Fairfield Universal Therapy: Back Pain Prevention

Fairfield Universal Therapy: Back Pain Prevention

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

DON’T LET BACK PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN

INSIDE: • BACK PAIN PREVENTION

• STAFF SPOTLIGHT • HEALTHY RECIPE

WWW.PTFAIRFIELD.COM

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

DON’T LET BACK PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN

Mechanical low back pain starts in and around the spine itself. The source of the pain comes from injury or irritation of the muscles, joints (including the intervertebral discs and facet joints), nerves or surrounding ligaments and other soft tissue. The contributing factors are often associated with back pain are: • Improper posture or prolonged positions (i.e. prolonged sitting) • Spinal muscle and tissue damage (i.e. lifting strains or trauma from accidents) • Limited hip, spine and pelvis mobility • Limited muscle flexibility • Spinal/pelvic muscle weaknesses (aka “core” weakness)

• Poor abdominal, pelvic and backmuscle coordination (i.e. compensations due to injury) Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. They might assume nothing—except for medication and rest—can solve their back pain problem. There is little to no evidence of the benefits of acetaminophen, skeletal muscle relaxants, and lidocaine patches in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Physical Therapy Is an Effective Back Pain Solution! You’re in luck: For most people, back pain resolves on its own. And for those that continue to experience pain, physical therapy can help. According to research on back pain, physical therapy treatments are effective for acute

and chronic conditions. Physical therapy treatments for back pain include manual therapy, joint mobilization manipulation, exercise instruction, education and techniques like the McKenzie Method and Therapeutic Yoga. These have all been proven to help alleviate pain and restore function. Physical therapists assess your particular condition to identify the contributing factors and address ALL of them. Rather than focusing on one cause of your pain, your physical therapist will address all of the causes. We are skilled at hands-on intervention and exercise selection for the most comprehensive and appropriate intervention to help you resolve your pain and/or restore your function.

Continued inside.

www.ptfairfield.com

Are you suffering from back pain? Call 641-209-1446

BACK PAIN PREVENTION

A little prevention goes a long way. If you want to avoid future back pain, you can make sure you’re being good to your back. Limit Sitting For Too Long Prolonged sitting is not good for your back, or your overall health. Although adjusting your posture while sitting can be helpful, a more effective option is to stand up periodically throughout the day. Limit your sitting to 30-45 minutes at a time. The results will be noticeable! Use Good Posture Our spine is designed to move which means our posture should also move. The spine does not like to remain in any one position for extended times. Most people slouch and then hold that position for extended periods of time. By finding a “good” posture you can counteract the slouch. When you’re standing, imagine your breast bone is lifted towards the sky. This will naturally cause your spine to straighten out — lifting you up — keeping your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. Use Strength Training Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train the muscles of your hips, pelvis and spine--your core muscles. Call Our Clinic Today Visit Fairfield Universal Therapy for a comprehensive assessment and learn what steps you can take to alleviate your pain and prevent further episodes. If you have a history of back injuries, pain or minor aches, don’t hesitate to talk to a physical therapist. We offer the results you are looking for!

Try This Healthy Recipe Green Frittata INGREDI ENTS : • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 4 egg whites • 2 tbsp fat-free milk • 1 tsp snipped fresh chives • 1/8 tsp black pepper • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 2 tsp olive oil

• ½ cup 1/2-inch pieces asparagus • ¼ cup sliced green onions • ½ cup chopped spinach leaves • • 1 clove garlic, minced • • 1 small roma tomato, chopped

INSTRUCT IONS : Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl combine the eggs, egg whites, milk, chives and pepper: stir in 2 tablespoons of the cheese. In an 8-inch nonstick broiler-proof skillet heat oil over medium. Add asparagus and green onions; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add spinach and garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet; reduce heat to low. Cook covered for 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Place skillet under broiler 4 to 5 inches from heat. Broil 1 minute or just until the top is set and the cheese is melted. Top with tomato.

CALL 641-209-1446 OR VISIT WWW.PTFAIRFIELD.COM FOR MORE INFO

SUCCESS STORIES “I can’t recommend them highly enough.”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Adam Conilogue, PT, DPT Adam was born and raised in rural Wyoming and grew up farming and ranching. His interest in PT developed after a knee injury from an ATV accident required him to complete PT and he gained a passion for helping others

Dana and Adamhave both brought an unusually high degree of knowledge and skill to their assessments and PT with me. The PT assistants are also skilled and compassionate. The atmosphere all the staff create is always friendly, warm, and encouraging. Years ago, I’d been to another PT group where I wasted my time with a very careless staff. When I switched to Fairfield Universal Therapy, the difference was striking and I began making notable progress. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

through the rehab process. He attended the University of Wyoming for undergraduate earning a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. From there he attended PT school at Creighton University where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This also where he and Dana met. Adam has extensive training in sports and orthopedics physical therapy, has advanced training in Manual Therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling. He also has advanced training in the treatment of vestibular and balance disorders and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. His interests are spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, playing with his 3 kids, and being involved in the community. You may recognize him at the sidelines of many varsity athletic events where he volunteers his time to keep athletes safe during competition.

Stay tuned for next months newsletter featuring Dana Conilogue

HAS YOUR PAIN COME BACK?

SERVICES • Joint and muscle injuries • Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation • Sports injury rehabilitation • Balance and vestibular rehabilitation

• Massage Therapy • Dry needling • Women’s health

1

Keep up with your physical therapy exercises to relieve pain and prevent further injuries.

2

MONTHLY EXERCISE

If your pain doesn’t subside, consult with your therapist about what other things might be causing pain.

PRAYER STRETCH While in a crawl position, slowly lower your buttocks towards your feet until a stretch is felt along your back and or buttocks.

3

Call Fairfield Universal Therapy for a complimentary injury consultation. We will guide you so you can get back to the activities you love.

Good stretch if you sit at a computer all day

641-209-1446

Choose PT. Choose Fairfield Universal Therapy.