Stay Active By Incorporating These 5 Easy Steps into Your Lifestyle

With your busy life, it can be difficult to find time for physical activity. We all understand too well the lengthy to-do list that never seems to get completed. After a full day of work, running errands, making dinner, and still trying to find time to relax, it can be tough to try and force yourself to get out there and exercise. Fortunately, there are some helpful tricks and tips you can incorporate into your daily life that can help you stay motivated and active throughout the day – without taking up too much of your valuable time! To find out more about how improve your quality of life, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy office today!

By incorporating these 5 easy steps into your lifestyle, you can remain active throughout the day while still staying true to your routine!

Tip #1: Sleep, sleep, sleep.

We’ve all heard it before: “You need a good night’s sleep in order to perform your best.” But do we stay true to this? For most of us, the answer is “no,” whether it is intentional or not.

It is no secret that sleep is vital for the proper functioning of the body; however, sleep disturbances occur in approximately one-third of the US population. Physical therapy can help you achieve better sleep, which can also help you achieve a higher degree of activity in your waking hours. Physical therapists are trained in areas that are critical to sleep, such as pain modulation, tissue healing, cognitive functioning, and cardiovascular health. A physical therapist can also provide suggestions for how you can integrate sleep health with overall wellbeing.

Tip #2: Rid yourself of unnecessary pain.

One of the most common reasons why people lose their active lifestyle is pain. Whether it’s a pain you’ve been experiencing for some time, or the simple threat of pain occurring, it has proven enough to slow people down or sit them out altogether.

According to the National Institutes of Health, most Americans experience chronic pain. An estimated 25.3 million adults reported pain every day for the preceding three months in a 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Nearly 40 million adults acknowledge suffering from severe pain, which is also a predictor of other health concerns.

Luckily, there is a simple way to manage or even eliminate pain completely – physical therapy treatments. Hands-on therapy from a trained physical therapist, or more specialized treatments such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, can all help in alleviating pain. Physical therapy treatments have also been proven to restore muscle and joint function, in order to help you lead a more active lifestyle.

Tip #3: Complete daily chores.

Cleaning your house employs a variety of muscle groups, in addition to keeping you active. Every step you take and every inch you vacuum helps you stay fit. For an added benefit, squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles as you’re trailing from room to room.

Tip #4: Invest in an interactive tool.

There are a variety of products on the market that will encourage, inspire, and track your physical activity. Research shows that utilizing such products may have a favorable impact on your levels of activity. The key to success is to establish daily, weekly, or monthly goals that are easily tracked within the tool and to follow consistent strategies, such as:

  • Writing down your goals. A common goal that people set for themselves is 10,000 steps per day. However, it is worthwhile to check with a medical professional, in order to avoid overextending yourself.
  • Using the tool every single day. Consistency creates habits, which by nature are notoriously difficult to break.
  • Engaging in activities that you enjoy. While tools come with limitations — namely the activities that it measures — it is extremely helpful to choose a tracker based on the activities you enjoy. If you are doing something that interests you, it will be easier to maintain over time.
  • Encouraging your friends and family to use the tool with you. Many trackers have interactive features that allow you to measure your progress against someone else’s. Most of us also benefit from having a workout buddy, so this informal type of comparison can really serve as an effective motivator. Plus, you’ll have someone to hold you accountable for reaching your goals.

Tip #5: Take daily walks with your dog.

It is true that a dog is a man’s best friend – and your dog likely won’t back down from the opportunity to be your exercise companion. The arrival of a new pet, particularly a dog, is an effective way to get owners moving. Physical activity is necessary for a dog, even if it is simply a short walk every day. This can help owners remain accountable for getting their daily exercise in, as well.

Want more assistance? Contact us!

If you’d like more motivation and structure on staying physically active in your daily life, don’t hesitate to contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today! Our licensed physical therapists will be more than happy to consult with you and discuss plans for your physical therapy journey. We’ll create a treatment plan for your specific needs and will help you achieve your health and wellness goals!

