Dealing With Lower Back Pain? Here Are 3 Tips To Reduce Your Discomfort

Do you have back discomfort in your lower back? If you have, you are aware of how debilitating it can be. It may appear simple to take medication to relieve pain, but with prescription medication overuse becoming a national epidemic, many people with lower back pain are looking for a more straightforward alternative.

According to a study published in BMC Health Services, physical therapy has been shown to minimize total health costs associated with pain management and to prevent habit-forming reliance on prescription medications.

In fact, your physical therapist will not only help relieve your lower back pain during your sessions, but they can also provide simple pain-relief strategies that you can carry into your daily life.

Our clinic GoodLife Physical Therapy has put together some of the best pain-reducing techniques that you can undertake both at home and during physical therapy. Keep reading to learn what they are, and give us a call when you’re finished to set up your physical therapy appointment.

1. Pay attention to your hamstrings.

While not typically considered by back pain patients, your hamstring muscles can influence whether or not your lower back joints become over-stressed. To compensate for the tightness in the backs of your upper thighs, your lower back has to work extra hard. Stretching your hamstrings lengthens those muscles, which can assist to relieve pain in your lower back, especially if it’s in spasm.

A physical therapy session can assist you in identifying precise stretches for your hamstring muscles and explaining how the two muscles interact. In the meanwhile, try bending over twice a day and reaching for your toes. Reach down without straining, and avoid locking your knees. If you experience any pain during the workout, stop and consult your physical therapist about other hamstring lengthening activities.

2. Alternate between ice and heat remedies.

Using hot and cold compresses or packs alternately on your lower back can assist to relieve pain. It is not required to switch every time if you prefer one remedy over the other, but alternating the two extremes can often help provide a broader variety of benefits.

Heat increases circulation, and when your body receives more blood, your body’s healing properties are activated in the bloodstream. Hot compresses and packs also help to relieve pain by blocking the painful “signals” that go from your lower back nerves to your brain. Cold packs, on the other hand, can help by numbing pain, stopping spasms, and reducing swelling in the affected area.

These ice and heat therapies will be applied by experts during physical therapy. Your physical therapist can also advise you on the best heat and cold treatments for your ailment. Ice packs and heating pads, in general, are fantastic all-around solutions because they are effective, affordable, and widely available.

3. Find a natural balance between your rest and exercise.

In some circumstances, bed rest is a popular first-line treatment for lower back pain. This is especially true if the pain is caused by an injury or re-injury. Resting while applying ice packs is a tried-and-true method of lowering swelling in the first few days. Moving around, on the other hand, is a much better treatment for persistent lower back pain than lying down. Physical activity releases endorphins, which have antidepressant and pain-relieving qualities.

Of course, before talking with your physical therapist, you should not overdo your workouts! Keep it easy by going for a small walk or doing some housework to limber up your back and produce those beneficial endorphins. Wear a brace to support your lower back as you move if it helps to relieve your pain.

Physical therapy is a useful form of exercise. It provides the benefits of exercise as well as the supervision of an expert to ensure that you are employing the right technique and remaining wise. Your physical therapist will be able to advise you about moves that could cause re-injury and will work with you on both flexibility and strength.

These exercises are meant to build up the muscles that support your spine, in order to ease pain on your lower back. They also help provide greater range-of-motion as you work through that back stiffness.

Ready to start eliminating your pain?

Contact our office now to book a consultation if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to addressing your lower back discomfort. You can begin learning how to make basic modifications that will reduce the severity and frequency of your lower back pain episodes during your first session. Our caring physical therapists will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that you achieve all of your objectives on your path to long-term pain relief!

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Combat Stress-Related Headaches With Physical Therapy

We’ve all done it: we get that familiar twinge of a headache and go for the Ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol. When it comes to stress headaches, though, a tablet isn’t always enough. A stress headache is characterized by a band of pressure around the head, as well as generalized aching and soreness.

Physical therapy treatments, on the other hand, can help you relax and straighten your posture, which will help you feel better. You’ll not only get rid of your current headache, but you’ll also have a lower chance of getting future stress headaches. Contact our office GoodLife Physical Therapy now to learn more about how our services can help you eliminate stress-related headaches.

