Wondering How You Can Reduce Your Joint Pain and Improve Your Mobility? Try Physical Therapy

It’s true that as we all age, our joints very plainly are not what they used to be. Joint pain can occur for several reasons, such as a previous injury that has limited your motion or the general “wear and tear” of osteoarthritis that typically comes with age.

Whatever the case may be, physical therapy can help. Schedule your consultation GoodLife Physical Therapy today to find out how you can live your life to the fullest, free from persistent aches and pains.

What physical therapy treatments will I be prescribed?

Two of the main goals of physical therapy are to relieve your pain and improve your range of motion. Our physical therapist strives to help increase your overall health and wellness – and because of this, an individualized treatment plan will be created for your specific needs. Your treatment plan will be dependent upon the nature of your condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health. Your physical therapist may choose to incorporate any of the following:

  • Joint mobilization techniques. Joint mobilization techniques can help improve your pain-free range of motion and increase your function. You may also benefit from techniques aimed at breaking up internal scar tissue, which can form over old injuries and cause chronic stiffness.
  • Stretching exercises. Stretching exercises help injured muscles and connective tissues heal back to their former length and range of motion. These exercises are also good for keeping arthritic joints from becoming stiffer.
  • R.I.C.E. RICE stands for “Rest,” “Ice,” “Compression,” and “Elevation.” If you are nursing an acute joint injury, your physical therapist will likely prescribe this protocol in order to reduce pain and swelling.

Why did my joint pain develop?

Joint stiffness and pain can develop due to a vast number of reasons. For example, in an acute sprain or strain, the muscles, tendons, or ligaments or the joint may be damaged. This can result in painful and immobilizing inflammation.

However, injury to the soft tissues doesn’t have to occur in a dramatic accident — it can also develop slowly over several weeks, months, or even years. If your chosen sport, job, or hobby causes you to repetitively overstress certain joints, you may end up with chronic tendinitis or bursitis. Sometimes, you can even develop soft tissue pain from doing nothing. For instance, a condition called adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder,” can cause your shoulder to become unusable if you’ve had your arm in a sling for a long time.

Perhaps the most common cause of joint pain and stiffness is osteoarthritis. Everyone gets older, and this condition usually stems from age-related deterioration of the cartilage between the bones in a joint. Another common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a painful and damaging joint condition caused by autoimmune issues.

Get started on your treatments ASAP!

If you’re still looking for a way to reduce your joint pain and improve your mobility, look no further! Our licensed and dedicated physical therapists would be happy to meet with you for a consultation to discuss how our advanced methods can help you find relief. Schedule your consultation GoodLife Physical Therapy today to get started on the right track toward treatment and a pain-free life!

The Top 5 Best Ways Therapeutic Massage Will Benefit an Athlete

Any athlete will understand the importance of maintaining their health in order to keep up with the physical demands of their sport. If you’ve recently sustained an injury, it is important to make sure that you are keeping up with your physical therapy treatments, in order to regain your optimum levels of physical function. At GoodLife Physical Therapy many physical therapy treatment plans will incorporate therapeutic massage as a way to relieve pain and promote healing. There are several benefits to therapeutic massage – here are the top 5:

1. Therapeutic massage improves posture.

When coupled with other kinds of physical therapy, massage can do a lot of good for your posture. Massage helps bring your body into an optimal place of alignment, which can naturally improve your posture. Better posture has multiple benefits for athletes. When you maintain a proper posture, your body can move at its peak at all times — which means you’ll be playing your sport with a bit of a natural advantage built in.

2. Therapeutic massage increases circulation.

Regular massage during your physical therapy program can considerably improve your circulation. Better circulation means that your muscles get the blood supply needed in order to prevent stiffness and tension. Your muscles will work and feel better after a therapeutic massage.

3. Therapeutic massage decreases scar tissue.

When you’re injured, your body forms adhesions around the injury, which are bands of tough scar tissue. These adhesions can cause serious pain, restrict your movement, and delay your recovery for a lengthy amount of time if they are not treated. A therapeutic massage can efficiently deal with those adhesions. Your physical therapist can use specific targeted techniques to unbind your muscles and break up the adhesions. This is an important component of your physical therapy program because being adhesion-free is essential for both pain relief and for your range of motion.

