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HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
DETERMINING THE ORIGINS OF YOUR PAIN
Inside: • July 4th Celebrations: Prioritize Health and Safety • Go to the Pain, Not Through the Pain
412.278.1221 | FRITZPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
Are you tired of dealing with pain day in and day out? Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? For some people with pain, the simplest tasks are now major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide any relief. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. This is where Fritz Physical Therapy steps in. At Fritz Physical Therapy, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible. We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope! DETERMINING THE ORIGINS OF YOUR PAIN
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Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Here’s an explanation of these types: • Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis. • Central Pain: Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). Central pain starts inside the central nervous system itself. Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries. • Neuropathic Pain: This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica). • Psychosocial Pain: Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states. • Movement System Pain: This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often work with this type of pain, prescribing targeted exercises to correct movement dysfunctions contributing to the discomfort. Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief. UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAIN
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Patients are often fearful of making their condition worse. As a result, they often either do nothing or get so frustrated they ignore clear warning signs and push through. In either case, the result is more suffering. The key is to find a balance
in the middle, where you do just enough to improve but not enough to make it worse. At Fritz Physical Therapy our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!
412.278.1221 | FRITZPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
FINDING RELIEF FROM PAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY
When you come to a physical therapy session at Fritz Physical Therapy, you’re taking a significant step towards finding relief from pain and improving your overall well-being. Your first session will typically begin with questions about your medical history, the specific nature of your pain, its location, and any factors that make it better or worse. After discussing your medical history, your therapists will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness. They’ll also assess your movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions. Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your physical therapist will work to identify the underlying issue causing your pain. This may involve determining the type of pain (e.g., nociceptive, neuropathic, or movement system-related) and its primary sources. Once your therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments may include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve joint mobility. Exercise is another crucial component, tailored to your specific needs and designed to correct any movement dysfunctions. Education plays a vital role in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain effectively. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6256939/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC6203285/, https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2016.0602, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335681194_ Pain_Theory, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545194/ July 4 th Celebrations: Prioritize Health & Safety July brings 4th of July celebrations, and while enjoying fireworks and picnics, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some expert tips from Fritz Physical Therapy: • Stay Hydrated: With the summer heat, dehydration is a concern. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities. • Firework Safety: If you plan to handle fireworks, follow safety guidelines strictly. Mishandling can lead to burns and accidents. • Healthy Picnic Choices: Choose nutritious picnic options like salads, grilled veggies, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks and snacks that can lead to energy crashes. • Mind Your Posture: Whether watching fireworks or dining at a picnic, maintain good posture to prevent back and neck strain. Sit upright and use cushions for support if needed. By focusing on safety and making healthy choices, you can have a memorable and healthy 4th of July celebration!
Go to the Pain, Not Through the Pain Is pain affecting your life? Does it seem like everything you try doesn’t seem to help? Too often, the frustration of dealing with daily pain leads people to ignore or try to push through their pain. It doesn’t help that the terrible slogan “no pain, no gain” has become a part of our culture in America. Learning how to navigate pain is essential to finding the relief so many people seek. Whether you’re tired of sporadic aches and pain or struggling with chronic discomfort, physical therapy at Fritz Physical Therapy plays a vital role not just in treating pain but also in teaching patients how to manage their pain effectively. Simple Tips to Find Relief Our team will start by explaining the type of pain the patient is experiencing—be it nociceptive, central, neuropathic, psychosocial, or movement system pain. This helps you understand the root cause of your pain, allowing for targeted treatments addressing your unique situation. Here’s an overview of common tools we use to empower our patients: • Pain Management Strategies: Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can sometimes be as effective as medication in reducing pain. • Activity Modification: Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. By changing how they perform their daily activities, patients can reduce the risk of pain flare-ups. • Gradual Progression of Exercise: Starting slow and building up gradually can help patients realize that movement doesn’t have to be painful, reducing fear and improving function over time. Our physical therapists will give you the tools and knowledge you need to take an active role in your pain management, making your treatment more effective and lasting. Remember the slogan, “go to the pain, not through the pain,” to guide your progress!
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR RECOVERY TODAY! Patients have the freedom to choose their preferred physical therapy provider. We are in-network with most major insurance plans, and in most cases, no prescription is required to begin treatment.
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