Suffering From Shoulder Pain? Physical Therapy Can Help!

Here are five common causes of shoulder pain you may not be aware of

Most people probably go about their day without giving much thought to how they are using their shoulders. Did you know that your shoulders do a good bit of work to help you accomplish everyday tasks? If you injure or strain them, there’s a large chance you will end up experiencing severe shoulder pain!

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment option for patients experiencing shoulder pain. PT can help with restoring mobility and relieving pain caused by a variety of occupational and sports injuries, musculoskeletal diseases, age-related conditions, and other conditions affecting the shoulders!

Finding and treating the source of chronic shoulder pain is one of the most prevalent reasons new patients come to our physical therapy facility every day.

If you or a loved one is experiencing shoulder pain, request an appointment today at our physical therapy office GoodLife Physical Therapy to learn how physical therapy can help relieve (or even eliminate) your problem!

Common causes of shoulder pain

Many different factors contribute to chronic shoulder pain. Dealing with shoulder pain can make completing daily tasks nearly impossible without treatment.

Five of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:

1. Bursitis

The shoulder consists of a complicated network of moving elements. As a result, it’s a really intricate joint! The “bursa” is one of the most important parts of the shoulder. Small fluid-filled sacs in the bursa work to keep the joint lubricated. Bursitis can develop if the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated. This will necessitate the assistance of a physical therapist as soon as feasible!

2. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a common ailment that leads people to seek pain relief from a physical therapist. It creates inflammation in people who engage in a lot of physical activities or work in a job that needs them to employ a lot of repetitive motions on a daily basis.

For example, if you are a tennis player or a professional painter, you may be at a greater risk of acquiring shoulder tendonitis. To play your sport or do your profession, you repeat the same motions every day.

Those who are at a high risk of acquiring this illness should be aware of the importance of seeing a physical therapist on a regular basis and resting their shoulders frequently to avoid persistent pain.

3. Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that develops after an accident or in conjunction with another shoulder problem. Frozen shoulder affects 2% of people with shoulder pain, according to the National Institute of Health.

Most physical therapists advise patients with frozen shoulders to rest frequently between physical therapy treatments to avoid the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder.

If scar tissue forms around the shoulder, the muscles around it may eventually freeze up. This will severely limit your range of motion and cause persistent pain.

4. Tendon Tears

A ruptured tendon in your shoulder might occur as a result of an acute injury or a degenerative condition. Split or torn tendons are frequently caused by the normal aging process, misuse, and incidental injuries. Whether a patient suffers a partial or complete tendon rupture, the pain can be excruciating, necessitating repeated visits to our facility to see a physical therapist.

5. Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the top section of the shoulder blade elevates away from the body, putting too much pressure on the arm’s underlying soft tissues.

As the arm elevates, the shoulder blade rubs on the bursa and tendons. Impingement in the shoulder can lead to bursitis and/or tendinitis if it is not addressed.

People of all ages and backgrounds benefit from regular appointments with a physical therapist.

Fast relief for shoulder pain

There’s no reason you need to spend tons of money on expensive surgeries or over-the-counter medications to gain relief from shoulder pain. Getting back on the pain-free path is simple.

If you have been experiencing recurrent or chronic shoulder pain, it is important to consult with a physical therapist as soon as possible. Physical therapy is a safe and natural treatment option that can successfully help patients of all ages recover from their shoulder injuries.

Your physical therapist will assess your condition, find the source of your pain, and create a specialized comprehensive treatment plan for your specific needs. From there, they’ll work with you one-on-one during your physical therapy appointments to build on your progress, help you increase your strength and mobility in your shoulder, and make sure you know how to prevent the same injury from happening again!

Request an appointment today!

If you’re living with shoulder pain,  it’s time to say goodbye to it. Call GoodLife Physical Therapy today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder pain, and begin your journey toward living a pain-free life!

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Peace Out, Sports-Related Pain! 5 Benefits of Athletic Therapeutic Massage

If you’re an athlete, this message is for you!

Are you an athlete? Do you take part in sports on the weekend for fun? If your answer to either of these questions is yes, then it comes as no surprise to you that it is important to maintain optimal health if you want to continue playing the game you love!

Seeing a physical therapist can help with injury prevention, especially if you’ve had an injury and are still recovering. After an injury, a recommended rehabilitation routine includes targeted therapeutic massage.

“Massage is widely considered part of alternative and integrative medicine,” according to the Mayo Clinic. For a wide range of medical illnesses and settings, it’s increasingly being offered alongside normal treatment.” It’s understandable that massage treatment is gaining popularity.

Here are five of the best benefits therapeutic massage can provide athletes. GoodLife Physical Therapy strongly encourages you to discover how physical therapy can improve your game; request an appointment at our physical therapy office today! Our goal is to keep you safe, happy, healthy, and active in the sport you enjoy!

Are you taking care of yourself?

Dealing with an acute or chronic injury from sports can be exhausting and extremely debilitating in many cases. No matter what kind of injury you’ve sustained, our physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy can help you make a full recovery.

Your body needs to be in the best condition at all times if you’re an athlete. You want to be able to perform at a top-notch level! This means that if you get hurt, it is critical that you consult with a physical therapist about a recovery plan.

It also means that you need to recognize the importance of health maintenance. Receiving a therapeutic massage once or twice a month is something that is really simple, but can ultimately help you feel your very best. The outcome is that you’ll be able to be at your peak for every game!

How can therapeutic massage help athletes?

1. You’ll experience less muscle soreness and tension.

As an athlete, you should expect muscle discomfort, tightness, and pain. While the most well-known effect of massage is muscle relaxation, it takes on a whole new meaning for an athlete. The good news is that regular therapeutic massage can greatly reduce these problems.

Even after you’ve completed a physical therapy program following an injury, you might benefit from regular massages with your physical therapist. Ongoing treatment can only benefit you in the long run, and keep your muscles from tightening up.

2. It can increase blood circulation.

Better circulation means that your muscles get enough blood supply to prevent stiffness and tension. Your muscles will work and feel better after a therapeutic massage!

3. You’ll see positive changes in your posture.

Massage therapy aids in the proper alignment of your body. Massage, when combined with other forms of physical therapy, can significantly improve your posture. Better posture has a number of advantages for athletes because it allows your body to move and perform at its best all of the time. This means you have a natural advantage when playing your favorite sport (which could lead to more wins for your team!)

4. Got scar tissue? Not anymore!

Any time you receive an injury, your body will form adhesions — bands of tough scar tissue — around the injury. These adhesions will end up restricting your movement, result in some serious inflammation and pain, and can delay your recovery for a very long time if they go left untreated. Your physical therapist’s massage techniques can deal with those adhesions very efficiently.

A licensed therapist can use specific techniques that target and break up the adhesions. In turn, this will loosen and unbind your muscles. Massage is a very important part of your physical therapy program because being adhesion-free is important for relieving pain and restoring a proper range of motion.

5. It can strengthen your immune system.

Athletes can be severely harmed by becoming ill. Even a single cold or virus can keep you off the field for weeks, not to mention that you’ll be performing at a lower level for a while thereafter.

The natural defenses of your immune system can be boosted by physical therapy massage. When you get a massage, your body’s “natural cytotoxic potential” begins to activate. This means you’ll be better equipped to combat hazardous bacteria, germs, and illnesses, which means you’ll be sick less frequently.

Request an appointment today!

If you’re looking for safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment solutions for pain and sports injuries, or if you just want to improve your sports performance levels, call our physical therapy team now to get started with an expert at GoodLife Physical Therapy.

Your therapist will assess your condition, look at your medical history, pinpoint the source of your pain, and be able to create a totally customized treatment plan with massages and targeted stretches to help get you back on your feet and in the game. Contact us today to learn more!

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Dealing With Neck and Back Pain? Physical Therapy Can Save The Day!

Call our clinic today to find true pain relief!

