Physical Therapy Can Make Your Pain a Thing of the Past

Is acute or chronic pain interfering with your daily life? Do you need help recovering from back pain, joint pain, or an injury sustained in a car accident? Whatever condition you are dealing with, Physical Therapy is the answer and our clinic is here to help.

Our physical therapists are experts in the improvement of human movement and flexibility. To assist our patients, we provide a variety of non-invasive, natural, and safe modalities and techniques. Our goal is not only to treat your pain symptoms but also to identify the source of your pain and resolve it once and for all.

We encourage you to contact Diamond Physical Therapy right away to make an appointment with one of our physical therapists. And in the meantime, read on to learn about the five ways working with a physical therapist can help you reclaim your active, normal lifestyle!

1. You’ll unlock a personalized treatment plan

Choosing physical therapy means that your plan of care and recovery will be completely tailored to your specific needs. The primary goals of any physical therapy care plan are to address a patient’s physical goals, identify and treat the source of pain, maximize the patient’s ability to function independently, and prepare them for long-term success.

These outcomes are achievable through the use of the following physical therapy techniques:

• Neuromuscular re-education, for example, balance training
• Dry-needling, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, diathermy, orthotics and prosthetics, and kinesio taping
• Therapeutic exercises
• Manual therapy, such as joint mobilizations and massage therapy

Your physical therapist will perform a thorough examination and review your medical history. After that, you’ll be given an individualized treatment plan, and the healing process will begin! Your plan will be tailored to your specific requirements and ideal way of life. The plan’s success is dependent on your feedback throughout the treatment process, giving you more control over your recovery.

2. Physical therapy is a safer option than opioids

Did you know that the CDC recommends using physical therapy before attempting opioids for acute and chronic pain management?

Our country’s current opioid abuse epidemic suggests that these potentially dangerous drugs are frequently overprescribed. According to the National Institute of Health, “Opioid pain relievers can be effective in treatment for relieving pain. However, regular use can lead to dependence, and misuse of opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and even death.”

Physical therapy treatment modalities are also “evidence-based,” which means they have been tested in scientific research studies to ensure that they are effective and safe. Again, this demonstrates that there is little to no risk in beginning your physical therapy treatment.

3. There are no harmful side-effects with PT

Physical therapy techniques require less downtime, are adaptable, and are safe for people of all ages. Physical therapy services, as opposed to medications and invasive procedures, have a very low risk of side effects while remaining highly effective for reducing soreness, inflammation, pain, and swelling.

Physical therapy can also help with injury, illness, and disease recovery. Why risk the negative side effects of over-the-counter medications and opioid prescriptions when there is a much safer alternative?

4. A physical therapist can identify the source of your pain

The ultimate goal of your physical therapist is to identify and resolve the underlying issues that are causing your pain. These issues may be increasing your chances of developing chronic pain. A physical therapist will not simply mask your pain as prescription medication will.

Scar tissue, range of motion limitations, shortened muscles, impaired body mechanics and ergonomics, problems moving certain muscles, and poor posture are all common underlying condition factors.

If these issues are not addressed, your pain relief will be temporary at best.

Your physical therapist can address the symptoms and causes of your condition and get you back on track to living a healthy, active lifestyle through patient education services, exercise programs, and other treatment techniques.

5. Physical therapy will improve your functional mobility, capacity, and performance

Our physical therapy team can treat your injury and assess any underlying conditions right away, as well as help you avoid injury in the future.

Physical therapy can also help you improve your core stability, endurance, coordination, agility, and other physical skills that will help you perform better in sports.

This is critical for young people who are very active or involved in athletics, as well as for elderly people who are attempting to avoid age-related health problems.

Are you ready to stop living in pain? Contact Diamond Physical Therapy today!

Are you ready to find long-term relief and stop putting up with constant discomfort and pain? Call us today to make an appointment with a physical therapist.

You don’t have to deal with your pain alone, and there are so many more pain management options available! Contact us today to start your recovery journey.

Are You Ready to Put an End to Your Pain through Physical Therapy

Do you ever find yourself complaining about persistent lower back pain? You could be suffering from a herniated disc. Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but they are most common in the lower back. Back pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, but in many cases, it is caused by a herniated disc. Regardless of the pain, physical therapy can help.

According to The National Institute of Health, “The highest prevalence [of herniated disc cases] is among people aged 30-50 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. There is little evidence to suggest that drug treatments are effective in treating herniated discs.”

This is especially important because so many people rely on medication for relief, causing additional health issues.

It is estimated that 60% to 80% of people will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. A herniated disc is also referred to as a “bulging disc” or a “ruptured disc.” The treatment for this painful condition is the same regardless of the name, and physical therapy can help.

Patients of all ages can benefit from regular visits to a physical therapist and learn pain management techniques! Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist today at Diamond Physical Therapy to start your recovery journey!

What causes a herniated disc?

Spinal discs function similarly to shock absorbers. They are soft, rubbery pads that sit between the bony vertebrae that make up the spine. Spinal discs are composed of a thick outer cartilage ring and an inner gel-like material. They function to allow our backs to bend easily.

The spinal column also protects the delicate nerves and spinal cord. The gel-like substance can break through if the cartilage in your spinal disc is damaged or develops a defect. This herniation will put additional strain on the nerves. As a result, your lower back suffers from intense pain. Even minor pressure on your spinal nerves can result in numbness, weakness, and pain.

Herniated Discs and Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that can occur if you have a herniated disc. Herniated discs in the lower back are so painful because they put extra pressure on the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is made up of several spinal nerve branches that travel down into the leg from the spine. If the sciatic nerve is pinched as a result of extra pressure, you will experience intense, uncomfortable pain radiating from the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot.

The good news is that physical therapy can help to alleviate your pain! When you’re younger, your spinal discs are almost entirely water. However, as you age, your water content decreases. This causes the discs to become less flexible, increasing the likelihood of tears or other problems.

Some of the other common causes of herniated discs are:

• Heavy lifting, or lifting things incorrectly
• Impact sports
• Excessive body weight or obesity
• Traumatic injuries
• Repetitive twisting movements (workplace or sport injuries)

How can I tell if I have a herniated disc?

The symptoms of a herniated disc differ depending on where the injured disc is located on your spine.

Some of the more common symptoms you may encounter are as follows:

• Weakness in the legs
• Pain when bending or twisting
• Pain that intensifies when sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
• Burning, numbness, or tingling in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.

There is a solution to your problem that doesn’t involve costly surgeries or addictive medications. If you suspect you have a herniated disc or other back pain issues, physical therapy can help! We recommend that you schedule a consultation with our physical therapist as soon as possible.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapy is a pain treatment option that is completely safe, effective, and non-invasive. It is intended to assist patients of all ages in healing from injuries or age-related ailments. Our experienced physical therapists will use targeted therapy treatments to reduce and relieve back pain and inflammation, improve blood flow, and restore your range of motion.

Physical therapists are professionally trained to assess your condition and recommend the best exercises for you. Most of the exercises they will teach you can be done at home on your own, allowing you to continue treatment between appointments.

Come In & See Us Today!

Living with back pain is not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact our office today to learn more about how our skilled physical therapists can assess your current condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

We’ll have you back to doing what you love in no time, pain-free!

Are You Searching for a Natural Solution to Headache Pain?

Stress-related headaches are no laughing matter, and sometimes a pill just isn’t enough to get rid of one. “Most headaches are harmless and resolve on their own,” according to Choose PT, “but severe headaches that recur frequently can affect your ability to do your daily activities and can reduce your quality of life.”

Tension headaches are characterized by the sensation of a “band of pressure” around your head, as well as tenderness and achy sensations. Muscle tension and emotional stress both contribute to stress headaches.

Fortunately, physical therapy can provide relaxation and posture correction to alleviate the symptoms of these types of headaches. Receiving therapy will not only relieve your current pain but will also reduce the number of stress headaches you will experience in the future. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy today, and we’ll get you started on a path to help you live your life to the fullest.

Headaches and your posture

Did you know that the way we stand and sit can affect the amount of pressure we put on our muscles? That’s correct. Muscles and nerves in the shoulder, chest, and neck can be compressed by poor posture. These are the areas that cause painful tension headaches, so make sure you check your posture frequently and sit up straight if you work at a desk!

Your physical therapist will show you how to move, stand, and sit properly. They will also be able to assess your posture and show you how to improve it in order to reduce the strain on your overworked muscles.

