Newsletter for TheraFit Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLET TER
HOW POSTURE AFFECTS NECK AND BACK PAIN
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.. (continued inside)
INSIDE : • Benefits Of Having Good Posture • Experience The Benefits Of Stretching
• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight
www.therafital.com
THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLET TER
HOW POSTURE AFFECTS NECK AND BACK PAIN
(continued from outside)
INSIDE :
• Benefits Of Having Good Posture • Experience The Benefits Of Stretching
• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight
A poor habit of bad posture can have a lasting impact on your neck and back. 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 your shoulders isn’t likely to be much help. Working with a physical therapist can 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 and Pain Connection Not all back pain is caused by poor posture, and it is true that you can have poor posture for years without feeling the consequences of that slouch right away, but in time the habit is likely to catch up with you. There are certain ways that you can 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.
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. • Back or neck pain that develops soon after a change in circumstances, 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 is because your muscles have grown accustomed to the slouching, and standing 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.
• The pain frequently starts in your neck and moves into your upper and
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Try this exercise for back pain relief EXERCISE OF THE MONTH
Benefits Of Having Good Posture
Helps Back Pain
www.simpleset.net
CURL UP Lie on back with one leg straight. The other leg is bent with the foot flat on the ground. Position your hands underneath your lower back. Tuck your chin and lift your shoulder blades off the ground slightly. Return to the start position in a controlled manner.
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. Of course, there are ways that you can improve your posture at home, as well. 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 back pain, improving your posture can provide several unexpected benefits to your lifestyle and personal well-being. Here are a few of the additional benefits of having good posture: • 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.
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CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY PAIN
FREEROTATORCUFF INJURYWORKSHOP
You’re Invited to our FREE Rotator Cuff Injury Workshop!
When: Wednesday, August 26th 8-10 AM
Where: Our Fayetteville Location at 2649 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville, TN 37334
Presenter: Dr M. Kay Hanson PT, DPT
Have you lost sleep due to shoulder pain? Have you missed out on family activities because you’re afraid of aggravating your shoulder? Has yard work caused you to have a pain or catch in your shoulder? Do you find yourself avoiding raising your arm out to the side or behind your back due to pain? IF you said YES to any of these and have TRIED EVERYTHING and just want to get back to normal, then this workshop is for YOU!! Let us help you decide what your next step should be to get this pain to go away. To reserve your spot, call either one of our offices (Hazel Green Office): 256-829-9544 (Fayetteville Office):931-557-5030
As you age, your muscle tissue actually dries out a little, tightening. This causes a loss of range of motion in your joints and tissues. In addition to the loss of range of motion, it can really limit your active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as dressing or squatting down to tie your shoes, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program helps lengthen your muscles and makes daily living activities much easier. Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program: EXPERIENCETHEBENEFITS OFSTRETCHING
Patient Success Spotlight
“First, I have been a patient at Therafit for 18 years, on 6 separate occasions. That alone is a testimony to their tremendous service! I would not have continued with them for so many years if their programs of rehab were not so well-conceived and conducted. They now feel like part of my extended family. Kay began treating me in my home before the business became Therafit. Colleen has been a treasured help in restoring my health. Now Ashley and Andy and Trista have become very valued and loved assistants, too! And Nicole on the admin side is terrific as well.” - Rex Wilson
• Reduced muscle tension • Increased range of movement in the joints • Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body • Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
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