4. Therapeutic massage improves the immune system.

Sickness can be extra hard on athletes. Just one bad cold or flu can keep you out away from the sport you love for weeks — and you might not feel your best for quite some time after that, as well. Fortunately, massage helps boost your immune system’s natural defenses. During a massage, your body is prompted to power up its natural cytotoxic capacity, which means your immune system will be able to fight off illness, germs, and bacteria more effectively.

5. Therapeutic massage relaxes muscles.

While muscle relaxation is the best-known benefit of massage, it takes on a whole new importance for an athlete. Muscle pain, soreness, and tightness are all things that you expect as an athlete — but the good news is that you can greatly decrease these issues with regular therapeutic massage. Even after you’ve completed a physical therapy program following an injury, you could still benefit from regular massages with your physical therapist.

Confirm your appointment today:

Keeping your body in a strong condition is a large part of being an athlete. Physical therapy can help you with that. Our physical therapist will asses your condition and prescribe the best treatment plan for your needs. Therapeutic massage can help you feel your best, even if you only participate in treatments once or twice a month. By taking the time to improve your physical health, you’ll be able to perform at your optimum levels of function.

Do you want to relieve your pain, recover from an injury, or simply improve your athletic performance? Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to confirm your appointment and find out for yourself how therapeutic massage can benefit you!

Sources:

https://guidetoptpractice.apta.org/content/1/SEC38.extract

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/tips-to-recover-from-workout

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/massage-therapy/about/pac-20384595

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.

What’s At The Root of Your Hip and Knee Pain?

Physical therapy could help you find the answer!

The knees and hips are important, complex areas of the body. There are several tendons, joints, and muscles that are joined together in these parts of your body, and they help you to move in normal ways. However, if these areas are damaged at all, or if you’re feeling pain in them, it can become very difficult to do the things you normally do.

Are you struggling with debilitating or uncomfortable pain in your knees or hips? You’re not the only one. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee pain is a common condition resulting in 19.4 million pain-related visits to a physician’s office each year!

Thankfully, physical therapy can help relieve knee and hip pain! Call our office GoodLife Physical Therapy to learn more about how a trained physical therapist can help give you the long-o pain relief you deserve.

Common pain conditions affecting the knees and hips

The movement of your knees and hips might be hampered by a variety of problems. Traumatic injury, chronic disease, or repeated motions performed as part of a work, sport, or hobby can all create these problems.

  • Strains and sprains – Strains and sprains are common ailments that occur in a variety of ways. When a muscle or tendon is overstretched or ruptured, a strain occurs. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligaments can even rupture, resulting in bruising, mobility restrictions, and pain.
    A physical therapist can demonstrate activities that will aid with your recovery. They can also teach you how to move in order to avoid further injury or suffering.
  • Bursitis – Bursitis is a painful inflammation of a tiny sac of fluid called the “bursa.” This, like many other conditions, is caused by overuse or repetitive injuries. Bursitis can affect the elbows, knees,, and hips, among other places on the body. Physical therapy can aid with bursitis pain relief and speed up recovery times.
  • Arthritis – Arthritis, also known as “osteoarthritis,” is a disease in which the tissues around the joints become inflamed and irritated. I This illness can cause discomfort in your hands, knees, and hips, among other sites on your body. A physical therapist can educate you how to maintain healthy posture and movement patterns to protect your joints and keep your arthritis from taking over your daily activities.
  • Tears in the meniscus – Meniscus tears are unfortunately one of the most common types of knee injury. Swelling, stiffness, and varied degrees of discomfort are all symptoms of this injury. If you’re doing a lot of hard pivoting and twisting with your legs, you’re more likely to get this energy. Athletes frequently cry as a result of this. Without surgery, a physical therapist can treat a torn meniscus in a safe and effective manner.

Finding true pain relief with physical therapy

Your discomfort may seem overwhelming, but a physical therapist can help you lessen it no matter what illness you’re living with!

Your mobility specialist will evaluate your health, medical history, and pain levels in order to design a customized program that matches your specific requirements. Continue reading to learn more about how a physical therapist can help you lessen and relieve hip and knee pain.

