Farmingdale: Is It Back Pain Or Is It Sciatica

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

CAREGIVER OF THE MONTH

By Kathy McCormick

Unless someone enters the medical field, I don’t believe anyone starts out wanting to be a caregiver. Going back to July 25, 1964, walking down the aisle and saying, “Yes’ to the vows- “For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,• I wasn’t thinking about this part of life. Who is? But, sometimes we find ourselves in this position. In 1997 my husband Bob had his knee replaced. That was when we first met Butch. I never forgot Butch’s words when he told me not to worry, leave that part to him. That was my first caregiving assignment as a wife. In 2010, due to diabetes, he almost lost his foot. But, thanks to a small miracle we found a doctor from Mount Sinai, Dr. Steven Weinfeld, who was able to operate. Bob was sent to a rehab for five months. Caregiving when someone is in rehab is more about being there every day and trying to keep their spirits up mentally. This experience prepared me for our future orthopedic journeys. In 2011 Bob had his other foot reconstructed by Dr. Weinfeld, and required three months in rehab. After each of these trips we always came back to Butch to complete the process. The decision we made at this point, was that neither Bob, nor I, wanted him to go to another rehab. On Nov. 28th 2016 when his left leg collapsed, Butch was the first person I called from the emergency room to get an idea of just how bad it was. He was very up front with me and I will always appreciate that. Bob had a broken knee cap and an infected knee replacement which needed to be replaced. He required an external fixator and was not able to put weight on the leg for five months. When he got ready to leave the hospital, I learned, as a caregiver, to stand up for what I felt was the right decision for Bob, not necessarily the easiest for me, which was to bring him home. The hospital kept telling me I could not do this and that he was better off in rehab. It was mid- December of 2017,

Christmas was two weeks away, and what if this was his last? They kept sending nurses and doctors into the room to reinforce their side of things, but I was determined, and had enough stubbornness in me to win. With three aides in place we began this long process. I learned how to give IV medication along with handling a patient in a hospital bed. My thought back then as a caregiver was how to get through each day. These events drain you physically, mentally, and emotionally. One needs to be very organized. Caregivers need to acknowledge that at times they need a break, even if it is only for a walk around the block. Humor is also very necessary, and understanding that the patient doesn’t want to be in this situation either. Creativity is important. Bob’s birthday came in March and the family put together a show as his present, with candles for atmosphere, announcements and plenty of entertainment. Jean, my daughter, sang. Joe, my son in law, played guitar. The granddaughters played their instruments. Irish music can do a lot for a patient. Bob said it was the best show he ever saw and he did not even get out of bed to see it. Without our Faith, Family and Friends who all visited often, I don’t know howwe would have gotten through it. I learned to take one day at a time, and sometimes one hour at a time and keep reprioritizing each day. I am not unusual. There are many caregivers that I see at Farmingdale who are all in a similar situation. For the most part, we all start out young, happy, and healthy in life and if we are lucky enough to be left on this earth long enough, we usually will end up being a caregiver or receiving care from someone. I consider us blessed as a couple to have such a good family and certainly would not want to walk through this journey without Butch, Scott, Joe, or Hunter -Kudos to all of you.

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Long Island’s Top PT Clinic!

IS IT BACK PAIN AGAIN OR IS IT SCIATICA?

INSIDE: • The Challenge Of Treating Back Pain • Healthy Recipe

• Employee Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

Dear Valued Client,

from aging. As a result, the discs are unable to hold normal spacing, and collapse increasing instability, causing back pain. Physical therapist intervention includes strengthening of core muscle groups, including the abdominal wall, which has positive effects on people with this condition. Exercise and hands on therapy have been shown to alleviate pain in many people. In addition, education on how to protect your spine and remain active is beneficial. Our physical therapists are trained to identify your problem and plan out the most effective treatment for you. Along with building your core muscle groups, hands-on physical therapy to move your spine has shown to be very effective. Our physical therapists develop a safe and effective treatment program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Surgery should always be the last option, but too often people think of surgery as a cure all and are eager to embark on it without knowing the long term risks. Receiving care from our knowledgeable and licensed physical therapists first can improve your odds that you can quickly reduce your pain and maintain your quality of life. Call us today for more information!

Are you one of the approximately 85 percent of adults that are affected by low back pain during their lifetime? If you suffer with back pain or sciatica, know that low cost results are closer than you think. Recent studies show that patients with low back pain should consider physical therapy first for their back pain, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

HENRY“BUTCH”PURSLOW, DPT

Another recent study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recommends that in most cases of low back degenerative disc disease (a common cause of low back pain), the most effective treatment is physical therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications. It concludes that physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are the best options of non-surgical treatment of low back pain. Low back degenerative disc disease develops when the discs between your spine weaken (often due to repetitive strain), suffer injury or shrink

