RegionalPT | Relieve Your Back Pain by Fixing Your Posture

RegionalPT | Relieve Your Back Pain by Fixing Your Posture

FIXING YOUR POSTURE! Relieve Your Back Pain By

Feel Better

doing that we forget to think about the way our bodies are positioned. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Do you slouch at your desk? Do you lean forward to read emails? Do you hunch over your keyboard? These are all things that people do subconsciously, without even realizing the toll it takes on the body. Your posture affects how your body moves - whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, or performing pretty much any other task throughout the day. Your posture may also change depending on what you are doing - perhaps your posture when you stand is perfect, but when you sit at a desk or lay down, your body begins to hunch and fold in ways that it is simply not supposed to. Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. When we slouch our backs forward while walking or hunch our shoulders over our keyboards at work, it is because we feel drained – our bodies literally get tired of holding us up. Even if you exercise regularly, it is possible that there are still a few weak muscles contributing to your posture that you may not even realize. The muscles in your shoulders, back, abdomen, buttocks, and pelvic floor all play an important role in your posture. If even one of these is weak, your core will be affected, and your posture may suffer.

Did you know that approximately 3% of all emergency room visits tend to be the result of back pain or injury? Back pain is the most commonly reported area of pain, which can cause significant limits to one’s daily life. It is common for back pain to develop as the result of poor posture. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to realize whether or not it is stemming from the way you stand, sit, and lie down. How do you maintain your posture throughout the day? Do you catch yourself slouching frequently? Do those last couple hours of the school or work day leave you hunched over and ready to leave? If you notice daily or very frequent aches and pains in your back, it is likely that your posture is to blame. When your posture is incorrect, it can cause stress on other parts of your body, resulting in pain, inflammation, or dysfunction. Fortunately, Regional Physical Therapy can help. If you have been noticing persistent pains in your back, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll determine the cause of the pain so you can get back to living your life comfortably! POOR POSTURE – A COMMON ISSUE: Poor posture isn’t anything to be embarrassed about - very few people have perfect posture, and most people partake in bad posture habits in one way or another. We become so wrapped up in whatever tasks we are

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POSTURE PERFECT – FIND RELIEF FOR YOUR ACHING BACK TODAY!

Physical therapy is a great way to regain normal posture. At Regional Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experts in movement, and they are great resources to have when trying to achieve your physical performance goals. They will aid you in the improvement of your balance, stability, flexibility, and mobility, all of which will positively affect your posture. At your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will conduct functional testing in order to identify which weakened areas of your body are causing your back pain. Afterward, they will create a customized treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs. Treatment plans typically include manual therapy and targeted exercises to alleviate pain and regain proper function. Additional treatments, such as ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may

be added as your physical therapist deems fit. Your treatment plan will focus on improving your posture, increasing strength, and (most importantly) relieving your back pain. We know how hindering back pain can be, and we are ready to help you begin your journey toward long-lasting relief. Find out for yourself why physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to address your back pain and start on the road to recovery and improved posture. Contact Regional Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation and figure out how physical therapy can help make you “posture perfect!” Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21978519 • https://www. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/posture-align-yourself- for-good-health/art-20269950 • https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/ adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817

If you would like to find relief, call us today! www.regionalpt.com

HEALTHY RECIPE: VALENTINE’S WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS: • 1 tbsp white chocolate chips • 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla greek yogurt • 3/4 cup frozen raspberries

• 1 cup almond milk/milk of choice • 1/2 cup ice • Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS: In a small microwave safe bowl, heat white chocolate chips about 30 seconds and stir until smooth and melted through. Set aside to cool slightly. Add all ingredients, including melted chocolate, to a blender (or bullet, food processor, etc). Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with fresh berries. Enjoy!

Patient Success Story

“When I began P.T. I had been suffering from back pain for two months. It was very difficult to stand while making meals and shopping was almost impossible because of the back pain. Since I began therapy I have had remarkable progress. I have no pain while standing and walking. My life has gotten back to normal. What a relief to get out of bed each morning and know that I can do the things I have always loved. Thank you, staff.” — L.H. “ What a relief to get out of bed each morning and know that I can do the things I have always loved.”

SHOW YOUR BODY SOME LOVE BY COMING BACK TO PHYSICAL THERAPY! We understand that you may be worried about your recovery period after surgery, and that’s why we’re here! Our therapists can support and guide you both before and after surgery to ensure that you have the smoothest return to your normal activities! Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, and effective way to prepare your body for surgery and help you recover after. If you have a surgical procedure on the books, contact our clinic today to set up an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists!

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MIDWEST CITY 405.732.3353

OKLAHOMA CITY 405.692.5205

EDMOND 405.458.7727