WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Here are a few things you may want to consider before heading into physical therapy: • Consider exactly where the pain occurs in your body, and research what thedifferentpartsof thebodyarecalledso thatyoucanhavean accurateandhelpfulconversationaboutyourpain.Forexample,back pain has a lot of different differentiations, and lumbar pain (which is in the lower back) is frequently caused by factors different fromwhat would cause upper-back or neck pain. • How does the pain feel when it develops? Is it a lingering ache? Is it a sharpstab? Is itmoreofatinglingfeeling?Eachofthesesensationsare actuallyassociatedwithdifferenttypesofproblems,sodescribingyour pain appropriately may be helpful in determining the best treatment methods for your body’s needs. • What do you think may be causing the pain? Of course, it happens that a pain will develop, and you are dumbfounded as to why, but more often than not, there is something that you think could be influencing it. If the pain started around the same time as a change in environment or life circumstances, then it is worth telling your physical therapist about the association. Further Considerations Another thing to consider about your pain is whether or not it develops atparticulartimesofthedayoryear.Thereareplentyofsituationswhen someonebegins toexperiencepainwhen theweatherstarts tochange, and it turns out that the pain is a result of arthritis and inflammation. There are other situations in which the pain will develop as a result of prolonged sitting or the opposite — such as when things get crazy at home or at work, and you find that you are not getting as much sleep
asusual.Consideringanychanges inyourdailyhabitsorenvironmental factors can be very helpful in determining what is causing your pain. Regardless of where your pain is, how long you’ve been dealing with it, or how intense the pain feels, the smart thing to do when pain develops is to speak with a physical therapist. Working with a physical therapist can help you finally get a step ahead of your pain, finding treatment options that are designed to provide you with long-term relief instead of temporary relief frommedication. Contact us today (San Anselmo: 415-457-4454, Novato: 415-898-1311) to learn more about physical therapy and how we can help you recover from your pain.
M A I N T A I N EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS TRY THIS EXERCISE TO RELIEVE PAIN Soft Tissue Release Take a sock (or towel) and a tennis ball to perform this exercise. Place the tennis ball in the sock. Drape the sock over your shoulder so the tennisball isagainstyourupperback inaplacewhereyou have a tight muscle or localized pain. Now, lean against the wall so the ball presses directly on the affected area. Apply as much pressure as you can tolerate and so you can breathe comfortably. Hold it against that spot for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the pain dissipates. You can roll your back up and down and side to side against the wall to create a self massage effect. Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
Redeem This Coupon for a PHYSICAL THERAPY CONSULTATION FREE • Shoulder Pain • Knee Pain • Problems Walking • Sports Injury • Post Operation Pain We can help you find the source of your pain and the relief you need! Call us today! Are you suffering from: • Lower Back Pain • Arthritis • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Headaches
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