Pittman Physical Therapy_How Posture Affects Back and Neck …

Pittman Physical Therapy_How Posture Affects Back and Neck …

The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“ I feel I ammuch better.” “First, I want to thank everyone who worked with me and helped me. Each person was friendly, very polite, and so helpful. I especially liked when Laura had hands on my neck, felt so good and the traction was great. I feel I am much better. Pain mostly gone, and range of motion is better. A good experience and thank you .”

The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

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DISCOVER ONE THING YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE!

How is your posture throughout the day? Do you catch yourself slouching frequently? If you suffer with aches and pains, especially in your neck, upper or lower back, poor posture is probably to blame. The proper curves of your spine Your spine has 3 curves, which provide support, your spine. Your neck should have a gentle curve in, upper back slightly curved out and lower back slightly curved in. When you slouch, the spine in your neck and lower back actually becomes straighter,

while the upper back becomes excessively curved. This produces a forward head posture and humped upper back. In addition, weak abdominal muscles can cause

an excessive arch in the lower back. Why is posture important?

Your body is designed to be in good alignment allowing proper movement of the muscles, breathing, movement of blood throughout the body and digestion. Many chronic conditions are linked to poor posture and changes to the structure of the body. Just look in the mirror, is your posture the same as when you were younger? Poor posture leads to excessive strain on your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It also weakens many of the core muscles that are needed to keep you upright and healthy. Posture changes occur over time and most people don’t pay attention to them until they are unhappy with the way their body looks or starts to hurt. Posture can be improved Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating posture and movement. By pinpointing the source of your aches and pains, we can develop a plan for you that will return you to a more youthful posture and quickly relieve your pain. Call us today to learn more how we can improve your posture and help you lead a pain free active life.

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Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to help maintain a healthy body

Helps With Posture

Strengthens Back and Improves Posture

QUADRUPED ALTERNATE ARM AND LEG While in a crawling position, slowly draw your leg and opposite arm upwards. Your arm and leg should be straight and fully out-stretched. Do this 8 times then alternate.

PRONE BACK EXTENSION While lying face down, slowly raise your chest upwards and off the ground. Then lower slowly back to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

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

Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

Who do you know that needs our help?

Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely

9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle

Referral Club: Thanks to our patients for referring a friend or family member!

If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Pittman Physical Therapy today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an evaluation! You will get your name in our next newsletter and you could win a $20 gift card! WIN A $20 GIFT CARD

Marion Clark Barbara Elliott Candace Harris

Jack Rude Denise Throneberry

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from back pain, numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, buttocks or lower back? Saturday, January 13th at 10AM You Should Only Attend These Workshops If: 1.) You or a loved one suffer from back pain or sciatica pain. 2.) You are aged 40+ and have suffered with pain for longer than you feel you should have 3.) You are currently seeing a doctor or thinking about it How Do I Register For These Workshops? Call Pittman Physical Therapy at 901-850-5246 We only have 25 seats available for each event due to the interactive nature of this workshop. So if you would like to attend, be sure to register now Call 901-850-5246 Upcoming Back Pain Workshop You are invited to our

How Much Is It To Attend The Workshop? Nothing... the event is absolutely FREE but call 901-850-5246 now to register as we are taking only 25 attendees.

LASER OPEN HOUSE During the laser open house we will be offering and introduction to Laser Therapy. We also have specials on treatment packages. Limited to 24 people. MORE INFO TO COME. January 25th, 6-9pm

Patient Success Spotlight

“I am so appreciative of all the help from Pittman PT.” “Before starting therapy, the pain in my left shoulder was limiting my ability to participate in sports that I loved. Even everyday movements caused quite a bit of discomfort. After several weeks of strengthening and range of motion exercises, my pain has significantly improved, and I had been able to return to the activities that I enjoy. I am so appreciative of all the help from Pittman PT.” -Christine Smith

“I feel great!” “Before I came to PT, it hurt to throw a baseball. So I came to PT and did multiple exercises that helped me have better rotation, be able to throw again, and being able to throw better and farther. I feel great and I hope I stay like that. I would say that PT helped me a lot.” -Gavin Gresham

“My balance has improved dramatically!”

“I feel like I havemy life back!” “I literally left my first appointment in tears. I never wanted to come back, I was in soo much pain. To be honest I said a few cuss words about my first day. I could barely walk, let alone work in surgery the next day! But, I came back and stuck with it. I am finally able to work and stand in surgery all day without pain. I am able to work on our nursery so we can adopt. When I got hurt, it was the worst possible timing Now I feel like I have my life back and am ready for our family’s next big steps. Thanks Jeff, even if you did make me cry along the way!” -Ashley McGough

“Having a stroke is a scary thing. What will you lose? What limits will you have? How will life change? Truth is, you don’t have to lose anything. Here at Pittman, there are no limits. I came in with balance problems, and, to be honest, some confidence issues. The people here are masters at confidence building. My balance has improved dramatically, but that’s just the beginning, I leave with renewed energy and outlook. Mitch, Matt, Jeff, Jeremy—all of you here at Pittman have my eternal gratitude. Job very well done!” -Patrick Lenahan

3 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE 2. Sitting

1. Standing Stand facing a mirror. Look at your shoulders, does one seem higher than the other? Look at your neck, does it tilt to one side or stick forward? Pretend that an imaginary string is pulling you through the top of your head gently. Notice how your posture improves automatically when you try to be taller? Keep your abdominals slightly contracted to maintain this posture. When walking, make sure that your arms are moving comfortably back and forth, feeling the rotation through your torso.

3. Bending Most back injuries occur when bending and twisting at the same time. When you need to bend down to get something from a low surface, make sure you squat, keep your abdominals tight as you do so. In addition, if you are lifting something, get your body as close as possible to what you are lifting. Try having one leg forward to use your legs more to lift, rather than your back. As part of physical therapy treatment, we teach you proper posture, bending and lifting techniques to protect your body from future injuries and make sure you stay healthy for the long haul. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you live pain free!

Sit all the way back in your chair so you feel your lower back against the back rest. Avoid prolonged sitting on soft couches when watching TV as this causes excessive slouching. Try to keep your feet flat on the floor and angle your chair so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips. Try using a small rolled-up towel in your low back if you need more support in sitting. If you work at a computer, make sure that your keyboard and mouse are slightly lower than the level of your elbow. You may need to adjust your seat higher to make this happen.

DECREASE COSTS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY Research shows people who go directly to Physical Therapy had 86% fewer visits

• Physical Therapy • Wellness and Prevention • Dry Needling • Manual Therapy • Joint Pain Treatment Our Services

on average than referred patients, decreasing costs tremendously. CALL TODAY

Phone: 901-850-5246 • Fax: 901-850-5226