Back and neck pain are extremely common conditions that many people struggle with over the course of their lives. According to the National Institute of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Even school-age children can have back pain.

Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy task to pinpoint the exact source of the pain you’re feeling in your neck or back. Pain can often radiate into your arms, legs, and head.

Oftentimes people end up paying for expensive surgeries to find relief or falling back on addictive medication that can cause harmful health effects later in life. However, there is another solution for back and neck pain: physical therapy at GoodLife Physical Therapy .

What Physical Therapy Does For Neck & Back Pain:

There are many different techniques in physical therapy for targeting neck and back pain. Physical therapy for these conditions is focused on the structures supporting the spine. These include the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Typically, physical therapists include stretches, exercises, and adjustments to relieve neck and back pain.

Some therapists even use aquatic exercises to make therapy even smoother. Aquatic therapy is helpful because the buoyancy of water takes pressure off of the cervical and lumbar spine while you’re performing the exercises.

Passive physical therapy also includes a variety of modalities like heat or ice therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound therapy. Heat or ice therapy can increase blood circulation to speed up the healing process and reduce swelling and inflammation. Massage therapy will relax muscles to reduce pain.

With electrotherapy, electrical pulses are sent directly into sensory nerves to prevent the pain signals from reaching your brain. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues and provide a soothing sensation to affected areas.

How will a physical therapist help me?

A full assessment of your physical condition will be done, and a personalized treatment plan will be created to target the cause of your back or neck pain.

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the root cause of your back or neck pain. He or she may use a tool called a goniometer to measure your range of motion. They will also most likely perform a strength test on you.

Spinal mobility will be measured along with palpation to locate sore or tight muscles. Your physical therapist will also ask you to complete certain tasks in order to figure out what your functional mobility levels are.

Your physical therapist will take a look at your medical history as well to see if there are any factors that might correlate to the pain you’re currently feeling, such as recent injuries or surgeries. During this time, you can discuss the things that you are now not able to do as a result of any past injuries you might have sustained.

Why is a treatment plan so important in physical therapy?

Your physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan that is specific to your pain levels and needs. This treatment plan might be different for you than it would be for someone else, since the cause of your back or neck pain can vary.

For example, you might be experiencing pain because of a herniated disc, a degenerative disc disease, whiplash from an auto accident, a sports injury, arthritis or poor posture.

A few conditions that could be the root cause of the pain you’re feeling are as follows:

  • A herniated disc: This condition occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
  • Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when there is wear and tear on the discs.
  • Osteoarthritis: Arthritis is developed due to wear and tear on the facet joints. This causes friction when bending, can result in pinching a nerve root, or in sciatica.
  • Strains & sprains: This is a very common issue that sends people straight to a physical therapist. It is not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports that require aggressive overuse of a body part or muscle.

Call today to find help for your condition

Neck and back pain is absolutely not easy to deal with no matter what age you are! The good news? Physical therapy has been proven to help with neck pain or back pain regardless of its root cause. It’s a totally safe, natural, and effective mode of treatment for anyone looking to avoid expensive surgeries or harmful medications.

If you’re suffering from neck pain or back pain, call our office today to see how physical therapy can help get back to living a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and waiting for you; they’ve helped many others and you’re next in line!

Give our office a call today, and learn how we can get you on the path to recovery. There’s no reason to suffer in pain when we have the solution right here!

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Sit Up Straight: Could Poor Posture Be To Blame For Back Pain?

You may be surprised about the true reasons for your pain symptoms!

The majority of people have difficulty sitting and standing up straight. Many of us can recall our parents and instructors telling us that excellent posture was the key to good health later in life!

We all rolled our eyes at the time since the requirement seemed inconvenient! However, we learn that proper posture is about more than just looking good as we become older! Back discomfort can be avoided by sitting and standing with proper spinal alignment.

It’s possible that bad posture is the source of your back pain. Allow our clinic GoodLife Physical Therapy to assist you in learning about the advantages of physical therapy for back pain. Request an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of good posture and how physical therapy can help you to achieve it for yourself!

The link between back pain relief and good posture

Your spine is meant to operate in a specific way. Each time you move, sit, or stand in ways that disrupt the correct position and operation of your spine, you can end up creating long-term problems.

One strategy to work to reduce back pain is to practice excellent posture with the guidance of a qualified physical therapist. When you start physical therapy, you’ll learn how to develop proper posture, notice when you’re not doing so, and discover a variety of ways that healthy movement patterns can help you manage your back pain.

Some ways that developing good posture through physical therapy can help you with avoiding back pain are as follows:

1. Improved Posture With Everyday Activities

When we hear the words “good posture,” we usually think of how we sit or stand, yet good posture is vital in all aspects of our lives!

Your therapist will teach you how to maintain proper posture during sports and everyday activities like running or walking during physical therapy. Improving your overall posture will reduce the daily wear and tear on your spine. This will also reduce your chances of experiencing back pain as a result of these activities.

2. Good Posture Encourages Flexibility and Strength

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Correct posture can enhance your productivity and attitude, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently.”

It’s generally wise to consider that learning to maintain good posture won’t be easy if you haven’t had it for a long time. Physical therapy may take some time to help you build the strength and flexibility you need to maintain proper posture and spinal alignment

Your general fitness will improve as a result of the work you perform and the effort you put in with your physical therapist to attain your objective. The more flexible you become, the more strength you’ll have, and the less likely you will be to experience back pain.

3. Avoiding Incorrect Anatomical Changes

Did you know that the way you utilize your spine might induce structural changes in your body? That is correct. Excessive tension from sitting slumped over can harm your spinal discs, muscles, joints, as well as the nerves and blood vessels that run through your spine.

Physical therapy treatment at GoodLife Physical Therapy, fortunately, can usually reverse the issue. Your body can learn to sit and stand appropriately with targeted workouts, stretches, and information!

4. Encourages Good Circulation

Your veins will not be as constricted by pressure on your vertebrae if you maintain good spinal alignment. Many components of your spine rely on good circulation to function properly and to recover from regular wear and tear.

It may seem difficult at first, but as your physical therapist walks you through the many physical therapy exercises and techniques for maintaining excellent posture, you will become more adept at maintaining the alignment essential for optimal circulation.

5. Prevents Back Pain Caused by Improper Lifting

If you frequently move large objects, you must ensure that you have proper posture! When it comes to lifting something without injuring yourself, good posture is essential.

If you lift something and don’t employ appropriate posture, you’re more likely to injure your back.

Inquire with your physical therapist about maintaining the correct lifting posture. They will be able to demonstrate proper lifting techniques as well as lead you through exercises to maintain proper posture.

Choosing physical therapy for back pain relief 

Have you considered alternative back pain management choices, such as drugs or a costly surgery? Physical therapy is a safe, natural, and, most importantly, effective treatment of back pain caused by improper posture!

When it comes to teaching patients how to maintain excellent posture, physical therapists are the experts. Your physical therapist will explain its significance to you and provide you with the instructions you need to maintain an excellent posture every day.

During your appointment, your therapist will do a full body assessment and determine the origins of your pain. Once that is understood, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your posture.

The important thing to remember is that your physical therapist is your #1 supporter. If there is ever a moment where you doubt your ability to continue on with treatment, we’re here to help and reassure you!

Therapy is something that we consider a “work in progress,” and everyone’s treatment is different. Don’t be afraid to consult with your physical therapist at GoodLife Physical Therapy if you doubt your ability to recover!

Don’t delay; request an appointment today!

If you are suffering from back pain, chances are it could be the result of poor posture. Contact our physical therapy office today to get set up for a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists!

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Living With Sciatica? Say Goodbye to Chronic Pain With This Secret!

Physical therapy holds the key to pain relief.

Our bodies are composed of a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve you’ve got in your body. It extends from the lumbar spine through the buttocks area, and if there is unnecessary pressure applied to it, it can cause a world of problems for you!

Are you living with this condition? Physical therapy at GoodLife Physical Therapy could provide you with the relief you’ve been searching for.

Request an appointment with physical therapists today, and watch the world of pain-free living unfold before your eyes!

What is sciatica?

Sciatica, also known as “lumbar radiculopathy,” is a very painful condition that results from the irritation of the sciatic nerve. This pain is typically felt in the lumbar area and behind the thigh. It’s also a common complaint of individuals suffering from sciatica that they feel the pain radiating well into the lower limbs.

Sciatica can make bending, walking, and exercising painfully difficult. The most common cause of sciatica is lumbar disc herniation, but it can also be caused by a back injury and disc degeneration.

How is sciatica diagnosed and treated?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.”

Sciatica is typically diagnosed with questions regarding your medical history, alongside a physical exam. Many physical therapists may also have a CT scan, or MRI performed to locate the root cause of sciatica.

Move Forward PT states, “Conservative care like physical therapy often results in better and faster results than surgery or pain medication.” Physical therapy is safe, natural, and most importantly, an effective method of treatment for people dealing with sciatica pain!

A physical therapist will work with you to:

  • Reduce your pain.
  • Increase your strength and range of motion
  • Educate you on how to stand, bend and twist properly to prevent future injuries
  • Improve your flexibility.
  • Help you return to normal activities.

Physical therapists are licensed movement specialists who can teach you targeted stretching exercises for pain relief, many of which you can do at home!

Stretches for sciatica pain relief

To alleviate the pain and symptoms of sciatica, a physical therapist will often employ a variety of techniques. Active therapies, passive treatments, aquatic treatments, and other options are available.

If your physical therapist discovers any weak muscles in your core, you will be given adequate corrective exercises to strengthen them. These exercises target not just the lower back muscles but also the abdominal muscles, hip muscles, and glutes.

All of these exercises help strengthen the spinal column, including the tendons, ligaments, and supporting muscles, while keeping the spine in proper alignment.

The stretching exercises that your physical therapy will show you are meant to target inflexible and tight muscles. Hamstring stretching is a common and important part of a physical therapy treatment program to alleviate sciatica. An aquatic exercise program may also be recommended by a physical therapist. You can do exercises easily with the buoyancy of water.

Types of helpful physical therapy treatment

Passive therapy

Passive therapy may include massage, electric, heat, or ultrasound therapy. These different kinds of treatment can help reduce pain, stimulate proper blood circulation, and speed up the healing process.

Active therapy

Active therapy includes exercises, specific motions, and stretches meant to speed up the healing process and provide pain relief. Your physical therapist will educate you on the different stretches and exercises you can do at home for pain relief.

Ultrasound Therapy

Although most people identify the word “ultrasound” with pregnant patients, those aren’t the only people this technique benefits! Ultrasound therapy relieves pain by transmitting relaxing sound waves deep into the tissues.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy uses electricity to strengthen muscles, reduce pain, increase circulation and improve physical function.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy helps alleviate sciatic nerve pain. It loosens tight back muscles that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve, increasing the release of endorphins for pain relief. Heat therapy helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

Could physical therapy be the answer to sciatica pain?

Physical therapy for sciatica is a non-invasive, effective, and safe treatment method that focuses on finding and eliminating the source of your discomfort. A physical therapist will design a treatment plan that is unique to you and your needs!

Your physical therapist will assist you in learning how to prevent sciatica and other problems in the future by giving you at-home exercises for maintenance. You can prevent sciatica from reoccurring by maintaining good posture, proper body mechanics, and being in good shape!

If you or a loved one is suffering from sciatica, give our office a call for your personalized consultation with one of our physical therapists. A comprehensive exam will be performed, and your physical therapist will make sure you’re back up on your feet in no time at all.

Call us today; what are you waiting for?

Sciatica pain can change your life in a negative way, but with the help of a physical therapist, you can regain control. There is no reason for you to settle for a life filled with chronic pain symptoms from this condition.

You’re just a phone call away from living a pain-free life. Our therapists are waiting for you to reach out! Contact Us today

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3 Reasons To Go To Physical Therapy After Surgery

Whether you’re undergoing a joint replacement, a back surgery, or some other procedure, we’re confident that working with a physical therapist can help you heal up and get back to your active lifestyle as efficiently and safely as possible.

Every year, our physical therapy team meets thousands of individuals recovering from surgery.

Curious about why physical therapy is so important in the post-surgical window?

We’ve got three reasons to pique your interest! Call GoodLife Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you get back up on your feet after your operation!

Why should I go to physical therapy after surgery?

Here are three great reasons why you need to schedule physical therapy appointments for your post-surgical recovery period!

1. Physical therapy helps to accelerate your recovery.

Our bodies are extremely strong and capable of self-healing. A physical therapist’s non-invasive and drug-free services and procedures can help people improve their self-healing abilities and work with their bodies rather than just masking symptoms.

Your physical therapist team can help you stay on track during your rehabilitation by minimizing discomfort and limiting the risk of problems so that you can restore and maximize your strength, balance, range of motion, endurance, and overall function as quickly as possible.

2. Physical therapy can help you to control and minimize your pain.

A physical therapist can teach you exercises, provide manual interventions like massage, and implement non-invasive modalities that can work together to alleviate your pain and even reduce your reliance on pain-relieving medications, including opioids.

Many of the interventions we provide in physical therapy work directly on the central nervous system to help modulate pain signals being sent to your brain, while others help reduce inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.

Of course, pain is typical and expected following specific procedures, including hip and knee replacements. Taking your pain medication as prescribed can help you participate in your physical therapy more fully. So, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about your pain medication options and not to stop or start taking anything without his or her input.

That said, research shows that physical therapy is a safe alternative or beneficial component to effective pain management in the post-surgical window. So be sure to talk to your doctor about setting up a referral to see a physical therapist, too!

3. Attending regular appointments with a physical therapist can reduce the risk of complications.

Any surgery carries the potential of problems such as postoperative bleeding, infections, range of motion restrictions, and hardware malfunction.

Working with a physical therapist may help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a complication, which reduces stress, saves money, and protects your short-term and long-term health.

Physical therapists are trained to educate you on how to move and function safely in everyday situations. If your surgeon instructs you to follow particular precautions or activity limits for a period of time after your surgery, your physical therapist can teach you how to adhere to these restrictions and progress or adjust them as needed.

Physical therapists can also prescribe and fit adaptive equipment such as walkers and braces to further protect your healing tissues and help you mobilize more safely.

Your physical therapist can also act as a supportive liaison between you and your surgeon and keep them updated with your progress and needs. This way, if any concerns arise, there can be faster communication between all the need-to-know members of your medical team.

Should I see a physical therapist before and after surgery?

Pre-surgical rehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation can be used to make any surgical procedure as easy as possible on your body. While pre-surgical rehabilitation is not always required in a treatment plan, it is always recommended to yield the best results. The best results are always achieved through treatments before and after surgery.

So, to answer your question in short: absolutely!

For example, according to an article on shoulder replacement surgery published by the Hofmann Arthritis Institute,

“Formal physical therapy is not required before surgery, but it is advised to get in the best physical shape possible before surgery to lessen the change for complication and shorten your recovery time.”

The same article also states that “The day after surgery, you will begin working with physical therapy to become comfortable using your new shoulder.” This demonstrates how beneficial it is to complete both pre-surgical rehab and post-surgical rehab. Both are meant to make your recovery process as easy and comfortable as possible.

Request an appointment with us today

It’s never too early to start seeing a physical therapist! Contact our physical therapy clinic today to schedule an appointment for your post-surgical rehabilitation. We are also available to help you begin therapy in preparation for an upcoming surgery, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call us today!

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Is It Time To See A Physical Therapist For That Herniated Disc of Yours?

You can use physical therapy to find relief from herniated disc pain.