www.farmingdalephysicaltherapywest.com

THE CHALLENGE OF TREATING BACK PAIN

Back pain is the second most common diagnosis seen by physicians in their offices. 85% of the US population will suffer an episode of back pain sometime in their life. Why is this? A lot has to do with the design of our body. It is the price we pay for walking upright on two legs. In humans, the force of gravity pulls directly down through the vertical spine compressing it together over the years. In other mammals, such as horses, apes, and cows, the spine is horizontal and the pull of gravity does not compress the spine together. Most back pain falls under the category of mechanical back pain, meaning the mechanics of the movement are not correct. The spine has to move in intricate ways to make whole movements of bending, extending, and twisting. Therefore, the “mechanics” of the spine are important in order for all the vertebrae (the bones) to be able to move. Mechanical back pain means that the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the spine are not moving correctly at the right time. This can cause increased strain on certain parts of your back, especially the very lower back. Why do the mechanics of the spine change and cause pain? This is due to a variety of reasons including small injuries from lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting, repetitive strain, accidents, weakness from prolonged sitting, and changes in your core strength. In today’s world, most of our daily activities involve sitting which causes the abdominal and back muscles to weaken. This in turn lessens the necessary support to the spine, causing strain. The strain causes inflammation, which leads to pain. Back pain can be localized to the back area or even radiate into the buttocks or backs of the legs.

Millions of people a year rely on over the counter medication and back braces to get through their day. However, the unfortunate reality is that unless treated properly, 75% of people with back problems will have another episode of their back pain. This is because the cause of the problem, the mechanical movement, is not addressed by treating it with drugs or a hot pack. More and more people with back pain are realizing the full benefits of our specialized hands on physical therapy to address the cause of their back pain and understand what they can do to have lasting relief. Call us today to learn how we can help quickly relieve your back pain!

Healthy Recipe: Zucchini Linguine

Ingredients • 1 lb tomatoes, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon chopped basil • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 teaspoons kosher salt • 1 small red chile, seeded & minced

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 12 ounces linguine • 3 baby zucchini, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with the basil, parsley, garlic, salt, chile and olive oil. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine; drain well. Add the linguine to the bowl along with the sliced zucchini and toss. Add the 1/4 cup of grated cheese, toss again and serve in bowls, passing more cheese at the table.

FARMINGDALE PHYSICAL THERAPY WEST 4277 Hempstead Turnpike Bethpage, NY 11714 • 516-731-3583

www.farmingdalephysicaltherapywest.com

Patient Success Spotlight

Employee Of The Month

VINCENZO ADDUCI

“A big thank you to the staff and Vin for helping me get on my “foot” again! After breaking my right foot in December, it was so painful. By doing my exercises and building up my strength, I can climb the stairs and drive my car without pain. Having full mobility was our goal and Vin and friends helped me get there. Thanks for all you do.” - Gwen P. “I can climb the stairs and drive my car without pain.”

Vincenzo’s favorite food is chicken cutlets, broccoli, and roasted potatoes.

When he is not at work, Vincenzo likes to spend time with his wife and dog, lift weights, and try out new restaurants. When asked what are his favorite things about working at Farmingdale Physical Therapy West, he said, “The atmoshpere, patients are all very nice, and the rest of the staff is a pleasure to work with.”

Take Care of Your Pain Before It ’s Too Late.

ACL WORKSHOP (WITH BUTCH)

June 6th 6:00PM - 7:00PM You’ll learn: •The importance of healthier eating habits SUMMER BEACHBODY WORKSHOP (WITH RICH)

Patient Of The Month

June 4th 6:00PM - 7:00PM You’ll learn: •Conservative management of ACL injuries •ACL injurypreventionprograms •How to better strengthen the muscles around your knee •The importanceofastrongand healthy hamstring •Exercises to relieve telltale symptoms

Peter

My name is Peter, I’ve been coming to Farmingdale Physical Therapy West since July of 2018. I hurt myself working at my job, ended up needing to have surgery. During surgery they found out it wasn’t just my AC joint, but I also had a tear in my bicep as well. I enjoy coming to FPTW because I know I’m one step closer to achieving my goal and that’s getting myself better and back to work. Jillian is just a sweetheart. Not only does she help take away the aches and pains, but she gets to know you personally and makes you feel right at home. The assistants are also supportive and fun to chat with.

•Howmuchwateryoushouldbe drinking each day

•Every day exercises to help drop the weight

•And much more!

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE CALL (516) 731-3583 TO RSVP Now in Our Facility! 4277 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 209 Bethpage, NY 11714

CALL TODAY! 516-731-3583

Attention Pain Sufferers WE ARE HOSTING 2 GREAT WORKSHOPS!

Tuesday, April 16th 2019 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm BACK PAIN & SCIATICA WORKSHOP

You’ll learn:

• Exercises to improve strength of your back • Exercises to relieve sciatica symptoms

• Main causes of back pain and sciatica • Benefits of PT for back pain and sciatica • How posture plays a role in back pain

CALL (516) 731-3583 TO RSVP

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

Now in Our Facility! 4277 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 209 Bethpage, NY 11714

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Attention Pain Sufferers WE ARE HOSTING 2 GREAT WORKSHOPS!

Tuesday, April 30th 2019 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ROTATOR CUFF WORKSHOP

You’ll learn:

• How posture plays a role in shoulder pain • Exercises to improve strength of the shoulder • Exercises to improve posture and pain

• Function of the rotator cuff • Main causes of shoulder/rotator cuff issues • Benefits of PT for shoulder pain

CALL (516) 731-3583 TO RSVP

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

Now in Our Facility! 4277 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 209 Bethpage, NY 11714

Find Us On: