Physical Therapy Newsletter by Mid-Michigan Physical Therapy Specialists
H e a l t h & F i t n e s s The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
6 Benefits Of Good Posture | Why Do Your Muscles Ache? | Exercise Essentials | Patient Spotlight
“What’s The Cause Of My Aching Back! ” Signs You May Be Suffering From Sciatica 4 Ways to Quickly Relieve SCIATICA Sciatica is a very common condition that affects 10% of the population . Sciatica is defined as pain that follows the course of the sciatic nerve. However, many people suffer with other sciatica like symptoms including low back pain, foot pain and even numbness in the leg. These symptoms can be signs of other back problems such as mechanical low back pain or even herniated discs.
How do you know if you have sciatica? • Tenderness or sharp pain into the buttock muscles • Numbness, tingling or pain that travels down the back of the thigh • Constant pain that may originate in the low back, but travels mainly down the back of the buttock, thigh, calf and even foot • Pain that feels better when lying down but worsens with standing, walking or sitting
“ Most any type of exercise can reduce your risk of low-back pain by between 25% to 40%.” - JAMA Internal Medicine, Jan. 2016
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4 Ways to Quickly Relieve SCIATICA “Here’s What You Need To Do When Your Favorite Routine Doesn’t Work Anymore. ” (continued)
1. Get properly diagnosed by a physical therapist. Other low back conditions can present as sciatica symptoms and it is important to determine the exact origins of your symptoms. Seeing a physical therapist sooner, rather than later means faster recovery and less potential for damage that can occur to the spinal joints and nerves. 2. Alternate heat and ice to the low back and buttock area. Ice helps to relieve inflammation, while heat, helps relax muscles and improve blood flow. Try 10 minutes on, 30 minutes off when alternating. Make sure to check your skin frequently to prevent injury. Speak with one of our specialists if you have questions on what will work best for you. 3. Position yourself to relax your low back and take the pressure off the nerve. Two ways to do this are either: 1. Lie on your non-painful side with your knees bent comfortably with the top knee slightly forward of the other. 2. Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. (Find your best position of comfort). 4. Lying on your back, knees bent, slowly rock knees side to side to gently stretch your low back. This can help relax the muscles and relieve nerve pain. Speak to one of our specialists if you have questions on which exercises you should do. While sciatica can literally be a pain in the backside, it doesn’t have to stay with you. Simple strategies and seeing the right physical therapist early can make a big difference in quickly healing and returning to the pain free activities you love.
AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR OUR PAST CLIENTS ONLY! To THANK YOU For Choosing Our PT Practice For Your Therapy & To Celebrate The New Year
Providing you with a 30 Minute Health Screen for FREE which will consist of a one-on-one appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists! If YOU are having any of these problems: • Muscle or joint pain, that is limiting you in some way • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or balance problems • Exercising unsuccessfully or unable to enjoy your leisure activities
This is a MUST attend event! Call us today to set up your appointment! (517-545-3200) NOTE: We have a limited number of spots available. Please do not delay in calling us! We Want To Help You Make 2017 A Great Year For Health & Fitness! P.S. We also plan on having some FREE Giveaways
Patient Success Story
I was so discouraged, but then I learned about Mid-Michigan PT…!
“I’m Mary Jo Germain and I have fairly severe scoliosis for which I underwent a lumbar fusion in 1991, with good overall results. Since then and up to 1 year ago, I’ve had ‘tolerable’ intermittent back pain which I carefully managed. But then a year ago, I fell and broke my ankle. Then, due to the way I was walking (as I recovered from this injury) I started to experience severe low back pain, which would not resolve, whereby I even had difficulty walking! Ultimately, it was recommended that I undergo a 2nd surgery that fused my pelvis and extended my fusion to the level of T10! Also, I should mention, I have 2 artificial hips. Anyhow, after surgery I was optimistic I would quickly recover, however after several weeks of therapy I was still having back pain, I had groin pain, my left hip was clicking and walking was quite the chore. I was so discouraged, but then I learned about Mid-Michigan PT from a friend, who told me that this was where I needed to go for the best therapy! Desperate to improve, I made an appointment and after the 1st appointment (after limping in) I was already walking better and within 1-2 weeks my groin pain and back pain had almost completely resolved. Since then, I have continued to make steady progress (I have even attended a U of M football game!) and I now I have every confidence I’m going to recover a 100%. Also, I should mention, before starting at Mid- Michigan PT, my neck also ceased up, whereby I couldn’t even turn it to drive safely. Within a few weeks, they fixed that too! So, while I hope I won’t need PT again in the near future, I will be actively recommending Mid-Michigan PT to anyone I know who needs Physical Therapy, as they are the BEST!” - Mary Jo G.