Are you dealing with unexplained back pain? The reason for your discomfort could be a herniated disc. Disc herniations are common among our patients with back, arm, and/or leg discomfort at our physical therapy center. A herniated disc can occur anywhere in your spine!

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremities symptoms can suggest a multitude of issues, including a herniated disc or several herniated discs.

So, what can you do if you’re not sure if you have this problem? What are your options if you have a herniated disc? These questions don’t have to add to your physical pain and confusion!

If you believe your pain and dysfunction are caused by a herniated disc, we encourage you to contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.

What is a herniated disc?

You might have heard herniated discs referred to as “slipped discs” or “ruptured discs.” Regardless of what they’re called, all of these names describe the same problem!

Your spinal discs are squat discs of tissue that lie between the vertebrae. They are small soft structures whose main jobs are to absorb shock and maximize mobility within the spine. On the outside, these discs are tough and fibrous, but on the inside, they are soft and gel-like.

Their fluid-filled center, called the nucleus pulposus, is encased in an outer structure called the annulus fibrosus. This arrangement makes the disc both tough enough and spongy enough to absorb shocks.

Unfortunately, that toughness has its limits. Sometimes a disc will lose hydration over time, causing the nucleus pulposus to shrink. The disc loses its height, which stresses the spinal joints and may cause the disc to bulge outward.

Eventually, these changes can cause part of the annulus fibrosus to balloon and tear open; this is a herniated disc. Herniated discs can also occur suddenly due to an auto accident, workplace accident, or sports injury that traumatizes the spine

Symptoms of herniated discs

A herniated disc occurs when the tough outer layer of the disc (the annulus fibrosis) ruptures. This allows the inner gel substance (the nucleus pulposus) to leak out. The ruptured disc tissue can trigger an inflammatory response and compress nearby structures, including joint receptors and spinal nerve roots.

Surprisingly, not all ruptured discs produce discomfort (especially because the discs themselves are relatively low in innervation and vascularization). When a herniated disc does create symptoms, the following are common ones:

  • Neck or back pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms at the level of the injured disc
  • Arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness (if the herniated disc compresses on an adjacent nerve root that innervates the affected limb)
  • Pain that improves or “centralizes” (moves toward the spine) with spinal extensions, such as when lying down or lying prone
  • Pain that worsens with forward flexion or prolonged sitting—forward flexion may also cause the pain to “peripheralized” or move further away from the spine

A herniated disc is similar to a bulging disc; in the latter condition, the disc tissue may protrude out of place but will not rupture. 

In addition to analyzing your symptoms and performing various tests and measures, a physical therapist can help you determine if you have a herniated disc by assessing your medical history and lifestyle.

We’ll look for risk factors known to be linked to herniated discs, including:

  • Acute trauma, e.g., auto accident or fall
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Male gender
  • Age between 30 and 50
  • Frequent bending, heavy lifting, or twisting
  • Physically demanding occupation

How can physical therapy help with herniated disc pain?

Research shows that physical therapy is effective for treating herniated discs. If your symptoms are affecting your activities of daily life or work, or if your symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, we recommend consulting with a physical therapist.

Physical therapy interventions like spinal traction, corrective exercises, and non-invasive modalities like electrical stimulation or diathermy can heal the injured disc, alleviate pain, and help you avoid recurring issues.

Physical therapy may also be indicated if you’ve been told by a surgeon that you could need spinal surgery to fix the herniation.

Before undergoing a spinal fusion or disc decompression treatment, many surgeons advise their patients to work with physical therapy to increase core strength and spinal health. This can improve surgical outcomes while lowering the risk of post-operative complications.

Surprisingly, studies suggest that even “idiopathic” back pain (pain that has no identified etiology) responds well to physical therapy. In other words, even if you’re not sure if you have a herniated disc, our services can still be beneficial.

Request your first appointment today

Struggling with the pain of a herniated disc can be excruciatingly difficult. Consult with a physical therapist today to get started on the path toward pain relief! Our experienced team can help you understand the source of your symptoms and heal the injured disc so your relief is longer-lasting. contact us Today !

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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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