Neck pain can be both debilitating and terrifying. When you experience an injury that leaves your neck in severe pain, the thought of not being able to freely turn your head is overwhelmingly stressful. What’s more, the pain itself is unbearable, and since the neck is so sensitive to injury, it is important to be as careful as possible in finding treatment and solutions for the pain
FINDING RELIEF FROM NECK PAIN NEWSLETTER Health & Wellness Newsletter Live Life Pain-free INSIDE: T H E R A P Y S E R V I C E S
•Finding Relief from Neck Pain • Is Your Neck Pain Caused By Sleep Issues? • Featured Service: The McKenzie Method ® • Annual 5k Race • Exercise Essentials • Patient Success Spotlight • Healthy Recipe
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T H E R A P Y S E R V I C E S
NEWSLETTER
FINDING RELIEF FROM NECK PAIN STAY A NECK AHEAD OF CHRONIC PAIN For support in finding relief from your neck pain, visit your physical therapist at OrthoBethesda. Call us today at (240) 482-3106 to schedule an appointment or visit our website at orthobethesda.com for more information.
Neck pain can be both debilitating and terrifying. When you experience an injury that leaves your neck in severe pain, the thought of not being able to freely turn your head is overwhelmingly stressful. What’s more, the pain itself is unbearable, and since the neck is so sensitive to injury, it is important to be as careful as possible in finding treatment and solutions for the pain. It is incredible to realize how common neck pain is — especially among American adults! More than two-thirds of U.S. adults will develop neck pain at least once in their life, and the reasons for the neck pain are as varied as the population of the nation itself. Injury, muscle strain and even stress can cause significant pain in the neck and upper back. If you aren’t careful, a neck injury can lead to chronic pain, and it is even possible for chronic headaches like migraines to develop as a result of regular neck pain. There are a lot of different ways that you can relieve neck pain, but the best treatment for your personal needs depends entirely on the type of injury that you’ve experienced.
Here is a quick breakdown of what could be going on to cause your neck pain: If your pain is developing gradually over time and is not the result of any particular injury that comes to mind, then it may be a result of degenerative disc disease . When this develops, you may experience chronic neck pain as a result of fluid- filled sacs that are becoming weakened over time as a result of stress and strain. Physical therapy can help alleviate the pain from degenerative disc disease by helping restore blood circulation and improve range of motion in the neck. This therapy is approached in a careful and deliberate way so as to not cause further pain in the neck region. Sometimes, neck pain develops after a particular injury , such as due to athleticism or even as a result of a car accident or a slip and fall accident. When this happens, your pain could be a result of a muscle strain or sprain. When this is the case, then using traditional methods like hot and cold therapy and targeted physical therapy treatment can do a lot of good to alleviate the pain. However, attempting exercises on your own could also result in further pain.
In some cases, mechanical neck pain can develop as a result of a change in the neck joints. This may develop as a result of a disc collapsing, which causes the space between the bones to become narrow, often causing bones to strike one another, resulting in pain. When this isn’t addressed, mechanical neck pain can spread, causing the pain to become more severe and covering a wider range of the neck. Finally, neck pain is sometimes caused by radiculopathy , which refers to pressure or irritation in the nerves of the neck, which alters the electrical signals in the neck, causing you to feel more pain throughout the day. Physical therapy can help reduce the pressure and irritation surrounding the nerves, often offering immediate relief from pain and discomfort. These are just some of the frequent causes of neck pain. It is important that you never assume that your neck pain is being caused by one or another of these issues, and that you instead always work with a licensed and experienced physical therapist to determine the precise cause of your pain and discomfort.
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IS YOUR NECK PAIN CAUSED BY SLEEP ISSUES?
There is one more factor that often is not spoken about, but it’s a frequent cause of neck pain and discomfort: sleeping issues . Sometimes, sleeping in a certain position or sleeping on a mattress or pillow that is too soft or too hard will lead to neck pain. Oftentimes, this pain will appear to be chronic, as the sleeping issue is likely something that you experience day after day, causing the pain to return regularly. It may be helpful to rule out sleeping concerns as a reason behind your neck pain by assessing your sleeping conditions and making any changes that you think may be necessary. Adjust how many pillows you sleep on, the position you sleep in or even your mattress! Do you still find yourself uncomfortable or with an aching neck, even after making changes to your sleeping position, pillows or mattress? Find the support you need in finding relief from neck pain. Contact us today at (240) 482-3106 to make an appointment at OrthoBethesda. We can help find the source of your pain and get you back to enjoying the things you love pain-free.
T H E R A P Y S E R V I C E S
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HEALTHY RECIPE: MEXICAN CAULIFLOWER RICE SKILLET DINNER
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground beef • 1/4 medium onion diced • 1/2 red pepper diced • 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup diced tomatoes • 12 ounces cauliflower rice • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend
INSTRUCTIONS In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through (just a little pink). Add the onion and pepper and continue to cook until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning. Add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cauliflower rice begins to soften (8 to 10 minutes for frozen). Sprinkle the skillet with the cheese and cover. Let cook until the cheese is melted, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro. Courtesy: alldayidreamaboutfood.com/low-carb-mexican-cauliflower-rice
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Patient Success Spotlight IS YOUR NECK PAIN CAUSED BY SLEEP ISSUES? FE AT ED SERV CE : TH MCKENZIE METHOD®
• Therapy is assessment-driven and based on individualized treatm nt plans • Active, not passive, therapy strategies promote better outcomes • Treatment is cost efficient without expensive tests or procedures • Reduces the need for surgical intervention • Educating patients about self-treatment e power them to participate in their own c r acquiring skills, knowledge and confidence • Patients learn how to prevent recurrence
The McKenzie Method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) is a biopsychosocial system of musculoskeletal care that emphasizes patient empowerment and self-treatment. Through the initial MDT assessment, therapists are able to quickly and accurately triage patients to the appropriate treatment service, allowing them to identify early on if the source of pain is non-musculoskeletal or when therapy will not be beneficial. Backed by years of research, evidence and clinical practice, MDT is a reliable and practical approach that focuses on “what patients need” and guides the therapist in meeting those needs. This system of diagnosis and patient management has proven effective for acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the back, neck and extremities. What Are the Benefits of MDT? • Results can be seen in just two to three visits
After teaching me about a proper ergonomic workstation setup and a couple exercises for my neck, I was better in no time! “I had neck pain for about a year and decided that I needed to do something about it. I saw Meryl, and after asking what I do for work, she suggested that it might be my work station causing the pain, since I sit at a desk all day. After teaching me about a proper ergonomic workstation setup and a couple exercises for my neck, I was better in no time! She was a lifesaver! I don’t know what I would have done without her.” There is one more factor that often is not spoken about, but it’s a frequent cause of neck pain and discomfort: sleeping issues . Sometimes, sleeping in a certain position or sleeping on a mattress or pillow that is too soft or too hard will lead to neck pain. Oftentimes, this pain will appear to be chronic, as the sl eping issue is likely something that you experience day after day, causing the pain to return regularly. It m y be helpful to rule out sleeping concerns as a reason behind your neck p in by assessing you sleep ng ond tions and mak g any changes that you think may be necessary. Adjust how many pillows you sleep on, the position you sleep in or even your mattress! Do you still find yourself uncomfortable or with an aching neck, even after making changes to your sleeping position, pillows or mattress? Find the support you need in finding relief from neck pain. Contact us today at (240) 482-3106 to make an appointment at OrthoBethesda. We can help find the source of your pain and get you back to enjoying the things you love pain-free. orthobethesda.com MERYL WAGMAN, DPT, CERT.MDT Washington D.C. native, Meryl graduated from Emory University in 2005 with a B.S. in Psychology. She then worked with children with disabilities, as an NIH research assistant in a neuroscience laboratory studying ADHD, and then taught functional life skills to children with Autism. Her interest in health, fitness, and the human body developed while coaching a high school volleyball team, where she emphasized strength and conditioning to increase performance and prevent injuries. With a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Maryland. Believing in the power of combining manual therapy with exercise to help her patients return to optimal function, Meryl is a McKenzie trained therapist with certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Meryl enjoys yoga, spinning, volleyball, and travel, as well as raising two of the sweetest cats: Hops and Barley. INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground beef • 1/4 medium onion diced • 1 cup diced tomatoes • 12 ounces cauliflow r ric • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese or Mexican Blend INSTRUCTIONS