Wood Associates PT: Don't Ignore Your Back Pain

Wood Associates Physical Therapy Newsletter

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLET TER

DON’T IGNORE YOUR ACHING BACK! DO YOU FEEL ACHES AND PAINS THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY? 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. (continued inside)

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DON’T IGNORE YOUR ACHING BACK! DO YOU FEEL ACHES AND PAINS THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY? THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLET TER

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INSIDE :

• Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain • Avoid Aches & Pains In The Garden This Spring • Get ing To The B t f i • Avoid Aches & Pains In The Garden This Spring

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight r i • Patient Success Spotlig •

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 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.

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Try this movement if you are experiencing knee pain EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain

Reduces Back Pain

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PRONE PRESS UP Begin by lying on your stomach with you hands beside your shoulders. Execute by pushing up with your arms, making sure to look up to the ceiling and arch your upper back. Return to start and repeat 10 times.

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 disc • Tear or hyperextension to the supporting muscles or tendons • Arthritis 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. 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, call us today. You will be glad you did!

HEALTHY RECIPE Mexican Cauliflower Rice Skillet INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground beef • 1/4 medium onion diced

• 1/2 red pepper diced • 3 tbsp taco seasoning • 1 cup diced tomatoes • 12 ounces cauliflower rice • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through (just a little pink). Add the onion and pepper and continue to cook until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning. Add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cauliflower rice begins to soften (8 to 10 minutes for frozen). Sprinkle the skillet with the cheese and cover. Let cook until the cheese is melted, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BACK PAIN

Avoid Aches & Pains In The Garden This Spring

Patient Success Spotlight

“The owner, Laura, will educate you and prepare you for what to do after the physical therapy visits have stopped.”

Did you know that the State of Massachusetts is one of many states that allow direct access to physical therapy? You do not need a prescription or referral to start physical therapy. This was done to help combat the opiod crisis and encourage the use of physical therapy as the safe and effective alternative for treatment of acute and chronic pain and injuries. A PHYSICIAN REFERRAL IS NOT NEEDED FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS! Direct Access To Physical Therapy SEE MORE TESTIMONIALS LIKE THIS ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.WOODASSOCIATESPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM “Definitely a 5 star rating! A combination of electrical stimuli, moderate stretching exercises that produces great strengthening results, along with professional deep tissue therapy. In this pleasant atmosphere, The owner, Laura, will educate you and prepare you for what to do after the physical therapy visits have stopped. Thank you again!” - Tony

Common gardening activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints. This is especially true for people who are normally sedentary. Different body areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, and knees can be vulnerable to injury during gardening. These tips can help prevent injuries: • Warm up before you garden. A 10 minute brisk walk and stretches for the spine and limbs are good ways to warm up.

• Change positions frequently to avoid stiffness or cramping.

• Make use of a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move heavy planting materials or tools. Be sure to keep your back straight while using a wheelbarrow. • If kneeling on both knees causes discomfort in your back, try kneeling on one and keep the other foot on the ground. Use knee pads or a gardening pad when kneeling.

• If kneeling or leaning down to the ground causes significant pain in your back or knees, consider using elevated planters to do your gardening.

• Avoid bending your wrist upwards when pulling things or using gardening tools. Instead, keep your wrist straight and use your shoulder muscles to pull and lift. • End your gardening session with some gentle backward bending of your low back, a short walk and light stretching, similar to stretches done before starting.

Author: Andrea Avruskin PT, DPT

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