Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body by Preferred Physical Therapy
HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLET TER ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2026
THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN Neck and Lower Back Pain
INSIDE:
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
GAIT ANALYSIS
3994 WEST HILLSBORO BLVD., DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33442 CALL TODAY 954-787-2329 • PPTFL.COM
VALENTINE’S DAY ROSE LATTE
If you’ve ever dealt with nagging neck pain, your lower back was probably the last thing you were thinking about–and vice versa. But if you’ve ever experienced both at once, you might have started wondering if they could be linked. Well, your hunch was correct: Neck pain and lower back pain are often interconnected. The human body is a marvel of connectivity, where different parts support and affect each other. That’s why the physical therapists at Preferred Physical Therapy take a whole-body approach to your care. We’ll figure out where the underlying issue is actually located and work with you to address it directly. Understanding the connection between neck pain and lower back pain can help you feel better in the long run. EXPLORING THE NECK AND LOWER BACK CONNECTION Imagine you’re holding a chain, trying to tug it forward. Unbeknownst to you, however, the opposite end of that chain has gotten caught on a hook. No matter how hard you pull, you won’t be able to move the other end of the chain. Your spine is a lot like that chain. Each vertebra is a link that depends on the others to maintain strength and balance. So, when one part of your spine is out of line, it can impact other parts. Here’s an example using poor posture, one of the most common culprits behind both neck and lower back pain: Slouching, Compensations, and Interconnected Pain Your spine is surrounded by muscles that work to support and stabilize it. When you slouch, constantly look down at a mobile device, or sit for too long without taking breaks, you can strain these muscles. Your body then responds to this strain by compensating elsewhere along the chain. For example, when muscles in the lower back are strained or weakened, the upper back and neck muscles have to do extra work to compensate. Similarly, tension in the neck can lead to adjustments in posture that strain the lower back. So what does this mean? Let’s say you spend a lot of time at your desk, putting strain on your lower back. Your body then moves further up your back to compensate for the weakness there, placing stress on your neck. As a result, you’re now dealing with lower back pain and neck pain. This cycle of compensation and strain highlights the importance of treating the body as a whole. THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN Neck and Lower Back Pain
INGREDIENTS • 2 1⁄2 cups Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk • 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Beet Powder • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract • 2 tsp Rose Water Optional: • 1⁄2 tsp Ground Cardamom • 2 Espresso Shots
DIRECTIONS Add the unsweetened plant-based milk, maple syrup or agave, beetroot powder, and cardamom (if using) to a small pot over low heat. Heat on low for about 5 minutes or until warmed to your liking, stirring frequently. Then take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract & rose water. Pour the espresso shot into your mug (if using). If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the plant-based milk mixture (this is optional too). Pour the rose milk latte into your mug and top with dried rose petals and an extra dash of cardamom if you like. Enjoy!
CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
954-787-2329
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ONE SPINE, TWO PAIN POINTS
Continued from previous page. HOW OUR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS CAN HELP YOU FIND RELIEF
The team at Preferred Physical Therapy is highly trained to find the root causes of your discomfort. We start with a whole-body assessment to determine the specific areas of concern, then use targeted therapies to develop a customized treatment program. With these treatments, our physical therapists aim to provide a comprehensive approach to managing and alleviating neck and lower back pain. Our ultimate goal is to empower our patients with the knowledge and skills they need for a healthier, more active lifestyle free from pain. TREATMENT TECHNIQUES WE MIGHT SUGGEST Postural Awareness One of the first steps to breaking the cycle is understanding how your posture affects your body. Our PTs will teach you to recognize and correct poor postures, whether you’re sitting, standing, or moving, to reduce strain on your neck and lower back. We’ll work on: • Body mechanics to understand how to make conscious postural adjustments in daily life. • Personalized workplace ergonomics , including proper workstation setup and tips for maintaining your ideal posture. • Forming long-term habits to prevent pain and strain from returning. Manual Therapy This hands-on approach helps to relax tense muscles, improve blood flow, and mobilize joints. By addressing specific areas of pain and stiffness, manual therapy can provide immediate relief and encourage the body’s natural healing process. Targeted Exercises Strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to your needs can alleviate pressure on the spine, improve strength and mobility, and help support your spinal alignment. These exercises help alleviate current pain and prevent future issues by building a stronger, more resilient body. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT PREFERRED PHYSICAL THERAPY TODAY! Don’t let poor posture and muscle strain create a domino effect. Let’s work together to strengthen your body’s chain and ensure each link is as strong and balanced as possible. Remember, a healthy posture and muscle strength are your best allies in the fight against pain.
CALL TODAY 954-787-2329 • PPTFL.COM
WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING
Just wonderful! There really is a difference. Leslie was my therapist and was great. She was knowledgeable and very caring. I feel like I improved a great deal under her care and motivation. - Allen W.
This year, don’t forget the most important Valentine of all: your heart! With February being the month of love and American Heart Month, here are a few tips to combine them into one fabulous celebration: • Try a heart-healthy treat: Pomegranate seeds, good dark chocolate, and sweet strawberries are all delicious alternatives to candy hearts. • Take a ballroom dance class with your sweetheart: Nothing’s more romantic than a sweeping waltz or sultry tango. But ballroom dancing is also a great cardio workout–making it the perfect date night for American Heart Month! • Sink into a relaxing bubble bath: Stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, so this month, set aside time to rest and relax with a bubble bath. Dim the lights, burn a few candles, and settle down with your favorite romantic read. Want more healthy heart tips this February–or any month of the year? Schedule an appointment with Preferred Physical Therapy today! TIPS FOR A HEART-HEALTHY VALENTINE’S DAY!
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Due to the ever-changing world of healthcare and the evolving field of physical therapy, Preferred Physical Therapy Associates has created a Membership Program to help us continue providing the same high-quality, personalized care we’ve offered for the past 18 years. This program allows us to strengthen relationships with our patients, build lasting trust, and offer enhanced services that go beyond traditional care. For $109, Members gain access to multiple modalities, including Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and more, ensuring a comprehensive and well- rounded approach to your health and wellness. All patients of Preferred Physical Therapy Associates are eligible to become Members, and while we encourage everyone to join, participation is optional. CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AT PREFERRED PHYSICAL THERAPY!
DEERFIELD BEACH CLINIC 3994 West Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 954-787-2329 F: 561-395-6995
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
pptFL.com
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