Worcester: Determining The Origins Of Pain

Health &Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

March, 2018

“Spring Back Into Action Without Pain!” DETERMINING THE ORIGINS OF PAIN

When you have an ache or pain, it can leave you scratching your head as to where the pain is truly coming from. Just because it hurts in that part of your leg or arm, doesn’t mean that is where the problem is coming from. Is it a disc, muscle strain, or did you just plain overdo it?

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Inside:

• Determining The Origins Of Pain

• Why Are You Suffering From Pain?

• Relieve Back Pain In Minutes

• Patient Success Spotlight

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

March, 2018

“Your Body Is Trying To Tell You Something!” DETERMINING THE ORIGINS OF PAIN

How long have you had your pain? For example, acute low back (lumbar) pain may be because of a muscle strain. Chronic low back pain is typical of restricted joints, tight muscle tissue, and weakened muscle strength. What type of pain? Achy, sharp, tingling? Achy pain is typically a problem with movement due to poor functioning of muscles and joints. Sharp pain can be a muscle spasm, or even an impingement of a joint. Tingling sensations and pain can be irritation to a nerve either from compression or inflammation of that area.

with your doctor closely. Being a physical therapist is much like being a detective of the body. Where did that pain come from, what type of pain is it, what are you not able to do that you want to get back to, how is your body moving incorrectly, etc.? If you are suffering from back pain or neck pain, here are some questions that are important for us to know, to determine the origins of your pain:

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WHY ARE YOU SUFFERING FROMPAIN?

Does the pain travel to a specific part of the leg or arm, or does it spread over a wide area to the buttock, back of the leg, or arm? Wide-spreadpain is typicalofmusclestrain, inflammation,andweakness. Patientswill typically relate thispainwithprolongedstanding,walking,and other physical activities. This is due to the fact that the muscles cannot support thespineorhips,and thusbecomestrained.Specificpain inapart of the leg or arm can possibly be nerve related. In either of these cases, it is important for you to seek out the right professional help. Is the pain worse at a specific time of day? Achy, stiff pain in the morning can be due to muscle and tissue stiffness. Severe radiating pain to the lower back, buttock, and leg with bending in the morning is an indicator of a potential herniated disc. Wide-spread pain is typically related to the lack of flexibility and guarding in the spine; whereas pain towards the end of the day after moving and activity, is an indicatorofspinalmuscleweaknessas themusclesfatigueduring theday. Do you have difficulty with prolonged sitting, standing, or walking? Pain with prolonged standing and walking is typical of muscle fatigue of the spine as well as the hip muscles. It is typical to complain of pain to the low back and buttocks as your muscles cannot tolerate the activity. An easy test to check your hip strength is to lie on your side and lift your leg up 10 times. If you struggle with this, you most likely have hip muscle weakness, which will cause a lot of strain to your spine. Most people with back pain have a lot of weakness with these muscles and many others. The good news is that with the right physical therapy treatment plan, you can treat these problem areas and prevent the pain from returning.

There is a lot that can be done to help pain, and the fastest way to relieve pain istofindoutthetruesourceandtreat it.AtWorcesterPhysicalTherapy Services, our SPINE Program determines where your pain is coming from and then quickly relieves it. Furthermore, you will get stronger and be on the right path to return to the activities you love to do, without pain. Call us today to find out more.

worcpt.com

TURKEY MEATBALLS

SUPERMAN Lie on your stomach as shown. Lift your arms and legs off the floor slightly at the same time. Strengthens Core Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 large egg beaten • 1/4 cup shaved parmesan • 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp basil • 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 (24 oz) jar red pasta sauce • 1/2 lb whole grain spaghetti

DIRECTIONS Preheat broiler on high for 5 minutes. Combine all meatball ingredients in large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop 18 meatballs onto a rimmed cookie sheet. Broil on top rack for 5 minutes. In a large skillet, bring pasta sauce to a low simmer. Add in cooked meatballs and simmer together for 5-10 minutes or until meatballs are completely cooked through. Serve with your choice of pasta, fresh basil, more parmesan and enjoy!

www.simpleset.net

Think Worcester PT & Services First

Patient Success Spotlight

Why You Need To Come Back In For Another Check Up: • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle

Best experience by far!

“ Not my first rodeo. I’ve been to other clinics in Worcester. This has been my best experience by far. I wasn’t sent home with a bunch of print outs with positions I cannot perform. The therapists and assistants are knowledgeable and friendly. ” – Nancy C. CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT! 508.791.8740

TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

• Move Freely • Alleviate Pain Naturally • Have More Energy • Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Stronger

Do you suffer with any of the following symptoms?

4 Stiffness or swelling 4 Aches at the end of the day 4 Pain from an old injury

4 Sharp pain 4 Headaches 4 Tingling, numbness, or weakness

Don’t let joint pain become a way of life Pinpoint the exact cause of your joint pain! FREE JOINT PAIN ANALYSIS Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 03-28-18.

Call Today! 508-791-8740