Finding The Source & Relief To Your Neck & Back Pain

Health & Fitness Newsletter by Worcester Physical Therapy Services

The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body Health & Fitness “CAN MY POSTURE REALLY HURT MY HEALTH? ” Finding The Source & Relief To Your Neck & Back Pain

Poor posture can be a serious danger to your health. If you have poor posture, your bones are not properly aligned increasing abnormal strain on your muscles, joints and ligaments. Poor posture can cause fatigue, muscular strain and in later stages, pain. In addition, poor posture can affect the position and function of your vital organs, such as your heart, lungs and intestines.

Maintaining good posture can have a dramatic improvement on your health and the way you look and feel. Some of the perks of good posture include: Constant exercise for your back and abdominals. Holding good posture takes effort and makes you use the muscles in your back and abdomen. It greatly improves your breathing. Good posture makes room for your lungs to function at their best – rather than being squashed when you hold your body in a slouch. Good lung function has a healthy impact on all aspects of your body’s functions. It protects your organs, bones, joints andmuscles. Holding correct posture helps reduce unnecessary strain and pressure on these body parts. Many neck and back pains develop from issues of poor posture. “ Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. ” - National Institutes of Health, 2010

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“WHY SHOULD I MAINTAIN A GOOD POSTURE? ” Perks Of Improving Your Posture

It helps prevent osteoarthritis. With poor posture, unnatural pressure is placed on your joints leading to wear and tear. This in turn can lead to arthritis. Good posture gives your joints the chance to function at their best. It helps you use your muscles more efficiently. With your bones and joints in correct alignment, you are likely to feel more energetic since your body will require less energy to move about. It can have a dramatic impact on the way you feel. When you hold yourself in good posture, rather than a slumped one, you send signals to your brain that makes you feel happier and more confident. Making simple changes in your daily habits can improve your posture and reduce your pain. Postural restoration with Worcester Physical Therapy Services helps the body recruit the right muscles for the task at hand, improving pain and function. Our experts have years of medical training in reducing back and neck pain associated from poor posture. Call us today to learn how we can help you stand tall and feel better!

Think Worcester PT FIRST

Why You Need To Go Back For A Check-Up:

• Move without pain • Bend and move freely

TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle

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Staff Spotlight

PATTI DELAGE, PT Patti is a 1986 graduate of Umass Lowell. She has 25 years of outpatient orthopedic experience. It is her belief that each patient is their own unique puzzle and each puzzle needs an individual treatment program designed specifically for them. Patti has strong manual therapy skills including massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Pattie has been a dedicated and valuable member of our WPTS team for the past 13 years.

• Move Freely • Alleviate Pain Naturally • Have More Energy • Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Stronger 4 Pain when trying to sleep 4 Pain when driving > 30 mins 4 Trouble bending and reaching Do you suffer with any of the following symptoms? Don’t let back pain become a way of life Pinpoint the exact cause of your back pain! 4 Stiffness or swelling 4 Aches at the end of the day 4 Pain from an old injury

FREE BACK PAIN ANALYSIS

Call Today! 508-791-8740

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 02-28-17.

Wondering About Your Ache or Pain? ASK YOUR QUESTION! Call and ask your question today and we will get right back to you, answering your question and giving you advice. Call Today! 508-791-8740

Wellness Tips

“How Can I Prevent Back Pain While Sitting At The Desk? ”

Working Tips To Prevent Back Pain

• Adjustable arm rests that will allow you to sit close to your desk • Lumbar support • Seat base that adjusts to a comfortable angle and allows you to sit up straight The position of the keyboard is critical: • The keyboard should be at a height that allows you to have your forearms slightly below a horizontal line—or your elbows at slightly more than a 90 degree angle. • You should be able to slide your knees under the keyboard tray or desk. • Avoid reaching for the keyboard by extending your arms or raising your shoulders. • Try to avoid having the keyboard on top of your desk. That is too high for almost everyone—unless you can raise your seat. • The elbow angle is the best test of keyboard position.

Working at a computer work station all day can take a toll on the body. Repetitive activities and lack of mobility can contribute to aches, pains, and eventual injuries. The position of your computer monitor is important: • The monitor should be directly in front of you. • The top of the monitor should be at your eye level, and at a distance where you can see it clearly without squinting, or leaning forward or backward. • If you need glasses for reading, you may need to have a special pair for use at your computer to avoid tipping your head backward to see through bi-focals or other types of reading glasses. Your chair should have the following: • Wheels (5 for better mobility) • The ability to twist freely on its base • Adjustable height

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Exercise Essentials Try this simple exercise to keep you moving...

CHIN TUCK SUPINE While lying down on your back with a small rolled up towel in the small curve of your neck, slowly draw chin towards your chest. The back of your neck will rise and the base of your neck should stay in contact with the towel.

Helps Neck Pain

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

The above exercise is designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist

PATIENT RESULTS

They’ve helped me recover from every injury! “At 77, I know I need special care, and that’s exactly what I got with Worcester PT. Over the last 7 years, they’ve helped me recover from every injury I’ve had and every post-surgery rehab I’ve needed. I keep coming back because the staff is so caring, competent and friendly, and because the space is so open and bright.” – Judy S.

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