Manual therapy: a hands-on approach to headaches:

There are a few headache prevention techniques that can be done at home. A physical therapist, on the other hand, can provide a much more specific approach to addressing headache problems. Altering between cold and heat therapy, for example, is a simple yet effective method. In addition to reducing muscle tightness, the customized compresses and soft electronic pulse wands provide relaxing comfort.

Because soft tissue mobilization relaxes stiff muscles, manual therapy often involves massage for stress-related headache treatment. Massage, as a result of this impact, can provide rapid pain relief and even help to avoid future headaches. In order to alleviate your discomfort, PT massage treatments help to relax the muscles in your jaw, temples, neck, and shoulders.

Patients with persistent tension headaches also report fewer instances of head discomfort when they receive massage therapy on a regular basis. Relaxing the muscles in and around the head aids in preventing painful contractions.

Emotional stress that causes tension in these trigger muscles can also be relieved with physical therapy massage. People who receive therapeutic massages on a regular basis report improved sleep, which leads to less stress throughout the day and, as a result, a lower risk of developing a stress-related headache.

Developing better posture:

It’s no secret that how we stand and sit has a big impact on how much pressure we exert on our muscles. Poor posture compresses muscles and nerves, and many people get a provoked tension headache as a result of these overworked muscles and nerves in the shoulder, chest, and neck area.

Your physical therapist can assess your posture and suggest areas for improvement. He or she will also show you how to move, sit, and stand properly to avoid unnecessary compression.

A physical therapist can recommend healthy lifestyle changes in addition to showing chest, back, and shoulder positions. Changes to specific areas of the home and office can have a significant impact on posture. A telephone headset, a raised computer monitor, a modified chair, or even a rubber pad to stand on while cooking or washing dishes are all examples of this.

Help your muscles get stronger:

Even when performing routine tasks, you do a lot of “heavy lifting” with your shoulders, back, and neck during the day. They can quickly become overworked if the muscles in those areas are too weak. Resistance training is used in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back.

For many people, stronger upper body muscles are linked to fewer – and less severe – stress-related headaches. Neck strengthening exercises might start with simple chin-to-chest nods and progress to more advanced exercises as your treatment progresses. Free weights and resistance bands can also be used to strengthen shoulder and back muscles.

Better flexibility:

As you go about your day, the more you can move your neck and shoulders, the less strain you place on the primary muscle groups in those areas. This could also help you get rid of some of your stress-related headache symptoms. You will learn particular techniques to extend your neck as well as loosen up your chest, shoulder muscle, and tendon groups by participating in physical therapy treatments. Regularly performing these exercises can help relieve persistent tension headaches.

Call us today for a free consultation

If you’re living with chronic headache pain, contact our office today to learn more about reducing the frequency and intensity of your chronic stress-related headaches.

We’ll schedule an assessment to look over and discuss your specific issues. Following that, one of our physical therapists will create a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs in order to help you relax your muscles, sleep better, and combat those painful stress headaches.

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Putting An End to Your Hip and Knee Pain Naturally

To aid in complex movement, the hips and knees have a multitude of tendons, muscles, and joints linked together. It can be tough to perform daily tasks if you have an injury (and consequent discomfort) in a specific location.

Physical therapy, fortunately, can assist you in a variety of methods in permanently resolving your hip and knee pain. To learn more about how a qualified physical therapist may help you manage your pain, call our office GoodLife Physical Therapy right now.

Common causes of hip and knee pain include

The knees and hips are frequently affected by a variety of disorders. Repetitive motion, acute damage, or chronic disease can all cause these problems. The following are the most common causes of hip and knee pain:

  • Meniscus tears. One of the most frequent knee injuries is patellar tendonitis. A torn meniscus can cause pain, edema, and stiffness ranging from minor to severe. This syndrome can develop as a result of a sudden injury or repeated motions. If you participate in a sport or pastime that requires a lot of turning and twisting of your legs, you’re more likely to tear your meniscus. A torn meniscus can be treated non-surgically by a physical therapist.
  • Bursitis. Bursitis occurs when a small sac of fluid, known as the “bursa,” becomes inflamed. This is often caused by overuse or repetitive injuries. Bursitis can occur in a variety of locations in the body, including the hips and knees. Physical therapy can aid in recovery and the reduction of pain.
  • Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that results in the inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints. This condition can cause knee and hip pain if it develops in those joints. A physical therapist can teach you correct posture and proper movement techniques to protect your joints and relieve arthritic pains.
  • Sprains and strains. Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits, while strains occur when a muscle or tendon is beyond its limits. It is also possible for ligaments to rupture, which can cause pain, bruising, and limited mobility. A physical therapist can help you recover quickly while showing you exercise techniques to reduce pain.

