Try this movement if you are experiencing pain. EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Modified Down Dog (Wall) Place hands against a wall, shoulder width apart and elbows straight.Slowly leantowardtheground,bendingfromthehips,while walking your hands down the wall until your legs and arms are at or close to making a 90 degree angle. Walk your legs backward as you do so if you need more space. Imagine yourself pushing into the wall and pulling away with your hips. Try to keep your wrists, shoulders, and hips in a straight line. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Are Your Feet Causing Your Back Pain?
When your foot hits the ground, your whole body feels the effect. Imagine in your car if your shock absorbers were worn out. You would feel every bump and jolt from the road. Your feet and legs are much the same way. The greater the impact of your step, the more impact it has on your body. Sometimes our legs are not quite the same length due to joint replacements or arthritic conditions in the ankle, knee, or hip. Even small differences may cause back or leg pain. A small heel lift can often change symptoms dramatically. Many times tightness in the ankle can also contribute to back pain. When the ankle joint is tight, this essentially makes that leg “longer” which can cause the spine to curve slightly and result in back and leg pain. Your feet and legs need to be able to support the rest of your body during walking tasks. We will evaluate your leg and foot strength and mobility and focus on improving the muscles that are weak and stretching those that are tight. This in turn will allow you to walk with better form and help to eliminate back pain. If we find that you need some type of modification to your shoes or inserts we will make those recommendations as well. We want to look at everything that can be contributing to your back pain, not just your back. This can be done under the guidance and expertise of our physical therapists at Willow Physical Therapy.
Always consultyourphysical therapistorphysicianbefore startingexercisesyouareunsureofdoing.
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Patient Spotlight “Without physical therapy I believe that I would not be able to walk, drive, or do moderate housework. Physical therapy has been a very necessary part of my recovery.” R. Smith
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