EllisPhysicalTherapy: Is It Sciatica?

Newsletter by Ellis Physical Therapy

www.EllisPhysicalTherapy.com

INSIDE: • What Can I Do On My Own? • Patient Success Spotlight • Exercise Essentials • Follow Us On Instagram A FATHER’S DAY CRAFT FOR THEIR SPECIAL DAY DADS ROCK! NEWS LETTER

You Will Need: • Cardstock in colors of your choice • Markers • Glue

2. Grab some glue and glue your rock person onto a piece of colored cardstock paper. 3. Using your markers again, write a fun message to dad: “Dad, you ROCK!” Decorate the rest of the cardstock however you like.

• Rocks—look around outside for a variety of shapes or buy a bag of polished river stones How To Make It: 1. Use the markers to decorate your rocks in, the shape of a person, to look just like dad!

Dad Rocks: Father’s Day Craft | CBC Parents http://www.cbc. ca/parents/play/view/dad-rocks-fathers-day-craft

www.EllisPhysicalTherapy.com

“I THINK I MAY HAVE SCIATICA.” HOW CAN ELLIS PHYSICAL THERAPY PROVIDE RELIEF? NEWS LETTER

Sciatica, also referred to as “lumbar radiculopathy” is a pain that typically radiates from the lower back. The sciatic nerve extends from the lumbar spine through the area of the buttocks, making it the largest nerve in the human body. When this nerve becomes irritated, pain ensues, and it is usually felt in the lumbar area and behind the thigh. The pain can also radiate to the lower limbs, making it difficult to bend or walk. The most common cause of sciatica is lumbar disc herniation, but it can be caused by a back injury or disc degeneration, as well. If you have been suffering from lower back pain, or pain that radiates down to your buttocks or even down your legs, don’t hesitate to contact Ellis Physical Therapy today. We’ll provide you with the relief you need to live life comfortably once again! Understanding sciatica treatments: Sciatica is diagnosed through a physical examination and an evaluation of medical history. A CT scan or MRI may also be performed, in order to locate the root cause of sciatica. According to Move Forward PT, “Conservative care like physical therapy often results in better and faster results than surgery or pain medication.” Once you are diagnosed with sciatica, a physical therapist will work with you to manage and relieve the condition. This includes: Stretching and strengthening exercises are key to treating sciatica pain. Many exercises can help strengthen the spinal column and the supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Most of these back exercises focus not only on the lower back, but also the abdominal (stomach) muscles, gluteus (buttock) muscles, and hip muscles. Strong core muscles can provide pain relief because they support the spine, keeping it in alignment and facilitating movements that extend or twist the spine with less chance of injury or damage. Stretches for sciatica are designed to target muscles that cause pain when they are tight and inflexible. Hamstring stretching is almost always an important part of a sciatica exercise program. Most people do not stretch these muscles, which extend from the pelvis to the knee in the back of the thigh, in their daily activities. Targeted stretches can help loosen up tight muscles and improve elasticity, thus easing pain caused by sciatica. • Reducing sciatica pain. • Improving motion. • Increasing strength. • Improving flexibility. • Educating you on how to stand, bend, and twist. • Returning to normal activities.

facebook.com/Ellis-Physical-Therapy

@ellis.physicaltherapy

(208) 523-8879

There are some common home remedies you can try, to help ease some of your sciatica symptoms. For example, alternating with ice and heat compresses, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help alleviate some pain and stiffness. Sitting in a reclining chair can also help provide some relief, as it redirects the pressure from your lower back. Going for a walk or taking part in other gentle exercises can also help in getting your body moving so it doesn’t become too tight. These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management but they, unfortunately, do not always work. If your home treatments are having little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, you should seek the aid of a physical therapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains. How do I get started? If you believe you may be living with sciatica pains, contact Ellis Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists. We will determine your diagnosis before creating your treatment plan. The main stages of your plan will focus on pain relief, which may include any combination of light exercises, manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, posture improvement, or any other treatment that your physical therapist deems fit. As you progress and improve, your physical therapist will expand on your exercises and stretches by making them more intensive over time. This will help increase your overall strength and range of motion. We will spend one- WHAT CAN I DO ON MY OWN? EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Flexibility, strength, and stability are needed to keep you loose and pain-free... Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

on-one time with you on each visit, using hands-on techniques that get the joints, muscles, and nerves moving again. We will also design a comprehensive exercise and education program to get you back to comfortably doing what you want to do. If you are ready to get rid of your sciatica symptoms and enjoy your daily life free of pain, contact Ellis Physical Therapy for relief. We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible.

SINGLE KNEE TO CHEST STRETCH While lying on your back, hold your knee and gently pull it up towards your chest. Repeat movement 5 times.

Patient Success Spotlight

Exercises copyright of

“I’ve been to Jay Ellis and his staff a few times for up to 6 months at a time and they are amazing! Best PT you could ask for!” - M.D. “They are amazing.”

www.simpleset.net

www.EllisPhysicalTherapy.com

AT HOME PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH TELETHERAPY

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Did you know our clinic has its own Instagram page? Follow our page for the clinic, @ellis.physicaltherapy, to see fun photos of clinic activities, stay up-to-date on our happenings and events, and find helpful articles on conditions we treat! We love staying in touch and connected with our patients! Follow us today @ellis.physicaltherapy.

Ellis Physical Therapy now provides a HIPAA compliant telemedicine platform for their patients. We now offer services at a distance and through video telecommunications in the comfort of the patient’s home. Stay safe and healthy and continue your PT treatment at home with Teletherapy. Benefits of Teletherapy: • No transportation time or costs • No need to take time off of work • Eliminate child or eldercare issues. • On-demand options • Access to Specialists • Less Chance of Catching a New Illness • Less Time in the Waiting Room • Better Health

Visit https://ellisphysicaltherapy.com/teletherapy/ today to schedule your teletherapy session today!

HEALTHY RECIPE ORZO WITH ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO

INGREDIENTS • 5 oz uncooked orzo pasta

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed & finely chopped • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • salt & fresh pepper to taste • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan or Pecorino

• 1/2 large zucchini, 1/4-inch diced • 1 small plum or Campari tomato, diced

INSTRUCTIONS Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water as directed for al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup liquid before draining. Drain orzo in a colander and add the oil to the pot. Saute garlic 1 minute, until fragrant, add the zucchini and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and mix well. Cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cooked orzo and stir to combine all. Add some of the reserved liquid as needed so pasta isn’t dry. Add freshly grated cheese and stir.

Source: https://www.skinnytaste.com/orzo-with-zucchini-and-tomato/

facebook.com/Ellis-Physical-Therapy

@ellis.physicaltherapy

(208) 523-8879

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.ellisphysicaltherapy.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator