3 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help You Combat Long Term Pain

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 5 people have chronic pain. In fact, approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced (or will experience) chronic back pain. Physical therapy can help eliminate chronic pain.

As you can see, chronic pain is incredibly widespread, with over 100 million patients in the United States alone, so you are not alone if you are suffering from it. \

Standard pain drugs have so many drawbacks that you can’t rely on them to adequately relieve your pain, leaving you to wonder whether you’re doomed to live with it.

Fortunately, there is another option to consider. Physical therapy has been demonstrated to help people with chronic pain reduce or perhaps eliminate it.

With the right treatment plan at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen you may be able to greatly reduce your discomfort!

Request an appointment at our physical therapy clinic today, and let us help you combat your back pain once and for all!

What is chronic back pain?

Back discomfort that lasts longer than three months is referred to as chronic back pain. It’s a steadily worsening pain that becomes worse with time and fundamental daily activities.

In addition, the exact reason for back discomfort may be unknown. It’s possible that no one knows what produced it or where it came from.

However, most people can recover from back pain by understanding its causes, especially those that do not derive from an incident, such as a car accident.

Where does back pain stem from?

Chronic back pain may arise from two issues, including a sudden, traumatic injury or repetitive stress on the vertebrae.

Age, weight, bad lifting techniques, and even mental health difficulties can all raise the risk of back discomfort, and it only takes one injury for a condition to progress into the realm of long-term issues.

Pain includes sensations, such as a prick, burn, tingle, sting, sharp pain, and aches. Acute pain is typically an expected bodily response to a severe injury.

However, the repeated use of joints after an inflammatory response may lead to the worsening of symptoms and disease progression, explains the NINDS.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with particularly poor posture, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, skeletal abnormalities, and osteoporosis are more likely to experience chronic back pain than their peers.

How can physical therapy help me?

Physical therapy can improve your life in several ways! If you are struggling to do things you once loved doing without experiencing debilitating pain, it’s a good idea to contact GoodLife Physical Therapy to see how we can help you.

1. Increasing your physical strength

Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may teach you some exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and soft tissues.

It may seem strange that getting stronger is recommended by medical science when you are in pain – since exercising may be painful in and of itself, especially at first. But there are good reasons to try and make you stronger.

Often, the cause of chronic pain is pressure on nerves in your joints, whether your spine, knees, hips, elbows, or some other joint.

When you make the muscles around those joints stronger, they are better at providing support – which can take some of the pressure off of your nerves.

2. Electrical therapy and cold/hot therapies

Physical therapists have a variety of tools at their disposal to treat your immediate pain as well.

They can use things like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hot and cold therapies to help reduce inflammation and ease some of the pain you are feeling.

These therapies can also help improve your body’s ability to heal.

3. Teaching you how to move safely

Most people are not fully aware of how they move in their day-to-day activities. You could be bending over, lifting, walking, running, sitting, or moving in some other manner that is contributing to your chronic pain.

Learning how to improve the issues with your movements can significantly decrease the pain you experience.

Your first session with your physical therapist will include an exam where they watch the way you perform different activities – like walking – to identify any possible problems.

Once they know where things are going wrong, they can teach you how to improve so that you do not unknowingly increase your chronic pain.

4. Improving your flexibility

Improving your flexibility can also help reduce your pain. When you are suffering from an injury, it is common for your body to compensate in some way to avoid the pain – which can lead to unhealthy movement patterns that you may not even be aware of.

The way your body compensates may help right after the injury, but over time it will lead to wear and tear on other parts of your body. If you feel really tight or locked up in one way or another, you are probably experiencing this type of situation.

Physical therapy can gently relax your body so that you can return to moving in a healthy manner.

Your physical therapist will work with you to ease the tension so that your body can move correctly and increase the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint so that you can maintain the correct movement patterns.

Ready to find relief for your chronic pain?

If you are struggling with chronic pain, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our physical therapy team can design an individualized treatment program to help alleviate your pain and improve your life. Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you return to living your best life possible!

Sources:

Stay Active By Incorporating These 5 Easy Steps into Your Lifestyle

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

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

Tip #1: Sleep, sleep, sleep.

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

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

Tip #2: Rid yourself of unnecessary pain.

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

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

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

Tip #3: Complete daily chores.

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

Tip #4: Invest in an interactive tool.

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

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

Tip #5: Take daily walks with your dog.

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

Want more assistance? Contact us!

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

Sources:

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

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

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

Looking for more help? Contact us

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.