  • Ice & Heat – A physical therapist may use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat is also commonly used during physical therapy to help increase mobility and reduce pain.
  • Manual Physical Therapy – Hands-on techniques are used often in physical therapy to reduce pain in your hips and knees. This could include stretching exercises or a variety of massage techniques.
  • Laser Therapy – Laser therapy has become much more popular in physical therapy for pain management. It can help improve the growth and reproduction of cells, increase circulation, and also reduce inflammation.
  • Ultrasound Therapy – Ultrasound therapy can be used in physical therapy to provide soothing heat to deep tissues. A licensed physical therapist can also utilize ultrasound technology to easily identify specific areas of pain.
  • At-Home Exercises – Did you know you don’t always have to be in a clinical setting to do physical therapy exercises? It’s true! Physical therapy techniques can be incorporated into a home exercise program that can become part of your daily routine.

Your battle with pain is over

Your physical therapist may examine your entire body, diagnose the painful places in your hips and knees, and design a treatment plan just for you.

You have the right to return to the activities you enjoy without fear of your hips and knees limiting you. So, what are you waiting for? Get comfort from one of our highly skilled physical therapists!

Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy to schedule your one-on-one evaluation today, and get back on the road to recovery.

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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.

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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Get Moving with Ease Once Again! These 5 Tips Can Help You Live an Active Life

Ready to Get Moving? We Can Help!

Getting active can be intimidating. With thousands of exercise programs out there, it’s hard to figure out which one is right for you.

According to PT in Motion News, 80 percent of Americans aren’t meeting physical activity guidelines set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Finding the time or the motivation to exercise is difficult for many people.

It isn’t always easy to stay active, especially if you’re already struggling with limited mobility. However, getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, your mobility, and your overall quality of life.

There are several easy ways to increase your activity level that most people can include in their daily routine.

In fact, there are a few, fun, favorite fitness activities that rise to the top for everyone, whether they are just starting out or are long-time fitness enthusiasts.

But before you dive into one of these activities, call our office to meet with our physical therapist and find out how to safely get in shape.

1. Pickleball

A cross between tennis and badminton, pickleball is taking the nation by storm with indoor and outdoor leagues popping up everywhere.

Pickleball uses specialized paddles and a wiffle ball and is played on a small court. Slower-paced than tennis, but faster than badminton, pickleball is ideal for people who enjoy the social aspects of competitive sports but who want to avoid running or jumping often associated with racquetball, tennis or squash.

The range of motion required to swing a paddle combined with the steps required to walk back and forth on the court makes it ideal for everyone from young children to octogenarians. Best of all, the average adult burns 250 calories in a casual 30-minute game, making it a great low-impact workout.

2. Stand Up Paddleboarding

In recent years, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity with good reason. Not only is it low impact, but it is also a total body workout. Standing on top of a board, you use a paddle to navigate a body of water.

Engaging your core muscles for balance, using your upper body for propulsion and leg muscles for standing, an hour of leisurely paddle boarding burns 300 to 400 calories.

3. Hiking

The difference between walking and hiking is defined by the terrain. Traditionally, hiking means changing your elevation as you traverse unimproved trails.

The act of maintaining your balance, going up and down hills and traversing obstacles in your path can burn three to four times more calories than simply going for a walk.

Best of all, you don’t need special equipment to go for a hike. All you need are sturdy shoes, water, and a little wanderlust to get a great workout in nature. Best of all, studies have shown that exercising outdoors keeps you coming back for more.

4. Swimming

When it comes to fun, low-impact workouts, there are few more effective than swimming. 30 minutes of swimming laps may burn around 200 calories, but that isn’t the only way to reap the benefits of the pool.

Water aerobics, water dancing and water walking all help maintain a consistent level of exercise even if you are not a strong swimmer.

5. Walking

We tend to over-complicate physical fitness. Sometimes it is as simple as going for a walk.

In fact, consistent walking routines have been linked not only to weight loss and joint health, but they have also been linked to long term brain health in older adults.

If you cannot walk for 30 minutes at a time, start with 10 and work your way up, adding more time, distance and speed.

