RecoveryPT_You Can Overcome Back Pain

RecoveryPT_You Can Overcome Back Pain

JUNE 2019 N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y

YOU CAN OVERCOME BACK PAIN RECOVERY IS A STEP AWAY

ALSO INSIDE: BACK PAIN PREVENTION • EXERCISE ESSENTIALS • STAFF SPOTLIGHT • DIRECT ACCESS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • CLINIC NEWS

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N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y

JUNE 2019

WWW.RECOVERYPT.COM

YOU CAN OVERCOME BACK PAIN RECOVERY IS A STEP AWAY

• 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. Contact us today or visit our website at www.recoverypt.com to find out more about how we can help you take charge of your back pain.

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 I M P L E S O L U T I O N S F O R A PA I N - F R E E L I F E

A littlepreventiongoesa longway. Ifyouwant 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.Thensquatwhilekeepingyourspine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this willreduce thepressureplacedonyourspine. Use Good Posture When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head—lifting you

deserve a pain-free life, and your back will thank you.

up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders andneckaligned. Ifyou’resitting,don’tslouch. Use Strength Training Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By liftingweights,runningandswimming,youcan 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.Getregularcheck-ups,andmakesure 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

To find out more about how we can help you achieve freedom from back pain, call us at (917) 763-7825 or visit us at www.recoverypt.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

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY SUCCESS STORIES

I just finished rehabbing a severely injured shoulder, including a 5th degree AC separation, a torn bicep, and a massive rotator cuff tear. It turns out 54 year old men are

notsupposedto layouttocatchafifteenyardoutthrown lowandoutside. I met Richa Doshi at your Wall Street office by happenstance. I wanted to start PT right away and she was the only one who agreed to see me thesameday.Herofficewasa little further than Iwanted to travel,but I figured Icouldat leaststartwithherand thenswitch tosomeonecloser to me. She seemed to know what she was doing, so I ended up sticking withher.Good thing Idid. Shewasveryaccommodating tomy irregular schedule (I’m a trial attorney and never know when I will and will not be on trial, so all my appointments are made last minute.) I am now six

monthspostmajorshouldersurgeryandduetomyrestorationofalmost full range of motion and strength, I have been cleared to return to full contact sports. I return to the lacrosse field this month. I cannot thank Richa enough for her efforts. When my fiancé suffered a wrist injury, I sent her right to Richa for therapy. That’s the greatest compliment I can offer. ” – J. L.

Supported Bridge Lie on your back with knees bent and your feet hip distance apart. Place your feet close enough so they can be touched by the finger tips. Inhale and lift the hips, and while doing so, place a block or rolled up towel under the sacrum. Keep the chest open. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 10 times. For a more challenging exercise, repeat the same steps without using the block for support. When lifting hips, try to arch to the point where your torso and hips become a straight line and your pelvis is level. Try not to arch too high. Hold for about 5 seconds while continuing to breathe and then slowly set yourself back down. EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS USE THIS TECHNIQUE FOR CORE STRENGTH

DR . CARLO CHAN, PT, DPT STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Carlo Chan works at Recovery Physical Therapy’s Upper West Side office. After graduating with a B.S. in Biology from St. Thomas Aquinas College, he earned his DPT from Touro College School of Health Sciences in Manhattan. Carlo has over six years of experience working in orthopedic

outpatient practices in Manhattan. Carlo specializes in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, and has taken continuing education credits involving manual therapy techniques, Kinesio Taping and McKenzie techniques. He is also an active competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsuandsubmissiongrappling;ahobbywhichallowshimto relate to athletes trying to return to their respective sports. Carlo believes that one of the most satisfying aspects of being a physical therapist is seeing patients return to their previous level of function. Dr. Carlo practices at 207 West 79th Street, our Upper West Side New York City location. Call (212) 874-1550 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carlo, today!

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

DIRECT ACCESS WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Physical Therapy is Easier to Get Than You Think! • A physician referral • Therapy may begin

After more than a decade of providing physical therapy services for Manhattan’s Upper West Side residents, we have relocated to a brand- new facility at: 207 W79th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam) Under the continued leadership of Carlo Chan, DPT, we remain committed to provide the best in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular rehabilitation. We welcome you to visit us and see for yourself what we can do to provide real solutions for any physical limitations or challenges you are struggling to manage on your own. Come see us with a referral from your physician or by “direct access;” all you need is to schedule an appointment to be evaluated and have a treatment plan designed for you. CLINIC NEWS: WE’VE MOVED!

with a full evaluation by a licenced physical therapist • Patients sent by their physician can choose where they want to receive therapy

no longer needed, whether you want a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or if you want to improve your overall health and wellness

Don’t let your pain hold you back. Call us today at (917) 763-7825 or visit our website at www.recoverypt.com.

CALL OUR UPPER WEST SIDE LOCATION AT (212) 874-1550 TODAY!