Advanced PT: Natural Pain Relief

Advanced PT: Natural Pain Relief

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

A Safe Alternative To Pain Medication THE NATURAL PAIN RELIEF SOLUTION

ALSO INSIDE

The Natural Pain Relief Solution • When “PT” is Better Than “RX” Patient Results • Exercise Essentials • Special Offer

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

THE NATURAL PAIN RELIEF SOLUTION A simple question, should you take a pill to mask your pain, or should you try to fix the underlying cause? It seems like almost every news broadcast these days features a story about a disturbing cluster of drug overdoses, with the word “opioid” prominently featured. So why are these prescription drugs -- which after all, are legal if they were prescribed to the user -- so much in the news these days? which sets up a vicious cycle of self-medicating in order to feel better emotionally as well as physically. How Physical Therapy Counters the Problem. It’s important to get real about the reason people seek prescription painkillers in the first place -- the pain. These patients are not to be condemned for seeking relief for injuries, arthritis and other degenerative conditions, or for post-surgical discomfort. At the same time, however, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that medications like Percocet, Vicodin, Opana and OxyContin are extremely addictive.

And what can you do if you’re torn between not filling your own prescription, versus seeking relief for your very real pain? Why Opioid Overuse Matters. Both opioid prescription rates and deaths from opioid overdoses have quadrupled in the last two decades. Given these identical statistics, one can’t escape the obvious conclusion: Reliance on painkillers has gotten out of hand, and the consequences can be literally fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors now write so many opioid prescriptions each year that it translates to one bottle per adult living in the U.S.Of the 330,000 people who died from drug overdoses in 2015, 50 percent involved prescription painkillers. Just as ominous is the discovery that people who become addicted to prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin.     Beyond extreme physical risk, over-reliance on prescription painkillers can have other detrimental effects on your health. Withdrawal symptoms can be harrowing. And while you’re still using them, opioids can lead to depression,

Physical therapy, on the other hand, is so effective because it provides a multi- pronged attack to pain relief. First, therapists can help lessen the immediate pain through heat or ice therapy, lasers, as well as low-pulse electronic equipment. Targeted massage and gentle stretching also eases extreme discomfort when tension or stiffness is part of the problem. In addition, physical therapy works to eradicate the actual source of your pain. So, if weak muscles aren’t supporting an aching body part, for example, your therapy will address this underlying cause. Flexibility moves can also contribute to pain relief because stiffening joints often exacerbate discomfort, or lead to over-reliance on nearby, overstressed muscles. Call (316) 283-7187 today to speak with a physical therapist or to schedule your free consultation.

Look inside to learn more about our health and fitness programs, and return to a pain-free, active lifestyle!

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When “PT” is Better Than “RX”

It’s important to remember that not every prescription is bad or dangerous, and that you don’t have to “suck it up,” refusing all painkillers. But there are specific conditions under which the CDC recommends trying physical therapy first: • The pain has persisted for three months. After the 90-day mark, pain is considered chronic, meaning that painkiller use would also hit the dangerous 90-day mark. This can certainly lead to addiction. • The source of the problem is in the knees, back or hips, or stems from fibromyalgia. Physical therapy has proven especially effective in these situations. • The “risk vs. reward” question tilts more heavily toward “risk.” There are certainly diseases which cause intense pain and for which opioids help patients to function, or at least to remain comfortable. But when the condition could be better managed with physical therapy or other treatment, as opposed to addictive pills, the “reward” of taking the painkillers doesn’t merit the risk.   Are you wondering whether your pain should be addressed with PT first? We will give you a thorough evaluation for your specific condition. Should our trained staff determine that physical therapy can make a real difference in eradicating your pain, we’ll give you an honest timetable and a safe strategy to avoid prescription painkiller overuse.

Do you want a natural solution to improving your health? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery with physical therapy!

We can help you: Naturally relieve stiffness and swelling. Prevent aches and stiffness. Be more active with your friends and family.

Have more energy. Feel better at work.

www.aptnewton.com

Mention or bring in this coupon today for a FREE Physical Therapy Screening

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 2-28-19. CALL TODAY: (316) 283-7187

Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to relieve pain.

Strengthens Legs & Hips

5 HEALTHY TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

1. Shop Well For Yourself. It is more important then ever to stock your kitchen with healthy foods. Have healthy snacks handy. The more convenient they are, the more likely you are to eat them. Instead of thinking about what you shouldn’t eat, promise to eat your 3 to 5 servings of vegetables each day. 2. Schedule Your Exercise. Your schedule will be very hectic this year, like every year. Schedule your workouts just as you would any other appointment. It’s okay if you can’t make it to class, but make sure that you get some activity in at least three days per week. 3. Just Say No. You probably aren’t aware how much extra food you consume just from people offering it to you. A sample at the market here, an extra cookie at an office party there and it all adds up. Just think twice before you take that food and decide if you really want it. 4. Skip the Baking. Do you make baked goods for giving? Chances are you eat much of what you bake. Who wouldn’t? Instead make non-food gifts, or prepare ingredients for baked goods and put them in pretty jars—this year, let your gift recipient bake it up. That way, they can eat it when they want it and you don’t have to be tempted in the kitchen. 5. Hydrate. Keep your water bottle with you at all times. You should be drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. One handy trick is to buy a 64 ounce water jug. Fill it up in the morning and know that you need to finish it by the end of the day.

Straight Leg Raises While lying or sitting, raise up your leg with a straight knee and your toes pointed upward. Hold 2 seconds, repeat 10-20 times on both legs.

Exercisescopyrightof

www.simpleset.net

Relieves Neck Pain

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Chin Tuck Stand with good posture against a wall. Tuck your chin gently as if you are nodding, then return to the starting position. Repeat 6-10 times to relieve neck pain.

@ AdvancedPhysicalTherapyofNewton