In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through (just a little pink). Add th onion and pepper and continue to cook until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning. Add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cauliflower rice begins to soften (8 to 10 minutes for frozen). Sprinkle the skillet with the cheese and cover. Let cook until the cheese is melted, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and top with your favorite toppin s like sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro. Courtesy: alldayidreamaboutfood.com/low-carb-mexican-cauliflower-rice T H E R A P Y S E R V I C E S (240) 482-3106 SEPTEMBER 15 TH OrthoBethesda is pleased to announce our Annual “OrthoBethesda Great Strides 5k” – a opportunity for our surgeons and staff to help promote fitness, strengthen bones, and have some fun with our patients and community. We hope you and your families will join us, walk or run! The race will ben fit Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas Foundation (Hope for HH), founded by one of our very own, Dr. Craig A. Miller and his wife Ilene. Hypothalamic hamartoma is a rare brain tumor within the hypothalamus that causes seizures, severe cognitive delays and rages. Proceeds of the race will help Hope for HH raise awareness, support families and fund critical research. Photo Credit: Ana Isabel Photography DIANE CAMPANARO, PTA, CKTP Diane joined the OrthoBethesda staff in March of 2009. She grew up in Olney, MD and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree at Montgomery College in 2006. She has worked in the outpatient orthopedic settings since that time. Diane is one of the handful of clinicians in the country to earn the Physical Therapist Assistant Specialty Certification in Orthopedics through The Evidence In Motion Institute of Health Professions. She is also a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner® through the Kinesio Taping® Association International. Diane works very closely with the physical therapists of OrthoBethesda to assure the highest quality in orthopedics rehabilitation. In her free time she enjoys going to Nationals games, reading and running. • 1/2 red pepper diced • 3 tbsp taco seasoning
Getting to Know The TEAM Request your MDT assessment by calling (240) 482-3106, today. Our therapists can help you discover exactly what you need to get moving and feel your best.
JOSH JOHNS, PT, DPT, CERT.MDT Joshua graduated from University of Maryland, College Park in 2005 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Joshua was interested in fitness from a young age. Working as a personal trainer for several years in a post-rehabilitation setting sparked an interest in pursuing physical therapy. Joshua graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2013 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. GET READY FOR OUR ANNUAL GREAT STRIDES 5K RACE IN SEPTEMBER! HEALTHY RECIPE: MEXICAN CAULIFLOWER RICE SKILLET DINNER
He has worked with OrthoBethesda since. Joshua was instrumental in working with the surgeons and other physical therapists at OrthoBethesda to develop our evidenced and clinically based post-operative rehabilitation protocols. Joshua has certifications in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, trigger point dry needling, and the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Joshua has a broad interest in treating a variety of orthopedic conditions. ROB AGOSTO, DPT, CKTP
With a DPT from the University of Maryland, Robert has been a practicing physical therapist since 2006. He has assisted with teaching courses as a certified clinical instructor from the American Physical Therapy Association. He is also certified in Kinesio Taping as well as the Graston Technique, in which he breaks apart scar tissue and myofasical adhesions. Certified in Functional Movement Screening and Selective
Functional Movement Assessment, he assesses and treats dysfunctional movement patterns. Robert is also trained in dry needling, used to eliminate trigger points, and received training in spinal and extremity manipulation by world-renowned physical therapist JimMeadows. In physical therapy school, Robert’s senior research project was on piriformis syndrome. As an army brat, Robert has lived in California, Texas, Georgia, and Panama, while considering Maryland home. He graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1997 and the University of Maryland: Eastern Shore in 2001.
Great Strides 5k: 10215 FERNWOOD RD, BETHESDA , MD 20817
orthobeth sda.com
orthobethesda.com
FE ATURED SERVICE : THE MCKENZIE METHOD®
• Therapy is assessment-driven and based on individualized treatment plans • Active, not passive, therapy strategies promote better outcomes • Treatment is cost efficient without expensive tests or procedures • Reduces the need for surgical intervention • Educating patients about self-treatment empowers them to participate in their own care acquiring skills, knowledge and confidence • Patients learn how to prevent recurrence Request your MDT assessment by calling (240) 482-3106, today. Our therapists can help you discover exactly what you need to get moving and feel your best.