How can physical therapy provide relief?

No matter what condition is causing your hip and knee pain, a physical therapy program can help relieve your pain. There are several treatment methods a physical therapist may use to help limit or relieve both knee and hip pain, including:

  • Ultrasound therapy. A physical therapist may use ultrasound to provide deep heating in the tissues and identify any problem areas.
  • Manual therapy. A physical therapist might use hands-on techniques to reduce pain in your hips and knees, including stretching exercises or a variety of massage techniques.
  • Laser therapy. Laser therapy is increasingly being used in physical therapy for pain management. It can help increase circulation, reduce swelling, and improve the growth and reproduction of cells.
  • Home exercises. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do at home, in order to alleviate your hip and knee pain. Physical therapy techniques can be incorporated into a home exercise program that can become part of your daily routine.
  • Ice and heat therapies. Ice is typically used to reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat is typically used to increase mobility and lessen pain.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Range of motion and strength measurements may be taken during the physical therapy evaluation.

Make an appointment with us today

Physical therapy treatments can help you stay as active and pain-free as possible. To cure your specific ailment, one of our highly-trained physical therapists will build a personalized treatment plan for you.

To schedule an evaluation with a skilled physical therapist, call our office today. Also, learn how physical therapy can help you get rid of your hip and knee discomfort!

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Is a Herniated Disc The Culprit of Your Back Pain?

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to see our physical therapist. In fact, it’s the most common cause of pain in the United States. Back pain can be caused by a variety of medical disorders, but herniated discs are the most common cause.

It is estimated that about 60-80% of people will experience some level of lower back pain in their lives, and many may experience the issue due to a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but they are most common in the lower back. Other terminology for a herniated disc that physical therapy patients may be familiar with include “protruding disc,” “ruptured disc,” and “bulging disc.”

Nevertheless, the treatment for a herniated disc remains the same. While they can be very painful, our licensed physical therapists can help patients of all ages find fast relief and learn to manage their pain with regular physical therapy appointments. Contact us Today at Our office GoodLife Physical Therapy .

Signs you may have a herniated disc

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary, depending on where the injured disc is located. Some of the most common symptoms people experience with a herniated disc include:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.
  • Weakness in the legs.
  • Pain when bending or twisting.
  • Pain that intensifies when bending, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

You may have a herniated disc if you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms. Physical therapy, fortunately, can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc or any other type of back discomfort.

To treat the discomfort before it worsens, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible.

Reasons for herniated discs

When you are young, your spinal discs have a high water-content level, made up of almost 80% water. However, as you age, the water content in your spinal discs lowers. This causes the discs to become less pliable, thus increasing the risk of tears or other defects.

Spinal discs are soft, rubbery cushions that sit between the bony vertebrae that help to support the spine. They’re made up of a thick cartilage outer ring and an interior gel-like substance that acts as a shock absorber. Your spinal discs assist in protecting your spinal cord and the delicate nerves in your back by allowing you to bend your back easily.

If the cartilage in your spinal disc somehow tears or develops a defect, the inner gel-like substance, also known as the “nucleus,” can break through. This bulging or herniation can then put pressure on the nerves, resulting in intense pain. In fact, even small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs in the lower back can be especially painful because they press against the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. The sciatic nerve is made up of many spinal nerve branches that run down the leg from the spine. Pain can spread from the buttocks area, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot if the sciatic nerve is pinched. Fortunately, physical therapy can help to alleviate the discomfort produced by this illness.

Some of the other common causes of herniated discs include:

  • Traumatic injury.
  • Repetitive twisting movements.
  • Heavy or incorrect lifting.
  • Excessive body weight or obesity.
  • High-impact sports.

How does physical therapy decrease herniated disc pain?

