Progressive Physical Therapy Newsletter by Progressive Physical Therapy
NEWSLETTER Reach Out For Real Relief! SHOULDER, ELBOW & WRIST PAIN
You try to get through the day, but that nagging pain in your shoulder, elbow or wrist just keeps your attention focused on it. It sure is hard to concentrate on work, your family and other activities you need to do! It is common to fixate on the body part that hurts. It is often thought that because it hurts there, the problem is right there. However, this is typically not the case, as the cause of the problem is in another area. The body part that is painful is usually the one that is doing all the work, because other areas are
not doing their job. (continued inside)
What’sCausingYourShoulderPain? NoReferralNeeded
PatientSuccessSpotlights SeeYourPhysicalTherapist
NEWSLETTER
“Get More Done Without Joint Pain!” SHOULDER, ELBOW & WRIST PAIN Why it hurts
The body is truly amazing and all the parts work together as one whole. However, when an area of your body becomes weak or stiff because of poor posture, stress or injury, other areas strain from the overwork. A common word that is used for this type of repetitive injury strain is called “tendonitis”. This is simply an inflammation of the tendons, which attach muscles to bones. The upper extremity works in 3 parts, the shoulder, elbow and wrist. They rely on each other to make the incredible movements of your arm so you can reach, grasp and do ordinary daily tasks we take for granted. Proper movement relies on your posture to be in good order. When you slouch or sometimes do a repetitive task, like reaching across your desk, certain muscles can become too tight or strong while others become weak. This muscle imbalance leads to that area not working as well as it should. For example, you sit at a desk all day and you slouch your shoulders. Now, your shoulder doesn’t work as well, but you still move your mouse around with your arm, which causes your wrist and forearm muscles to overwork. As this happens over time, you start to notice aches and pains in your wrist and elbow. If this goes on too long, it become s severe and you need to seek out medical help. Solving the problem Typically a brace may be put on the area, but that does not solve the cause of the problem. The real reason can be because your shoulder was stiff and weak from slouching. An expert physical therapist has the right medical training to spot where your posture is not optimum and how you are compensating. With the right evaluation and treatment from the experts at Progressive Physical Therapy, you can relieve your shoulder, elbow or wrist pain quickly and be back to doing what you like to do. Our home programs make it easy for you to maintain your gains and stay well for the long haul. Call us today to learn more how we can relieve your pain and get you back to enjoying your activities.
www.progressivept.com
Winter Tip
No Referral Needed!
Can I see a Physical Therapist without a referral or prescription?
One of the most common questions we get is “Do I need a referral or prescription to come see you?” The answer to this question is “NO”!
Maybe you’ve tweaked your back while out in the yard, trying to do too much too quickly so you could catch the end of the baseball game. Maybe you’ve pushed yourself a little too hard preparing for your next race and that ache in your knee won’t go away, even after a couple days off. Maybe you simply took a funny step off the curb and are feeling a little twinge in your ankle. Wouldn’t it be great if you could cut out a few steps (and save a few dollars) and head directly to your physical therapist? YOU CAN! Give us a call today for more information!
WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR SHOULDER PAIN? The majority of pain that travels to your shoulder from your neck is referred pain. Your shoulder may not necessarily be the problem. In fact, the first 10 degrees of movement in your shoulder comes from your shoulder joint. The rest relies on the movement of your upper back, neck, shoulder blade, and collar bones. If these areas work incorrectly then shoulder pain can occur.
Most neck and shoulder pain is a result of prolonged poor posture, lifting heavy objects and minor falls or injuries. These irritate the joints in the neck and upper back. This then makes the muscles around the upper back and shoulder tighten and become sore. Suddenly, you now have neck and shoulder pain. There are many nerves that come off of the cervical (neck) vertebral bodies that pass down in front of the shoulder heading towards the arm. Irritation of these nerves can refer pain to the shoulder. Poor posture, especially with sitting at work or at home, can cause this to occur. Rotation of the neck or tilting of the neck may create your shoulder pain if these nerves are involved. It is important that a physical therapist examine you thoroughly if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you have had a fall or injury and suddenly develop shoulder and neck pain seek help immediately. Any injury may affect the many sensitive structures in your neck and upper back. Shoulder and neck pain if they occur together may relate to disc injuries. This is more likely if you are having neck and arm pain, rather than just shoulder pain. Pain that travels down the arm to any extent may indicate more severe problems.