Sources:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-analysis-shows-americans-are-pain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28789471

Avoiding the Opioid Trap — Thanks to Physical Therapy

You have so many things you want or need to do today — but they’ll have to wait until you take your pills. Prescription opioids are powerful medications that can deaden pain for hours at a time. Unfortunately, they can also cause profound new problems in your life, from the risk of an overdose to the stifling grip of addiction. If you’ve been depending on opioids just to make everyday life tolerable, you need to find a safer, healthier, less terrifying alternative. Thankfully, GoodLife Physical Therapy clinic can help you govern your pain without drugs, giving you a chance to break away from your reliance on opioids.

A Sobering Look at the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic is a very real (and very deadly) problem. It’s believed that some 2 million Americans suffer from an opioid use disorder such as addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 130 people die from opioid overdoses every day here in the U.S. Since 1999, the number of opioid-related deaths has multiplied sixfold.

Why are opioids so dangerous? These drugs prevent pain by attaching themselves to opioid receptors in the brain. In high enough doses, they can also cause both drowsiness and an intensely pleasurable high. The high itself is enough to establish a psychological dependence on an opioid — but the trouble doesn’t stop there. The brain and body become accustomed to a given opioid dosage, creating a tolerance to the drug. As a result, you end up needing larger and larger doses not just to achieve the same degree of pain relief, but just to prevent agonizing withdrawal symptoms. Eventually, the dosage you require could be a fatal one.

Even if you’re not addicted to opioids, your chronic pain may be forcing you to keep taking them on a regular basis. Sadly, opioid drugs block pain messages temporarily, but they do absolutely nothing to fix the underlying health challenge that’s making you hurt. They might even be permitting you to do more and more damage to your body while you’re not feeling the pain, which ultimately makes your pain problem that much worse.

How a Physical Therapist Can Provide Drug-Free Pain Management

Physical therapy can help you get a handle on your pain so that you don’t need opioids anymore. Of course, you should only discontinue high doses of opioids under professional medical supervision (to prevent a potentially dangerous withdrawal). In the meantime, however, our physical therapist can work with you on treating the biomechanical problems that caused your pain in the first place. Here are just a few of the physical therapy modalities that can help you conquer your pain:

  • Exercises can increase your pain-free range of motion, strengthen the muscles that support your body, and increase blood flow to reduce inflammation.
  • Massage therapy can control painful muscle spasms, help the tissues expel inflammatory substances, and direct more blood and oxygen to an injury.
  • Laser therapy can ease pain caused by injuries, arthritis, muscular strain, tendinitis or neuropathy.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical energy to block pain signals to nerves.

Are You Ready to Steer Clear of Opioid Drugs? Contact Our Physical Therapy Center

Physical therapy is a clear, attractive alternative to the dangers of regular opioid use and abuse. If you’re ready to kick that daily opioid habit to the curb, start by asking our physical therapist for a safe, effective pain management plan! Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to schedule your appointment and find out how our services can help you.

Source

https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2018/10/Feature/Opioid/

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/expert-answers/what-are-opioids/faq-20381270

https://www.rehabpub.com/2018/02/physical-therapy-can-treat-chronic-pain/

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/physical-therapy#1

https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/opioid-treatment/what-are-opioids/

Get Back to Your Daily Life Quicker with Pre-hab

It is common knowledge that post-surgical rehabilitation is necessary following almost any surgical procedure. This rehab is performed after surgery as a way to enhance the recovery process and help patients regain their mobility.

But did you know you can also participate in rehab treatments before your surgery? Pre-surgical rehabilitation, commonly referred to as “pre-hab,” is a way to help speed up your recovery time even more and make the surgery itself easier on your body. Pre-hab has been proven to both reduce recovery time and improve the overall outcomes of the surgery.

If you have a surgery coming up and you’re looking for an effective way to prepare, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to consult with one of our licensed physical therapists about pre-hab.

The many benefits of pre-hab:

Pre-hab has been proven to significantly enhance the recovery process for those who decide to partake in it. In fact, in a study published by the Arthritis Foundation, three universities in Boston demonstrated that patients who engaged in pre-hab had much better outcomes following surgery.

