DresherPT_The Most Effective Ways to Beat Sciatica and Back…

HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEWS YOU CAN USE!

JANUARY 2020

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat sciatica pains. If you are living with sciatica, you know how uncomfortable it can get. Many people with sciatica describe their symptoms as “shooting pains,” typically down one

side of the body. (continued inside)

INSIDE : • How Do I Know If I Need PT for My Sciatica Pains? • How Can I Get Started With Dresher Physical Therapy?

• Seasonal Recipe • 5 Popular New Year’s Resolutions

(215) 619-4545 FORT WASHINGTON

(267) 419-8160 BLUE BELL

HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEWS YOU CAN USE!

JANUARY 2020

While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, they can help relieve your pain and speed up the healing process. Because of this, it is in your best interest to consult with a physical therapist before symptoms become too severe. How can physical therapy help me? In a study published by Spine, a respected medical journal, physical therapy treatments for sciatica pain were seen to be a highly effective option. When a patient begins their physical therapy sessions early enough, they are able to eliminate their pain much more quickly. Additionally, physical therapy is much more budget-friendly for the average person, especially when symptoms are addressed early. This study found that over a one-year period, people who had taken 10 sessions of physical therapy had better results for their sciatic pain than those who were only given guidelines for treatment. The authors attributed the cost-effectiveness of the physical therapy approach in part to using it as a first line of defense against sciatic pain and back pain. When physical therapy treatments are performed at the start, the need for expensive diagnostic tests or invasive surgeries typically becomes unnecessary. HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS? INSIDE : • How Can I Get Started With Dresher Physical Therapy? • Simple Tips For Shoveling Snow (continued from outside)

• Seasonal Recipe • Another 5 Star Google Review of DPT!

When should I see a physical therapist? A good rule of thumb is to come in for a comprehensive evaluation as soon as you begin to notice sciatic pains – from there, your physical therapist can let you know what the best course of action will be. Sciatica symptoms may include a dull ache, shooting pains down your buttock or leg, or even pins/needles or numbness into your calf or foot. If pain goes from dull to severe, that is a strong indication that physical therapy intervention is needed. The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Severe pain, chronic pain, or persistent numbness or weakness along one side of the body that doesn’t seem to go away are all signs that physical therapy is needed. Incontinence may also occur as an indication that your sciatica is getting worse – if your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder and/or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions. If you are living with sciatica, or you think you may be experiencing sciatica symptoms, contact Dresher Physical Therapy today to discover how we can help.

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How Can I Get Star ted With Dresher Physical Therapy?

Another 5 Star Google Review of DPT!

“After almost 4 weeks of PT with Donna, I am seeing great improvements with my walking, flexibility, endurance and stability. I am very pleased and would strongly recommend Dresher Physical Therapy. Donna is a great coach!” - Emilio I. "I am very pleased and would strongly recommend Dresher Physical Therapy." SEASONAL RECIPE

Why wait to find relief? You can contact Dresher Physical Therapy today to find out more about our physical therapy methods for treating sciatic aches and pains. Physical therapy treatments will include targeted stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on range of motion and postural improvement, in order to decrease stress on the sciatic nerve and prevent pain from returning in the future. At Dresher Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive evaluations that will allow you to speak with one of our licensed and experienced physical therapists to learn their professional opinion regarding your condition. From there, your physical therapist will describe a personalized treatment plan that will move you safely and effectively toward your goals. You and your PT are a team! You will work together to help you feel better and to move and function at your highest level! If you are ready to get rid of your sciatica symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll get to the root of the issue so you can get back to living your life comfortably!

Choco-Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups sliced strawberries

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir yogurt, maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Scatter the strawberries on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Freeze until very firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, cut or break into 32 pieces. To make ahead: Freeze airtight between sheets of parchment for up to 1 month; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

(215) 619-4545 FORT WASHINGTON

(267) 419-8160 BLUE BELL

Simple Tips For Shoveling Snow

New Year... A New & Healthier YOU!

From all of us at Dresher PT! WWW.DRESHERPT.COM

RESOLVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF NOW! You deserve to start the New Year off the right way. If you've delayed addressing pain, mobility, balance or functional concerns... Dresher PT can help in so many ways... here are just a few examples of problems we can help you to improve your quality of life!

Snow shoveling can lead to a number of health risks for many people, from back injuries to heart attacks. The following tips can help keep you safer when you set out to shovel: 1. Warm Up Warm your muscles before heading out to shovel by doing some light movements, such as bending side to side or walking in place. 2. Push Rather Than Lift Pushing the snow with the shovel instead of lifting can help reduce the strain on your body. 3. Lighten Your Load Consider using a lighter-weight plastic shovel instead of a metal one to help decrease the weight being lifted. 4. Consider Multiple Trips Consider shoveling periodically throughout the storm to avoid having to move large amounts of snow at once. 5. Keep Up With Snowfall Try to shovel snow shortly after it falls, when it is lighter and fluffier. The longer snow stays on the ground, the wetter it can become. Wet snow is heavier and harder to move.

• Nagging back, neck, shoulder or hip pain

• Balance, dizziness, or vertigo problems

• Painful arthritic joints limiting your mobility

• Acute or chronic tendonitis, bursitis, and strains/sprains

CALL DPT TODAY and LET US HELP YOU START 2020 PAIN-FREE!

(215) 619-4545 FORT WASHINGTON

(267) 419-8160 BLUE BELL

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