Newsletter for AgeWell Physical Therapy & Wellness
N E W S L E T T E R
GETTINGTO THECOREOF BACKAND NECKPAIN
Back and neck pain are two of the most common issues that American adults experience, putting a huge physical and economic burden on working Americans by being both two of the leading needs for medical intervention and two of the most common causes people have to miss work. While these may feel like two separate issues, it is somewhat common that neck pain and back pain
I N S I D E UNDERSTANDING CORE STRENGTH AND BACK PAIN HEALTHY RECIPE: BAKED CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF STRETCHING EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
are actually related. (Read more inside...)
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N E W S L E T T E R
GETTING TO THE CORE OF BACK AND NECK PAIN
Back Pain 101 Severe back pain impacts more than half of the population, and many of those with pain in the back as a result of injury end up dealing with that pain long term. One of the biggest problems with back pain is that once it develops, it is difficult to work around it, and many people begin modifying their movements as a result, causing their back to compensate for the injury by putting pressure on other muscles that eventually just leads to more back pain. For this reason, back pain can frequently become a Catch-22 — avoiding the things that hurt your back could actually lead you to develop more pain in the future. Working with a physical therapist is the best way to cut your back pain issues in half. Physical therapy can address back pain by helping to improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles in your back and surrounding areas, and by using targeted massage to reduce tension. In many situations, working with a physical therapist to improve core strength can significantly reduce the severity of your back pain.
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Core strength can have a huge impact on your overall health and wellness, and when your core is weak, it could add up to weakness in your neck and back. Neck Pain 101 There are a lot of reasons why neck pain may develop, including everything from sudden incidents like a car accident or a slip-and- fall injury, to more chronic issues, such as regularly hunching over a desk at work or even practicing poor posture. One of the biggest problems with neck pain is that it often triggers headaches, as the pain is so closely connected to the spine and nervous system. What is more, addressing neck pain is sometimes difficult as there is so much potential to cause more damage to the neck. This is whyworking with a physical therapist to address neck pain is wise. A physical therapist can help treat neck pain by improving range of motion, using targeted massage techniques, and by improving strength as needed. For example, in many situations, neck pain can be treated by improving core strength.
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UNDERSTANDING CORE STRENGTH AND BACK PAIN
You may be surprised how frequently issues with the neck and back actually stem from issues with core strength. Your core refers to the muscles that make up your torso, including your abdomen. These muscles are called the core because they are at the center of your body, and they are necessary in just about every action that you engage in. Everything from walking and running and swimming to sitting and driving require you to engage your core. There are a lot of reasons to improve core strength outside of any existing neck or back pain. When you improve your core, you are likely to also improve your posture and thereby reduce your risk of developing further back pain in the future. Furthermore, the exercise that helps to improve core strength is often helpful in promoting weight loss, and for those who are overweight, this could also help reduce pain in the neck and the back.
Sometimes, when your core is weak, it can cause you to experience added pressure on areas like your neck and back. There are a lot of ways that working with a physical therapist can help you improve your core strength. You may be encouraged to practice core exercises, for example, which may include abdominal crunches or leg lifts. Light weight-training activities are also frequently helpful, as are balance- based activities like yoga. If you haven’t spent much time building core strength in the past, then working with a physical therapist is a great place to start. Your physical therapist will guide you through proper postures and movements to reduce further risk of injury. For more information about how to start improving your core, contact us.
HEALTHY RECIPE: BAKED CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS • 4 lbs of bone in chicken thighs or 3 lbs boneless thighs or breasts • 1/2 cup olive oil, extra virgin • 1/4 cup white (red or white wine) vinegar • 3 – 4 large garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp oregano, dried • 1 cup parsley, packed • Dash of maple syrup or raw honey
INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a food processor or high speed blender, add Chimichurri ingredients and process on Low until chunky sauce forms. 2. In a large bowl, add chicken and pierce randomly with a small knife. Pour half of Chimichurri sauce on top and mix with your hands to coat the meat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight.
3. Rub the bottom of large baking dish with oil and lay marinated chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer. Bake uncovered in 450 degrees F preheated oven for 25-35 minutes for chicken breasts and 40 minutes for thighs. Or until internal read thermometer registers 150 degrees F internal temperature. 4. Serve hot drizzled with remaining Chimichurri sauce.
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EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF STRETCHING
RECEIVE THERAPY IN YOUR HOME! AgeWell PT and LiveWell OT offer in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy services. If you have difficulty traveling or leaving your home, these services are for you! These services are also covered by Medicare. I N - OF F I CE SPECIAL TEST ING SERV I CES AgeWell PT offers in-house electrodiagnostic testing and musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound testing for all of our patients. We hope our therapy patients take advantage of these tests to improve their rate of recovery and therapy outcome.
As you age, your muscle tissue actually dries out a little, tightening. This causes a loss of range of motion in your joints and tissues. In addition to the loss of range of motion, it can really limit your active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as dressing or squatting down to tie your shoes, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program helps lengthen your muscles and makes daily living activities much easier. Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Stretching is a natural part of what we do on a daily basis. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you!
Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program:
• Reduced muscle tension • Increased range of movement in the joints • Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body • Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
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E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S H E L PS S T R ENGT H EN C OR E
REFER A FR I END!
Exercises copyright of
Get a free gift whenever you refer a friend or family member to Agewell Physical Therapy. It’s our way of saying “Thank You!” for spreading the word!
DEAD BUG | HEEL TOUCHES
Lie on your back with your hands and knees raise upward, keeping your core engaged. Slowly lower one heel to the ground, then alternate sides, keeping your core engaged. Repeat 6-10 times on both sides.
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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