Reasons why inactivity is troublesome

Causes of inactivity could include everything from a busy schedule to a physical condition that’s keeping you inactive. If you don’t stay active enough you may struggle with weak muscle tone and aching joints.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the more inactive you are, the more easily you’ll get tired. There are several other physical issues and conditions associated with inactivity.

  • Weakened bones
  • Increased inflammation
  • Poor blood circulation
  • Hormonal imbalance

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You don’t need free weights and running shoes to reap the benefits of physical fitness. Everyone can enjoy a more active lifestyle if they simply start moving. That is why physical therapy so often includes targeted exercise.

If you need help getting started on your fitness journey, call Goodlife Rehab today to see how physical therapy can get you on the road to better health.

Finally Find Relief for Those Persistent Aches and Pains with These 3 Tips

Looking for Relief? Physical Therapy Can Help

There’s something oddly satisfying about waking up the morning after a hard workout and feeling a dull ache in your muscles.

But when that dull ache migrates to your joints and seems to happen every day, that satisfaction quickly turns to frustration.

The answer is not to take anti-inflammatory medication or simply ignore the aches and pains in your joints, but rather to talk to your physical therapist.

If these three reasons to consider physical therapy for joint pain aren’t enough to convince you, call our office to find out more.

1. Physical therapy can help you find relief the natural way!

It doesn’t matter whether it happens in your muscles or joints, your body’s pain receptors are there to alert you to a potential problem.

Whether it is a lack of fluid in the joint, damage to soft tissues like tendons or ligaments, or muscle strain or fatigue, pain signals are designed to keep you from doing permanent damage to your body. Yet, people have a tendency to treat pain as an inconvenience rather than a problem.

If pain is your first warning sign that there is a problem that needs to be fixed, suddenly getting to the root cause of that pain is a priority.

Fortunately, a physical therapist is a specialist in not only human anatomy, but how the body moves. They can uncover the cause of your pain during diagnostic testing and prescribe a series of therapies to address it.

2. Fear of the knife? Physical therapy can decrease the need for surgery.

Most people associate physical therapy with surgery. While it is a vital part of recovery after nearly every surgical procedure possible, that is not the only role physical therapy can play in healing.

In fact, with very few exceptions, physical therapy can help you resolve most joint pain without ever going under the knife.

In some cases, physical therapy has been proven more effective than surgery at treating certain types of joint pain. Joint pain relief without the anxiety and complications of surgery? Sign us up!

3. Physical therapy can help you move with ease.

There are times when rest is the appropriate course of action for treating acute joint pain, especially if there is an injury involved. However, targeted exercise, recommended by a physical therapist, can help relieve joint pain and stiffness.

Not only does exercise improve your overall health and fitness levels, but it also works to strengthen the muscles around your joints, providing them with more support.

Physical therapy can also help protect your bone density, give you more energy, help you sleep, and help you maintain a healthy weight. What does this have to do with joint pain?

A 2005 study found that losing just one pound can eliminate four pounds of pressure on your knees. Even modest weight loss, 5 to 10 pounds, can relieve as much as 20 to 40 pounds of pressure on your joints. A physical therapist can help you stay safely moving while you recover from aches and pains in your joints.

Find relief with our passive and active therapies!

Once your physical therapist has isolated the underlying cause of your chronic joint pain, we can prescribe techniques to help you start feeling – and moving – more like your old self.

Physical therapy for joint pain may start with passive exercises, in which we move the afflicted joint for you to increase its pain-free range of motion.

Exercises that reduce the amount of weight on the joints can also be extremely helpful. For instance, we may recommend swimming or water walking as a means of exercising the hips and knees without also forcing them to bear your full weight.

Other types of exercises can also help you overcome your joint pain while improving joint function. Strengthening exercises help by reinforcing the muscles and connective tissues that serve the joint. Corrective exercises and neuromuscular re-education can help you maintain a straighter, more symmetrical posture.

Last but not least, physical therapy offers a variety of helpful modalities beyond exercise. We may treat your joint pain with heat, ice, and manual therapies such as massage, just to name a few.

Ready to get started on the path toward relief?

Don’t let aches and pains in your joints keep you from living the life you want.

Call GoodLife Rehab today to schedule your consultation with our physical therapist and find out how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life.