If you’ve experienced back pain, and even leg pain, you might have a deeper problem. Your minor aches and pain could be symptoms of sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, physical therapy can help you recover.
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Stop Sciatica In Its Tracks
A L S O I N S I D E : HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP • CELEBRATING HEART HEALTH MONTH • HEALTHY RECIPE EXERCISE ESSENTIALS • PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT • STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Stop Sciatica In Its Tracks
as we age otherwise known as degenerative disc disease. Sciatica pain normally presents as pain radiating from the lower back. Often this pain extends into the buttock, spiraling down the leg. If you are suffering from sciatica, you might feel the discomfort anywhere along this nerve pathway. The pain can even extend into the calf, foot or toes. What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica? The pain itself can be dull, aching or even sharp. In some cases, the compressed nerve may feel like it burns, causing considerable pain. In other cases, the compressed nerve may simply issue a sharp jolt of pain with certain movements. Some people experiencing sciatica, may even have leg numbness, tingling or weakness. If sciatica is not treated, it can hinder mobility and become chronic.
If you’ve experienced back pain, and even leg pain, you might have a deeper problem. Your minor aches and pain could be symptoms of sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, physical therapy can help you recover. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which branches from your lower back – spanning across your hips, buttocks and legs – can be injured or stressed in several ways. The most common cause of sciatica-related pain is inflammation along the spine, where the nerves exit the spine. If this inflammation reaches a certain threshold, it may compress these nerves, resulting in pain. While sciatic pain can be great, it can be treated and improved within a few weeks of conservative care, including physical therapy. Even if you have severe sciatic symptoms including nerve pain, leg weakness and bladder changes, there is still hope and physical therapy can help. What Causes Sciatica? Sciatica can occur when one of the disks in the lower back is herniated. It can also happen if the spine narrows, a condition called spinal stenosis or from stress to the back
Sources https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-is-sciatica#1 https://www.medicinenet.com/sciatica/article.htm https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619.php
Call Blue Sky Physical Therapy at 303.388.1537 or visit blueskypt.com to schedule your appointment today!
How Physical Therapy Can Help If you’re experiencing sciatica, contact your physical therapist as soon as possible. Although Medical News Today asserts that over- the-counter painkillers may help alleviate pain, in-depth physical therapy is often needed. Physical therapy can reduce sciatica compression with manual therapy techniques and by carefully introducing stabilization exercises, nerve glides and relaxation techniques.
1. Sitting on a chair, look down. 2. Straighten one leg, with toes in the air. 3. Repeat for the other side. Follow these steps: Self-Test for Sciatica
What it means: If you experience pain, numbness or tingling ineither legorone legdoesnot lift as high as the other leg, you may have sciatica. Your next step is to see what is causing the pressure on your sciaticnervebycontactingyourphysical therapist.
These treatments, tailored specifically to your complaints and physical findings, can help eliminate your sciatica over time. If you’re experiencing back or leg pain, don’t wait. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists. Let us help improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Call Blue Sky Physical Therapy at 303.388.1537 or visit blueskypt.com to learn more!
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Exercise Essentials
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New Pilates Class Wednesdays at 9 am Starting February 6
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We have added a 9:00 am Pilates class on Wednesdays starting February 6th. We are happy to add new classes as needed so let us know if you are having difficulty getting into class. We do have classes throughout the day and great instructors so please be open to various times and instructors. Weare runningaspecialpromotion from February1st toFebruary22nd on select Pilates or Yoga Class packages. Please look for the email describing the promotion in your inbox as of January 31st and the flyers that will posted in the clinic.
QUADRUPED ALTERNATING ARM & LEG LIFT Startonyourhandsandknees.Engageyour lowerabdominalsbypullingyour belly button to your spine. Slowly raise your opposite arm and leg without shifting your trunk to the side or arching your back. Return the arm and leg to thestartingposition.Repeatwiththeoppositearmand leg.Hold for3-5seconds and repeat 10 times on each side.
Staff Spotlight
Sammi grew up in Aurora, Colorado. Her interest in physical therapy began with her personal experience having many injuries as a ballet dancer. She received a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah and went on to perform professionally with Colorado Ballet and Ballet Ariel in Denver. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2017. She continues to dance and perform with Ballet 5280 in Denver and teaches ballet at various studios in the Denver metro area. Sammi enjoys using her years of dance and teaching experience to help dancers and non- dancers recover from orthopedic injuries, particularly of the foot and ankle. She transitioned into teaching Pilates to help her clients maintain core strength and flexibility to prevent re-injury.
We are very excited to announce that we have a newwebsite!!!Wehope thewebsitewillbemore user friendly and informative. Please check out the new website at blueskypt.com . We have a link that will take you directly to the Pilates + Wellness Website. If you have any difficulty navigating the websites or scheduling classes online, please let us know. Learn More About Our Special Services We Offer! • Low Back & Neck Pain • Hip, Knee, & Leg Pain • Hand, Arm, & Shoulder Pain • Post-surgical Rehab • Balance Problems • Vestibular & Neurological Disorders • Pelvic Therapy/Women’s Health
Samantha Harmon PT, DPT Pilates Instructor
Celebrating Heart Health Month
For most people with chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and pain, walking and exercising can be very difficult. However, with inactivity, these chronic diseases can lead to a downward spiral of worsening health and the need for more aggressive medication management. Numerous studies demonstrate the power of activity in reducing a multitude of symptoms and improving long-term health. TIPS FOR BETTER HEART HEALTH 1. Get 7 Hours Of Sleep. Young and middle-age adults who sleep 7 hours a night have less calcium in their arteries (an early sign of heart disease) than those who sleep 5 hours or less or those who sleep 9 hours or more. 2. Check Your Blood Pressure. Get your blood pressure checked every 3-5 years if you’re 18-39. If you’re 40 or older, or if you have high blood pressure, check it every year. 3. Exercise 30 Minutes A Day. To keep it simple, you can aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of moderate exercise. 4. Limit Saturated Fats. Cut down on saturated fats to maintain artery health. Choose leaner cuts and reduced-fat options. 5. Find out if you have diabetes. Millions of people don’t know that they have this condition. That’s risky because over time, high blood sugar damages arteries and makes heart disease more likely.
Healthy Recipe Spiced Pear Tea Ingredients • 1 orange • 3 cups water • 2 (11.3 to 12 oz) cans pear nectar • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Has Your Pain Come Back?
• 4 inches stick cinnamon • 1 tsp whole cloves • 6 tea bags • Small orange slices, halved (optional) • Stick cinnamon (optional)
Feel free to call Blue Sky PT at 303.388.1537 to consult your physical therapist. Your physical therapist can discuss with you the source of the problem and recommend exercises and stretches to relieve your pain at home.
Directions Usingavegetablepeeler,remove threewidestripsofpeel from theorange;setpeelaside.Juice theorange into a large saucepan. Add the water, pear nectar and honey (if using) to orange juice in saucepan. For spice bag: Place the 4 inches of stick cinnamon, the cloves and the orange peel strips in the center of a 6 in square of double-thickness, 100%-cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with 100%-cotton kitchen string. Add spice bag to pear nectar mixture. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and spice bag; discard. Serve in warm mugs. If desired, float orange slices on top of individual servings and serve with additional stick cinnamon.
If further assessment is needed, schedule an appointment!
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