Choice PT: Sciatica and Back Pain

Choice PT: Sciatica and Back Pain

Move to Live Your Resource to Moving Well and Living Life

DR. CODY CSONTOS, PT, DPT Getting To Know The Choice Physical Therapy Team!

Area of Expertise Cody’s clinical interests include sports injuries, athletic rehabilitation, and orthopedic related injuries. Cody has been a personal trainer for roughly three years and enjoys watching his patient’s progress and return to a regular exercise program so they can reach their health-related goals. Cody intends to pursue a board certification in Sports Physical Therapy. Personal Life Cody enjoys lifting weights and exercising regularly. He recently started playing golf and enjoys kayaking with his fiancé Miranda. Cody is currently in the process of planning his wedding for the summer of 2018!

Background / Education Cody grew up in the Capital region and graduated from Schalmont High School. He initially went to school for mechanical engineering in Central New York, his passions changed and he returned to the capital area to pursue a career in healthcare. Cody earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Biology from Sage College of Albany in May 2014 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Sage Graduate Schools in May 2017. Throughout his Doctoral program, Cody’s clinical rotations were primarily in outpatient orthopedic clinics along with sub-acute rehabilitation and rehabilitation in the skilled nursing setting.

www.choiceptny.com

Move to Live Your Resource to Moving Well and Living Life

K NO W PAIN K NO W GAIN

Having been a Physical Therapist for roughly 10 years now, there are certain questions that pop up on a regular basis:

“When is it right to use heat vs. ice?”

“Is it ok to use a hand-held car buffer on my thigh muscle?” (ok, that one’s not common, but has been asked)

“No pain, no gain….right?”

Whether we’re talking about a course of physical therapy, working out at the gym, or going for a walk with your friends, how do you know which type of pain/ discomfort is ok to push through and which you should be more concerned with? Pain is simply your body communicating with you, if you listen to it and follow these simple rules you’ll be ahead of the game.

Rule #1: Avoid sharp pain

Rule #2: Pain/Discomfort during activity should remain less than or equal to 3/10 in intensity Rule# 3: Pain/Discomfort should subside after each repetition (i.e. strength training exercises)

Rule #4: Soreness after workouts/activity should not last longer than 24-48 hours

In this edition of Move to Live we’re focusing on low back pain and sciatica.The rules we’ve outlined apply but there is a hugely important concept to understand specific to nerve pain running down your leg. That concept is Centralization. Sciatic nerve irritation originates at your spine in your lower back and the more the nerve is irritated the further down your leg you can feel the symptoms (pain, burning, numbness/tingling). If you can get the symptoms to move up your leg and centralize towards your lower back that has been proven over and over to be the #1 predictor that you’ll improve. Symptoms move further down your leg, no good; symptoms moving up the leg, now you’re heading in the right direction. Just because the gas light comes on in your car, doesn’t mean you need to head straight to the mechanic or go get a new car. You should just swing by the gas station and fill up your tank. Pain is just your body trying to communicate with you and send you a signal. Listen to the signal, if it breaks one of our rules, change what you’re doing. If you have any questions on what specific actionable steps you can take give me a call or shoot me an email! Have a great month! Joe

www.choiceptny.com

FOR YOUR ACHING BACK PAIN! Seek A Natural Treatment Bad Habits Can Increase Your Pain

Some seemingly harmless habits can also contribute to the irritation of the sciatic nerve. A frequent bad habit is crossing of the legs for extended periods, which puts pressure on the nerve. In addition, sitting for long periods is bad for your spine. It is possible for you to prevent or relieve sciatica simply by improving your posture. Physical Therapy Relieves Sciatica The therapists at Choice Physical Therapy play a crucial role in evaluating and treating sciatica, as well as other common back problems. Our therapists have years of training to evaluate your back problem and find the root cause of your sciatica. An individualized treatment plan is created to guide you through the recovery process and maximize your success. When coming to Choice Physical Therapy, our friendly and knowledgeable therapists spend time with you. We train you on specific and easy exercises that will relieve the pain in your back and legs. In addition, our specialized hands-on therapy helps to gently loosen tight muscles and joints in your spine and legs.

Your pain is quickly relieved and your flexibility restored, so you can feel like yourself again. Our cutting-edge treatments are doctor recommended and are specifically designed for you to reach your healthcare goals. Knowing all this should give you a head start in warding off painful sciatica. After all, it may be as simple as learning to stand tall.

Journalofneurosurgery:SpineFeb,2005Volume2,Number2.AaronG.Filler,M.D.,Ph.D.,JodeanHaynes,B.A.,SheldonE.Jordan,M.D.,JoshuaPrager,M.D.,J.PabloVillablanca,M.D.,KeyvanFarahani,Ph.D.,Duncan Q. Mcbride, M.D., Jay S.Tsuruda, M.D., Brannon Morisoli, B.A., Ulrich Batzdorf, M.D., and J. Patrick Johnson, M.D.

Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.

Health Recipe: Roquefort Pear Salad

INGREDIENTS • 1 head leaf lettuce • 3 pears, diced • 5 ounces Roquefort cheese • 1 avocado, sliced • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions • 1/4 cup white sugar • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Fresh ground black pepper to taste • 1/2 cup pecans • 1/3 cup olive oil

BIRD DOG STRETCH Start on hands and knees, hips and shoulders at 90°. Lift one arm straight out in front. At the same time, lift opposite leg straight back. Alternate arm and legs. Repeat 10 times. Loosens Lower Back www.simpleset.net

INSTRUCTIONS Inaskilletovermediumheat,stir1/4cupofsugar togetherwith thepecans.Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.

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Patient Success Spotlight

Fun & Games

“At my first appointment with Choice Physical Therapy, I was not able to lift heavy objects, raise my arm over my head or reach behind my back without pain. After working with Joe, Cody & Sarah, I am able to return to normal activities pain-free! All the staff was very friendly & made every visit enjoyable. I would highly recommend Choice Physical Therapy! Thank you all very much!!!.” – Grace F. After working with Joe, Cody & Sarah, I am able to return to normal activities pain-free!

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We Have A New Look!

Many thanks to Rich Phillips and staff at 4th Generation Awning Company, from right here in Troy, for the beautiful addition to our entrance. It’s refreshing to work with local professionals who have all areas covered; great customer service, quality product, and seamless processes from artwork to installation. Stop in to say hi, Erin : ) Choice Physical Therapy has a new look thanks to 4th Generation Awning Company!

#supportlocal #EnjoyTroy

www.choiceptny.com