Working with our physical therapist before surgery makes it possible to get out of the hospital faster. For example, studies done on knee replacement patients concluded that the patients who went through pre-hab treatments before their knee surgery were able to meet the requirements to get out of the hospital much quicker than those who did not go through any physical therapy prior to surgery.

In most cases, knee replacement patients must walk a certain distance and travel up a certain amount of stairs before they can leave. For patients that have worked with a physical therapist before surgery, meeting these requirements is easier to do. Their bodies are stronger due to physical therapy; therefore, they are able to recover much faster.

What’s the difference between rehab and pre-hab?

Rehab

It is completely normal to feel some pain and discomfort following surgery. It may feel difficult to make certain movements, and you will likely have to limit your physical activity for a set amount of time after your procedure. However, it is important to make sure you are still getting the movement you need, so you can regain your optimum function following surgery. This is where rehab comes in.

Rehab is a must following surgery. A physical therapist can help you move safely, in ways that will fight inflammation and keep adhesions from forming. Rehab treatments with a licensed physical therapist will also help increase your strength, so you can get back to your normal life after surgery.

Pre-hab

Pre-hab with a physical therapist helps you get a jump-start on the recovery process, and it can allow for a more successful surgical process. It reduces inflammation and increases strength, which can make the job of the surgeon (and your body’s natural healing response!) much easier. While rehab works to strengthen your body after surgery, pre-hab works to strengthen your body before the surgery.

Spending even a few sessions with a physical therapist will help improve your overall health before undergoing your procedure, so you’ll have more strength stored up to help you along your recovery. Instead of starting out rehab feeling fully depleted, you will already have some built-up strength to make the process much easier on yourself.

Make the most of your surgery:

The benefits of pre-hab treatments are immeasurable Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to schedule your appointment and find out how our pre-hab services can help you. Our dedicated physical therapists will create a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs, in order to improve your strength before your surgery. If you want to get back to your daily life quicker by ensuring a quicker recovery rate and smoother outcome, don’t hesitate to contact us! Make the most of your surgery by participating in pre-hab treatments today.

Sources:

https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2016/2/Prehabilitation/

https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2014/10/2/PreOperativePT/

9 Ways Stretching Can Improve Your Health and Wellness

Is stretching part of your daily life? If not, it should be. Stretching is a great way to start your day and it comes with a wide range of benefits. Don’t know where to start? Don’t fret! Our licensed physical therapists can help you create a stretching plan that will work best for you. To find out more about how daily stretches and improve your quality of life, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy office today!

The top 9 benefits of incorporating stretching into your daily life include:

1. Improved Energy.

This is the best reason to get in a good stretch first thing in the morning. A few good stretches, conducted properly with deep breathing, can give you the burst of energy you need to start off your day. If you begin to feel sluggish at work during the day, take a quick “stretch break” to boost your energy level.

2. Increased Stamina.

A good, long stretching session after a heavy workout can actually improve the stamina of your muscles. When you stretch, it increases the blood flow to those sore muscles and relieves fatigue. Stretching keeps oxygen flowing to your muscles, which delays the onset of muscle fatigue. As a result, this helps your muscles to “hang in there” for a longer period of time before fatigue sets in!

3. Improved Flexibility.

A common goal in physical therapy is to improve your flexibility and range of motion. Better flexibility carries a host of benefits. It improves your physical performance and reduces the chances of injury. Additionally, when you become more flexible, your body requires less energy to carry out everyday actions.

4. Better Blood Circulation.

One of the main goals of a stretching regimen is to get your blood flowing to the extremities. Blood carries oxygen to your cells and makes you healthier overall. This promotes cell growth and helps your organs function properly. Stretching also lowers your heart rate, which reduces strain on your heart and causes your blood pressure to become more consistent. Additionally, better blood circulation from stretching can also reduce post-workout soreness.

5. Improved Posture.

Stretching every day can help posture by lengthening certain muscles that have a tendency to tighten up when we sit in a chair for work all day. Focusing on your lower back, chest, and shoulders will aid in keeping your spine properly aligned. Stretching also relieves aches and pains, which can cause you to want to slouch.