Shoulder pain can result in restricted movement of your body. Pain involves the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and respiratory system. To avoid referred shoulder pain or any kind of referred pain, you should have a strong immune system for prevention of diseases. A strong body can fight infection or disease and can enhance the functioning of all the body systems. A balanced diet, regular physical therapy exercises and a stress-free mind are the keys to maintaining an active life. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, consult one of our expert physical therapists for a full evaluation to determine where your problem is originating from, so correct treatments can be applied to help you.
www.progressivept.com
SEE YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST TO NIP POTENTIAL INJURIES IN THE BUD
You probably already know to make an appointment with a physical therapist when you sprain your ankle or develop tennis elbow. But, what if you’ve felt a slight twinge in your knee during your daily walk, or noticed that your posture has changed since you accepted a job that requires sitting for eight hours a day? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about joining a gym to get in shape. Are these reasons to see a physical therapist? Yes! Each of these scenarios has the potential for injury. Physical therapists are experts in injury prevention and are trained to spot small problems before they become big problems—and often before you know that there’s a problem at all. Physical therapists evaluate, screen and assess patients using a variety of tools to detect mobility limitations and muscle imbalances that, if left untreated, may leave you prone to serious injuries down the road. When caught early, injuries—or the very beginning signs of an injury—are easier to treat and the recovery period is shorter, less expensive and less of a burden on everyday life. Knowing what to look out for—and when to see a healthcare professional—is often not as obvious as it sounds. Some signs and symptoms aren’t recognized as indicators of an injury while others may be brushed off as nothing serious.
nip one in the bud before it becomes more serious. Based on background, training and experience, PTs understand how a patient’s risk for specific types of injuries can increase based on participation in certain sports and recreational activities, as well as identify physical strains due to on-the-job and household demands. An individualized exercise program designed to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and optimize your physical ability, can help correct and prevent issues that could turn into injuries in the future. Your PT can design an injury prevention exercise program to suit your specific needs and ensure your healthy participation in sports, recreational activities and everyday life. Have FUN: Word Search!
Here are a few things to look out for: • Joint pain • Tenderness • Swelling • Reduced range of motion • Weakness • Numbness or tingling • Balance issues
If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with a physical therapist to rule out a potential problem or to
Healthy Recipe: ROQUEFORT PEAR SALAD
INGREDIENTS • 1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces • 3 pears • 5 ounces Roquefort cheese • 1 avocado • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions • 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup pecans • 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.
Patient Success Spotlights
Now I’mbalancing onmy leg bymyself!
“When I first walked into Progressive Physical Therapy, I was hanging on to my sister’s arm. I couldn’t walk by myself. I couldn’t balance myself. I was dizzy, terribly confused from a brain injury, not able to stand the lights, couldn’t do stairs by myself without falling, no driving, couldn’t walk by myself, and couldn’t turn my head. Now I’m driving, I’mwalking by myself, laughing again, and balancing on my leg by myself. Erin was so supportive through all of my crying spells, because I couldn’t talk to get out my thoughts. Her neck therapy was wonderful. I appreciate all she has done for me. Thank you Erin and Sherry!” - Kat, Greensburg Clinic
I started feeling better and better!
“This was my first time doing physical therapy. Before, I couldn’t lift much, due to my back. Visit after visit I started feeling better and better. Everyone at Progressive was really nice and worked well with me, and with my physical therapists, finding the best treatment for me. Thanks to my therapists and everyone at Progressive!” - Tyler, Seymour Clinic
I amdoing great and ampain free!
“Before therapy, I could not sleep with the pain I had in my arm. With all the weight exercise, it does not bother me anymore. I could not stick my hand in my pocket without pain. Now, it does not hurt at all. I am doing great and am pain free.” - Christine, Columbus Clinic
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Progressive Physical Therapy. We hope you have a wonderful day filled with love with family and friends. We love our wonderful patients.
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