VCSST: Relieve Arthritis Pain

Newsletter Spotlight onNancy!

Nancy specializes in the evaluation and treatment of foot and ankle injuries and is certified in custom orthotic fabrication. She has a special interest in gymnastics and running injuries and is the physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics Club. She was a competitive gymnast at the University of Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1989. She became a Certified Athletic Trainer in 1991 and worked with the Loyola College Division I athletic teams. Before joining the VCSST team in 2005, she practiced in various outpatient sports medicine clinics in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Nancy is a dedicated triathlete and has competed in races ranging from sprints to half- ironman triathlons. Nancy represented Team USA in the World Triathlon championships in Cozumel, Mexico in 2016 finishing 11th in her age bracket! Nancy Placide, PT, ATC

www.vcsst.com

The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone… FEET – We ignore them, abuse them and subordinate them to fashion. We hardly think about them at all unless they give us problems. However the lowly (pun) foot is the basic foundation for the entire structure of the body. If there is a problem with the foundation, the body may respond by changing the way it moves when we walk or run. Over time, this may not only result in foot pain, but may also cause occasional or chronic pain in the ankles, shins, knees, hips, back or any combination of these. This is because the function of the foot is to serve as a shock absorber with every step we take, and faulty foot mechanics can hinder this function. Custom orthotics may be helpful by allowing your foot to rest on a surface that will direct the foot into the proper position to accept your body’s weight and absorb forces during walking and running. VCSST has a certified orthotics specialist who can thoroughly evaluate you for the need for either over-the-counter or custom orthotics if indicated.

Newsletter IDecidedToDoSomething AboutMyHipPain! DoYouWant ToTakeTheNext StepToo?

INSIDE: • Take Your Next Step To Treating Arthritis Pain

Study Shows How to Relieve OA Pain In a medical study, 83 patients with osteoarthritiswere assigned to receive either hands-on physical therapy (treatment group) or a pill that actually did nothing to help their pain without them knowing (placebo group). Tests were done to measure how well the people were doing 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 1 year later. The results were very impressive with the patients who had hands- on physical therapy combined with gentle, specific exercises. They showed significant improvements in their pain, mobility and function. By8weeks,patientswereabletowalkfurtherandfaster withmuch less,orcompletely resolvedpain.Their joint stiffness, aches and mobility had improved by 55% as compared to the group who had no treatment. At one year, patients in the treatment group still were doing great in terms of less pain and more mobility. Other benefits included less need for surgery with only 5% of patients in the treatment group having undergone surgery as compared to 20% with the placebo group. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, our physical therapy treatments relieve your pain. Isn’t it time you

• You Can Relieve Arthritis Pain

• Exercise Essentials

did something about your pain and movement? Call us today to learnmoreaboutourARTHRITISPROGRAMso we can make a positive difference in your life. Annals of Internal Medicine: February 1, 2000 vol. 132 no. 3 173-181. Gail D. Deyle, MPT; Nancy E. Henderson, PhD, MPT; Robert L. Matekel, MPT; Michael G.Ryder,MPT;MatthewB.Garber,MPT;andStephenC.Allison,PhD,MPT,ECS

Balance is the key to life. The art of stone stacking requires a solid foundation and precise placement of each successive stone around a center point of gravity. The slightest variation in weight in one direction will throw off the forces on the stones below it and potentially the ones above as well. The human body is obviously much more complex and dynamic than stacked stones; however, balance around a center point of gravity is critical for proper function. Improper posture, asymmetries or malalignment can result in altered forces which can affect segments above or below. Imbalances may manifestaspain inotherareaswhichmaybeattemptingtocompensate for the faulty areas. Our PT’s have years of training to analyze body alignment and posture and to spot deviations or altered movement patterns. A plan of care of targeted techniques and education about yourproblemareascanhelpyourestorebalanceandoptimizeefficiency of function.

(804) 249-8277 FAX: (804) 249-9690 CALL TODAY! NEW LOCATION! 2820 Waterford Lake Dr. Suite 103 Midlothian, VA 23112.

YouCanRelieveYOURArthritisPain

6Essential TipsToHelpYourArthritisPain “What Can I Do To Gain Pain Relief Independently?”

1. Education & self-management When your treatment is over, our experts will have equipped you with the knowledge and exercises you need to continue your progress on your own. 2. Weight loss Maintaining your recommended weight or losing weight if you are overweight can lessen your pain by reducing stress on your affected joints. Weight loss specifically helps ease pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. 3. Footwear & insoles If arthritis affects your knee, special footwear and insolescan reduce pain and improve walking. 4. Knee braces Forosteoarthritiswithassociatedknee instability, a knee brace can reduce pain, improve stability and reduce the risk of falling. 5. Heat & cold Many people find the heat of a warm bath, heat pack or paraffin bath eases arthritis pain. Others find relief in cold packs. Still others prefer

When it comes to treating arthritis, you may have more options than you realize. There is a lot you can do to reduce your aches and pains from arthritis, while gaining more mobility and function. People often experience pain from arthritis

alternating the two. Learn more about what can work best for you by talking to our specialists. 6. Exercise Exercise has been proven to help reduce arthritis pain while increasing strength and function. Knowing the right kind of exercises to do is the key. Talking with our physical therapists will point you in the right direction. There is a lot that you can do to relieve the pain from arthritis and protect your joints for the long-term. Find out more about our ARTHRITIS PROGRAM by calling us today and discover how to relieve and reduce the pain of arthritis.

becauseofstiff joints,musclesandother tissues. In addition, muscles become weak, therefore not supporting the arthritic joints. Our customized physical therapy treatments promote muscle strength, improve range of motion, increase mobility and ease pain. In addition, coupling your treatments with the following can also help you live life to the fullest and get you back to doing the things you love :

KNEE EXTENSION STRETCH

Services our expert team is ready to provide:

• Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation • Spinal Mobilization/Manipulation • Concussion Management • Balance/Fall Prevention • Vestibular Rehabilitation/Canal Repositioning • Headache Management • TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) • Post surgical rehabilitation • Core Stabilization • Functional Manual Therapy/

Mobilizations • Custom Orthotic Assessment and Fabrication • Functional Movement Screens and injury • Myofascial Release Techniques • McKenzie Approach • Physical Therapy Dry Needling • Managing chronic and persistent pain

Helps Loosen Tight Knees

While sitting, tighten your top thigh muscle to press the back of your knee downward towards the ground. Repeat 8 times on both sides.

(804) 249-8277 FAX: (804) 249-9690

CALL TODAY!

www.vcsst.com

SUMMERWORD SEARCH

GRILLED GREEN BEANS Summer Recipe

Patient Spotlight Successful coworkers elevate each other. Theymotivate, inspire and push each to newheights everyday! “You won’t find a friendlier place to seek your recovery.”

Ingredients: • 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup Marcona almonds • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese For the Orange-Shallot Dressing: • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice • 2 tablespoons minced shallot • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • Pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions: 1. Make the Green Beans: Heat grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Toss beans with oil and place in grill basket. Grill 6 to 8 minutes or until beans are lightly browned and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. 2. Meanwhile, make Orange-Shallot Dressing: In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, shallot, mustard, salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly drizzle in oil until all oil is incorporated. 3. Serve green beans sprinkled with almonds and cheese, and drizzled with Orange-Shallot Dressing.

“You won’t find a friendlier place to seek your recovery. With a supportive staff that’s vested in your recovery, Virginia Center for Spine & Sports Therapy is where you’ll wish you had went to first. You’ll love the new location at Waterford. Knowledgeable, helpful therapists with real concern for your recovery”. - Dave