. 4. Form energy bite mixture into 1” balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. 5. Cover and place in refrigerator for 2 hours. 6. Serve! Author: Krista @ https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-energy-balls/

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Exercise Essentials Try this simple exercise to keep you moving... The exercise below is designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist.

Strengthens The Core PRAYER STRETCH - LATERAL

While on your hands and knees in a crawl position, slowly lower your buttocks towards your feet. Also, lower your chest towards the floor as you reach out towards the side. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 6 times.

Give The Gift of Health

Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The

Following? • Move without pain • Bend and move freely

If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to iMotion Physical Therapy today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly for a Free Back Pain Relief Consultation.

REFERRAL HOTL INE 510-745-7700 • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle

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