The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily — whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt.
Physical Therapy N E W S L E T T E R
DON’T IGNORE YOUR BACK PAIN! WHAT IS YOUR BACK PAIN TRYING TO TELL YOU?
ALSO INSIDE
Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain • Healthy Recipe Time To Get Summer Ready • Exercise Essentials
Physical Therapy N E W S L E T T E R
DON’T IGNORE YOUR BACK PAIN! WHAT IS YOUR BACK PAIN TRYING TO TELL YOU?
The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily — whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt. It is no wonder that so many people experience back injuries every year. What is a big wonder is that so many people choose to ignore their back injuries year after year! When you break an arm or get a cut on your leg, you are likely to do something about it right away. The sight of blood leaving your body or the realization that a bone isn’t sitting right is something that not many people are going to deal with for too long before seekingmedical attention. Yet when pain begins in the back, it is almost normal to ignore it. Everyone develops back pain from time to time, right? There is no reason to stress about it or overreact, right? Absolutely wrong! Understanding Back Pain Back pain may be common, but it is absolutely not normal. There are actually a lot of serious conditions that can cause your back to begin to hurt, and it is smart to have your back looked at by a physician early on so that you knowexactlywhat is going onwith your body fromthe get-go.
Once the cause of your back pain is determined, your physical therapist will be able to identify the best treatment options for your body’s needs. This will likely include the following: • Targeted exercises that are specialized to the region of the back that is experiencing the most pain. These exercises are designed to help build strength and support the surrounding muscles. • Guided stretching designed to improve range of motion and flexibility. This will take into account the health and vivacity of vertebrae and any potential stretches that may support optimal back health. • Support and guidance with an exercise routine and habit formation, especially with cardiovascular activity that can stimulate improved blood circulation to the affected areas of the back, as well as strength-building activities. Attempting to undertake any of these changes on your own after you’ve experienced a back injury is both dangerous and not recommended. Working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist can provide you with the guidance and ongoing support that you need to ensure that you do not experience any further injury as you attempt to heal the cause of your back pain.
www.renewptnorthshore.com
GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF BACK PAIN
When it comes to back pain, Don’t Wait! When you experience an injury to your back or realize that you are experiencing regular pain as a result of an ongoing injury or overuse, it is important to find out the cause of your back pain as quickly as possible. Back pain can quickly become chronic, as a potentially small issue can become complicated when it is not addressed early on. Working with a physical therapist can help you to identify the difference between environmental causes and something more medically-based. To get started with putting an end to your back pain, contact us.
There are a lot of different reasons as to why you may be experiencing back pain, and ignoring any of them is not a good idea. Some of the most common issues that cause back pain to linger include: • Muscle sprain or strain • Slipped vertebrae or disk • Tear or hyperextension to the supporting muscles or tendons • Arthritis These concerns can develop as a result of a myriad of environmental issues, such as having poor posture, prolonged sedentary activity, car crash, sporting accident, stress, heavy lifting, and so on.
Visit renewptnorthshore.com for more information, or call your physical therapist at Renew Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment today!
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DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DIRECT ACCESS? Did you know that you are not required to see your primary physician before seeing a physical therapist? We are now able to evaluate you, determine if you need physical therapy, and implement a treatment program… ALL without a referral! So call for an appointment today! Minor aches and pains can be fixed quickly when addressed early. No need to make a trip to the Doctor’s office first, let our movement specialists evaluate and treat your needs.
Call 985.809.3940 (Covington) or 985.674.4037 (Mandeville) or visit our website at renewptnorthshore.com to schedule your consultation today!
TIME TO GET SUMMER-READY!
TIPS TO KICKSTART A HEALTH SUMMER!
ADJUST YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE. Hop into a cold shower before your workout. Studies show that a pre-exercise cooldown improves performance in the heat — probably because it lowers your heart rate as well as core and skin temperatures. GET THE DIRT. Try to walk, run, or cycle on dirt or gravel paths, since asphalt and concrete tend to radiate heat and reflect the sun’s rays, making you feel hotter. Live near water? Take advantage of the breeze on even steamy days; if possible, start out with the wind at your back, so when you’re finishing you’ll be running into a headwind, which feels cooler. COOL DOWN WITH ESSENTIAL OILS. Dabbing a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil on the back of your neck and at your temples just before your workout provides a cooling effect and also opens up your nasal passages, so you can breathe a little easier when the air is humid. SUMMARIZE YOUR INTERVALS. To keep your fitness level up, do your regular cardio at a slightly slower pace, but add in 30-second speed bursts every three to five minutes. You’ll maintain your conditioning and burn more calories without having to go all-out the entire time. REFUEL WITH FRUIT. They’re more than 80 percent water, so fruits such as grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are a tasty way to replenish fluids and boost your energy post- workout. Keep them frozen or grind them into a smoothie for a refreshing treat! Put the cool factor back into your workout routine with these tricks this summer! Always remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body to avoid dehydration or stressing any muscles.
HEALTHY RECIPE
GRILLED SHRIMP TACOS WITH SRIRACHA SLAW
• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled & deveined • 1/4 head red cabbage, shredded • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1 tbsp. sriracha • 4 medium tortillas
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro • juice of 3 limes, divided • kosher salt • black pepper
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cilantro, and 1/3 of the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to a baking dish and pour over mixture. Toss until completely coated and let marinate 20minutes. Meanwhile, make slaw: In a large bowl, toss cabbage with mayo, remaining lime juice and sriracha. Season with salt. Heat grill to high. Skewer shrimp and grill until charred, 3minutes per side. Grill tortillas until charred, 1minute per side. Serve shrimp in tortillas with slaw.
TRYING TO STAY ACTIVE AT HOME? TRY THESE EXERCISES!
SITTING CHEST STRETCH Sit in a chair, keeping good posture. Raise your arms up with your elbows in front of you, and lock your hands together behind your head. From this position, push your elbows out to each side as far as you can go while keeping your hands locked. You should feel a nice stretch in your chest. Repeat 6 times.
PRONE ALTERNATE LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up a leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time.
DEAD BUG | HEEL TOUCHES Lie on your backwith your hands and knees raise upward, keeping your core engaged. Slowly lower one heel to the ground, then alternate sides, keeping your core engaged. Repeat 6-10 times on both sides.
Call 985.809.3940 (Covington) or 985.674.4037 (Mandeville) or visit our website at renewptnorthshore.com to schedule your consultation today!
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