Remember back when your mother used to tell you that if you wouldn’t stop hunching your shoulders, they’d be stuck that way forever? An idle threat, one that barely anyone took seriously. Yet, fast forward a few decades and it turns out that mom might have been on to something, after all.
N E W S L E T T E R
HOW TO STRIKE YOUR POSE
How Posture Affects Back & Neck Pain
ALSO INSIDE
Improving Your Posture At Home • Special Offers! What Our Patients Are Saying • Exercise Essentials
N E W S L E T T E R
How Posture Affects Back & Neck Pain HOW TO STRIKE YOUR POSE
Remember back when your mother used to tell you that if you wouldn’t stop hunching your shoulders, they’d be stuck that way forever? An idle threat, one thatbarelyanyone tookseriously.Yet, fast forwarda fewdecadesand it turnsout that mom might have been on to something, after all. Apoorhabitofbadposturecanhavea lasting impactonyourneckandback.The worse your posture is, the more intense your back and neck pain can become. Unfortunately, once you start experiencing neck and back pain, simply squaring yourshoulders isn’t likely tobemuchhelp.Workingwithaphysical therapistcan help you to train the muscles in your back, neck and shoulders so that you can improve your posture permanently, and, in doing so, bring relief to your chronic neck and back pain. THE POSTURE & PAIN CONNECTION Not all back pain is caused by poor posture, and it is true that you can have poor posture foryearswithout feeling theconsequencesof thatslouchrightaway,but in time thehabit is likely tocatchupwithyou.Therearecertainways thatyoucan tell if neck or back pain may be a result of poor posture, including: • The pain in your back is worsened at certain times of day. For example, after you’ve spent a day at the office, or after a few hours on the couch.
• The pain frequently starts in your neck and moves into your upper and lower back. Pain that seems to travel from one area of the back to another is frequently an indication of posture concerns. • The pain will subside after switching positions, such as switching from sitting to standing or vice versa. • Backorneckpain thatdevelopssoonafterachange incircumstances,such as starting a new job with a new desk chair, or getting a new car. After years of practicing poor posture, your back, shoulder and neck muscles will likely find standing or sitting with straight posture to be uncomfortable. This isbecauseyourmuscleshavegrownaccustomed to theslouching,andstanding up straight will require some thorough stretching. That doesn’t mean that once you have bad posture you can never correct it. Working with a physical therapist to improve your posture is a great way to overcome chronic neck and back pain. In physical therapy, you will be guided through a series of stretches and strength building exercises that can help you begin training your body to practice better posture, thereby reducing your back and neck pain.
A R E Y O U L E T T I N G Y O U R PA I N H O L D Y O U B A C K ? C A L L T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R A P P O I N T M E N T T O D AY !
I MPROV I NG YOUR POSTURE AT HOME
Inaddition tophysical therapy, thereareways thatyoucan improveyourpostureathome. Here are several strategies that are typically helpful: • Try to stand tall whenever you are standing or walking. Hold your head high and square your shoulders, but more importantly work on being the tallest version of yourself. Hunching over is the leading cause of poor posture. • Use support when you sit to keep your posture correct. Lumbar support in office chairs and car seats will help a bit, but for improved posture you may need to add additional cushioning that will help you keep your back straight. • Be mindful of how you lift heavy objects. Keep your shoulders square and your chest forward. When lifting something that is over 50 lbs it is important to take extra care. Lead with your hips and try to keep the weight close to your body. Lifting something improperly can lead to injury to your neck or back, which may make proper posture uncomfortable. WHAT CAN GOOD POSTURE DO FOR YOU? There are a lot of benefits of having good posture. Aside from saying goodbye to neck or backpain, improvingyourposturecanprovideseveralunexpectedbenefits toyour lifestyle andpersonalwell-being.Herearea fewof theadditionalbenefitsofhavinggoodposture: • Proper posture creates quality exercise for your core and back • Improved respiratory health • Added protection for your organs, bones, joints and muscles • Reduced risk of arthritis If you are experiencing chronic neck and back pain, there is a good chance that it could be related to your posture. Contact your physical therapist to learn more about how you can take steps to start improving your posture today.
SPEC I AL OF F ER
SPEC I AL OF F ER
$ 50
$ 199
OFF YOUR FIRST SESSION FOR NEW PATIENTS * *Restrictions Apply.
UNL I M I T ED SMAL L GROUP TRA I N I NG
COUPON CODE 199GRP Redeem this coupon with any VERT Fitness Center
COUPON CODE 50FRST Redeem this coupon with any VERT Fitness Center
This coupon expires August 31, 2019.
This coupon expires August 31, 2019.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN THERAPY OR PERSONAL TRAINING, VISIT VERTCENTERS.COM OR CA L L U S TO S CHE DU L E YOUR A P P O I NTMENT W I T H V E RT F I TNE S S TODAY !
OUR SERV I CES
WHAT OUR PAT I ENTS ARE SAY I NG : THEY DIRECTED ME TOWARDS THE PERFECT WORKOUT! “After not being able to exercise for a month, Maurice listened carefully to what I could and could not do and directed me towards the perfect workout.” - Jacqueline S.
• Blood Flow Restriction • Vasopneumatic Compression • Post-Operative Care • Cupping • Deep Muscle Stimulation • Graston Technique For more information about our services and specialties, feel free to call and talk with your personal and physical therapist or trainer today!
STAF F SPOT L I GHT
HAS YOUR PA I N COME BACK?
Andrew Choi, MPT, DPT, Partner, specializes in analyzing and correcting form and alignment with functional and sports activities. His athletic background (which includes martial arts, snow sports, and tennis) allows him to have a better understanding of how to specifically diagnose and correct faulty movement patterns. Chris Dahl, DPT, OCS, enjoys treating patients across all age groups and during the fall sports season, especially while providing PT consultation to student athletes with local high schools. His treatments focus on optimizing patient movement and maximizing function via targeted manual therapy and functional exercise prescription. Riley Mandel , DPT, has developed a treatment approach using specific and effective manual techniques as well as therapeutic exercises in order to help each patient achieve their optimal function. In her free time, Riley enjoys hiking, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. PatrickEdgecomb ,DPT,OCS, is thenewestaddition toour team.More informationabout Patrick coming soon!
1 2 3
Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist.
Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home.
If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment.
HEALTH I NSURANCE UPDAT E !
EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S A SAFE EXERCISE TO RELIEVE BACK PAIN
Swan Dive Lay on stomach with your arms
overhead. Press your chest upwards, keeping the muscles in your trunk and legs relaxed. Repeat 6 times.
Good News for patients! VERT Fitness & Physical Therapy now accepts Aetna and Cigna insurance in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare.
Exercisescopyrightof
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before startingexercises youareunsureofdoing.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter