The Pittman Connection by Pittman Physical Therapy
The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
“Very professional!” “When I came here I was in horrible pain. I had to hold on to things to walk. My pain level was around a 7 to 8 and it was constant. After a few visits here, my pain level started to get better. The stretches and the kneading that was done has made my pain level to drop to a 1 to 2 and my activity has improved to where I can get out and do things. I can stand and walk longer with little or no pain. I can do activities around my home that I stopped doing. Jeff, Jeremy, and all the staff were great and very professional.” -Linda B.
INSIDE:
• 6 Back Problems You Should Not Ignore
“Improved flexibility!” “Prior to PT, I had trouble bending to tie shoes, get t ing comfor table to sleep and sitting or standing for long periods. After PT, I have improved in flexibility and strength in the back- both upper and lower areas of my back.” -Andy C.
•Will Your Back Hurt When You Get Older
• Exercise Essentials
• Is Your Back Pain a Strain or Something Else
The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
pittmanpt.com
6BackPROBLEMSYouShouldn't Ignore Plus: Physical TherapyHelps!
Do you feel aches and pains in your lower back? If so, you are not alone. Four out of every five Americans will suffer fromback pain at some time in their lives. Without proper spine mobility, stability and alignment your back structures wear down over time, similar to tires that are out of alignment. There are many different back conditions, but here are a few common ones: 1. Lumbar or sacral radiculopathy: The result of pressure on a nerve exiting the spine. Pain, numbness and tingling can be felt down in different parts of the leg. 2. Sciatica: This comes from compression of the sciatic nerve by a muscle called the piriformis, deep in the buttock. Symptoms can radiate down the buttock and leg. 3. Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the bony spinal canal which causes rubbing or pressure on nerves. Central canal stenosis is quite serious as it presses upon the spinal cord. 4. Lumbar sprain/strain: This is a common cause of low back pain due to injury of muscles and tendons. The
rows of muscles that run up and down the sides of the spinal column, are the major muscle groups usually involved in lower back injury. 5. Fractures: These are due to trauma, or sometimes occur without any injury in people with osteoporosis. 6. Spinal cord compression: This is unusual, but very worrisome and may be associated with weakness and loss of bowel/bladder control. Medication and Bed Rest Most lower back pain sufferers try over the counter drugs and bed rest. However, most self remedies will not provide the relief that you need. In fact, bed rest is the wrong thing to do, because it can weaken the spinal muscles further. Weakness in the spinal muscles is one of the main reasons for low back pain and puts you at risk for injuring your back with common activities such as lifting, bending or squatting. Most of us sit too much and this contributes to severe weakening of the back and torsomuscles which are needed for a healthy back.
How Physical Therapy Helps The sooner you get physical therapy help, the faster you will get relief. This translates into fewer missedwork days and needless spending on drugs that have unpleasant side effects. Putting off treatment could lead to loss of movement, loss of coordination and even loss of independence. Our expert physical therapists help you regain proper mobility and stability of your spine, reduce pain and teach you how to take care of your spine. Talk to your doctor or give us a call today to learn more about our spine program.
pittmanpt.com
WillYourBackHurtWhenYouGetOlder?
Knowing the Right Expert to Help You Physical Therapists aremedical musculoskeletal specialists, meaning we are the experts when it comes to the movement of the body and how the muscles, joints and skeletal structure work with one another. Effective physical therapy experts recognize that the best treatments are not modalities that depend solely on ultrasound, cold or heat therapy, but rather a skilled hands-on approach to examination and treatment. Studies have prooven that manual therapy and specific exercises produce better and faster results than traditional exercise based therapy. If you are suffering with back pain or know someone who is, call us today to discover how we can finally help you become pain free and get back to the activities you enjoy. After all, you’re as young as you feel!
DECREASE COSTS WITH DIRECT ACCESS Research shows Direct Access patients had 86% fewer visits on average than referred patients, decreasing costs tremendously. If you think that growing older automatically leads to back pain, here’s some great news; it doesn’t! Many people suffer from pain, yet, they still believe their aches and pains are a natural part of aging. They’re not. Back pain is primarily caused by four main factors: • Spinal muscle weakness • Poor muscle or joint movement • Poor posture • Lack of spinal or pelvic muscle coordination Treating the Cause of Your Back Pain The goal of our SPINE program is to find the root cause of your pain and correct it, not just treat the symptoms. By treating the root cause of the pain, you can achieve faster, long-lasting results. We provide the most advanced and effective treatments to each of our patients in a caring, friendly environment. Our highly trained and skilled physical therapists use proven hands-on therapy techniques to help people of all ages become free of pain and get back to the activities they enjoy.
If your back pain prevents you from standing for long periods, bending down to pick up objects, or getting up and down from the floor to play with your children or grandchildren it’s time to come to Physical Therapy and restore your quality of life.
pittmanpt.com
• Physical Therapy • Wellness and Prevention • Dry Needling • Manual Therapy • Joint Pain Treatment Our Services
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Phone: 901-850-5246 • Fax: 901-850-5226
Sciatica and Back Pain Workshop You are invited to our Do you (or someone you know) suffer from pain, numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, buttocks or lower back? Saturday, August 12th at 10 AM If You’re Confused About What to Do and Looking for Answers Here’s What You’ll Learn at This New Workshop: • The 7 urgent coping strategies every back pain sufferer must never forget when back pain strikes!! • The single biggest mistake that most back pain and sciatica sufferers make which actually stops them from healing • The 7 things you can do if you’re hoping to avoid surgery that’ll cost you nothing • The most successful treatments for lower back pain that doesn’t involve any medications, injections, or surgery • The 3 best exercises that will help you walk farther for longer • How to get a FREE back pain severity consultation and where to go for it 1.) You or a loved one suffer from back pain 2.) You are aged 40+ and have suffered with lower back pain for longer than you feel you should have 3.) You are currently seeing a doctor or thinking about it How Do I Register For The Lower Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop? Call Pittman Physical Therapy at 901-850-5246 When you register, we will mail you The Lower Back Pain and Sciatica Worksheet which you will bring with you to the event. We only have 25 seats available for the event due to the interactive nature of this workshop. So if you would like to attend, be sure to register now Call 901-850-5246 How Much Is It To Attend The Workshop? Nothing... the event is absolutely FREE but call 901-850-5246 now to register as we are taking only 25 attendees As a special bonus, all 25 attendees for the Sciatica and Lower Back Pain Workshop will receive a Special Report: “The Top Ten Most Burning Questions For Sciatica.” WE GIVEWORKSHOPS FOR YOUR GROUP OR AT YOUR NEXT EVENT! Do you want to share the benefits of Physical Therapy with your group, business or event? We provide workshops that engage your audience and provide valuable healthcare information. We can give workshops on many topics ranging from general back pain to workplace ergonomics. Our workshops educate your group on natural pain relief and injry prevention. Share the benefits provided by physical therapy experts! Call today to schedule your private workshop: 901-850-5246 You Should Only Attend This Workshop If:
Is Your Back Pain a Strain or Something Else?
Here’s a quick checklist: Did the pain hit you suddenly during strong stretching or a moment of athletic intensity? Were you lifting something way too heavy and/or awkward? In other words, did you have an “oh, shoot” moment?
What you should do... If you have answered yes to any of these quick questions then you have more than likely damaged your muscles with a muscle strain. The question is what to do next. In the case of low back muscle strain you can apply ice. Then get on the phone and call the back pain experts at Pittman Physical Therapy. The sooner you get a Back Pain Analysis the better off you will be. Our physical therapy experts will get you out of pain quickly and put you on a program to get you moving freely again!
Bear in mind that most back pain feels like a “true muscle strain of the low back muscles,” but likely is not. A true strain — a genuine ripping and tearing of muscle tissue — can occur only during a significant exertion, like lifting something you shouldn’t. But, believe it or not, even most traumatic lifting accidents probably do not involve actual muscle tearing — it just seems that way. To tear any muscle, you really have to pull on it very hard! What if you just aren’t sure if your back pain involves a true muscle strain or not? Telling the difference can be tricky for both patients and professionals, but basically it boils down to whether you suffered a nasty enough accident to have actually damaged you.
Is there a spot in the muscle that’s extremely sensitive to poking? (It may even be a little bit deformed — is there a bump or a depression?) Is the skin flushed and hot? Does it look puffy?
We can help you: • Decrease your pain • Increase your strength • Increase your activity level • Increase your flexibility • Improve your health • Get back to living
Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to help maintain a healthy body
STRAIGHT LEG - SLR
SINGLE KNEE TO CHEST STRETCH
Good stretch to help your lower back
Good stretch if you sit at a computer all day
While lying on your back, hold your knee and gently pull it up towards your chest. Hold for 10 counts. Repeat 6 times on both sides.
While lying or sitting, raise up your leg with a straight knee. Keep the opposite knee bent with the foot planted to the ground. Repeat 6 times on both sides.
Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.
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Who do you know that needs our help?
Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely
9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle
Referral Club: Thanks to our patients for referring a friend or family member!
If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Pittman Physical Therapy today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an evaluation! You will get your name in our next newsletter and you could win a $20 gift card! WIN A $20 GIFT CARD
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