How To Take Care Of Your Back
1. Keep a Good Posture. When you are standing, imagine a string through the top of your head lifting you straight up. This puts your neck, shoulders, spine and hips in natural alignment. With sitting, make sure you sit back in the chair with your feet on the floor and your lower back supported. Your shoulders should not slouch when sitting. Avoid soft couches when you can. 2. Lift Properly. Picking things up is a normal part of our day. Even if you pick up something light, your back muscles have to lift the weight of your upper torso and control that movement. Make sure you always face what you need to pick up, squat keeping your spine straight and push with your leg muscles. This helps reduce the excessive pressure on your spine. 3. Stay Flexible. Flexibility is key to maintaining a healthy back. By keeping your body flexible, the normal forces of movement and lifting can be distributed across the spine, rather than focused onto a few segments, which can then fail. An easy stretching routine everyday can keep you feeling great and put a spring in your step. 4. Stay Strong. You have hundreds of muscles, which control the movement of your spine. Major muscles that support the spine are called your core and include your abdominal, pelvis, spinal and hip muscles. By keeping your core muscles strong, you support your spine and have the ability to easily control lifting, quick movements, bending and a lot more.
5. Physical Therapy. Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating spine and body movement. By having a regular check up, you can make sure your body is in good condition to tackle the activities you love. If you have a history of back pain, injury or are currently experiencing aches and pains, we can analyze your problem and construct a treatment program that will work best for your individual problem. With hands-on therapy and targeted exercises we can help you return quickly to feeling your best. Even if you suffer from severe pain we can help you get out of pain and living the life you deserve. Call Today!
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Staff Spotlight
Kristen R. W. Hicks PT, MPT, CMTPT
Kristen R. W. Hicks, PT, MPT, CMTPT, received a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science fromTheGeorge WashingtonUniversity in 1997 and aMaster of Physical Therapy degree fromShenandoahUniversity in 2000. Ms. Hicks specializes in treating patients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the neck and back, aswell asmuscle imbalances of the hip and shoulder. Ms. Hicks has advanced training in osteopathicmanual techniques, such asmuscle energy technique, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, functional indirect technique, and trigger point dry needling. Ms. Hicks received international post-graduate certification in Dry Needling byMyopain Seminars and Janet G. Travell, MD Seminar Series in May 2012. Ms. Hicks is SFMA Level 2 certified and is also Direct Access Certified.
Fax: 804.673.6026
Phone: 804.285.0148
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