Physical Therapy Guide to Low Back Pain

Physical Therapy Guide to Low Back Pain

If you have low back pain, you are not alone. At any given time, about 25% of people in the United States report having low back pain within the past 3 months. In most cases, low back pain is mild and disappears on its own. For some people, back pain can return or hang on, leading to a decrease in quality of life or even to disability. Physical therapists help people with low back pain improve or restore mobility and reduce their pain.

Physical therapists are movement experts. We can improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Don’t wait to get your treatment started. Call asap to get an evaluation so we can start working together to GET you better!

Fibromyalgia - What to Do When the Fibro Ignites

Fibromyalgia - What to Do When the Fibro Ignites

The fall days are still warm, but for the nearly 5 million people in the United States with Fibromyalgia, they might experience a different kind of heat - the burning pain that typically comes along with this diagnosis.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms throughout the body. It's usually diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50, and 80% to 90% of the people affected are women. The most common symptoms are: ● chronic pain all over the body ● fatigue ● memory problems ● sleep disturbances ● depression or anxiety.

How Does Physical Therapy Help?

Because of the wide range of symptoms, fibromyalgia can be a debilitating condition. It is not uncommon for people to begin avoiding activities altogether because of pain and fatigue. This begins a cycle of deconditioning that not only impacts the person's overall health, but also makes the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown and there is no cure, so physical therapy treatments are designed to reduce and manage the symptoms. This requires a multi-pronged approach. Common treatments include:

Education

The first step in treating fibromyalgia is often helping people understand what's going on, and what they can do about it. Research has shown that people who are knowledgeable about their condition have better outcomes, more confidence, and cope better.

Decrease Pain and Improve Range of Motion

Physical therapists are movement experts with a lot of tools and techniques to help with the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. A PT might use gentle manual therapy or massage, prescribe specific stretches, or a simple yoga routine. They might also use modalities like electrical stimulation, biofeedback or in states where it is allowed, dry needling.

Exercise

Once patients understand the condition and are able to move a little better with less pain, exercise often enters the treatment picture. Research has shown that low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise like walking, biking, or swimming is important in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. It can help with pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, and more. Physical therapists and patients work together to find the right type of exercise and the right intensity to best manage fibromyalgia. They often have to start slow, and make adjustments along the way. Each physical therapy session is tailored to the needs of the patient and will vary depending on the severity of their symptoms. Despite there still being no cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapists can help with pain management, strength, mobility, fatigue and function to help patients find relief from their symptoms

3 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help Manage Headaches

3 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help

Manage Headaches

Headaches affect 47% of the global population and are described by the type and location of pain in the head. Many headaches are harmless and resolve gradually. However, more frequent moderate to severe headaches can impact your ability to do daily activities and quality of life. 

Different types of headaches include:

• Tension.

• Cervicogenic or neck muscle-related.

• Migraine.

• Secondary headaches from an underlying condition, such as fever, infectious disease, sinus disorder, or in rare cases, a tumor or more serious illness.

• Unspecified headaches.

A physical therapist will perform a clinical examination to diagnose the type of headache and develop an effective treatment plan.

Physical therapy has been proven to:

• Decrease or resolve the intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches.

• Decrease medication use.

• Improve function and mobility.

• Improve ease of motion in the neck.

• Improve quality of life.

  A physical therapist treatment plan for headaches may include:

  1. Manual therapy

  Proven hands-on techniques are designed to alleviate joint and muscle stiffness, increase mobility of the head and neck, decrease muscle tension and spasms, and improve muscle performance. Some physical therapists also provide dry needling for certain types of headaches.

  2. Exercise

  Research has shown that various types of specific exercises will decrease pain, improve endurance, decrease inflammation, and promote overall healing. In addition to individualized prescribed exercises, customized home-exercise programs are an essential part of the treatment plan.

  3. Education

  Educational strategies have been found helpful at lessening severity and/or frequency of headaches. These strategies include identifying highly individualized triggers (ie, dietary, sleep, movement/postural habits, stressors, hydration). Effective strategies to alleviate symptoms also include a wide variety of relaxation techniques.
  

Reposted from: Health Tips | 3 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help Manage Headaches | Choose PT