NEWSLETTER www.fyzical.com/cordele HEALTH & WELLNESS
UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS
Dry Needling Meet our three certified specialists in Dry Needling!
Fruit Sparklers Check out this easy recipe for this 4th of July!
Patient Success Hear about Jon’s progress in physical therapy!
NEWSLETTER www.fyzical.com/cordele HEALTH & WELLNESS
UNDERSTANDING HERNIATED DISCS
Back pain can develop for all sorts of reasons. From a car accident to bad posture, to an uncomfortable seat for a prolonged period of time, back pain can come out of nowhere and cause no small amount of discomfort once it arrives. There are some back injuries, however, that are even more painful than your run-of-the-mill back pain. A herniated disc is one of the most painful back injuries that you can experience, and it is far more common than you may initially be aware of. What is a Herniated Disc? Your spine is made up of a series of interlocking bones with small cushions in-between each joint socket. The structure of your spine is what allows you to move freely from side to side. Every time you crunch your abdomen by bending forward, or lean to one side or another for a deep stretch, those little vertebral bodies move with you, keeping you comfortable and your back strong. Without cushioning in between each of those sockets, the bones would rub against one another with every movement, and this would be incredibly painful. When a disc becomes herniated, the cushioning in between the vertebrae will rupture, essentially deflating the cushioning in between the vertebrae and causing the bones to begin to rub against one another. This is painful enough as it is, but can become even more painful if the herniated disc actually begins to press on the adjacent spinal nerves, causing the pain to spread even further up the spine. The most common placement for a herniated disc is at the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. While it is not the only reason that pain can become severe in the lower back, it is definitely one of the most severe forms of back pain. If you suspect that you may have experienced a herniated disc it is important that you seek medical attention, such as from your physical therapist. A herniated disc will not heal on its own, and working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways to experience relief from the pain associated with this common concern. How Does This Happen? The vertebrae in the spine are stacked closely together, with only a small amount of space for the discs in between each bone. A disc can become herniated as a result of injury, car accident, or even simply fromoveruse. One of themost common causes of a herniated disc is heavy lifting. Weightlifters have to be especially wary not to suddenly lift something too heavy, otherwise, risk experiencing a slipped disc. But experienced gym-goers are not the only ones at risk. Every time you attempt to move a piece of furniture, a heavy box, or even a big bag of books you need to be wary to lift correctly, otherwise face the risk of potentially herniating a disc in your back.
VERSE OF THE MONTH “ “
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
Treatment for Herniated Discs Pain associated with a herniated disc often develops in the sciatica nerve, and doesn’t subside with simple rest and relaxation. While hot and cold therapy will help alleviate the pain associated with many different back issues, it won’t make the pain of a herniated disc go away. The pain is often frequently associated with numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs. In many situations, the pain will feel more severe after initial movement, such as standing up or laying down. Many people mistakenly refer to having a herniated disc as having “pinched a nerve,” but that is not the case. Physical therapy is a great resource for attempting to overcome the pain associated with a herniated disc. A combination of passive and active techniques is typically employed, including deep tissuemassage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy, as well as deep stretching and strength building. If you suspect that you may have a herniated disc, contact a physical therapist right away. Attempting to engage in therapy at home could lead to further injury. It is best to have an experienced therapist assess your injury before attempting any treatment options.
www.fyzical.com/cordele
www.fyzical.com/cordele
CORDELE & VIENNA
THE BENEFITS OF DRY NEEDLING
Congratulations to our three therapists, Bridget, Kevin and Jeffrey, who are now Level 3 Certified in Dry Needling! Their faces show how excited they are to further help our patients. But - what is Dry Needling? If you’re experiencing pain or tightness in muscles that can make it hard to move, Dry Needling might be just the thing for you. Dry Needling involves inserting a tiny monofilament needle in a muscle to release shortened bands of muscles and decrease trigger point activity. It might sound a little scary, but it is very simple and super effective! Dry Needling can help resolve pain and muscle tension and promotes healing. Unlike acupuncture, Dry Needling requires a medical diagnosis to be effective. Physical therapists use Dry Needling with the goal of releasing or inactivating trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Have knots in your shoulders and neck? Dry Needling can help! Dry Needling provides relief for muscular pain and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points may improve flexibility and increase range of motion. That’s why this method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and even fibromyalgia pain. Dry Needling is normally just one part of treatment in order to ensure all of your pain and tension is taken care of in the most effective way.
If you’re suffering from any of the following, talk to your doctor about a referral for Dry Needling, or give us a call:
• Spinal problems • Pelvic pain
• Joint problems • Disk problems • Tendinitis • Migraine and tension-type headaches • Jaw and mouth problems (such as TMJ) • Whiplash • Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Night cramps • Phantom pain • Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain left behind by shingles)
HEALTHY RECIPE 4TH OF JULY FRUIT SPARKLERS
INGREDIENTS • 1 whole watermelon • 16 ounces fresh blueberries • Bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS Cut watermelon vertically into 1 inch thick slices. Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes from the flesh of each watermelon round. Thread 7-10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the end for someone to be able to comfortably hold it, and a space at the top for the watermelon star. Place the watermelon star on top and set the fruit sparklers on a serving tray. Cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
www.fyzical.com/cordele
CORDELE & VIENNA
HEALTHY GRILLING FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS
Main Dishes Instead of greasy burgers, brats and hot dogs, try …
• Meaty mushrooms marinated in equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. You’ll get immune-boosting nutrients in the mushrooms, vinegar and lemon juice. Plus, studies show that oleocanthal, one of the most concentrated anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil, dampens the body’s inflammatory process and reduces pain sensitivity with a pharmacological action similar to ibuprofen. • Salmon with a splash of lemon and a sprinkling of savory summer herbs. Salmon is rich in omega-3s and vitamin D, both of which enhance joint health, boost immunity and protect against inflammation. Condiments Instead of ketchup (which packs 2 teaspoons of sugar per tablespoon) or mayo (which is high in unhealthy fat), try … • Antioxidant-packed salsa or pico de gallo. Weighing in at just four to five calories per tablespoon, and zero fat, salsa boasts plenty of nutrients.
ingredients – olive oil, basil and sundried tomatoes – are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Side Dishes Instead of mayo-based salads like coleslaw, potato salad and macaroni salad, try … • Bean salad. All beans boast fiber, protein and a bevy of anti- inflammatory phytonutrients. • Sliced tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Choose this tasty Caprese salad and you’ll get more oleocanthol and cancer-fighting lycopene.
• Olive oil based pesto or sundried tomato spread. All three
PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
DON’T LET PAIN HOLD YOU BACK THIS SUMMER! GIVE US A CALL AND GET PAIN FREE TODAY! (229) 273-9445
I have been excited to see the improvements withmy neck and shoulders since beginning Dry Needling with Kevin at Fyzical in recent weeks. Don’t say “oh no,” but YES for the pain relief it provides and get over the needles. You barely feel the needle, but what you do feel is the relief.
I was skeptical, but then my physician said, “you need to try it, Jon.” Then a friend shared his relief, and I came to therapy and have since for weeks been finding relief I did not have with meds and epidurals, etc. Kevin explained to me every step of the process. Simple as it is, it makes sense what the needle does to cure the pain. I have had visits with Jeffrey and Bridget also, and the three are all terrific. If you’re looking for fast pain relief without pills, shots, or epidurals, I encourage you to call today and set up an appointment to start Dry Needling. I cant wait for my next appointment.” - Jon O’Donovan, Patient Very Pleased with FYZICAL Dry Needling
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