Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain: Solutions, Causes, and Treatments

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain: Solutions, Causes, and Treatments Shoulder pain is a widespread issue that can significantly impact your daily life. Finding effective relief is crucial, whether you’re dealing with discomfort from an injury, a chronic condition, or even pain caused by sleeping on your side.  Physical therapy for shoulder pain is one of the most effective ways to manage and alleviate these issues. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of shoulder pain, why it often worsens at night, and how Chesterton Physical Therapy can provide lasting solutions. Understanding Shoulder Pain and Its Causes The shoulder is a complex joint, making it susceptible to various types of injuries and conditions that can lead to pain. Identifying the underlying cause of your shoulder pain is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Common Causes of Shoulder Pain Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff plays a crucial role in maintaining shoulder stability. Injuries such as tears or strains in these muscles and tendons are common causes of shoulder pain, often resulting from repetitive overhead motions, heavy lifting, or trauma. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition causes stiffness and pain, limiting the range of motion in the shoulder. It’s more common in individuals with diabetes or those who have had their arm immobilised for an extended period. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, usually due to overuse or repetitive activities, can cause significant pain and tenderness, particularly during movement. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder are compressed during arm movements, leading to pain and inflammation. It’s often caused by repetitive overhead activities or poor posture. Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint, can cause sharp pain and swelling, particularly with repetitive movements or injury. Shoulder Pain from Sleeping on Your Side One common but often overlooked cause of shoulder pain is sleeping on your side. This position can put pressure on the shoulder joint, leading to discomfort and pain, especially if the arm is tucked under the body or positioned awkwardly. Over time, this can result in chronic pain that worsens if not addressed. Why Does Shoulder Pain Worse at Night? Many people find that their shoulder pain intensifies at night, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. There are several reasons why this happens, and understanding these can help you take steps to alleviate the pain. Lack of Movement During the day, regular movement keeps the shoulder joint lubricated and the muscles active. However, at night, when you’re lying still for hours, the shoulder can become stiff, and inflammation may increase, leading to more intense pain. Sleeping Position Your sleeping position plays a crucial role in shoulder pain. Pain at night in the shoulder is often exacerbated by side sleeping, which can place constant pressure on the joint. Even sleeping on your back or stomach can lead to awkward shoulder positioning, causing strain and discomfort. Reduced Circulation When lying down, blood flow to certain areas can be reduced, especially if you’re in a position that compresses blood vessels. This reduction in circulation can increase inflammation and pain, particularly in shoulders already affected by conditions like tendonitis or bursitis. Effective Physical Therapy Techniques for Shoulder Pain Physical therapy for shoulder pain is a proven and effective treatment method that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes. A physical therapist can evaluate your condition and develop a customised treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Shoulder Physical Therapy (PT) Exercises Physical therapy exercises are designed to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. Here are some common exercises that might be included in a shoulder PT program: 1. Pendulum Exercise: This exercise is great for improving shoulder mobility. Lean forward slightly, letting your affected arm hang down, and gently swing it in small circles. Gradually increase the size of the circles to help loosen up the shoulder joint. 2. Wall Crawls: Stand facing a wall and place your fingertips at waist height. Slowly crawl your fingers up the wall, allowing your arm to follow until you feel a stretch. This exercise enhances shoulder flexibility and expands the range of motion. 3. Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Either sitting or standing with your arms at your sides, draw your shoulder blades together as though pinching a pencil between them. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. This exercise builds strength in the muscles responsible for stabilising the shoulder blades. 4. External Rotation with a Resistance Band: Attach a resistance band to a stable object at waist height. Hold the band with your affected arm, keeping your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Rotate your arm outward, away from your body, then slowly return to the starting position. This exercise strengthens the rotator cuff muscles and improves shoulder stability. 5. Sleeper Stretch: Lie on your side with the affected shoulder facing down and your arm positioned in front of you at a 90-degree angle. Use your opposite hand to gently push your forearm down toward the bed or floor, feeling a stretch in the back of your shoulder. This stretch targets the posterior capsule of the shoulder, which can become tight and contribute to pain. Request Appointment Hands-On Techniques In addition to exercises, physical therapists may use hands-on techniques to help reduce pain and improve shoulder function, including: 1. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy includes joint mobilization and manipulation to improve the range of motion and reduce pain. 2. Soft Tissue Mobilisation: Techniques like massage or myofascial release help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. 3. Dry Needling: This technique, known as dry needling, involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles to release tension and reduce pain. 4. Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy can deliver deep heat to the tissues, which helps reduce pain and promote healing. Solutions for Shoulder Pain from Sleeping on Your Side If you frequently experience shoulder pain from sleeping on your side, several strategies can help

Knee Arthritis: Innovative Relief Without Going Under Knife!

Hip and Knee Pain

Knee Arthritis: Innovative Relief Without Going Under Knife! Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle with Knee Arthritis Treatment Without Surgery Knee arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the knee joint. It is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee. As the cartilage wears down, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Surgery is often considered as the final option for treating knee arthritis, but there are several non-surgical treatment options that can provide relief and improve function. Non-Surgical Options For Knee Arthritis Treatment Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. If these medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Exercises such as cycling, swimming, and using an elliptical machine can also help reduce pain and improve function. Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the knee. Hyaluronic acid injections can also be used to lubricate the knee joint and provide relief. Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can help provide support and stability to the knee, which can help reduce pain. Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the knee, and using proper technique when engaging in physical activities can help reduce the symptoms of knee arthritis. Let Our Expert Physical Therapists Guide You Towards A Pain-Free Future >> It’s important to note that the treatment plan will depend on the individual’s needs and the severity of the arthritis. It’s important to consult with a doctor or a physical therapist to develop a plan that is right for you. Physical Therapy: Best Non-Surgical Treatment For Knee Arthritis Physical therapy is a key component of non-surgical treatment for knee arthritis. A physical therapist can help you improve range of motion, decrease pain and inflammation, and strengthen the muscles around your knee. Here are some specific ways physical therapy can help with knee arthritis: Range of Motion Exercises: Physical therapists will work with you to develop an exercise program that helps improve the flexibility and range of motion in your knee joint. This includes exercises such as leg extensions, leg curls, and calf stretches. Strengthening exercises: Building strength in the muscles that surround the knee joint can help take pressure off the knee. The therapist will work on exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, as well as the glutes and core. Pain Management: Physical therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation by using techniques such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot/cold therapy. Gait Training: The therapist will work with you to improve your walking pattern. Improper gait can put excessive stress on the knee joint, so it’s important to correct it. Education: A physical therapist will teach you how to properly perform exercises, how to use assistive devices such as crutches or canes, and how to manage your condition outside of therapy sessions. It’s important to note that a physical therapy program for knee arthritis should be tailored to your specific needs, taking into account the severity of your condition and your overall health. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you and help you set and achieve your therapy goals. Why Choose Chesterton Physical Therapy At Chesterton Physical Therapy Clinic physical therapists will examine your hip and/or knee for signs of misalignment or structural damage, as well as your stance, posture, gait, and range of motion at your first appointment. Following your physical exam, your physical therapists will recommend a physical therapy plan for you to relieve unnatural stress and strains. They will also work to improve your overall joint function so that you can resume your normal life. You will be given specific exercises to help relieve joint pain and stabilize your weak hip and/or knee. Exercises will vary depending on your condition; for example, those experiencing kneecap pain typically respond better to exercises that focus on strengthening both the hips and the knees, rather than just the knees. You may also be given core strengthening exercises to help strengthen your back muscles, lower abdominal muscles, and pelvic muscles. Core exercises are intended to improve your posture, in addition balancing the weight on both sides of your body. In conclusion, knee arthritis is a common condition that can be treated without surgery. Physical therapy is the best of the non-surgical options that can provide relief from the symptoms of knee arthritis. It’s time to take a stand against your hip and knee pain; get started on the road to long-term pain relief today! To speak with one of our dedicated physical therapists, contact Chesterton Physical Therapy today. You’re in good hands at our Dunes Plaza, Willowcreek Rd Suite A and Sand Creek physical therapy practice!   With over 26 years of experience in acute care, subacute care, inpatient rehab, home health, TBI, SNF, and outpatient, she specializes in using manual therapy and neuromuscular techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Dr. Singh is certified in weight management, Anodyne Therapy, and Intone, and incorporates innovative technology such as Biosway, Anodyne Therapy, and Intone into her practice. Her passion lies in outpatient care, where she can use her clinical skills to make a difference in the lives of her patients. She places the patient first in every interaction and aims to provide a caring touch while providing care. In her free time, Dr. Singh enjoys quiet evenings, traveling, movies, and reading.

Activities to Boost Your Health: Unlock 5 Wellness Secrets

Activities to Boost Your Health

Activities to Boost Your Health: Unlock 5 Wellness Secrets Do you spend your days hobbling painfully from your bed to your reclining chair and back? Does the simple idea of taking part in any kind of vigorous activity make you cringe? Physical activity is most likely the furthest thing from your mind if you suffer from chronic pain. The truth, however, is that getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life! Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. Why you should care about your health What does it mean to truly be “healthy?” Essentially, to be healthy means that your body is operating at its highest levels of function in regards to breathing, circulation, digestion, and more. Being healthy doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be the most athletic person in the room. Any step you make toward helping your body function at its optimum levels is a step toward becoming a healthier you. There are tons of exercises, stretches, and nutritional tips available to you that can help increase your health and help you feel physically better overall. Keep reading to learn about five things you can do to get back on a path towards better health. 1. Swimming Do you enjoy being in the water? If even walking hurts too much these days, maybe you should take a dip in the pool instead. Swimming is tremendously helpful for people with arthritis or extremity injuries because the water eases the forces of gravity on the body. Water has immense healing properties as well. Even if you can’t swim, try some healthy walking or dog-paddling in the water, or simply hold onto the sides while you try out some stretches. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good this can be for you! 2. Weight lifting Lifting weights isn’t just for “muscle-heads” or “gym rats.” Weight training can help you build up the muscle tissue that helps to support your joints. If your muscles are strong, it means they’ll tire less easily and will be less vulnerable to painful strains. Working with weights also helps you maintain your bone density and avoid age-related muscle wasting. 3. Bike riding Riding a bike gets you where you want to go while offering a number of health benefits! This kind of aerobic workout can help you improve your heart health, while the simple act of operating the bike exercises your balance and builds leg strength. If you have back pain or knee problems, cycling is also lower-impact than running, and much easier on your shins. 4. Walking Walking requires absolutely no special equipment, and it’s something you literally have to do to get from point A to point B, every day. If you have to make a short trip, why waste gasoline when you can get some fresh air and low-impact exercise instead? Walking gives your circulation a healthy boost without making excessive demands on your body. It also gets your weight-bearing joints moving — and that’s a huge benefit if you struggle with arthritis. 5. Running As previously stated, running is more demanding on the heart, lungs, and knees than walking is. However, these demands can turn out to be very good for something causing you pain. The famous “runner’s high” you may have heard so much about seems to offer its own pain-reducing benefits for chronic pain sufferers. The phrase “no pain, no gain” also seems to apply here. That routine you get from running could encourage your brain to step down its baseline pain sensitivity, making your other aches and pains seem less of a bother. Other ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes work, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier and even enjoyable. Starting out by choosing nutritious foods is one of the easiest ways to improve your health (although we know those sweets are hard to kick!) Physical activity is the hardest aspect to get in the habit of doing, especially if you are being held back by chronic pain. Some people try to mask their symptoms with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, while others, unfortunately, give up on the idea of being active altogether. This only exacerbates pain problems and makes things worse for you in the long run. Luckily, there is an alternative option: physical therapy. With the help of a physical therapist, it is possible to reclaim your pain-free, healthy lifestyle, and get back to doing the activities you love! How physical therapy can improve your health A physical therapist is a licensed movement specialist. They know how to properly evaluate your health and prescribe the right activities for your needs and goals. At the same time, you may be able to enhance the benefits of your activities with other safe, helpful modalities such as massage, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, cold and heat treatments, acupuncture, or laser therapy. It’s up to you if you want to pursue any or all of these activities. You can also ask our physical therapist about integrating them into a full-scale physical therapy program. The latter approach could be a great idea if you’re in the process of rehabilitating an injury, unsure of how much exercise your body can tolerate, or battling a particular chronic pain issue. These therapies can promote tissue repair, ease inflammation, reduce pain, and increase your ability to keep moving and living life to the fullest. Are you ready to improve your health? Face it, we’ve all got one life to live. Life is too wonderful to spend it in bed or in your chair in front of the television. Get up right now and schedule a visit to our physical therapy center. It’s the healthiest move you could possibly make! Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2018/11/13/HHSPAGuidelinesRevision/ Swimming Helps Manage Chronic Pain https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/arthritis-friendly/walking.php https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/strength-train https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20812312/running-as-pain-relief/ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/benefits-of-cycling-334144

Chronic Pain Zapping Your Energy? PT Recharges You

Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain Zap Fighting Chronic Pain with Physical Therapy Treat Your Chronic Pain Safely! Any pain that lasts longer than three months is classified as “chronic.” When people have chronic pain for a long time, it can become a downward spiral. As a result of the pain, they become more inactive and sedentary, and more often than not, their health worsens. People with chronic pain may even turn to extreme options, such as surgery or addictive painkillers, to try to find relief from pain. If you have chronic pain but want a non-invasive, non-addictive relief option, it’s time to get in touch with our office and talk to a physical therapist. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. How can physical therapy help me find relief? The course of therapy recommended by your physical therapist will be tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives. After an initial consultation and examination, your therapist will do their best to work with you on methods to begin to overcome your chronic aches and pains. This is going to start with education. Your therapist will explain how your pain developed and what can be done to relieve it. The goal will initially be to manage pain, so that you can eventually get back to enjoying your normal routine. Exercise, stretching, and flexibility are all part of physical therapy. Becoming stronger and more flexible over time will make it easier for you to move around with less pain. This is going to be a slow and gradual process – exercises will focus on the slow, steady and gradual improvement of your strength and flexibility. Manual therapy is a specialized type of massage that physical therapists are trained to perform. These techniques will be used to mobilize tight joints that contribute to pain, and to manipulate soft tissues for relief. This technique may be very therapeutic when dealing with pain. Finally, posture and body mechanics training will be a major part of your physical therapy. Learning how to use correct posture at home, at work, and at rest can help to relieve pain and prevent recurrence of pain. All these treatment modalities will help you return to normal life without invasive surgery or painkillers. What should I know about chronic pain? As stated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself, chronic pain is different. Chronic pain persists. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years. There may have been an initial mishap — sprained back, serious infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain — arthritis, cancer, ear infection, but some people suffer with pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage. Many chronic pain conditions affect older adults. Common chronic pain complaints include headache, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, neurogenic pain (pain resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves or to the central nervous system itself), psychogenic pain (pain not due to past disease or injury or any visible sign of damage inside or outside the nervous system). A person may have two or more coexisting chronic pain conditions. Such conditions can include chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and vulvodynia. It is not known whether these disorders share a common cause.” Chronic pain affects each person differently. In many cases, the pain continues long after the body is healed of injury or a surgical procedure.  The good news is that physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach to pain relief. Your physical therapist has many tools and techniques at their disposal to help relieve and overcome chronic pain. Chronic pain has a number of symptoms associated with it, apart from the fact that the pain lasted more than three months. Here are some of the symptoms associated with chronic aches and pains: Weight Gain and Additional Problems: People with chronic pain may put on too much weight, which can lead to a host of added problems, from diabetes to heart disease. Reduced Circulation: Remaining inactive due to chronic pain reduces your circulation, which means your cells are not receiving a healthy amount of blood and oxygen. This can cause tissues to degenerate and leads to feelings of constant fatigue. Reduced Fitness: Inactivity due to chronic pain can cause your muscles to weaken and shrink. This can have profound physical effects over time, such as impacting your sense of balance. Stiffness: Muscles and joints may feel stiffer when suffering from chronic pain. Activity Avoidance: People with chronic pain become fearful of normal activities. The fear of additional pain can cause people to withdraw from normal physical activities that they enjoy. Ready to get started? If you have suffered from chronic aches and pains, take the first step today to overcome your condition. Call our office to schedule a physical therapy appointment.

