FyzicalNewOrleans: Neck Pain & Stress

FyzicalNewOrleans: Neck Pain & Stress

Health & Wellness Newsletter

2020

N E W S L E T T E R

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM THERESA REECH, OFFICE MANAGER

Q: Do you have any skills or talents that

Since then I have coached many boys and girls rec-ball teams including high school teams. In my experience with basketball I have realized that less girls play basketball than any other sport and I wish this wasn’t so. Studies show that this generation would rather play volleyball and softball due to the fact that these sports require less body contact than basketball. Out of everything I have learned from basketball over the years is that it has taught me many life lessons. It has taught me about friendships, teamwork, discipline, commitment, goals, and how tobe a winner but also a humble loser. At FYZICAL I enjoy talkingwith one of our patient’s about basketball. The patient’s son is a professional player in Russia which is so neat to me. It’s not too often you come across someone who knows the game inside and out and equally enjoys the sport. Even inmy busy but successful career, I will always have the desire to play basketball.

most people don’t know about? A: I do have a passion/talent that most people don’t know about me and would never expect. I have always absolutely loved watching and playing basketball, even till this day. Growing up, I playedmany sports in school but for some reason basketball was always my favorite. I played on many playground teams, all-star teams, and travel ball teams as a child. I was recruited to my high school on a basketball scholarship and I was recognized as themost athletic female senior when I graduated. In community college I continued to play for a year and I was then honored asMVP for the basketball season. I was in my teenage years still and I felt I was missing out on my social life so I chose not to continue basketball at a higher level. Looking back now, I do regret my decision on not playing at a 4-year college.

ALSO INSIDE: DARK CHOCOLATE CAN BENEFIT YOU! • PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT • EXERCISE ESSENTIALS • HEALTHY RECIPE • AND MORE!

Health & Wellness Newsletter

2020

N E W S L E T T E R

IS STRESS CAUSING YOUR NECK PAIN?

Does your neck hurt? Youmight be suffering from stress-related pain —also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. Asmuscletensiontightens,theback,shouldersandneckareaffected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain. Is My Neck Pain Caused by Stress? Painworsenedbykeepingyour head in one place— like when you’re driving, or using a computer— is neck pain. While neck pain has a slew of symptoms, its major symptoms, reported by Mayo Clinic, are: • Muscle tightness and spasms • Headaches • Decreased ability to move the head Stress-induced neck pain isn’t rare. It also isn’t psychological. Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors — low,butconstant,trapeziusmuscleactivity. Ifyourneckpainstartsat the base of your shoulders, traveling upward, it may be stressrelated.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests contacting a professional if you’re experiencing neck pain. Even if it’s caused by stress,untreatedneckpainmight laterrevealmusclespasms,arthritis, bulging discs or even narrowed spinal nerve openings. Neck pain, fortunately, can be alleviated with physical therapy. Because neck pain is often caused by activity, different activity can cure it. Sometimes, this “activity” means “no activity.” Before you contact a professional, try reducing your neck movements. Sometimes, simply letting your neck muscles relax is enough. If you don’t see relief within two weeks, contact a professional. Physical therapists can target your pain’s source by examining your symptoms. Then, they can offer exercises that stretch, flex and relax your neck muscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where after-care treatment is considered, custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy. If you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re not alone. Call our office today, and schedule an assessment. Even if your neck pain is caused by stress, it still needs attention. We’ll work side by side with your goals, creating the proactive, effective programs you need to achieve mobility once more. Sources: https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-relieve-neck-pain-caused-stress https://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-reduce-stress.aspx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0027055/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000802.htm https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/most-neck-pain-improves-with- self-care-time/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc- 20375581

Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors...

Causes of Stress-Related Neck Pain. While stress alone can trigger neck pain, a few factors canmake it worse. Office environments tend tocreateneckpainproblems—astheyconfinepeopletochairs,bad posture and littlemobility. Driving often, too, canmake your chances of stress-related neck pain higher.

www.fyzical.com/new-orleans

ARE YOU LETTING NECK PAIN HOLD YOU BACK? CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

With the holiday season in full gear, we know that sweet treats will be the focus of many. Frombaking holiday cookies, to indulging in warm desserts, to stuffing stockings with candies, the holiday season always brings lots of sugary delight. When enjoying your holiday desserts, keep in mind that dark chocolate actually has a lot of health benefits – much more than milk chocolate. So, when ordering that slice of cake at the restaurant or buying ingredients to make a treat for your family, give dark chocolate a try! What can dark chocolate do for me? A bar of dark chocolate is actually more nutritious than you may think. If it has a high cocoa content, then it will also contain a good amount of soluble fiber and minerals. The bioactive compounds found in the cocoa of dark chocolate have also been known to improve blood flow and can help lower blood pressure. In turn, increased blood flow results in higher brain function, allowing you to stay sharp during the holiday season. Additionally, dark chocolate actually has a variety of powerful antioxidants – even more so than some fruits! Dark chocolate and pain relief. Perhaps one of the most importantbenefitsofdarkchocolate isthat itcanhelprelievepain – seriously! The improved blood circulation that dark chocolate DO YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH? DARK CHOCOLATE CAN BENEFIT YOU!

brings is a natural pain relief remedy. When blood is circulating efficiently through the body, it prevents muscles frombecoming tight and resulting in discomfort. The act of eating chocolate also releases several “feel-good” hormones in your body, which naturally eases pain. So, you get the benefits of feeling good eating a sweet treat AND relieving pain in your body! Want more health information? FYZICAL New Orleans has you covered! Of course, like any sweet treat, dark chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation – this is the most effective way to enjoy the benefits. If you have more questions about nutritious ways to stay healthy this holiday season, don’t hesitate to contact FYZICAL New Orleans today! We’ll be more than happy to provide you with tips and tricks for improving your health while also being able to fully enjoy the holidays! EXERCISE ESSENTIALS TRY THIS EXERCISE TO STRETCH YOUR NECK & BACK SCAPULAR RETRACTION Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. Pull shoulder blades back and down. Don’t hunch your shoulders. Repeat 6 times.

ARE YOU IN PAIN?

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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN THERAPY OR FITNESS, VISIT WWW.FYZICAL.COM/NEW-ORLEANS OR CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH FYZICAL TODAY!

SUDOKU PUZZLE

HAS YOUR PAIN COME BACK?

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Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist.











     Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment.

   



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PAT I ENT SUCCESS SPOTL IGHT !

















KWWSVXGRNXFRP

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KWWSVXGRNXFRP

SLOWCOOKER COCONUT GINGER CHICKEN





INGREDIENTS •4 cloves garlic peeled



  



  

 •2 in cube ginger (30 g) roughly chopped •1 small sweet onion peeled, quartered •1 Tbsp olive oil •2 Tbsp butter •2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into four •2 cans coconut milk not shaken •2 Tbsp cornstarch •1 can baby corn cobs •1 cup peas or frozen vegetables Spice Blend  

 

 

 

 •1 tsp ground coriander •1 1/2 tsp ground tumeric •1 tsp salt •2 tsp curry powder (optional) •1/2 tsp ground pepper •1 tsp ground cumin

   “This has been a good experience for me!” “I found everyone really friendly and helpful. Therapy has definitely helped to get me in better shape. I have less pain. I love the stretching exercises which I am able to do at home. Hope to keep doing them regularly. This has been a good experience for me. Love ya’ll!” - Marie B.

  DIRECTIONS Combine spices together and set aside. In a food processor, pulse garlic, ginger and onion until it forms a paste. In a skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter. Add pureed aromatics and stir well. Cook for a few minutes, then add spice blend. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Move aromatics to one side of the skillet and add chicken pieces. Cook chicken slightly on all sides and thoroughly coat it with the spices. Transfer the skillet ingredients into a slow cooker. Remove the cream from the top of the coconut milk using a soup spoon and set aside. Pour the remaining coconut milk over the chicken until it barely covers it. Drain the corn cobs and chop in half. Add to the slow-cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Whisk cornstarch with coconut cream (previously set aside) until smooth and add to the chicken, stirring well. Add frozen peas or other vegetables of your choice. Cook for another 1/2 hour or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are hot.        

 







KWWSVXGRNXFRP Recipe Courtesy of Melissa @ www.blessthismessplease.com

Qr/HYHO+DUG

KWWSVXGRNXFRP

www.fyzical.com/new-orleans