Willow PT_How do I know if I need PT for Sciatica?

NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS?

ALSO INSIDE GLUTEN FREE BREAKFAST HASH RECIPE • HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS? EXERCISE OF THE MONTH PATIENT SPOTLIGHT

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS?

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nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Severe pain, chronic pain, or persistent numbness or weakness along one side of the body that doesn’t seem to go away are all signs that physical therapy is needed. Incontinence may also occur as an indication that your sciatica is getting worse – if your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder and/or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions. How can I get started? Why wait to find relief? Contact Willow physical therapy today to find out more about our physical therapy methods for treating sciatic aches and pains. Physical therapy treatments will include targeted stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on range of motion and postural improvement, in order to decrease stress on the sciatic nerve and prevent pain from returning in the future. At Willow physical therapy, we offer free consultations that will allow you to speak with one of our licensed and experienced physical therapists to learn their professional opinion regarding your condition. From there, if you decide to proceed, you will begin an examination process that will help determine the best personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. If you are ready to get rid of your sciatica symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll get to the root of the issue so you can get back to living your life comfortably!

Do you want to improve your health, energy, and fitness this year? We can help! Call to schedule your appointment today! 907-456-5990

HEALTHY RECIPE

Broccoli Salad

• 6 1/2 cups broccoli florets • 1/3 cup golden raisins • 2 tbsp salted roasted sunflower seeds

INGREDIENTS • 2 strips low-sodium bacon • 1/2 cup ice cubes • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream • 1/4 tsp finely grated lemon zest • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • Kosher salt & black pepper

DIRECTIONS Combine the ice cubes, onions and 1 cup water in a small bowl. Let the onio soak for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the salad, then drain and pat d Cook the bacon in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, abo 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, reserving 1 teaspo drippings for the dressing. Finely chop the bacon strips and reserve. Whisk t buttermilk, sour cream, lemon zest and juice, reserved bacon drippings, 3 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the broccoli, onions a golden raisins to the dressing. Toss well, cover and chill for at least 1 hour a up to 4 hours. Season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving di and top with the chopped bacon and sunflower seeds.

Try this movement if you are experiencing pain. EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

SIDELYING TRUNK ROTATION While lying on your side with your arms out-stretched in front of your body, slowly twist your upper body to the side and rotate your spine. Your arms and head should also be rotating along with the spine as shown. Follow your hand with your eyes. Hold for 20 seconds repeat 3 times on each side.

Have you met your annual insurance deductible?

An insurance deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your insurance company pays for your medical services. If your deductible is met, your Physical Therapy may not cost you anything. Patients with family plans or those who have had major surgeries or have a chronic illness are especially likely to have a $0 balance remaining on their out-of-pocket expenses. This means that the cost of physical therapy could be minimal or completely covered by the patient’s insurance plan. If you are close to or have met your insurance deductible for the year, then now is the time to come in for Physical Therapy! Are you feeling aches and pains? Need to work on your core? Let us help you get a head start for 2018. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Exercises copyright of

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

Patient Spotlight

“My therapist used many techniques to decrease my dizziness and improve my balance and increase my mobility. I have 5 exercises that I do at home that help me significantly. Thank you Willow PT!” V. Vlahivich “I have 5 exercises that I do at home that help me significantly.”

www.willowpt.com Call to schedule your appointment today! 907-456-5990

NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY SCIATICA PAINS?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat sciatica pains. If you are living with sciatica, you know how uncomfortable it can get. Many people with sciatica describe their symptoms as “shooting pains,” typically down one side of the body. While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, they can help relieve your pain and speed up the healing process. Because of this, it is in your best interest to consult with a physical therapist before symptoms become too severe. If you are living with sciatica, or you think you may be experiencing sciatica symptoms, contact Willow physical therapy today to discover how we can help. How can physical therapy help me?

In a study published by Spine, a respected medical journal, physical therapy treatments for sciatica pain were seen to be a highly effective option. When a patient begins their physical therapy sessions early enough, they are able to manage their pain quickly and straightforwardly. Additionally, physical therapy is much more budget-friendly for the average person, especially when symptoms are addressed early. This study found that over a one-year period, people who had taken 10 sessions of physical therapy had better results for their sciatic pain than those who were only given guidelines for treatment. The authors attributed the cost- effectiveness of the physical therapy approach in part to using it as the first line of defense against sciatic pain and back pain. When physical therapy treatments are performed at

the start, the need for expensive diagnostic tests or invasive surgeries typically become obsolete.

When should I see a physical therapist?

A good rule of thumb is to come in for a free consultation as soon as you begin to notice sciatic pains – from there, your physical therapist can let you know what the best course of action will be. Sciatica symptoms may include shooting pains down one leg, buttock, or persistent aches and/or numbness in the lower back. Additionally, any dull or piercing aches along the sciatic nerve may be an indication of sciatica. If pain goes from dull to severe, that is a strong indication that physical therapy intervention is needed. The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic

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Are you letting pain hold you back? Call to schedule your appointment today! 907-456-5990 WE ARE STILL OFFERING TELEHEALTH FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T COME IN TO THE OFFICE!