A Special Thank You
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS Mid-Michigan Physical Therapy Specialists
People’s Choice Winner
A Special Thank You to the following for referring their family & friends to our practice for Physical Therapy this November. Thank You!
Tom Chase Mary Clark Scott Turner Katie Soerries Gail Hall Sean Bourdeau
Gary Newman Joe Rusk Kayla Turchi Jeannie Harvey Cris Hatter Vicki Hill
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What We Do When We Are NOT Working…. So, a lot of people ask Glenda & I what we like to do, when we are NOT working, while two of things we like to do are watch college football and travel! This past November, we had the opportunity to do both! We travelled to the University of Maryland to see the Michigan State Spartans play (and lose) to the Maryland Terrapins and do some sightseeing in Washington D.C. for the 1st time ever, which was awesome! We got a one day pass for one of the hop on, hop off bus services and in conjunction with walking more than 15,000 steps, we got to see all the memorials and most of the most notable buildings in the city including the Capital (where the stage was being built for the upcoming inauguration) and the White House. For those that enjoy trivia, did you know that if Abraham Lincoln’s statue at the Lincoln Memorial could stand up, he would be 28 feet! Also, using sign language, his left hand signs an A and his right hand signs an L! Overall, aside from the Lincoln Memorial, we were really impressed by the World War II Memorial, which opened to the public in 2004. The next time we visit Washington D.C. we hope to visit a number of the Smithsonian Museums, which are of interest to us and perhaps next time the Spartans will win! This upcoming year, it is my goal to visit and explore 4 NEW destinations! If you have a favorite place to recommend, let me know!
www.midmichiganpt.com
Health Care Reform2017? 5 Tips To Attain Your 2017 Fitness Goals 1. Write your S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals down! 2. Remind yourself why your goals are important to YOU! 3. Schedule your workouts.
4. Break up your goal and celebrate your successes 5. Buddy up. Sweating with a friend improves results
And Remember: No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch!
Think Mid-Michigan PT Specialists FIRST
Why You Need To Come In For Another Check-Up: � Move without pain
� Sit for long periods comfortably � Walk for long distances � Live an active and healthy lifestyle
� Bend and move freely � Balance confidently and securely
Call Today! 517-545-3200 TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! www.midmichiganpt.com
NEW Lymphedema Program
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs with any damage to the lymphatic system that causes a chronic swelling in the body. It most often affects the arms and legs, but can also affect other parts of the body. Commonly, it occurs after a surgery, where lymph nodes are removed or damaged such as cancer surgery. For instance, there is a 10-40% incidence of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, who have had a mastectomy with associated lymph node removal. While there is currently no cure for lymphedema, research shows that the best treatment is ‘Complete Decongestive Therapy’ which includes special lymph drainage techniques, bandaging, specific exercises and self care techniques. This program is now offered at Mid-Michigan PT Specialists, while the benefits of this program include pain relief, reduced size of the involved limb(s) and improved mobility. If you or someone you know has lymphedema, please call our Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Kelly Treiber, DPT, CLT ( 517-545-3200) for further information regarding this program.
Upcoming Events
EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR In January, we will be hosting our 1st Seminar for the Public on “Back Pain and Sciatica” (Date to be announced). If interested, please call 517-545-3200! PT AND THE PERFORMING ARTS GingerAnn Neslund, DPT recently joined our Clinical Team, while her unique dance background and experience coupled with her training as a Physical Therapist will enable us in 2017 to provide a special program to address the rehab needs of injured dancers and other performers!
CONTEST The first person to email John (jdean@fowlervillept.net) the answer to this question: How tall would Abraham Lincoln’s statue at the Lincoln Memorial be, if he could stand up?
Will win a $25 gift certificate! (Answer Inside!)
FREE 30 MINUTE
HEALTH SCREEN See Inside...
Howell 2810 W. Grand River, Ste. 100 Howell, MI 48843 Phone: 517-545-3200 Fax: 517-545-3236
Brighton 7701 W. Grand River, Ste .100 Brighton, MI 48114 Fowlerville 125 E. Grand River, P.O. Box 323 Fowlerville, MI 48836
CO-OWNERS Glenda Maines, PT, DPT, MEd, OCS John Dean, PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, SCS
We Listen, We Care, We Get Results • Post-Surgery Rehab • Pediatric to Senior Care • Women’s Health Program • And Much More! PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES • Physical Therapy • Sports Therapy • Spinal Care • Balance and Fall Prevention
www.midmichiganpt.com
H e a l t h & F i t n e s s The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Avoid Aches & Pains NATURALLY Find Out How Inside...
INSIDE: • 4 Ways to Relieve Sciatica
• 5 Tips to Attain Your Fitness Goals
• Exclusive Offer
• Patient Spotlight
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