6. Decreased Muscle Soreness.

Give your muscles plenty of time to relax and loosen up with a good stretch before and after a workout. As mentioned, stretching improves blood flow to the muscles. This carries oxygen and plenty of necessary nutrients to the muscles, which in turn reduces soreness after your workout.

7. Improved Cholesterol.

Stretching sessions can help to reduce cholesterol in your body, as long as you’re also following a heart-healthy diet. This can help you avoid heart disease. Stretching has even been shown to reverse the effects of hardening arteries due to cholesterol.

8. Decreased Risk of Injury.

If you work in an office, you may think there’s no risk of getting injured. However, there is not entirely true – what about when you have to bend over, pick up, and carry a 20-pound box of office supplies? This could easily lead to a pulled or strained muscle, resulting in several weeks of pain and physical therapy to recover. Stretching regularly will greatly decrease the risk of an incident such as this occurring.

9. Decreased Stress.

We all carry stress in our bodies. Too much stress can cause your muscles to contract, which can make you feel tense and on-edge. Stretching releases natural endorphins, which will help you relax, boost your mood, and reduce the amount of stress in your body.

Schedule your consultation!

Do you want to add all these benefits to your daily life? You can easily get started by scheduling your consultation with GoodLife Physical Therapy today! One of our physical therapists will discuss the best plan for incorporating daily stretches as a way to improve your overall health and wellness. Your body will thank you!

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/stretching-and-flexibility/hlv-20049447

Relieving Your Pain the Natural Way – Physical Therapy as the Safer Relief Alternative

It is no secret that the United States is a country with very high levels of medication. With countless over-the-counter drugs for pain management, it can seem simple to turn to drugs for pain relief. It is also a common practice for physicians to prescribe heavier pain relievers, such as opioids that have resulted in a country-wide epidemic.

While the effects of these drugs can be frightening, there is a safer solution available: physical therapy. Physical therapy is a healthy, safe, and effective way to relieve your pain the natural way. If you are looking for pain relief without the risk of side effects, contact us today to schedule a consultation!

What does physical therapy do?

Our dedicated physical therapists create individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs of each patient. Your treatment plan will vary based on the nature of your condition; for example, if you are suffering from a recent acute injury, we may use massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, and other techniques to ease your pain and jump-start the healing process.

Once you’re safely able to move to exercises without pain, your physical therapist will prescribe gentle stretches, walking, cycling, swimming, or other motions, in order to help mobilize your body. This is done to help your soft tissues move around easier and with more comfort, in addition to helping stiff or arthritic joints stay mobile and lubricated. Strengthening exercises can rehabilitate damaged muscles so they can perform without pain, and they can also help you maintain a straighter posture in order to ease pain from spinal nerve compression.

Physical therapy methods and modalities have been proven to work. In fact, an 11-year study of chronic pain sufferers demonstrated that regular exercise resulted in decreased pain. Effective physical therapy isn’t just the work of the physical therapist — it also depends on the efforts of the patient. We will take the time to educate you about the nature of your pain and the importance of strictly following your routine. All of this will give you the resources you need to live a pain-free life and prevent future injuries from occurring.

The safest pain relief strategy:

We’ve all seen it broadcasted over the media: the serious dangers of opioid medications. These narcotics, which include both prescription medicines and illicit drugs, take the lives of approximately 115 American every day via overdose. Opioids are not only tremendously powerful, but they also have the potential for dangerous interactions with other drugs and they are commonly known for their addictive nature.

Steroids, which are another class of prescription painkillers, also pose serious risks and dangers. Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve pain, but they can also lead to undesirable conditions, such as cataracts, arthritis in the hips, elevated blood sugar, stomach ulcers, and nerve damage. Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can cause stomach bleeding and liver problems. Additionally, pain management drugs only allow for temporary pain relief – meaning you’ll have to take larger amounts for longer periods of time, if you don’t get sufficient treatment for your condition.

With physical therapy treatments, you can sweep all of those risks, worries, and unpleasant side effects aside. While some cases of severe pain might still require some pharmaceutical intervention, physical therapy can help many patients greatly reduce their reliance on painkilling medications, and in many cases, the need for these drugs may be eliminated altogether.