A physical therapist may recommend a variety of modifications for you to make at home or at your workplace. A physical therapist could recommend raising your computer monitor, purchasing a special computer chair with lumbar support, or even purchasing a rubber mat to stand on while doing dishes in your kitchen. All of these modifications can improve your posture.

What is manual therapy and how can it help me?

Although not all prevention techniques must be performed in your physical therapist’s office, your physical therapist will know how to provide a more targeted approach to your stress-related headache pain. Using hot and cold compresses alternately is a simple but effective strategy. These compresses can be used in conjunction with gentle electronic pulse wands to soothe muscles and relieve strain.

To treat your headaches, you may also be prescribed manual therapy. Tense muscles can be relieved quickly with soft tissue mobilization and massage. Relaxing the muscles in and around the head can help to break the chain of events that leads to painful contractions. Patients suffering from chronic tension headaches report a significant reduction in overall pain after receiving manual therapy. They also experience headaches less frequently.

People who get therapeutic massages on a regular basis report getting a better night’s sleep, which leads to less stress during the day. Physical therapy massage also aids in the relief of emotional stress, which causes you to tense those muscles. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good massage?

Strengthen your upper body muscles for relief

Your back, neck, and shoulders do a lot of the “heavy lifting” when it comes to keeping you supported throughout the day. If these muscles aren’t strong enough, they’ll be overworked. Resistance training is used in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back.

Many patients report that having strong upper body muscles results in fewer (and less intense) stress headaches. Exercises to prevent these headaches may begin with chin-to-chest nods to build neck strength. Resistance bands and free weights may be used to strengthen your shoulder and back muscles. Our physical therapist will be able to conduct a thorough assessment of your abilities to determine which treatments are appropriate for you.

Alleviate stress through flexibility training

The less pressure you put on the major muscle groups in your neck and shoulders during the day, the more movement you’ll have in those areas. This can also help to relieve some of your stress headaches and make them easier to manage. Your physical therapist can demonstrate exercises that will stretch your neck while also loosening the muscles in your chest and shoulders. Doing these stretches on a regular basis helps you stay limber and prevents your muscles from becoming too tight.

What Are You Waiting For? Relief is just around the corner!

We all believe we know exactly how to unwind…until it comes to our health. Then we might need some assistance!

If you’re suffering from chronic stress-related headaches and want to learn more about how to reduce their frequency and severity, please contact Diamond Physical Therapy.

When you schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists, you’ll unlock a course of treatment to help you relax your muscles, sleep better, and get back to enjoying life pain-free!

Bad postures are common cause of back discomfort. If your posture is poor, it can put strain on other parts of your body, causing discomfort, inflammation, and malfunction. Thankfully, physical therapy can help you improve your posture.

According to one study, back discomfort or injury accounts for roughly 3% of all emergency room visits. Back pain is the most prevalent type of pain, and it can severely restrict one’s daily activities. This kind of pain will rear its ugly head at the most random of times.

Perhaps you’re working on a project at work, it’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and you’re slouched sideways in your desk chair, one eye on the computer and the other on the clock. This isn’t your regular position, but you’re getting into the most efficient position for typing up the rest of that file and then zooming out the door!

The issue here is that by sacrificing your postures, you’re also causing unnecessary back pain. The good news is that your postures can be improved through physical therapy!

Contact Diamond Physical Therapy today to learn more about how physical therapy could help your posture and relieve your chronic pain symptoms.

Why do I have poor posture?

Poor posture isn’t something to be ashamed of; few people have ideal posture, and the majority of people engage in terrible posture behaviors in some form. We get so caught up in whatever task we’re working on that we neglect to pay attention to how our bodies are positioned.

At some point in your life, you’ll notice that you’re just not sitting or standing up as straight as you once did. This happens as a part of aging, stress, work-related demands, and other causes. Sometimes we may try to stand or sit up straighter and immediately stop, because it hurts! This is a sign that our posture is very, very poor, and action needs to be taken to improve it.

Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch, slump, hunch, and droop over when we get feel drained because 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 postures may suffer.

How does poor posture result in back pain?

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.

Do you have a tendency to slouch at your desk? Do you read emails by leaning forward? Do you type with your shoulders hunched over your keyboard? If you have recurrent back discomfort, it’s very likely that it’s caused by your posture.These are all things that individuals do without even recognizing how much of an impact they have on their bodies.

How will a physical therapy plan benefit me?

Our physical therapist will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This will concentrate on reducing discomfort, increasing strength, and improving posture as rapidly as feasible. Treatment strategies may include focus on mobility, balance, flexibility, or stability, depending on the type of your problem.

Our physical therapists have extensive knowledge and are committed to assisting patients in reducing pain and improving posture. When you arrive for your initial visit, your physical therapist will do a thorough examination to determine the source of your discomfort and the best therapy options for alleviating it.

Call today for more information

Is your posture causing your back pain? Contact Diamond Physical Therapy today to find out. We’ll provide you with the treatment you need so you can get back to your pain-free life!

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

When is the last time you gave your body a good, long stretch?

Stretching should be a part of your everyday routine if it isn’t already. A nice stretch is the best way to start your day, regardless of who you are. Stretching has a lot of advantages, and it’s absolutely fine if you don’t know where to start!

A physical therapist can explain why stretching is beneficial to you as an individual and how it can help you enhance your overall quality of life. Please contact Diamond Physical Therapy office for further details and to set up an appointment, and in the meantime, read this list of 9 reasons why stretching can benefit you!

Reason #1: Stretching cuts back on your stress.

Every one of us carries stress in our bodies. When you are under a lot of stress, your muscles constrict, making you feel tense and on edge. Stretching generates natural endorphins, which help you relax, improve your mood, and lower your stress levels.

Reason #2: Stretching improves your flexibility.

Improving your flexibility and range of motion is a common objective in physical therapy. Better flexibility comes with a slew of advantages. It boosts your physical performance and lowers your risk of injury. Furthermore, as you grow more flexible, your body uses less energy to do daily tasks.

Reason #3: Stretching allows for better blood circulation.

One of the main purposes of a stretching program is to increase blood flow to the extremities. Blood helps you stay healthy by transporting oxygen to your cells.

This aids in the effective functioning of your organs by promoting cell proliferation. Stretching also decreases your heart rate, allowing your blood pressure to return to normal and relieving stress on your heart. Stretching can also help to enhance blood circulation, which can help to lessen soreness after a workout.

Reason #4: Stretching decreases muscle soreness.

Stretching before and after a workout gives your muscles plenty of time to relax and loosen up. Stretching promotes blood flow to the muscles, as previously stated. This transports oxygen and a variety of essential nutrients to the muscles, reducing discomfort after an exercise.

Reason #5: Stretching increases your stamina.

After a strenuous workout, a good, long stretching session might actually boost muscle stamina. Stretching boosts blood flow to painful muscles while also relieving weariness. Stretching helps to maintain oxygen flowing to your muscles, which helps to keep muscle weariness at bay.

As a result, your muscles will be able to “hang in there” for a longer period of time before becoming fatigued!

Reason #6: Stretching improves your cholesterol.

Stretching sessions can help to reduce cholesterol in your body, as long as you’re also following a heart-healthy diet. This can help you avoid heart disease. Stretching has even been shown to reverse the effects of hardening arteries due to cholesterol.

Reason #7: Stretching decreases your risk of injury.

You may believe there is little risk of injury if you work in an office. However, what about when you have to bend over, pick up, and carry a 20-pound package of office supplies? This might easily result in a pulled or strained muscle, causing weeks of agony and requiring physical therapy to recuperate. Stretching on a daily basis will considerably reduce the likelihood of an occurrence like this occurring.

Reason #8: Stretching can improve your posture.

Stretching every day can help posture by lengthening certain muscles that have a tendency to tighten up when we sit in a chair for work all day. Focusing on your lower back, chest, and shoulders will aid in keeping your spine properly aligned. Stretching also relieves aches and pains, which can cause you to want to slouch.

Reason #9: Stretching boosts energy levels

The best reason to stretch first thing in the morning is for this reason alone. A few excellent stretches, done correctly with deep breathing, will provide you with the energy boost you need to get your day started. Take a quick “stretch break” if you start to feel lethargic at work during the day.

Contact us today:

If you’re excited to start stretching but don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help! Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office today to set an appointment with our physical therapist to learn more about how adding stretching to your daily life will benefit you.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/stretching-and-flexibility/hlv-20049447

It’s no secret that pain has an adverse effect on one’s quality of life. Many people make the mistake of relying on medication to alleviate their symptoms, yet pharmaceuticals just mask problems rather than cure them.

Physical therapy is a natural and non-invasive treatment that is both safe and effective. Please contact Diamond Physical Therapy office if you are suffering from acute or chronic pain and would like to discover how our physical therapists can help you live a pain-free life without the use of potentially dangerous medicines.

Painkillers are not the best form of relief

Taking pain-management drugs as a way to rid yourself of pain may seem like a good solution in the short-term, but it has many disadvantages in the long-term. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can lead to undesirable side effects. For example, taking excessive amounts of aspirin can cause your stomach to bleed and can lead to kidney damage. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can also both cause both kidney and stomach problems.

However, prescription opioids like codeine, oxycodone, and morphine are perhaps the worst. These are habit-forming drugs that can lead to addiction. They are also responsible for an additional number of side effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, anxiety, and nausea. Several people also overdose on opioids each year, either due to addiction or a gradually increased intake in order to relieve pain. Not only does taking meds for pain just mask the problem, it just may cause you another one.

Why is physical therapy the best natural pain relief method?

Due to the agony they are experiencing, even the thought of exercising can make many people grimace. PT exercises, on the other hand, are one of the most effective therapies for chronic pain. You will learn how helpful exercise can be for all types of chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain by participating in a physical therapy routine. The following are just a handful of the many conditions that can be treated with physical therapy:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Chronic headaches.
• Neuropathic pain.
• Disc herniation.
• Disc degeneration disease.

A physical therapist can provide a wide range of pain treatment alternatives. Manipulation of the joints and bones, movement therapy, massage treatment, microcurrent stimulation, and cold laser therapy are just a few of the frequent methods and modalities used by physical therapists. All of these treatments aid in the relief of pain, the reduction of inflammation, the speeding up of healing, and the improvement of everyday function.

What should I expect with physical therapy?

Working with our physical therapist can help you get back on your feet faster. This is due to the fact that a physical therapist will treat your complete body after determining the source of your pain. A physical therapist will do an examination to establish the source of your pain and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the specific cause of your discomfort.

At your initial appointment, you will undergo a comprehensive exam process, which includes a full medical history. Selected tests are done to identify movement-related disorders. For a specific diagnosis, all of the collected exam data is carefully reviewed.

Both active and passive treatments are used in physical therapy. Massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation are some of the pain-relieving methods and modalities used in passive therapy. Regaining function, enhancing range of motion, and developing strength and flexibility are all goals of active physical therapy. Treatments may include targeted motions, exercises, stretches or aquatic therapy.

Everyone’s treatment plan is different, but you can feel confident that a physical therapist will develop one that is meant just for you and your needs!

If you’re in pain, there is an effective solution that doesn’t include harmful, possibly addictive medication or expensive surgery with long recovery times. All of our physical therapists are seasoned and certified, happy to discuss how our services can benefit you. Our goal is to help you recover and get you back to your optimum levels of function. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office today, and we’ll get you started on a path to help you live your life to the fullest.

Sources:

• http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2018/10/Feature/Opioid/
• https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2016/3/16/CDCFinalOpioidGuidelines/

Are you in serious acute or chronic pain? Perhaps you’ve had an issue with your back or hip for a long time. Maybe you’re healing from an unforeseen sports injury, or you’re still coping with the effects of an automobile accident. No matter what the case may be, physical therapy can help you with any problem you’re having. If your pain is interfering with your everyday activities, please contact Diamond Physical Therapy clinic as soon as possible to book a physical therapy session.

Our physical therapists are experts in human mobility, and our practice uses a variety of drug-free, non-invasive, and successful strategies to help our patients in a variety of ways — far beyond symptom treatment.

Physical therapy treatments are effective in helping patients restore the healthy, joyful, and active lifestyle they desire and deserve for five reasons:

1. Physical therapists are able to identify hidden factors contributing to a patient’s pain.

Your discomfort will not be “masked” by a physical therapist. Our therapists uncover and address underlying issues that are contributing to your current health and putting you at risk for chronic problems.

Shortened muscles, scar tissue, range-of-motion limits, muscular activation issues, poor ergonomics, and body mechanics, and postural abnormalities are all common causes of chronic pain. If factors like these are left unaddressed, your symptom relief would likely be temporary at best.

Through services such as patient education, work-conditioning programs and other techniques previously mentioned, a physical therapist can address both symptom and cause of your pain condition.

2. You don’t have to worry about side effects with physical therapy.

Physical therapy treatments, unlike many drugs and invasive procedures, have a very minimal risk of side effects. They’re also still quite good at reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with a patient’s disease. Physical therapy approaches involve minimal downtime and may be tweaked to ensure that everyone, from infants to elders, is safe to utilize.

3. Physical therapists work with their patients to help them achieve their full functional mobility, capacity, and performance.

A physical therapist helps patients improve coordination, core stability, endurance, agility, and any other physical skills that they can carry over into their sports, work, hobbies, and everyday life.

This is essential for young active people who are looking to improve performance, as well as the older population who are looking to avoid age-related debility.

In other words, our therapy team can manage your injury or disease now as well as help prevent injury in the future.

4. Attending physical therapy treatment means you won’t need opioids.

The current national opiate abuse epidemic implies that these potentially dangerous medicines are regularly overprescribed. For the treatment of many types of chronic pain, the CDC recommends physical therapy before narcotics.

Furthermore, physical therapy treatment procedures are “evidence-based,” which means they’ve been put to the test in scientific research studies to prove their safety, efficacy, and usefulness.

5. Physical therapy treatments are customized for the patient.

A typical therapy treatment plan is completely personalized for each individual patient. The major emphases of any treatment plan are to address the patient’s particular goals, resolve their impairments, and improve their recovery, functional independence, and long-term health. These aims can be achieved with the use of physical therapy strategies such as:

• Neuromuscular re-education, such as balance training.
• Modalities, such as ultrasound, kinesio taping, dry needling, orthotics and prosthetics fitting, electrical stimulation, or diathermy.
• Manual therapy, such as massage or joint mobilizations.
• Therapeutic exercises.

After undergoing a thorough examination with your physical therapist, you’ll receive an individualized treatment plan that will aim to accelerate your healing. This plan is modified to meet your specific needs and lifestyle, and it relies on your feedback throughout the process, giving you an active role in your recovery.

Call our office today

We know you’re tired of dealing with chronic pain, day in and day out. Are you prepared to find long-term relief, once and for all? Contact Diamond Physical Therapy today to make an appointment with one of our professional physical therapists and get started on your road to recovery!

Sources:

• https://www.moveforwardpt.com/benefits/default.aspx
• https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/7-myths-about-physical-therapy

It may feel like you’re on a never-ending hamster wheel in your hectic life, requiring you to accomplish as much as possible. It is critical, however, for everyone to realize what is and is not attainable through simple physical activity effort. It’s critical to recognize that your willpower has limits.

It’s difficult enough to get through your to-do list in the limited hours you have in the day without being exhausted. Instead, you’ll need to use methods and tips to stay interested, motivated, and active in your quest to complete everything – since no one can do it all alone!

Below we’ve listed out five simple ways to stay active and involved throughout the day as you’re juggling your various tasks and responsibilities! After you read through these, give Diamond Physical Therapy a call to learn more about physical activity and how it can help you achieve your goals and feel your best.

Tip #1: Address your pain issues first.

Pain is one of the most prevalent reasons why individuals stop being active. Whether it’s a long-standing ache or the mere fear of pain, it’s enough to cause folks to slow down or sit out of their favorite activities entirely.

Nearly 40 million Americans admit to experiencing acute pain, which is linked to a variety of other health issues. Physical therapy treatments, fortunately, are a straightforward approach to manage or perhaps entirely eradicate discomfort. Hands-on therapy from a physical therapist, as well as more specialist therapies like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, can all aid with pain relief.

Physical therapy treatments have also been shown to help you lead a more active lifestyle by restoring muscle and joint function.

Tip #2: Get enough sleep!

“In order to function at your best, you need a good night’s sleep!” We’ve all heard this. Do we, on the other hand, always listen to this piece of advice? The majority of us don’t!

Despite the fact that sleep is clearly crucial for the body’s normal functioning, around one-third of the US population has sleep disorders.

Physical therapy can assist you in getting better sleep, which will allow you to be more active throughout your waking hours.

Our therapists are trained in areas that are critical to sleep, such as pain modulation, tissue healing, cognitive functioning, and cardiovascular health. A physical therapist can also provide suggestions for how you can integrate sleep health with overall wellbeing.

Tip #3: Find ways to encourage yourself to meet your goals!

There are a variety of products on the market that will encourage, inspire, and track your physical activity. Research shows that utilizing such products may have a favorable impact on your levels of activity. The key to success is to establish daily, weekly, or monthly goals that are easily tracked within the tool and to follow consistent strategies, such as:

• Writing down your goals. A common goal that people set for themselves is 10,000 steps per day. However, it is worthwhile to check with a medical professional, in order to avoid overextending yourself.
• Using the tool every single day. Consistency creates habits, which by nature are notoriously difficult to break.
• Engaging in activities that you enjoy. While tools come with limitations — namely the activities that it measures — it is extremely helpful to choose a tracker based on the activities you enjoy. If you are doing something that interests you, it will be easier to maintain over time.
• Encouraging your friends and family to use the tool with you. Many trackers have interactive features that let you compare your progress to that of others. Because most of us benefit from having a workout partner, this type of informal comparison can be a powerful motivation. You’ll also have someone to hold you accountable for achieving your objectives.

Tip #4: Take Fido for a walk.

It is true that a dog is a man’s best friend – and your dog likely won’t back down from the opportunity to be your exercise companion. The arrival of a new pet, particularly a dog, is an effective way to get owners moving. Physical activity is necessary for a dog, even if it is simply a short walk every day. This can help owners remain accountable for getting their daily exercise in, as well.

Tip #5: Cleaning your house up!

Cleaning your house employs a variety of muscle groups, in addition to keeping you active. Every step you take and inch you vacuum contributes to your fitness. Squeeze your glutes and abdominal muscles as you trail from room to room for increased effect.

Call our clinic for an appointment

Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office now to learn more about how physical therapy can help you keep fit and healthy, or simply wish to enjoy life more. We’ll be more than pleased to help you get started on the path to better health and fitness!

Sources:

• https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-analysis-shows-americans-are-pain
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28789471

Arthritis is a painful ailment that can make a person feel isolated and confined on their path. In order to manage discomfort, many arthritis sufferers turn to antirheumatic medicines, steroid injections, or joint replacement surgery.

Physical therapy and other natural treatments, on the other hand, have been shown to provide greater results for many people. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office today for more information on how our natural method of pain treatment can help you relieve your arthritic problems. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about the benefits of physical therapy for arthritic pains!

The benefits of manual therapy

Physical therapy entails more than merely performing specialized exercises. Manual therapy is, in fact, an important component of many physical therapy treatment strategies. It is the hands-on component of PT that not only pampers arthritic patients but also helps them to feel better. A large portion of an arthritic patient’s physical therapy session is usually devoted to manual pain management.

In order to relieve hurting joints, other therapy options may include ice and heat therapies, massage, and even the use of special technology.

To treat pain naturally, your physical therapist can alternate heating pads and ice packs. Massage for rheumatic areas increases circulation and gives a relaxing, warming sensation. Ultrasound machines deliver soothing heat to the damaged joints at a deeper level. Whatever approaches and modalities your physical therapist recommends, you may rest assured that your treatment plan was created just for you.

How are painful joints isolated?

Rest can sometimes be the best cure for arthritic joints. However, too much inactivity can actually worsen the problem by weakening the surrounding muscles.

Your physical therapist can help you isolate the painful joint, so you can remain active while finding relief. Bracing provides natural pain relief for your arthritic condition. Depending on where your arthritis is rooted, a specialized neck collar or wrist splint can also provide specialized support for that joint. By isolating the painful area, you will be able to go about your daily life without worrying about the aches and pains you are carrying with you.

Improving range-of-motion with PT

Anyone who has arthritis can attest to the horribly stiff joints that come with it. When you try to move the injured joint further than it can go, you may feel anything from a nagging discomfort to complete pain. Flexibility exercises learned in physical therapy sessions help your joints become more supple over time, while resistance exercises help to strengthen the muscles that support them. Your comprehensive physical therapy session will allow you to attain diminished discomfort and improved freedom of movement by participating in such treatments.

You can learn new ways to move!

It’s not always easy to predict which of your behaviors will cause arthritic twinges and acute aches. Even something as easy as walking around a corner might cause your arthritic shoulder to stiffen and twist in ways you didn’t realize, resulting in a bolt of pain that appears to shoot straight through you. As a result, finding new ways to move is critical in order to prevent some of the unwelcomed uncomfortable sensations that can occur during the day.

Arthritic individuals might learn which motions cause them pain during physical therapy sessions. Their physical therapists can also show you how to minimize unneeded discomfort by demonstrating new joint protection procedures. It could be as easy as carrying a pocketbook with a specific type of strap to relieve pressure on your wrists, or entering the car or bathtub in a different method.

A physical therapist can show you how to carry goods with your palms instead of your fingers if you have arthritic fingers. Another typical strategy is to lay objects across the arms rather than carrying them in your hands. During your sessions, you will also learn about the most up-to-date technologies and techniques that may make everyday activities much easier.

Contact us for relief:

Of course, each patient is different when it comes to the best type of physical therapy and related natural treatments for arthritis. A large part of your treatment prescription depends on the location and severity of your condition. A physical therapist on our team can give you a careful assessment and determine which methods will be best in providing you with natural pain relief. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office today to secure an appointment and get started on the path toward natural, safe, and effective relief!

Sources:

• https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php
• https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/

If you’re suffering from chronic pain or inflammation, good nutrition can help you find relief. Eating the appropriate foods can help your body recover from a variety of ailments! Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet is an important aspect of any physical therapy routine.

Inflammation and chronic pain can be minimized by eating well, reducing stress, and exercising regularly. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office now to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists to learn more about how our nutritional services might help you!

What causes inflammation?

As an immunological response to trauma or sickness, inflammation is a normal aspect of the body’s healing process. Inflammation and pain generally go hand-in-hand, so if you’re in pain, something in your body is definitely inflamed. The immune response is initiated in order to start the healing process when you have an infection, a wound, tissue damage, or an accumulation of toxins in your body.

Without inflammation, injuries would not be able to heal completely; however, if the inflammatory response goes on too long, it can cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a cause for worry, and your physical therapist will want to help you get it under control. Without treatment, chronic inflammation can lead to much worse outcomes, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.

Rest and medicine are two of the most common treatments for persistent inflammation. Traditionally, primary care physicians would advise you to reduce your physical activity. A lack of exercise, on the other hand, can make you worse off in the long term than learning simple stretches and exercises from a physical therapist.

Additionally, drugs can have a variety of negative side effects and may be habit-forming. The good news is that dietary treatment for pain and inflammation is completely natural!

The importance of an anti-inflammatory diet

Many individuals who follow an anti-inflammatory diet report fewer pain and inflammation symptoms. Switching to a diet that compliments the removal of pollutants can assist speed up the healing process as the body purifies itself during the inflammation phase. An anti-inflammatory diet has three basic components:

• Cook less red meat. It is best to avoid red meat altogether in an anti-inflammatory diet, but if you must add some in there, it should be very scarce. One small piece of steak, one time per week, should be your maximum limit. The proteins in red meat require extra work from your kidneys to process; therefore, eating a lot of it will slow down your healing process. The good news is that chicken and fish are just fine for an anti-inflammatory diet. Enjoy them with all of those servings of vegetables!
• Eat more whole grains. In order to strengthen your body’s immune response as much as possible, you’ll want to try and avoid simple carbs and sugars completely. That means no pastries, no donuts, and no white bread.
• Consume less dairy. Dairy products should also be extremely limited, so be mindful of serving very little cheese or milk with anything. Whole grains such as barley, oats, brown rice, and wheat are best when practicing an anti-inflammatory diet.
• Include more vegetables. One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is to increase your veggie intake. This diet is most successful if you eat up to nine servings a day, with the vegetables preferably served raw. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli are some of the best options. It is okay to substitute fruits for a couple of your servings, in order to break it up, but vegetables should be your main ingredient for the most part.

Call our clinic for an appointment

If you stick to the diet listed above, you should see your pain and inflammation symptoms start to significantly reduce@ You can also combat chronic inflammation by maintaining a healthy body weight, getting daily exercise, and learning how to manage your stress.

To learn more about how we can help you abide by a strict nutrition plan to decrease inflammation and boost overall wellness, Contact Diamond Physical Therapy office today. One of our physical therapists would be happy to set up a consultation and speak with you!

Sources:

• http://www.apta.org/PatientCare/Nutrition/
• http://www.apta.org/Blogs/PTTransforms/2016/11/16/Nutrition/