The McKenzie Method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) is a biopsychosocial system of musculoskeletal care that emphasizes patient empowerment and self-treatment. Through the initial MDT assessment, therapists are able to quickly and accurately triage patients to the appropriate treatment service, allowing them to identify early on if the source of pain is non-musculoskeletal or when therapy will not be beneficial. Backed by years of research, evidence and clinical practice, MDT is a reliable and practical approach that focuses on “what patients need” and guides the therapist in meeting those needs. This system of diagnosis and patient management has proven effective for acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the back, neck and extremities. What Are the Benefits of MDT? • Results can be seen in just two to three visits
orthobethesda.com
SEPTEMBER 15 TH GET READY FOR OUR ANNUAL GREAT STRIDES 5K RACE IN SEPTEMBER!
OrthoBethesda is pleased to announce our Annual “OrthoBethesda Great Strides 5k” – an opportunity for our surgeons and staff to help promote fitness, strengthen bones, and have some fun with our patients and community. We hope you and your families will join us, walk or run! The race will benefit Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas Foundation (Hope for HH), founded by one of our very own, Dr. Craig A. Miller and his wife Ilene. Hypothalamic hamartoma is a rare brain tumor within the hypothalamus that causes seizures, severe cognitive delays and rages. Proceeds of the race will help Hope for HH raise awareness, support families and fund critical research.
Photo Credit: Ana Isabel Photography
Great Strides 5k: 10215 FERNWOOD RD, BETHESDA , MD 20817
Exercise Essentials Your therapist may prescribe these exercises.
About Us OrthoBethesda Therapy Services is the rehabilitation department for the OrthoBethesda surgical practice. We have 2 clinics in the Camalier Building. Our orthopedic physical therapy clinic is located on the 3rd floor. Our highly trained staff consists of 18 physical therapists and 2 physical therapy assistants. All of our clinicians treat general orthopedic conditions and have a variety of subspecialties. Our hand therapy department is located on the 5th floor. We have 4 clinicians who specialize in the rehabilitation of hand injuries. We have 2 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists, all of whom have advanced training of complex injuries of the wrist and hand. Historically, our therapists have treated patients who were under the care of OrthoBethesda physicians. As part of our mission to better serve the community, we have expanded our staff and facility to provide world class therapy services to patients under the care of outside physicians. We consistently strive to provide the highest level of rehabilitation for all our patients. Our goal is to always have 100% patient satisfaction. Our infrastructure is built around this goal. We have spent years developing a model of therapy to assure that our patients can achieve their full potential. Having a staff with diverse clinical backgrounds has given us the opportunity to create a unique therapy experience. Our clinic has been able to deliver the customized care that is commonly found in smaller clinics while being able to deliver the specialization that can only be found in larger clinics. We look forward to sharing more information with you about our expert physical therapists in our monthly newsletter.
CERVICAL RETRACTION
Stand with your back against a wall and with a rolled up towel behind your neck. Keep your eyes fixed ahead and your head upright. Tuck your chin like you are nodding “yes.” Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 10 times.
Helps to Relieve Neck Pain
Exercises copyright of
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
It takes more than great therapists to deliver the highest quality rehabilitation services to our patients. At OrthoBethesda, we are fortunate to have an outstanding team of administrative professionals to help us achieve our goal of 100 % patient satisfaction. SHANA DAVIS, THERAPY CLINIC SUPERVISOR Shana (pictured left) has been with the practice for 12 years. She is a valued team member with multiple responsibilities that keep our facility running smoothly. Shana’s numerous contributions include the supervision and training of our professional team of technicians. She also coordinates our post-operative clinic where patients are seen by both their surgeon and BRITTANY BURTS, PATIENT SERVICES SUPERVISOR Brittany (pictured right) is responsible for overseeing all front office operations. She began working at OrthoBethesda in February 2019 with a background in office management. Brittany works diligently to assure that all non-clinical aspects of our patients’ experiences are well coordinated.
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