Our highly-trained physical therapists use a combination of techniques to treat a wide range of painful problems, from acute injuries and post-operative wounds to chronic pain syndromes and conditions. Whatever the case may be, you can find relief through physical therapy.

Schedule an appointment for relief!

Pain-management drugs are not the only solution when it comes to relief. Try physical therapy for a safer and natural approach, which will provide you with the relief you need! Confirm your appointment today by calling our office, and get started on your journey toward long-lasting and risk-free relief!

Sources:

https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2018/10/Feature/Opioid/

https://policy.apta.org/NationalIssues/OpioidEpidemic/

Non-invasive Treatment for Your Chronic Aches and Pains

Any pain that lasts longer than three months is classified as “chronic.” When people suffer with chronic pain for a long period of time, it can become a downward spiral. They become more inactive and sedentary as a result of the pain, and then their health gets even worse. People with chronic pain will even turn to extreme options like surgery or addictive painkillers to try to find relief from the pain. If you suffer from chronic pain but want a non-invasive, non-addictive option for relief, it’s time to contact our office and talk with a physical therapist.

Information on Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects every person differently. In many cases, the pain continues long after the body should have healed from an injury or surgery. The good news is that physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach to pain relief. Your physical therapist has many tools and techniques at their disposal to help alleviate and conquer chronic pain. 

Chronic pain has a number of symptoms associated with it, aside from the fact that the pain has lasted longer than three months. Here are some of the associated symptoms of chronic aches and pains:

  • Activity Avoidance: People with chronic pain become fearful of normal activities. The fear of additional pain can cause people to withdraw from normal physical activities that they enjoy.
  • Stiffness: Muscles and joints may feel stiffer when suffering from chronic pain. 
  • Reduced Fitness: Inactivity due to chronic pain can cause your muscles to weaken and shrink. This can have profound physical effects over time, such as impacting your sense of balance.
  • Reduced Circulation: Remaining inactive due to chronic pain reduces your circulation, which means your cells are not receiving a healthy amount of blood and oxygen. This can cause tissues to degenerate and leads to feelings of constant fatigue.
  • Weight Gain and Additional Problems: People with chronic pain may put on too much weight, which can lead to a host of added problems, from diabetes to heart disease.

Physical Therapy for Chronic Aches and Pains

The course of therapy that your physical therapist will recommend will be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. After an initial consultation and exam, your therapist will get right to work with you on methods to begin overcoming your chronic aches and pains.

This will start with education. Your therapist will explain how how the pain occurs and what can be done to alleviate it. The goal will initially be pain management, so that you can eventually get back to enjoying your normal routine.

Exercise, stretching and flexibility will be a part of your physical therapy. Becoming stronger and more flexible over time will allow you to move around better, with less pain. This will be a slow and gradual process; you won’t be running a marathon just yet. Instead, the exercises will be focused on slow, steady and gradual improvement of your strength and flexibility.

Manual therapy is a specialized type of massage that physical therapists are trained to do. These techniques will be used to mobilize tight joints that are contributing to aches and pains, and manipulating soft tissues for pain relief. This technique can be very therapeutic when dealing with chronic pain.

Finally, posture and body mechanics training will be a big part of your physical therapy. Learning how to use correct posture at home, at work and at rest can help to relieve pain and prevent pain from recurring. All of these treatment modalities will help you return to a normal life without invasive surgery or painkillers.

If you have been suffering from chronic aches and pains, take that first step to overcome your condition today. Call our office to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.

Is Your Posture Suffering? Physical Therapy Can Provide Improvements!

If you find yourself struggling to sit up straight on a daily basis, you most likely have an ongoing posture issue. It is common for back pain to develop as the result of poor posture. If your posture is not correct, it can cause stress on other parts of your body, resulting in pain, inflammation, or dysfunction. Fortunately, posture can be improved with the help of physical therapy.

According to a study, approximately 3% of all emergency room visits tend to be the result of back pain or injury. Back pain is the most commonly reported area of pain, which can cause significant limits to one’s daily life.