Physical therapy is a pain treatment option that is both safe and non-invasive, and it is meant to help patients of all ages heal from the inside out.

Our expert physical therapists can ease back pain, reduce inflammation, boost blood flow, and restore range of motion by applying tailored physical therapy treatments.

A physical therapist’s active treatments address joint mobility, stability, flexibility, strength, and posture. To strengthen the back muscles, a physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises.

To improve and condition the body, you’ll also participate in body muscle exercises. In addition, you will be taught flexibility exercises and proper strengthening techniques by a physical therapist.

If you have back pain, know that you can turn to physical therapy for help. A physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area.

Get to the root of your pain today

If you’re living with back pain, know that you’re not alone. There are treatment options available to help you! Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and highly-trained physical therapists, and learn more about how our services can benefit you.

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Looking To Improve Your Balance? Start With Your Core!

Did you know that having better balance is linked to strengthening your core muscles? Yes, it’s the truth – we’re not joking!

Your core muscles will have a higher chance of keeping you from acquiring persistent lower back pain and other problems if they are strong. They also keep you from losing your footing or collapsing.

A strong core helps you stay upright, which is especially important as you become older and your chance of falling and injuring yourself increases.

Looking to improve your balance? It starts with strengthening your core! Request an appointment at GoodLife Physical Therapy today to learn more about how our expert physical therapists can help you improve your core strength and balance!

All about your core muscles!

Most people believe that when you work on your core, you’re just doing ab crunches, but your core muscles are more than just your abs! There are two classes of core muscles: your inner core and your outer core.

The inner core muscles are attached to your spine. These muscles stabilize your core and keep it in the right position. The outer core muscles work together with the inner core muscles when you need to move your body and do most of your daily physical activities.

Core stability relates to your inner core muscles. These muscles stabilize your spine. Core strength relates to the outer core muscles and, when it is properly developed, works to help you move around with ease. Having regular visits with a licensed physical therapist can help you train both your inner and outer core muscles for better balance and movement!

The link between core strength and balance 

Your body has three systems that help regulate and sustain your balance.

The first one is the vestibular system, which is responsible for giving your brain the necessary information it needs about how we move, our head position, motor functions, etc. The liquid in your inner ear functions as part of this system, like a “carpenter’s balance” to keep you level. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling off-kilter or dizzy, it means that the liquid in the vestibular system is off a bit.

Your visual system is the second balancing system. Your eyes convey information to your brain about where you are in relation to the world around you. The proprioceptive system, which deals with your core and the muscles in that area, is the third balancing system.

Your proprioceptive nerves are sensory nerves located all over your body. They make you aware of your posture and aware of where you are positioned compared to things surrounding you. To stay properly balanced, all three of these systems need to be in equilibrium. A weak core is one element that can not only throw off this internal equilibrium but can also make you feel off-balance to the point of falling over.

Physical therapy can improve core strength and balance

To begin focusing on your core strength, you don’t need a lot of pricey gym equipment. In fact, if you’re just getting started, many physical therapists will recommend this brief workout. It’s known as the “drawing in move,” or “sucking your tummy in” if you prefer a less fancy term.

According to the Mayo Clinic, any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back counts as a core exercise.

Here is a fast and easy exercise that many physical therapists recommend to patients who are just beginning to work on theirs. It’s referred to as the “drawing-in maneuver.” We all have probably done it before; ever heard of the phrase “suck your gut in?” This is pretty much the same thing!

Drawing in technique

To begin this maneuver, stand up straight. Find the correct pelvic position by rotating your hips forward and backward until you’re comfortable. Then, take a deep breath and draw your belly button in toward your spine.

Next, make sure you are not holding your breath though, as this isn’t a breathing exercise! You should be able to talk, breathe, and walk around your house with your belly button drawn in. It sounds pretty easy on paper, but if you’re older, recovering from an injury, or out of shape in general, this maneuver will prove to be a little hard at first.

The goal is to build up your core strength until you can hold your belly button in for 30 seconds. Then you can move on to more challenging core exercises. If you feel any pain at all from this maneuver, stop immediately, as this should not be painful!

As you build up your core, your physical therapist will suggest that you move on to more strenuous activities and exercises that are the best fit for your age and abilities. These will range from bridges and planks for the more athletic individuals, to more gentle routines (like yoga) for older individuals. Your therapist will also work with you on specific core exercises to help your balance.

