Health & Fitness Newsletter by Worcester Physical Therapy Services
Health &Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
January, 2018
“It’s Time For New Adventures this Season!” IS IT BACK PAIN OR SCIATICA?
Are you one of the approximately 85 percent of adults that are affected by low back pain during their lifetime? If you suffer with back pain or sciatica, know that low cost results are closer than you think. Recent studies show that patients with low back pain should back pain, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
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Inside: • Is It Back Pain Or Sciatica?
• The challenge Of Treating Back Pain
• Relieve Back Pain In Minutes
• Patient Success Spotlight
• Healthy Recipe
Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
January, 2018
“Keep Up With The Young Ones In Your Life!” IS IT BACK PAIN OR SCIATICA?
Another recent study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recommends that in most cases of low back degenerative disc disease (a common cause of low back pain), the most effective treatment is physical therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications. It concludes that physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are the best options of non-surgical treatment of low back pain. Low back degenerative disc disease develops when the discs between your spine weaken (often due to repetitive strain), are injured or shrink “ DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR CO-PAY TO KICK IN, START YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY TODAY! ” Worcester Physical Therapy offers Direct Access for physical therapy and rehab programs. In accordance with Massachusetts State Law, Direct Access means an individual can be seen directly by a Physical Therapist, without a prescription or referral from their doctor. YOU CAN START NOW CALL TODAY! 508-791-8740
from aging. As a result, the discs are unable to hold normal spacing and therefore, collapse increasing instability, causing back pain. Physical therapist intervention includes strengthening of core muscle groups, including the abdominal wall, which has positive effects on people with this condition. Exercise and hands on therapy have been shown to alleviate pain in many people. In addition, education on how to protect your spine and remain active is beneficial. Our physical therapists are trained to identify your problem and plan out the most effective treatment for you. Along with building your core muscle groups, hands-on physical therapy to move your spine has shown to be very effective. Our physical therapists develop a safe and effective treatment program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Surgery should always be the last option, but too often people think of surgery as a cure all and are eager to embark on it without knowing the long term risks. Receiving care from our knowledgable and licensed physical therapists first, can improve your odds that you can quickly reduce your pain and maintain your quality of life. Call us today to learn more!
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THE CHALLENGE OF TREATING BACK PAIN
Back pain is the second most common diagnosis seen by physicians in their offices. 85% of the US population will suffer an episode of back pain sometime in their life. Why is this? A lot has to do with the design of our body. It is the price we pay for walking upright on two legs. In humans, the force of gravity pulls directly down through the vertical spine compressing it together over the years. In other mammals such as horses, apes and cows, the spine is horizontal and the pull of gravity does not compress the spine together. Most back pain falls under the category of mechanical back pain, meaning the mechanics of the movement are not correct. The spine has to move in intricate ways to make whole movements of bending, extending and twisting. Therefore, the “mechanics” of the spine are important in order for all the vertebrae (the bones) to be able to move. Mechanical back pain means that the joints, muscles and ligaments of the spine are not moving correctly at the right time. This can cause increased strain on certain parts of your back, especially the very lower back. Why do the mechanics of the spine change and cause pain? This is due to a variety of reasons including small injuries from lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting, repetitive strain, accidents, weakness from prolonged sitting and changes in your core strength. In today’s world, most of our daily activities involve sitting which causes the abdominal and back muscles to weaken. This in turn lessens the necessary support to the spine, causing strain. The strain causes inflammation, which leads to pain. Back pain can be localized to the back area or even radiate into the buttocks or backs of the legs. Millions of people a year rely on over the counter medication and back
braces to get through their day. However, the unfortunate reality is that unless treated properly, 75% of people with back problems will have another episode of their back pain. This is because the cause of the problem, the mechanical movement, is not addressed by treating it with drugs or a hot pack. More and more people with back pain are realizing the full benefits of our specialized hands on physical therapy to address the cause of their back pain and understand what they can do to have lasting relief. Call us today to learn more how we can help quickly relieve your back pain!
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Healthy Recipe: BRUSSELS SPROUTS
PRONE ALT. ARM & LEG LIFTS Keeping transverse abdominis contracted, lift right leg and left arm keeping the back stable and without shifting your weight. Alternate. Repeat 8 times on each side. Strengthens Lower Back Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 2 tablespoons canola oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses • Seeds from 1 pomegranate • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts • Finely grated zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
www.simpleset.net
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put the Brussels sprouts in a medium roasting pan; toss with the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until light golden brown and a knife inserted into the centers goes in without any resistance, about 45 minutes. Transfer the sprouts to a large bowl and add the pomegranate molasses, pomegranate seeds, hazelnuts, and lime and orange zests. Season with salt as needed.
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay
Patient Success Spotlight
Think Worcester PT & Services First
Why You Need To Come Back In For Another Check Up: • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle
I’m so excited to continue my journey here!
“ Definitely different than the others. I have Multiple Sclerosis and have done therapy numerous times at other places. This one is the only one that has PT’s who know, understand and work on the things that this disease does to people. I’m so excited to continue my journey here. My goal is to walk down the isle without my cane and my brace! I think I can do it. ” – Laurie C. CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT! 508.791.8740
TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
• Move Freely • Alleviate Pain Naturally • Have More Energy • Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Stronger
Do you suffer with any of the following symptoms?
4 Stiffness or swelling 4 Aches at the end of the day 4 Pain from an old injury
4 Pain when trying to sleep 4 Pain when driving > 30 mins 4 Trouble bending and reaching
Don’t let back pain become a way of life Pinpoint the exact cause of your back pain! FREE BACK PAIN ANALYSIS Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 02-28-18.
Call Today! 508-791-8740
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