Treat Your Back and Neck Pain with Our Advanced PT Methods

Did you know that studies say approximately 90% of people will be plagued by back or neck pain at some point in their lives? While it is a common complaint, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where the pain is originating on your own.

Sometimes pain in one area can travel to another part of the body. For example, if your pain is originating in your back or neck, it can sometimes also be felt in the head, arms, or legs. As pain progresses, it is possible for it to travel further from where it is rooted. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you manage your pain, and in many cases, eliminate it altogether. To find our how our advanced physical therapy methods can benefit you, contact Goodlife Physical Therapy today.

The benefits of physical therapy:

Physical therapy for back pain and neck pain is focused on the structures that support the spine. This includes the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Your treatment will include both active and passive forms of physical therapy, in order to achieve optimum relief, function, and injury prevention for the future.

Active physical therapy for neck and back pain typically includes specific exercises, stretches, adjustments, in order to manage or relieve your pain altogether. In some cases, aquatic therapy may be recommended, as the buoyancy of water takes pressure off of the cervical and lumbar spine while you’re performing the exercises.

Passive physical therapy includes different modalities, such as massage therapy,  ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or electrotherapy. Massage therapy is used to reduce pain and relax the muscles. Ice or heat therapies help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing blood flow for healing. With electrotherapy, electrical impulses are sent to the sensory nerves, in order to alter pain signals. It’s a mildly warm sensation that reduces pain and relaxes muscles.

How can I get started?

Before your physical therapy treatments even start, a physical therapist will perform an examination to determine the root cause of your back or neck pain. A strength test will be performed and a goniometer may be used to measure your range of motion. You will be asked to perform certain tasks in order to determine your functional mobility.

Spinal mobility will be also measured through palpation, in order to locate sore or tight muscles. Your full medical history will be evaluated, in addition to your symptoms, in order to determine the nature and severity of your condition. Once your examination is complete, your physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that will target the cause of your back or neck pain and focus on providing relief.

What will my treatment plan look like?

There are several different causes of back and neck pain, which is why our dedicated physical therapists take the time to design an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Some of the most common conditions leading to back and neck pain are:

  • Sprains and strains. It’s not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports.
  • Sudden traumas or injuries. Sudden damage to the neck or back, such as a sports collision or whiplash, may result in back or neck pain.
  • Improper posture. Poor posture can cause unnecessary strains on the back and neck, resulting in pain and discomfort.
  • Disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
  • Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” on the facet joints, which causes friction when bending. This can also result in a pinched nerve root, which can cause sciatica.
  • Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs when there is “wear and tear” on the spinal discs.

Whatever the cause of your back or neck pain, physical therapy can help. If you’ve been limited by pain, contact Goodlife Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and caring physical therapists. Don’t let your pain dictate your life – seek treatment today to relieve your condition and live comfortably once again!

Make the Most of Your Surgery with Physical Therapy – Both Before and After

Did You Know There are Benefits to Physical Therapy, Both Before and After Surgery?

Are you getting ready to have surgery?

If so, you should consider physical therapy before your surgery. Physical therapy prior to surgery helps with a speedy recovery and not only after surgery.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy can help not only with overall wellness, but also prevention.

When the operation is done, physical therapy can help to ensure a speedy and full recovery. If you have an upcoming surgery planned, contact us to learn more about how physical therapy can help you with both preparation and recovery.

Call Goodlife Physical Therapy today to learn how our physical therapists can help you before and after your surgery.

Why am I in need of surgery?

People may require surgery for a variety of reasons.

It may be required to remove diseased tissues, fix a broken bone, implant an electronic device, remove an obstruction or to explore a condition for the purpose of diagnosis.

Common surgeries include appendectomy, Cesarean section, hip replacement, coronary artery bypass, and low back surgery.

What are some ways I can prepare for my surgery?

If you’re planning to have surgery, you’ll want to prepare for it.

You may be familiar with rehabilitation after surgery, or post-surgical rehab. It makes sense – your body loses a lot of strength when undergoing a surgical procedure, and rehabilitation treatments are needed in order to help you regain your function.

Post-surgical rehabilitation tends to focus on targeted exercises and stretches that are aimed at helping relieve your pain, improve your strength, and redeem your optimum function in the affected area(s) of your body.

It may also incorporate additional methods or modalities as needed, such as manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more. Essentially, it helps you make a full recovery from your surgery.

However, pre-surgical rehabilitation can help you prepare for your surgery – before it even happens. That means taking care of your health and being in the best condition that you can be in before the procedure. You’ll want to ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating right, and staying active.

Pre-surgical rehabilitation is a bit different. It focuses on stretches and exercises prior to surgery in order to prepare your body for the procedure ahead.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, participating in exercise therapies prior to surgery can exceptionally improve your post-operative outcomes and reduce your recovery time.

It is no secret that surgery takes a toll on the body, so preparing yourself beforehand with strengthening stretches and exercises can greatly benefit your results.

It can also help you prepare mentally, by giving you a better peace of mind going into surgery, knowing you did everything to make the procedure as easy on you as possible.

Essentially, you should also consider physical therapy both prior to and after your surgery!

How can physical therapy help both before and after surgery?

Physical therapy before surgery can help:

  • Increase stamina
  • Restore range of motion
  • Reduce complications of surgery
  • Shorten recovery time and hospital stay
  • Lessen pain

Studies have shown that working with a physical therapist before surgery helps joints and muscles near the injury before surgery. It results in a faster recovery with a better outcome. Pre-rehabilitation before surgery strengthens the body for surgery.

A physical therapist will explain how your joints, ligaments and muscles work together, measure your current range of motion and discuss goals for after surgery recovery. It’s recommended to begin physical therapy at least six weeks prior to the scheduled surgery.

However, people who find they need surgery two weeks before also benefit from physical therapy.The whole purpose of physical therapy after surgery is to help the patient achieve optimal physical functioning.

A physical therapist will examine your medical history and perform assessments of your physical strength, motor functioning, breathing rate, balance, and range of motion after surgery.

Although the body can heal itself after surgery, it often needs some help. Physical therapy can help avoid loss of muscle mass, range of motion and scar tissue. Physical therapists also have cold therapy systems, which help damaged tissues heal faster.

Keep in mind that mobility doesn’t just mean being able to walk. For example, if you undergo shoulder surgery, you’ll need to regain mobility in the joint in order to lift items and reach overhead.

A physical therapist will design a treatment plan that is specific to your injury and surgery. A physical therapist will also advise you what activities are sure during your recovery process. You don’t want to unwittingly re-injure yourself.

How can I get started?

If you’re going to have surgery, call Goodlife Physical Therapy to set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists. They will do a full evaluation and explain the pre-treatment plan and the post-surgery plan.

Our goal is to get you back to your regular lifestyle before your injury occurred.