Request an appointment with us today

Physical therapy at GoodLife Physical Therapy can assist if you have a weak core or are having trouble balancing.

Your physical therapist will examine your ailment thoroughly, assess your physical abilities, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. To get started with a physical therapist, call our office and make an appointment!

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It’s Time For Herniated Disk Pain To Pack Its Bags!

Your journey to real pain relief begins here.

According to The National Institute of Health, “The highest prevalence [of herniated disc cases] is among people aged 30-50 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. There is little evidence to suggest that drug treatments are effective in treating herniated discs.” This is especially important because so many people try to lean on medication for relief, creating other health problems for themselves!

Do you ever complain of lower back pain that just won’t cease no matter what you do? You might have a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but the lower back area is the spot most commonly affected. Back pain can be caused by tons of different medical conditions, but it is the result of a herniated disc in many cases.

If you’re living with herniated disc pain, know that help is around the corner. Call GoodLife Physical Therapy today to find out how physical therapy can help you conquer your herniated disc pain once and for all!

Signs of a herniated disc

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary depending on where the injured disc is located on your spine.

Some of the more common symptoms you may experience include:

  • Weakness in the legs
  • Pain when bending or twisting
  • Pain that intensifies when sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
  • Burning, numbness, or tingling in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.

There is a solution to your problem that doesn’t involve expensive surgeries or addictive medications. If you think you may have a herniated disc or other back pain issues, physical therapy can help! We recommend scheduling a consultation with our physical therapist as soon as possible.

Causes of herniated discs

It is estimated that 60% to 80% of people will experience lower back pain during their lifetime. We know that’s scary (and certainly not something to look forward to!) but physical therapy is a natural and safe method of treatment for this condition, should you experience it.

There are many other names used in reference to a herniated disc, such as a “bulging disc” and “ruptured disc.” Regardless of the name, the treatment for this painful condition is the same, and physical therapy can help. Patients of all ages can receive relief and learn pain management techniques with regular visits to a physical therapist!

Spinal discs are kind of like shock absorbers. They are soft and rubbery pads located between the bony vertebrae that help make up the spine. Spinal discs are made of a thick outer ring of cartilage and an inner gel-like material. They work to allow our backs to easily bend.

The spinal column also helps to protect the fragile nerves and your spinal cord. If the cartilage in your spinal disc is damaged or develops a defect, the gel-like substance can breakthrough. This herniation will result in added pressure on the nerves. The result is intense pain in your lower back.

Small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause numbness, weakness, and pain. It’s important to seek care for this pain as soon as you notice it, to prevent it from getting worse over time!

The sciatic nerve and herniated discs

Sciatica is a disorder that might develop if you have a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve is made up of several spinal nerve branches that run down into the leg from the spine. You will feel acute, excruciating pain radiating from the buttocks area, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot if the sciatic nerve is pinched due to additional pressure.

The good news is that physical therapy can work to reduce the pain caused by the condition! When you’re younger, your spinal discs are almost 80 percent water. As you get older, though, the water content lowers. This causes the discs to become less flexible and increases the risk of tears or other issues.

 Some of the other common reasons for herniated discs include:

  • Heavy lifting, or lifting things incorrectly
  • Impact sports
  • Excessive body weight or obesity
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Repetitive twisting movements (workplace or sports injuries)

How can physical therapy help with herniated disc pain?

Physical therapy is an alternative pain treatment. It is completely safe, effective, and non-invasive. It is intended to assist patients of all ages in recovering from injuries or age-related illnesses. To minimize and relieve back pain and inflammation, enhance blood flow, and restore range of motion, our professional physical therapist will use focused therapy treatments.

Physical therapists are professionally trained to evaluate your condition and provide the correct exercises to meet your needs. Most of the exercises they will teach you can be done on your own at home, so you can continue treatment outside of appointments.

Request an appointment on our website!

Living with back pain because of a herniated disc can truly be a damper on your mood and overall quality of life. The good news is that physical therapy treatment is available to you at GoodLife Physical Therapy, and we’re happy to assist you in any way we can!

Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment, and begin your own recovery journey!

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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