To learn more about how we can help improve your posture and relieve your back pain, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today.

How did I develop poor posture?

When you hear the term “poor posture,” you might think of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but not every case is this severe! In fact, poor posture isn’t something to be ashamed of. Few people have ideal posture, and the majority of people engage in terrible posture behaviors in some form. We get so caught up in whatever task we’re working on that we neglect to pay attention to how our bodies are positioned.

Perhaps you’re working on a project at work, it’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and you’re slouched sideways in your desk chair, one eye on the computer and the other on the clock. This isn’t your regular position, but you’re getting into the most efficient position for typing up the rest of that file and then zooming out the door.

Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch, slump, hunch, and droop over when we get feel drained because our bodies literally get tired of holding us up.

Even if you exercise regularly, you may have a few weak muscles that are contributing to poor posture that you are unaware of. Your posture is influenced by the muscles in your shoulders, back, belly, buttocks, and pelvic floor. Your core will be affected if even one of these is weak, and your posture may suffer as a result.

Why does my posture affect my back?

If you are suffering from persistent back pain, there is a good chance it is due to your posture. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Do you slouch at your desk? Do you lean forward when you’re reading your emails? Do you hunch over your keyboard? These are all things that people do subconsciously, without even realizing the toll it takes on the body.

Your posture affects how your body moves throughout the day, whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, jogging or jumping. Your posture may change depending on what you’re doing; for example, your posture may be great when you’re standing, but when you sit at a desk or lie down, your body begins to hunch and fold in ways it’s not supposed to.

Physical therapy can help you sit up straight!

Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This will concentrate on reducing discomfort, increasing strength, and improving posture as rapidly as feasible. Treatment strategies may include focusing on mobility, balance, flexibility, or stability, depending on the type of your problem.

Our physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy are highly experienced and dedicated to helping patients relieve pain and improve their posture. When you arrive for your first appointment, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to find out where your pain is originating and what the best treatments will be for relieving it.

Call us today for more information

Is your posture causing your back pain? Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to find out. We’ll provide you with the treatment you need so you can get back to your pain-free life. Getting better doesn’t have to take years or even months, and fixing your posture can be quite easy when you’re guided by a skilled physical therapist. What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

Sources:

Are You Curious How Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Overall Wellness?

Everyone aspires to live a healthy, active, and powerful lifestyle – or they should, at least!

However, this type of lifestyle is not always simple to maintain, particularly for people who suffer from chronic pain. Physical therapy, fortunately, is an excellent resource for relieving pain and achieving fitness goals.

Give GoodLife Physical Therapy a call today if you want to start living a healthy lifestyle but aren’t sure where to begin. We’ll tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs so you can achieve your objectives using the most effective approaches.

The importance of leading a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes effort, but it becomes a lot simpler once you get into the swing of things.

One of the simplest methods to boost your health is to eat nutritious foods (although we know those sweets are hard to kick.) Physical activity is the most difficult part to develop a habit of, especially if you are hampered by chronic pain.

Some people take anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medicines to disguise their symptoms, while others give up on the idea of being active completely. Fortunately, with the help of a physical therapist, you may restore your pain-free, healthy lifestyle and resume your favorite hobbies!

Major benefits of seeing a physical therapist for improved health

Whatever your reason for obtaining physical therapy services, the goal remains the same. Perhaps you’re still dealing with the effects of an injury. You might be recovering from surgery and trying to regain your range of motion. Maybe your joints aren’t what they used to be, and you’re seeking a way to feel better. Whatever the case may be, physical therapists are committed to reducing your discomfort and restoring your physical health to its previous state.

A physical therapist is a movement specialist, educated in analyzing mobility issues with walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching, and almost every other form of physical activity. Your physical therapist can pinpoint problem areas and create a customized treatment plan aimed at improving those areas.

Through in-office sessions and at-home exercises, patients strengthen their muscles and joints, improve their balance, build endurance, and experience pain relief, all without the unwanted harmful risks of drugs or surgery.

What should I expect with physical therapy?

