ImotionPT_How Strong Shoulders Relieve Headaches

Have you ever felt a pounding headache start to come on, especially later in the day? This is sign of muscle spasms in the neck and scalp as a result of abnormal stress and strain. Believe it or not, this could be caused by poor shoulder and upper back strength.

Health

& Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body How Strong Shoulders RELIEVE HEADACHES

Have you ever felt a pounding headache star t to come on, especially later in the day? This is sign of muscle spasms in the neck and scalp as a result of abnormal stress and strain.

correctly support your posture. Throughout the day as you use your head, neck and shoulders, the upper trapezius and other neck muscles become overused. This can then cause spasms

Believe it or not, this could be caused by poor shoulder and upper back strength. Your trapezius muscles form a large triangle that start from the base of your skull, connecting all along the spine from the upper neck down to your mid back. They extend out to the tip of your shoulder blades, forming the triangle. The trapezius muscles are split up into three groups, the upper, middle and lower trapezius. We commonly notice the upper trapezius muscle getting tight and sore. Poor posture is to blame With forward slouching posture during sitting and standing, the middle and lower trapezius muscles become chronically stretched out. This results in weakness and an inability to

of the arteries in the upper neck and scalp (vasospasms), which is one of the main symptoms of a headache. Over time this unfortunate cycle of poor posture, weakness, spasms and headaches can lead to long-term changes in the neck structures, even early arthritis. However, improving the cervical (neck) and upper back motions can easily be accomplished with the right physical therapy. Furthermore, our physical therapists can quickly pinpoint the specific muscle groups to target to restore normal posture and function. The result is long-lasting headache relief, where you can finally stop taking the Advil or Tylenol. Call us today to discover how we can help your neck move freely and get rid of those headaches for good!

www.imotionpt.com

Natural Ways To Relieve Headaches

1. Improve your posture Most headaches are caused by poor mechanics of the neck and upper back joints. Evaluate the way you sit at a desk, at home and how you carry yourself when walking. The simplest way to improve your posture is to pretend you have a string gently pulling you upward from the top of your head. 2. Strengthen your shoulders and upper back By improving the muscle support of the mid and upper back; your body can cope with normal everyday reaching tasks. This decreases the strain on the neck muscles and allows you to move more naturally. At first, when exercising these weakened areas, your headaches may continue to be variable. However, after several weeks of exercising the shoulder and upper back muscles, your headaches will improve. 3. Improve your flexibility The neck is made up of 14 joints that rely on a complex series of over 50 muscles to help you move. Muscles and tendons need to be flexible and elastic to help your neck joints move in the proper sequence. Take time during the day to gently stretch your neck side to side, rotating and down / up. Improving your chest and upper back flexibility, helps to restore normal posture and reduce strain to the neck. After all, you are balancing the weight of a bowling ball on top of your neck.

Naturally relieve your headaches, neck, upper back or shoulder pain with physical therapy. Physical therapy is the only medical science that works on these 3 natural ways to restore your body to better posture, flexibility and strength. Call us today to learn more about our special programs that help you live your life headache and pain free.

Patient Spotlight

My lower back pain has disappeared! “I came to iMotion because I was having back pain during my pregnancy. I could not walk without pain going down my leg. Every time I went from sitting to standing, I was in such severe pain I couldn’t stand up straight and could hardly walk. I couldn’t sit for more than 15 minutes without feeling lower back pain. After therapy, my lower back pain disappeared, I can walk long distance and sit without pain.”

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

Delicious Recipe

TRADITIONAL CREPES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs • 1 cup milk • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 pinch salt • 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Directions In a blender combine eggs, milk, flour, salt and oil. Process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Pour 1/4 cup of crepe batter into pan, tilting to completely coat the surface of the pan. Cook 2 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Garnish with fresh fruit of your choice.

www.imotionpt.com

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. PRONE THORACIC EXTENSION Squeeze shoulder blades together and lift head and shoulders off table. Repeat 10 times.

Helps With Tight Muscles

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

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

www.imotionpt.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs