Frtiz PT. Back Pain & Difficulty Walking

Frtiz PT. Back Pain & Difficulty Walking

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body Do you have back pain and difficulty walking?

On a daily basis, you walk more than any other physical activity. How you walk defines most everything about you, including your physical abilities. We can help you discover that something about the way you walk, may be the reason you have pain and help you change it. YOU WALK OVER A MILLION STEPS IN A YEAR Your walk involves many body parts, all interacting together to produce your walking style. It’s as natural as breathing, and if any of your six (two ankles, two knees, two hips) weight bearing joints are not in good alignment, you’re at risk for structural pain. One minor walking error repeated millions of times can do an incredible amount of damage to your back, muscles, nerves and joints. This can eventually cause pain and arthritis. Often, the cause of back pain is poor strength -- specifically, weak abdominal muscles. The pelvis is held in place by numerous muscles, including the abdominals, hamstrings, gluteals and hip flexors. An imbalance or weakness in these muscles can lead to pelvic misalignment, causing the pelvis to tilt forward or backward. Forward tilt of the pelvis leads to a sway back. In addition to abdominal weakness, a lack of strength in the gluteals and hamstrings leads to forward pelvic tilt. While the abdominals stabilize the pelvis by pulling upward on the front, the gluteals and hamstrings offer stability by pulling down on the rear of the pelvis. Exercises must be done to strengthen both the abdominals and gluteals. Walking gives the gluteals a good workout. The abdominal muscles can be conditioned through Physical Therapy and easy weight training exercises.

www.fritztphysicaltherapy.com | www.kineticedgept.net

ARE YOUWALKING ASWELL AS YOU SHOULD?

Problems with walking increase as we age and are a leading cause of falls and disability in older adults. At least 20% of adults over 65 have problems with walking. This further increases to 50% in adults 85 years old and older. Most of these problems with walking are associated with underlying diseases. 9 Things That Stifle Your Stride Problems with walking are not a direct consequence of getting older. Rather, they are the effects of other conditions that become more common and severe with age. Common risk factors for severe problems with walking include advanced age (older than 85) and multiple chronic disease conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, dementia, stroke, hip fracture or cancer. Common conditions that contribute to walking problems include some of the following: 1. Back pain 2. Joint pain and arthritis 3. Diseases of the muscles or bones 4. Poor fitness 5. Problems after orthopedic surgery or stroke 6. Low blood pressure and heart disease 7. Parkinson’s disease 8. Vision or balance problems 9. Fear of falling

If you want to return to a pain-free, active lifestyle, contact us today to schedule an appointment at Fritz: 412-278-1221 or KineticEdge: 724-900-5130.

PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

www.fritztphysicaltherapy.com | www.kineticedgept.net “Everyone at Kinetic Edge has been great, helpful, thorough and willing to go the extra mile. I’m always excited to come to PT and work on my exercises here and at home. Literally the first time in several years that I wake up and don’t think about hip and back pain first thing or when I start moving. I forgot how wonderful that was. Thanks Kinetic Edge!” – Ginger K. “I wake up and don’t think about hip and back pain first thing...”

DISCOVER HOW TO LIVE PAIN-FREE

At Fritz and Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions. It’s time to get Fritz and Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy if: • You’re tired of living in pain • You want to feel better and move better • You have been in an auto accident or injured on the job • You want to prevent injury 1. Call and talk to your therapist 2. Discover why your pain has come back 3. Get your custom recovery program

CHILI

INGREDIENTS • 1lb ground beef

• 1-28 oz can crushed tomatoes • 1/4 tsp Worchestershire sauce • 2 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1-40 oz can drained kidney beans

• 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 green pepper, chopped • 1/2 cup ketchup • 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp brown sugar

2019 Health Insurance Plans with PT Benefits Many health insurance plans reset deductibles and out of pocket maximums on a calendar year basis. If there have been any changes to your plan, please note that your co-pay or other out of pocket obligations may change. Call if you have any questions and we can help! DIRECTIONS In a Dutch oven or kettle, brown the beef and add in onion and pepper. Cook until peppers are soft and onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes and ketchup and stir. Heat and add seasonings. Once heated, add drained beans and cook on low for 20 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or scallions. Serve immediately.

Exercise Essentials Try these simple exercises to relieve back pain...

Helps With Balance & Strength

Lunge Start by standing with feet shoulder-width-apart. Next, take a step forward and allow your front knee to bend. Your back knee may bend as well. Then, return to original position, or you may walk and take a step forward and repeat with the other leg. Keep your pelvis level and straight the entire time. Your front knee should bend in line with the 2nd toe and not pass the front of the foot. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg, 3 times per week.

Exercises copyright of

The above exercises are designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist.

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No Doctor Referral Necessary Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your health, a doctor referral is not needed. In the state of Pennsylvania you have direct access to chiropractic care and physical therapy!

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