Pain alleviation, strengthening, and functional integration are the three main components of physical therapy. Some people fear physical therapy because they assume it may cause pain and be hard to take part in, however, this is usually not the case!

Physical therapy aims to relieve pain and build muscles, and your physical therapist will ensure that your treatment plan does not cause you any discomfort. This is accomplished using a variety of therapeutic options, including ice and heat therapy, stretching, bracing, and ultrasound.

Movement is also necessary for an active lifestyle. Your physical therapist will build a treatment plan for you based on particular movements that will improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. Many of these exercises will be assisted by him or her, but he or she will also supply some basic ones that you can do at home.

Physical therapy allows you to live the life you want, free of severe limits. This can only happen if you apply what you’ve learned in your therapy to the real world. Your physical therapist is just as committed as you are, and he or she will push you to achieve all of the goals you set out for yourself at the start.

Call our clinic today for help

Every patient is unique, and we recognize that at our clinic. That’s why we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of each patient. When you come in for your first visit, you’ll have some diagnostic tests done to help your physical therapist figure out where to start with treatments.

Your pain levels, balance, range of motion, and overall function will all be assessed throughout these examinations. In addition, your physical therapist will inquire about your medical history. Following the collection of all of this information, your physical therapist will develop a specific treatment plan to assist you in achieving your health goals.

If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further. We can help you get there – even if you’re dealing with pain. To get started on the path toward a healthier and happier lifestyle, call our office today to schedule your consultation!

Sources:

Living with Aches and Pains? There’s A Chance it Could be From Your Mattress

If Your Mattress is Leaving You Feeling Achy, Physical Therapy Can Help

Do you notice that you often wake up in more pain than you felt when you were going to sleep? If you have been dealing with low back pain that seems to be much worse in the morning, your mattress might be the culprit!

While back pain is a common enough ailment that most people think they’ll just be stuck with it forever, you can find relief! But what is the true cause of your back pain at night? Could it be your favorite sleeping position or is your mattress actually causing your recurring back pain?

Call our physical therapy offices today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled physical therapist and learn more about how you can get relief from your lower back pain naturally.

How do I know if my pain is from my mattress?

According to Spine Health, “Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause or worsen lower back pain. Lack of support from a mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to low back pain.

Sleep comfort is also sacrificed if a mattress does not match one’s individual preferences. A mattress that provides both comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to really rest and rejuvenate during the night.”

While the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years, the way you feel in the morning is a better indicator that it’s time to replace your sleep surface.

If your mattress was once comfortable but now seems to be at the root of your aches and pains, it may be time to replace it. Physical changes like injuries, surgery and weight change can also change your body’s position as you sleep, necessitating a faster change in your mattress.

Are you experiencing back pain?

There are 2 main types of back pain. Subacute lower back pain can last between 4 and 12 weeks, while chronic back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer.

So, if you’re sleeping on the wrong mattress, it’s easy to see how what may have been a subacute injury, could easily progress into a chronic pain issue. Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans today.

In fact, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says close to 80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives.

Back pain can come on suddenly or gradually and can present as a dull ache or intense, sharp pains. And for many, low back pain can be a chronic condition.

Common causes of back pain

Before choosing to work with a physical therapist to relieve your lower back pain, it’s important to understand the possible causes of the condition and what changes you can make at home, including changing out your old mattress!

Sprains and Strains

Back sprains can pop-up due to overuse injuries, sports-related injuries, awkward twisting, improper lifting and more. A sprain typically occurs when you overstretch or tear one of your ligaments, tendons or muscles.

Common symptoms associated with a back sprain include swelling, tenderness, and recurring muscle spasms. They can usually be treated with targeted physical therapy sessions, at-home exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications.

Injuries

Anytime you are on the receiving end of a forceful impact, there’s a good chance that you could damage your spine with a vertebral fracture, a herniated disc or ruptured disc.

Common causes of this type of injury include auto accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Most people experience back pain immediately following their injury, with common symptoms including numbness, tingling, and burning sensations that can radiate down into the legs.

Improper Alignment

Not all mattresses are created equally and if your delicate back isn’t getting proper support at night, you could experience low back pain.

A good mattress should be supportive of your entire body when you are lying in a neutral position, providing proper spinal alignment.

If it is too firm, it can press against the pressure points in your spine. But if it’s too soft, your pressure points will be unsupported at night, resulting in spinal curvature.

Get started with physical therapy treatments

Our physical therapist is a movement expert who has the skills needed to help relieve low back pain naturally with a combination of hands-on care, prescribed exercises, and patient education.

When you work with an experienced physical therapist, you can enjoy fast pain relief, reduced inflammation, and increased mobility.

Give Goodlife Physical Therapy a call today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for low back pain and be sure to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Living With Aches and Pains? Try Changing Your Diet

Did You Know You Could Find Pain Relief with a Simple Diet Change

A physical therapist can help you identify ways to improve your nutrition to help reduce your aches and pains.

If you are what you eat, what are you based on your last meal? If your answer was full of saturated fat and processed sugars, it may be time to listen to what your body is telling you. Fortunately, physical therapy is more than just recovery after surgery.

Lifestyle changes can help tremendously when trying to reach your physical goals. But what kinds of lifestyle changes should you pursue? In addition to regular exercise, including the types of targeted exercises you might receive in physical therapy, you should examine your sleep, your workplace ergonomics – and your nutrition.

Certain foods have been known to alleviate inflammation, where some foods can aggravate it. In fact, according to Harvard Health Publishing, “A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation.”

Curious about how your nutrition can help with pain relief? Call our office for more information.

What should I know about nutrition and pain relief?

With so much information about nutrition bombarding us from every side, it’s no wonder we are confused about what to eat for optimal health.

Make no mistake, proper nutrition isn’t about trying a fad to get results, it’s about feeding your body the nutrients it needs to carry you throughout your life.

That is why so many people find themselves gaining and losing the same 20 pounds as they cycle through various nutrition programs.

Fortunately, great nutrition information is easily available in an unlikely source, a physical therapist.

How is nutrition related to pain relief?

Physical therapy goes beyond recovering after surgery. A physical therapist is a specialist in total body movement, including how to give the body what it needs to optimize that movement.

Most pain is caused by inflammation of the joints, muscles or connective tissues throughout the body. As these tissues swell, they compromise the surrounding nerves. The brain processes this information as pain causing the typical aches and pains throughout the body.

Researchers have found that certain foods help fight the inflammatory response that contributes to aches and pains.

Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds have all been proven to offer relief to people suffering from joint conditions such as arthritis. These foods also boost the immune system, especially in people with autoimmune conditions that may cause pain.

How can physical therapy help with my nutritional changes?

A physical therapist’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology can provide you with vital nutrition information that will help minimize your aches and pains.

If your nutrients aren’t properly balanced, your physical function can be impaired. For example, neglecting to eat carbs before an endurance event will cause your body to burn fat as a substitute for fueling your energy.

Your body may even start burning protein, which can deprive your muscles of the strength they normally have. Comparatively, if you have an overload of calcium intakes, but you’re lacking Vitamin D, the calcium won’t make its way to your bones or tissues.

Even if you are not in physical therapy, a physical therapist is happy to impart this knowledge so you can live a happier, healthier life.

Consulting with a physical therapist can help you understand how much you should be ingesting of each nutrient, and when more or fewer intakes of a certain nutrient may be beneficial.

First, they will assess your current eating habits and identify ways you can reduce your consumption of foods that cause inflammation (sugar, processed foods, foods with additives or preservatives) and fill your diet with foods that will naturally fight inflammation.

A healthy balance of nutrients can help enhance healing, function, and overall comfort. For example, omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin C both help in reducing inflammation, which promotes faster healing.

Certain amino acids can also aid your body in synthesizing proteins. Eating the right amount of carbohydrates at the right times can help give you the energy you need to improve your physical performance.

Imagine ditching the anti-inflammatory medication simply by changing what you are eating on a regular basis. Even small changes can add up to big improvement in aches and pains.

How can I get started?

Curious whether a physical therapist can help you get your nutrition back on track and fight the aches and pains that are keeping you from living your best life? Call Goodlife Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation.

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