ReQuest: Find Relief For Persistent Neck Pain

Live Life Pain-free

Health & Wellness Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM: ELLEN CUNNINGHAM, MASSAGE THERAPIST

“Balance.” With Ellen, balance is key. Ellen is sensitive to the tender muscles and pain from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety, and depression. Ellen has advanced training in Thai Yoga Massage, Foot Reflexology, Oncology, and Orthopedic Massage to help you relax, rejuvenate, and re-energize! Massage Background: Ellen joined the Request Physical Therapy team in May of 2018. Ellen is a seasoned therapist – she graduated in 2005 fromThe Florida School of Massage and loves making every BODY in our community feel their best. She combines Swedish (long, flowing strokes), Deep Tissue, Passive/ Active Stretching, and Trigger Point Therapy to loosen up and realign dysfunctional muscle fibers, as well as lengthen the neck, shoulders, low back, hips, legs, and feet. Her recovery from a broken arm, lifelong study of the body-mind connection, and desire to help others inspired her to become a massage therapist. She has advanced training in head, neck, and shoulder strategies for pain relief. She believes a caring touch truly enhances someone’s sense of well-being and lifts their spirits. She balances depth of pressure, speed of stroke, and breath control to soothe the nervous system, calm the mind, and prevent life’s every day stresses from affecting people’s overall health. Words of wisdom from Ellen: “Massage is a catalyst for positive change. Recovery and rehabilitation from injuries, surgery, pain management as well as working out for strength and cardiovascular health all require massage for balance. Massage flushes the old and brings in the new, resetting the reflex arc

of communication from your muscles to your brain. Changing the way your body feels changes the way your mind thinks about your body. Massage softens and lengthens your muscles so that they are healthy, supple, and flexible. The yin and yang – doing and being.” Fun Facts: Ellen just bought her first home and is imagining, designing. and growing a modern spa themed Airbnb. She’s learned from managing others Airbnb’s that she loves creating a cozy stay and offering hospitality to a diverse array of travelers. She’s also never met a dog she doesn’t like and is inspired by Florida’s gorgeous sunsets.

Make an appointment with Ellen at (352) 373-2116.

OUR SERVICES

• Injury Treatment • Vestibular Fall Treatment

• Sciatica Treatment • And More!

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Live Life Pain-free

Health & Wellness Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

FIND RELIEF FOR PERSISTENT NECK PAINWITH PHYSICAL THERAPY INSIDE: • Contact ReQuest Physical Therapy For Neck Pain Relief! • Patient Success Spotlight • Healthy Recipe • Let’s Talk About Your Physical & Mental Health

Whether you have pain or have been suffering for a long time, seeing a physical therapist at ReQuest Physical Therapy can help you return to a more active and pain-free life. Give us a call today:

Are you suffering from the debilitating effects of neck pain? Approximately one- third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year, which can get worse if left untreated. In severe cases, surgery may even be needed. However, at ReQuest Physical Therapy, we want to do everything we can to help you avoid that. The neck is extremely important in the overall posture of the body. Where the head and neck move, so does the rest of the body. Changes in the alignment of your neck can cause a variety of symptoms such as neck tension, headaches, migraines, and even radiating pain or numbness to the arms and hands. It is no secret that the neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and pain can prevent you from functioning properly in day-to-day life. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you regain your normal, pain-free function. In fact, thousands of people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year with the help of physical therapy. How does physical therapy help with neck pain? Physical therapy has proven successful in relieving long-term symptoms in patients experiencing both acute and chronic neck pain. This evidence is further illustrated in a 2017 qualitative systematic review conducted by the National Institutes of Health, titled “The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review.” This review analyzes a number of studies providing evidence for manual therapy

• GAINESVILLE: (352) 373-2116 • TIOGA CENTER: (352) 692-2131

and exercise treatments for patients with different stages of non-specific neck pain. Researchers pulled information fromMedline, Cochrane-Register- of-Controlled-Trials, PEDro, and Embase. According to the researchers, one of the major takeaway points listed in the conclusion is that “combining different forms of [manual therapy] with exercise is better than [manual therapy] or exercise alone.” Results from the 23 studies chosen for review demonstrated patient success across the board when pairing manual therapy with targeted exercises for neck pain. Results conclude that physical therapy is a proven successful treatment for patients suffering from neck pain, and manual therapy and exercise methods are the most effective in helping patients regain their optimum levels of function. The systematic reviewmentioned above verifies that manual therapy and exercise are two of the most effective treatments for relieving neck pain in patients. At ReQuest Physical Therapy, those are two methods that we commonly incorporate into treatment plans for neck pain relief, and we have noticed significant success in them.

www.requestphysicaltherapy.com/physical-therapy-services/neck-pain/

CONTACT REQUEST PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR NECK PAIN RELIEF!

At your initial evaluation, one of our licensed physical therapists will analyze any limitations that may be caused by your neck pain. They will then design a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Our main focus is helping you overcome discomfort and limitations as quickly as possible, so you can get back to living your daily life without worrying about pain. Manual, or “hands-on” treatments consist of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness in the neck and improve range of motion. Targeted exercises focus on the root of the pain, in order to strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in the neck. Treatments will focus on improving posture to aid in the recovery of the neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Additional treatment services may also be included as your physical therapist deems fit, based on the nature of your condition. If you have been suffering from neck pain, don’t hesitate to contact ReQuest Physical Therapy today. We’ll get to the root of your neck pain and determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started on the first steps toward saying goodbye to your neck pain!

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

ALMOND CHERRY ARUGULA SALAD TASTE HOW DELICIOUS WEIGHT LOSS CAN BE

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups baby arugula • 1 cup barley or lentils, cooked & cooled • 20 fresh cherries, pits removed &

quartered • 1/4 cup raw almonds, sliced or slivered • 1/4 crumbled goat or feta cheese • Balsamic vinegar to taste

DIRECTIONS In a large bowl add arugula, barley, and cherries. Toss gently to combine. Top with almonds and goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Enjoy as a refreshing appetizer or side salad to baked fish or grilled chicken! This is one of the many complementary recipes shared in our healthy lifestyle program, Physicians’ Choice for Weight Loss.

https://requestphysicaltherapy.com/physical-therapy-services/neck-pain/

Patient Success Spotlight

Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? • Move without pain • Bend and move freely REFER A FRIEND! WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT NEEDS OUR HELP?

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

Have them call our office today! 1. Call and talk to a therapist 2. Discover why your pain has come back 3. Get your custom recovery program

Followed through with every request that I have had! “As soon as I walk through the doors, one of the patient care coordinators calls me by my name, welcomes me, and assures me that I am being checked in. The coordinators have followed through with every request that I have had.” - Brenda P.

WE MAKE IT EASY TO LEAVE A REVIEW! INSTRUCTIONS:

FREE 15 MINUTE PAIN SCREEN CALL TO SCHEDULE TODAY! GAINESVILLE: (352) 373-2116 TIOGA CENTER: (352) 692-2131

1. Open your smart phone to the camera app 2. Center the QR code above in the frame (this will take you directly to our Patient Results page) 3. Tell us how we’ve done! Click on the “Review Us” button on the top of the page.

Limited to the first 25 callers. Expires 09-30-20

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LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL &MENTAL HEALTH

are up all around the globe with everything we’ve been forced to deal with. If you’re feeling depressed, getting off the couch or rolling out of bed can be compared to running through syrup. However, it’s still highly recommended to do what you can to get your body moving. Even modest amounts of exercise such as a walk around your neighborhood can make a difference. No matter your age or fitness level, ReQuest Physical Therapy is here to teach you how to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better. If you’ve been experiencing anxiety to any extent, physical therapy can also help you learn breathing exercises that can alleviate pains in your chest caused by panic attacks. Our skilled therapists here at ReQuest Physical Therapy are ready and able to assess how your body is currently functioning if you’re dealing with anxiety and depression. These two conditions can cause a lot of unnecessary stress on the body, and make it very difficult for you to function normally, or have enough energy to use critical thinking skills. Contact Our Office Today. When you’re under the cloud of physical and emotional disorder, it can be very difficult to pay attention to exercise or see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re having trouble coping with everything going on around you right now, it’s time to stop dealing with it on your own. Here at ReQuest Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to the best overall health of every single one of our patients. Our therapists will talk with you about your current stressors, and do a thorough evaluation of your physical abilities and any areas causing you pain. We’ll make sure that during this time, you feel taken care of and supported, both mentally and physically. Remember, we’re in this together.

COVID-19. Unemployment rates. Here at ReQuest Physical Therapy, we get it: the world doesn’t feel like a very safe place right now. When life as you know it does a complete 180, you may find yourself experiencing copious amounts of stress. Needless to say, your physical and mental health will most likely direct hits. We want our patients to know we stand by them in all kinds of unforeseen circumstances. Our office is open for appointments, whether your ailment is physical or mental. Give us a call today for more information on how physical therapy can help you stay afloat during these unprecedented times. Feeling Stressed? Physical Therapy Can Help. Getting regular exercise is great for your body, and it’s also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression and anxiety. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood. Depending on what kind of stress you are dealing with, you may start noticing pain in certain areas of your body. This is because stress manifests itself in our physical form: the way we walk, sit, stand, and even lie down at night can all be negatively impacted by stress. You may notice your back, hips or shoulders are aching lately, as these are three places many people tend to “carry” their stress. Dealing with stress constantly can also manifest in the form of headaches. Physical therapy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering treatment options for headaches, however, it may be the ideal treatment if you’re experiencing tension or stress headaches. Depression Got You Down? Let A Therapist Take The Wheel. Depression can be one of the most crippling feelings in the world. It’s no surprise that depression rates

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Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to keep you moving...

About Us When you need physical therapy, you have the right to choose where you go. If you are tired of being a number and ready for a physical therapy team that’s proud to offer special services not found in any other practice in the Gainesville area, ReQuest Physical Therapy is your choice. We offer a variety of additional premier services to make your time at ReQuest as pleasant as possible, including discounts for cash/self-pay patients, flexible payment schedules, and same-day appointments. We also accept patients without a physician’s referral, so you can begin treatment quickly and without the hassle of extra paperwork.

CERVICAL RETRACTION Sit in a chair with good posture and your feet flat on the floor. Press your fingers into your chin until you feel a stretch in the back of your neck. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Exercises copyright of

Stretches Neck

www.simpleset.net

FORWARD NECK TUCK Sit with good posture then place one hand behind your head and slowly pull your head in the direction of your armpit. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on each side as needed.

Strengthens Neck

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

MASSAGE THERAPY RETURNS!

Telehealth at ReQuest PT

ReQuest Physical Therapy will reopen massage therapy services. Need relief from muscle spasms, improvement in flexibility, or improved circulation? Massage therapy may be the best solution for you. To schedule your massage therapy session call a clinic nearest you and let them know you are ready to gain pain relief!

ReQuest Physical Therapy is committed to your health and wellness and is pleased to announce the addition of telehealth services for our patients! We have worked diligently to establish technology that allows us to continue treating your condition while also doing our part to #flattenthecurve! This digital platform means no interruption to plans of care, even when scheduled clinic visits are not an option.

Video Conference: Virtual face time with patients which allows therapists to collect all the necessary information to prescribe or modify exercises based on range of motion and functional testing.