ElevatePT_Live Your Best Life Again: Back Pain Recovery

ElevatePT_Live Your Best Life Again: Back Pain Recovery

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

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AGAIN MAKE YOUR STORY BACK PAIN RECOVERY

ELEVATEBREVARD.COM

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

(828) 877-2110 ELEVATEBREVARD.COM

INSIDE:

Back Pain Prevention • Team Member Spotlights • Featured Service: Physical Therapy • What Patients Are Saying • Your Health In Mind

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AGAIN MAKE YOUR STORY BACK PAIN RECOVERY

• Poor abdominal, pelvic and back muscle coordination Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. Before they know it, they have a big problem. They might assume nothing—except for medication—can solve their back pain. Medication might mask the pain, but it won’t cure the problem’s root cause and can lead to adverse side effects and addiction if abused. Back Pain Solutions You’re in luck: Back pain can be cured! The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke covers a number of back pain remedies. These include the use of strength exercise, physical therapy and medication. Where medication is considered, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesic medications and counter-irritants are the most popular. Before you can treat your back pain, however, you need to know why it started. Whether you’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help. Have back pain that just won’t go away? We want to help! Call us today at (828) 877-2110 or visit us online at elevatebrevard.com.

Back pain can hinder your day-to-day activities. Left untreated, it can even lead to long-term joint, spine and nerve damage. As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. The pain itself can hinder your ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift or bend. It can also hinder your time spent with friends and family. Direct pain aside, minor aches and cramps associated with a back pain problem can make you irritable—ruining your good time. What Causes Back Pain? A few things cause back pain. The American Physical Therapy Association covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:

• Spinal and abdominal muscle weaknesses • Bad posture and bad sleeping positions • Spinal muscle and tissue damage • Improper lifting form • Limited hip, spine and thigh muscle flexibility

BACK PAIN PREVENTION S IMPLE SOLUT I ONS FOR A L I FE FREE FROM PA IN

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. Lift Properly You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something light, make sure you’re first facing the object and standing as close as possible. Then squat while keeping your spine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this will reduce the pressure placed on your spine. Use Good Posture When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head—lifting you up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. If you’re sitting, don’t slouch. Use Strength Training Your body has hundreds of muscles. Thesemuscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements. It never hurts to visit a physical therapist, either. Get regular check-ups, andmake sure your body is in good condition. If you have a history of back injuries, pain or minor aches, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. You deserve a pain-free life, and your back will thank you.

Take charge of your back pain today! Contact ELEVATE Physical Therapy at (828) 877-2110 or visit us online at elevatebrevard.com.

Sources: www.apta.org • www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/ Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics • www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver- Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS AT ELEVATE PHYSICAL THERAPY :

Kevin spent his high school and early college years in the mountains of North Carolina, attending Rosman High School, Brevard College, and Western Carolina University. He then completed theMaster of Physical Therapy program at East Carolina University in 2001. Mark received hisMaster of Physical Therapy degree fromUniversity of South Dakota in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1997. Kevin and Mark came from different geographic locations, Kevin from themountains of North Carolina and Mark from themidwest; but, their paths crossed at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in the rural town of Franklin, NC. It was here that the start of a lifelong friendship and future business partnership emerged. Whileworking together, KevinandMarkbothobtainedanOCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) certification in 2005. Then, they completed theDoctor of Physical Therapy program through Shenandoah University in 2009. They now each have 20 years of experience in their profession. In May, 2013, Kevin and Mark opened the doors to ELEVATE Physical Therapy, inBrevard, NC. Kevin appreciates the opportunity towork, give back, and contribute to the health andwell being of his home community. AndMarkwas happy to become amember of this community aswell. At ELEVATE, Kevin andMark strive to provide the highest quality of care for their patients; but, they also work to create an environment that is fun and energetic and where each patient and staff member feels welcome and genuinely cared for.

MARK BLAKELY DPT, OCS, PHYSICAL THERAPIST Doctorate Degree, Physical Therapy: Shenandoah University, 2009 Masters Degree, Physical Therapy: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, 1997 Bachelors Degree, Biology, Exercise Science: University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 1995 East Carolina University, Greenville, 2001 Bachelors Degree, Biology with emphasis in Chemistry: Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, 1994 KEVIN MCALISTER DPT, OCS, PHYSICAL THERAPIST Doctorate Degree, Physical Therapy: Shenandoah University, 2009 Masters Degree, Physical Therapy:

PHYSICAL THERAPY F E AT UR E D S E RV I C E Physical therapy generally is comprised of three important phases: pain relief, strengthening, and functional integration. An active lifestyle is dependent upon movement. Your treatment plan will involve specific movements designed to increase your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. He or she will assist you with many of these exercises, but will also provide those that can be done at home. The end result of physical therapy is living the life you want, free frompainful limitations. That can only happen when you apply the concepts you learn from your treatments to the outside world. Call us today at (828) 877-2110 to schedule your Physical Therapy appointment.

OUR SERVICES. . . GET YOU BACK INTO LIFE! Our gentle, evidence-based treatments are used to relieve your pain, regain function, aid in post-surgical care, and provide immediate relief from dizziness and imbalance.

• Teletherapy • Myofascial Release • Therapeutic Exercise • Ultrasound • Vestibular Therapy

• Physical Therapy • Electrical Stimulation • Ergonomic Training • Laser Therapy • Manual Therapy

WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Committed to your health and wellbeing, we are practicing hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer throughout treatment and in between each patient, along with wiping down tables, equipment, and handrails, doorknobs, and chairs multiple times per hour. We have been spreading patients out among the facility including the gym and private treatment rooms. The front desk is cleaning the counters and sanitizing the waiting area and front doors with the same frequency. Please follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread: KEEPING YOUR HEALTH IN MIND

I found ELEVATE after a hiking injury. They are so

professional, kind, happy and fun. I have increased mobility and strength and no pain. I highly recommend ELEVATE for all your rehab needs. They do it all. It really shows that the client comes first. The equipment is top notch and they maintain great cleanliness. Thanks so much for getting me back to hiking!”

- J. P.

EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S US E T H I S E X E RC I S E TO S T R ENGT H EN BACK MUSC L E S

Exercises copyright of

Clean Hands Often

Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid Hugs & Hand Shakes

Stay Home if You Are Sick

Bird Dog 4-Point Arm & Leg Raise Begin by placing your knees and hands on the floor, with your hips and shoulders at a 90° angle. While keeping stable and engaging your core muscles, lift one arm and an opposite leg straight out toward the horizon, with your thumb pointed to the ceiling. Place both arm and leg back down to starting position. Perform 10 repetitions and then repeat this exercise with the opposite arm and leg. To build stability, this exercise can first be performed using only the arm or leg, and the opposing arm or leg can be added once ready for progression.

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