Are You Dependent on Opioids For Pain Relief?

Opioids

Are You Dependent on Opioids For Pain Relief? If you depend on pain medications to make it through the day because of a chronic pain condition, know that you are not alone. You should also know that even though this is a common pain relief solution for many Americans, it is not normal or healthy in the slightest. Our nation is currently experiencing what the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services refers to as an “opioid epidemic.” Thankfully, there is another option for this kind of pain management. Physical therapists can help individuals manage pain, and greater use of physical therapy could make a real impact on the tragic levels of drug abuse in this country—abuse that often begins with a prescription for pain medication. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. If you are ready to find relief without the side effects of opioids, contact our physical therapy clinic today. Why are opioids so dangerous? People often confuse over-the-counter drugs and opioids, but they’re two different things. When people turn to over-the-counter medications for pain relief, there aren’t many significant health risks. For the most part, Advil, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen are safe to use in moderation if you are trying to find immediate relief when recovering from your car accident. Excessive use can negatively affect your organs, but most people don’t need to use these pain relievers very often. When it comes to severe pain caused by a more serious injury you may have sustained, prescription-strength medications may be issued by a doctor. However, with severe pain comes severe medication and side effects as well. Opioids are the most commonly used medication for pain management across the United States. Even though they are common, there are some shocking facts about them that the general public might not even be aware of, such as: Opioids are a highly dangerous class of substances. Heroin is among the opioid category, as well as prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and more. Opioids are a highly addictive substance and are the most commonly abused prescription medication. More than 2 million people in the United States become addicted to pain medication every year, many of the medications being opioids. About a quarter of heroin addicts began their addiction through prescription opioid dependency. These facts paint a bleak picture regarding the reality of prescription pain medication use across the United States. While disturbing, these statements cannot be ignored. It isn’t necessary to have a history of addiction to become dependent on opioids. In fact, many people who become addicted have never had any issues with drug dependency in the past. Fortunately, physical therapy can help provide the same pain relief in a much safer, healthier, and natural way. How physical therapy can kick an opioid addiction Physical therapy is effective for avoiding unnecessary surgery and for getting rid of a person’s dependence on opioids. This is why physical therapy is often the first point of entry in the healthcare system for pain management. The goal of physical therapy is to improve function and reduce pain. Both active and passive modalities are used in many forms of treatment. A physical therapist will educate you on the source of your pain and give you tips on how to manage your daily activities in order to reduce or eliminate pain. Pain education is an important component of physical therapy intervention! What to expect at a physical therapy appointment Chronic pain can make you curl up in bed and turn to opioids for pain relief. This solves nothing and is likely to only make your problem worse. If you’re tired of living with addiction, understand that you can say “no” to opioids with the help of physical therapy. It’s important to note that physical therapy can be implemented to treat all types of neuropathic pain and musculoskeletal pain. It can help alleviate pain due to osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain, headaches, and more. A physical therapist utilizes a number of different pain management methods, such as deep tissue massage, manipulation of bones, manual therapy, cold laser therapy, microcurrent stimulation, movement therapy, and exercise. Exercise may involve walking on a treadmill or specific exercises to strengthen the muscles. Deep tissue massage enhances oxygen and nutrients to travel to the affected area. Cold laser therapy is used to lessen pain, reduce inflammation and release endorphins. Microcurrent stimulation emits alpha waves to increase dopamine and serotonin to alleviate pain naturally. Even just 30 minutes of exercise a day will help you to better manage your pain! The exercise plan that a physical therapist will devise for you will be focused on strengthening the muscles, increasing endurance, developing more flexibility in the joints and muscles, and creating stability in the joints. Physical therapy is a multi-pronged approach to lessening pain. With exercise, massage, and manipulation, the body is encouraged to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals and to heal itself. Both tissue and bone will remodel with physical therapy. A physical therapist uses the fundamental sciences of biomechanics, pathology, and kinesiology to formulate a specific exercise treatment plan for patients. They can work closely with you and your doctor to find an effective treatment plan for your pain. Get started today If you’re tired of using pain medication to lessen your discomfort, know that there is another way to handle this part of your life. You don’t want to be part of a negative statistic. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists – and say goodbye to opioids today.

Living with Joint Pain? PT Can Help in These 4 Ways

Joint Pain

Living with Joint Pain? PT Can Help in These 4 Ways Arthritis is a common joint pain problem that can affect people of all ages. While there is no cure for arthritis, with physical therapy, you can learn how to manage your arthritis pain naturally. For many people with chronic arthritis pain, prescription pain medications may seem like the only way to relieve pain. However, our experienced physical therapist recommends completing a variety of targeted exercises to reduce inflammation, increase mobility, and relieve your arthritis pain. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. Keep reading to learn more! How can physical therapy help relieve painful joints? If you have arthritis pain, our physical therapist recommends completing a few different physical therapy exercises to help ease your pain and other symptoms, such as stiffness. Some of our favorite exercises are: Hand Exercises — Rheumatoid arthritis can often result in limited use of the hands over time. By bending the wrists up and down, slowly curling your fingers, and spreading your fingers wide in a repetitive exercise cycle, you can greatly improve mobility and relieve chronic pain. Water Exercises — This is a great low-impact way to get in your physical therapy exercises and relieve joint pain. Walking — Going for a walk is a great way to improve your joint health, boost your overall mood, and help with aerobic conditioning. Stretching — This simple exercise helps to improve flexibility, increase your range of motion and reduce stiffness caused by arthritis. So, why am I experiencing joint pain? Because there are different types of arthritis, there is no major cause of this type of joint problem. There are, however, certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood that you may develop arthritis in your lifetime. Gender Did you know that women are much more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men? But on the other hand, men are more likely to develop gout. Age The risk of developing certain types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis and gout, increases as we age. Previous Injury If you’ve injured a joint in the past, you have an increased risk of developing arthritis in the same area later in life. Weight When you are carrying excess weight on your body, you are putting increased strain on your joints. People with obesity have a greater chance of developing arthritis, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine. Family History Certain types of arthritis can be genetic issues that run within family lines. If your parents or siblings have a specific type of arthritis, you are much more likely to develop it at some point in your life as well. How else can joint pain develop? Can you believe that it’s possible to develop soft tissue pain from doing absolutely nothing? It’s strange, but true. Take for example, this condition called adhesive capsulitis, otherwise known as “frozen shoulder.” If you’ve had to wear a sling for a while, this is an uncomfortable condition you could end up having that can render your shoulder useless for quite some time. Osteoarthritis is the most common condition that causes pain and stiffness. This condition can affect anyone at any age, but is most commonly found in older patients due to age-related deterioration of cartilage between bones in the joint. Osteoarthritis isn’t the only one to look out for. Rheumatoid arthritis is another painful, damaging joint condition caused by autoimmune problems. Do you have any of these symptoms? For most people with arthritis, joint pain is the most common complaint. But depending on the type of arthritis an individual has, they may experience a variety of different symptoms, including: Chronic pain Impaired range of motion Stiffness Redness Swelling What else should I know about arthritis? Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness in one or more of the body’s joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common complaints of those with arthritis, and these symptoms may actually worsen with age. While there are many types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint begins to break down, resulting in recurring pain and stiffness. However, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack different joints, starting with the actual lining of the joints and breaking them down over time. Our trained physical therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free life. Consult with a licensed PT today Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of physical therapy for arthritis pain? Please contact our Chesterton, IN physical therapy practice to learn more, and be sure to schedule an initial consultation.

Chronic Back Pain: Physical Therapy, Unlocking New Potentials

Physical Therapy Can Help with Chronic Back Pain! Don’t Live in Discomfort Any Longer Discover Relief for Your Aches and Pains Today Chronic back pain is a pain that lasts for three months and is longer. This type of pain can occur for a variety of reasons, including spinal arthritis, aging, disc problems, and myofascial pain syndrome. With spinal arthritis, the slow thinning of the cartilage inside the spine can result in pain. With a herniated or bulging disc, compression may occur around your surrounding nerves, resulting in pain. With spinal stenosis, there is a narrowing of the spine, which can lead to nerve pain. With myofascial pain syndrome, you may experience unknown muscle tenderness and pain. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. Whatever the cause of your pain, it doesn’t have to be a part of your daily life. What can physical therapy do for my chronic pain? If your back pain is caused by spinal stenosis or a bulging disc, a physical therapist may initiate a targeted movement program to reduce numbness, pain, or weakness. Progressive movement exercises such as McKenzie exercises may be included in your physical therapy program to treat a wide range of causes of back pain. Stabilization exercises to retrain deep muscles may also be included. Your physical therapist will also show you how to use the right spinal and abdominal muscles before starting any exercise to stabilize the spine. Manipulation is another technique for alleviating chronic pain where short and rapid movements are performed over the joint to reduce pain and increase mobility. Physical therapists also use multiple passive modalities to reduce back pain. Heat and cold therapy may be used to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Ultrasound is another common passive modality used by physical therapists that incorporates deep heating sound waves that penetrate soft tissue. Not only does this method relieve back pain, but it also aids in the healing of the affected area. A physical therapist may order a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. This unit helps to overcome the painful signals sent to the brain. It can be used both at home and in the long term. Deep tissue massage is another common therapy for chronic back pain. This manual method increases oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas for healing and also helps reduce muscle spasms and stiffness. According to the NCBI, “In chronic low back without serious pathology, recommended primary conservative physical treatment preferences include exercise, yoga, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, massage, manual therapy, physical therapy and interdisciplinary rehabilitation. A recent literature review with meta-analysis in patients with chronic lower back pain found moderate- to high-quality evidence that McKenzie exercises in physical therapy were superior to other rehabilitation interventions in reducing pain and disability.” What else should I know? As stated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself, chronic pain is different. Chronic pain persists. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years. There may have been an initial mishap — sprained back, serious infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain — arthritis, cancer, ear infection, but some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage. Many chronic pain conditions affect older adults. Common chronic pain complaints include headache, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, neurogenic pain (pain resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves or to the central nervous system itself), psychogenic pain (pain not due to past disease or injury or any visible sign of damage inside or outside the nervous system). A person may have two or more co-existing chronic pain conditions. Such conditions can include chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and vulvodynia. It is not known whether these disorders share a common cause.” Chronic pain affects every person differently. In many cases, the pain continues long after the body is healed from the injury or surgery. The good news is that physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach to pain relief. Your physical therapist has many tools and techniques at their disposal to help relieve and overcome chronic pain. Chronic pain has a number of symptoms associated with it, apart from the fact that it lasted more than three months. Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with chronic aches and pain: Decreased activity: Inactivity due to chronic pain can cause your muscles to weaken and shrink. This can have profound physical effects over time, such as impacting your sense of balance. Decreased circulation: Remaining inactive due to chronic pain reduces your circulation, which means your cells are not receiving a healthy amount of blood and oxygen. This can cause tissues to degenerate and leads to feelings of constant fatigue. Avoiding activities: People with chronic pain become fearful of normal activities. The fear of additional pain can cause people to withdraw from normal physical activities that they enjoy. Stiffness: Muscles and joints may feel stiffer when suffering from chronic pain. Increased weight: People with chronic pain may put on too much weight, which can lead to a host of added problems, from diabetes to heart disease. Ready to find relief? If you have back pain, it’s time to take action. Schedule a physical therapy assessment today. Your physical therapist will work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific condition. With both active and passive treatment methods, you will be on the road to pain reduction or even elimination. At the end of the road, you will be able to move about your daily life with reduced or no pain in your regular activities!

Chronic Pain Controlling Your Life? It’s Time For a Solution

Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain Controlling Your Life? It’s Time For a Solution Did You Know PT Can Help Even the Most Persistent Pain? Did you know that approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced (or will experience) chronic back pain? That’s a depressing statistic, especially if you’re already one of those sufferers. Chronic back pain can prevent you from performing the countless daily tasks you need or want to perform. Even when you’re not engaged in activity, your back pain may be keeping you miserable 24/7. But don’t assume that drugs can provide more than temporary relief, or that surgery won’t create more problems than it solves. Instead, go with the healthy, natural way to kiss your back pain goodbye — through physical therapy. What is chronic pain? Chronic back pain refers to pain that lasts more than three months. It is a progressive pain that gradually worsens with time and basic daily activities. Furthermore, the specific cause of back pain may remain unknown. A person simply may not know what caused it or pinpoint a point of origin. However, most people can recover from back pain by understanding its causes, especially those that do not derive from an incident, such as a car accident. Chronic back pain Chronic back pain may arise from two issues, including a sudden, traumatic injury or repetitive stress on the vertebrae. Pain includes sensations, such as a prick, burn, tingle, sting, sharp pain and aches. Acute pain is typically an expected bodily response to a severe injury. However, the repeated use of joints after an inflammatory response may lead to the worsening of symptoms and disease progression, explains the NINDS. In addition, those with poor posture, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities and osteoporosis may suffer from chronic back pain more often than their peers, says the Mayo Clinic. Other facts, such as age, weight, poor lifting practices and even mental health conditions, may increase risk for back pain, and it only takes one injury for a condition to persist into the realm of long-term problems. PT and chronic back pain – how it can help Instead of numbing yourself with drugs or risking major surgery, give physical therapy a chance to relieve your chronic back pain the safe, natural way. Our physical therapist will first take the time to examine your back, analyze your symptoms, evaluate your medical history, and talk to you about your pain management goals. This information enables the physical therapist to devise a comprehensive physical therapy plan just for you. Here are some ways you can benefit from such a plan: Mindfulness practices and other techniques can help you reduce anxiety and other reactions to pain that might make the pain worse, helping you control your pain responses for the better. Our physical therapist can recommend specific lifestyle modifications to help you ease stress on your back and avoid future back problems. Laser therapy, massage therapy, and heat or cold treatments can reduce chronic inflammation and relax painful muscle spasms in your back. Strengthening exercises can give weak back muscles the reinforcement they need to hold your back straighter and with less fatigue. Stretching exercises can help you increase your range of motion, allowing you to do more with less back pain. PT and chronic back pain – how it can help Instead of numbing yourself with drugs or risking major surgery, give physical therapy a chance to relieve your chronic back pain the safe, natural way. Our physical therapist will first take the time to examine your back, analyze your symptoms, evaluate your medical history, and talk to you about your pain management goals. This information enables the physical therapist to devise a comprehensive physical therapy plan just for you. Here are some ways you can benefit from such a plan: Mindfulness practices and other techniques can help you reduce anxiety and other reactions to pain that might make the pain worse, helping you control your pain responses for the better. Our physical therapist can recommend specific lifestyle modifications to help you ease stress on your back and avoid future back problems. Laser therapy, massage therapy, and heat or cold treatments can reduce chronic inflammation and relax painful muscle spasms in your back. Strengthening exercises can give weak back muscles the reinforcement they need to hold your back straighter and with less fatigue. Stretching exercises can help you increase your range of motion, allowing you to do more with less back pain. Considering physical therapy before drugs or surgery Back pain can be either acute or chronic in nature. Acute back pain often occurs as the direct result of torn muscles or other sudden, intense damage. But as agonizing as cute back pain may be, at least you have the comfort of knowing that your pain will probably subside as the injury heals. Chronic back offers no such comfort. By definition, any kind of chronic pain lasts for more than 3 months, either attacking you in bouts or plaguing you with constant discomfort. The underlying cause is often progressive and/or irreversible. Common causes of chronic back pain include: An old back injury that failed to heal properly, leaving you with internal scarring and chronic stiffness A narrowing of the spinal canal known as spinal stenosis Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis of the spine Chronic muscle strain from an unbalanced posture or weak back muscles Bulging or herniated discs Drugs can relieve chronic back pain, but only imperfectly. After a few hours of lessened symptoms, you have to take another dosage, and then another. If you’re using opioids to dull your pain, you can end up in a frightening cycle of increased tolerance and addiction. The most extreme form of treatment, spinal surgery, can permanently limit your back’s flexibility. You might even end up with an even more painful problem known as failed back surgery syndrome. Get fast and effective relief today You have the power to master your chronic pain, starting with the decision to treat yourself to physical therapy.Contact

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