Physical Therapy Techniques That Can Help You Alleviate Pain

There are many reasons to visit a physical therapist, and those technicians can treat a wide variety of ailments. However, the most common client is someone that has been injured in an accident or that has extensive, life-altering pain. Since different individuals may respond better to differing therapies, the therapist employs a wide range of techniques to strengthen muscles, increase circulation, or improve range of motion. Here are some of the most frequently used physical therapy techniques to alleviate pain.

Heat Therapy

Cold and heat therapy has long been used on muscle aches and pains, as well as to reduce soft tissue swelling and inflammation. Whether the cold is used to constrict the blood flow or heat is used to increase blood movement, the therapist can use the method best suited to aid in a speedy recovery.

Massage Therapy

The physical therapist is highly trained in manual muscle movement. This can include:

• Mobilization
• Massage
• Manipulation
• Applications

Because of the effectiveness of muscle movement, it is the foundation of most treatment plans.

Electric Therapy

ESTIM is a form of electrical stimulation that applies electricity to a muscle. The resulting muscle contraction can stimulate movement and restore function. The higher the current, the more muscle contraction can be expected. ESTIM is also used in pain management, but only on very low electrical levels.

Light Therapy

Therapists are trained to use lasers on a low wavelength level to aid in healing. The light therapy is still providing new and exciting ways to help the body, but some of the more common uses are:

• Reduce inflammation
• Limit discomfort
• Alleviate muscle fatigue
• Lessen pain

Physical therapists often use laser therapy along with manual manipulation to achieve the best results.

Sound Therapy

One of the most common uses of sound in physical therapy is employing a high-pitched wave to aid in circulation. The sound also provides heat to connective tissues and speeds ligament healing. Ultrasounds are the most common form of sound therapy and have proven beneficial when used with other physical therapy options, as a physical therapist like one from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can tell you more about.

Traction Therapy

Traction decompression therapy is used to relieve pressure on the injured back, most specifically the spine. Whether the injury is a result of genetics or an automobile collision, easing the compression can alleviate the pain and allow the suffering individual to strengthen the area. Conditions that traction therapy works on include:

• Pinched nerves
• Compressed discs
• Sciatica
• Degenerative back disease
• Herniated discs

Pain Therapy

If you have pain that hasn’t been resolved, contact a physical therapist today. You deserve to live a life free of pain, and a qualified physical therapist can help you achieve that state using some of the pain-alleviating techniques listed above.

Physical therapy is designed to help patients recover from injuries and surgery or to improve overall health as the body begins to wear down with age. Many people go into their first appointment with many questions. Not only do they worry that the treatment won’t work, but they are concerned that it might hurt. If you are thinking this before your initial examination, you’re not alone. Fortunately, physical therapists have been answering these questions for a long time. Here’s what you need to know.

Physical Therapy and Pain

While physical therapy often helps to reduce or ease pain (if not eliminate it altogether), the treatment should not cause pain. That said, it may cause discomfort as you begin your new exercises. Physical workouts and exercises are always challenging when you first begin, and they may cause soreness as you strengthen your body. If you work muscles and massage tissues that you have not used in a while, soreness is to be expected. Just know that eventually, it will go away.

Benefits of Treatment

Physical therapy comes with many more benefits other than reducing pain. It can help you recover from an injury or decrease the likelihood of an injury. As you age, mobility can become difficult, but physical therapy can loosen joints and muscles so that carrying out regular tasks is no problem. You may be able to participate in more activities after seeing your physical therapist for several months. Treatment can also replace the need for surgery or medication, as a physical therapist like one from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can explain.

Timeline of Physical Therapy

The number of appointments you make really depends on your individual needs. Some people only need to see a physical therapist a few times to gather knowledge about what exercises they should be doing at home before they can continue treatment on their own. Others may go to appointments once or twice a week for several months or years until their problems subside. It is all about personal goals and where you want to end up with your physical health.

Finding a Physical Therapist

If you think physical therapy might be good for you, talk to your normal doctor about it. Physicians often have physical therapists in mind for recommendations. You can also seek out a professional without the referral of a doctor. Search for highly rated physical therapists in your area (many work at special clinics) and make an appointment to see what they can do for you.

Does Hair Restoration Last?

There are many questions that patients have for medical professionals depending on what type of treatment is being received. For example, a patient may ask a chiropractor how often one would need to receive treatment. The answer may vary depending on the patient’s current state. The answers also vary with the specific procedures. Deciding to get a hair transplant is a big step and can be a significant investment, so many people want to know whether the surgery will provide a permanent solution to hair loss. One of the most commonly asked questions is “how long does a hair transplant last?” While concerns about the long-term success of hair transplants are understandable, for most patients the hair transplant will last a lifetime.  As a hair restoration doctor would explain, the results of a Hair Transplant Procedure can vary based on a number of factors and limitations. However, the two procedure types most commonly used — Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), considered the gold standard of hair transplantation procedures, and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) — are intended as permanent solutions to hair loss.

Your surgeon will need to be attentive and take into consideration the patient’s age, type of hair, and the unique lifestyle of the hair transplant recipient. The extent of hair loss previous to the surgery can affect the lifespan of the hair transplant. In some cases, a patient may need more than one hair transplant throughout their lifetime to achieve the desired result.

All patients that suffer from male pattern hair loss have a band of hair around the back and sides of their head that is immune to the balding process. This area of hair is referred to as the donor area. The surgeon will take the grafts for transplantation from this area. During these procedures, hair is transplanted from the permanent zones in the donor area in the back and sides of the scalp to the thinning and balding areas of the front, top, and crown. Because hair follicles are taken from regions that are genetically resistant to hair loss during these procedures, for most patients, the newly

implanted hair lasts forever. The follicles will have been moved from a donor section of your scalp, ensuring that not only is your scalp more likely to accept the transplants, but they will also begin to blend into the rest of your hair in the months following your transplant. Each follicle will continue to produce hair that grows naturally alongside the surrounding hairs and will behave in the same way as the rest of your hair.

While there is the slight risk that those suffering from pattern baldness will see further hair loss in the future, this can often be solved by a follow up treatment to transplant healthy hairs into the areas where the new loss has become apparent. The transplanted hairs, however, will remain strong and healthy. With routine care this hair will last a lifetime.

Your surgeon should take into account any family history of hair loss along with the reasons for your personal thinning hair or hair loss and will be able to better determine whether you are likely to lose hair in the future. By doing this your surgeon should be able to foresee and predict any potential future surgeries and design a hairline and density that will blend well with possible future procedures.

If you experience vertigo, otherwise known as the sensation of filling that you or your environment is spinning, then you might have balance issues. So what can physical therapy in Bowie, MD do for you? Well, first let’s talk some more about vertigo.

People who experience vertigo often have the issue of feeling dizzy, or lightheaded. Vertigo and lightheadedness can have different causes and different treatments but often occur together. Vertigo can affect people of all ages but it is very rare among children and very common in adults over the age of 20. However after you’ve hit the age of 65 and over, balance problems along with vertigo are much more dangerous because older people have a lot more balance issues and are more fragile so if they fall it could really hurt them.

Physical therapy can help you manage vertigo and dizziness and help you live your life with a higher quality of life.

Oftentimes vertigo is caused by the vestibular system which is the inner part of your ear that is responsible for your balance. There are a number of conditions that can cause vertigo such as inner ear infections or disorders, migraines, tumors such as acoustic neuroma, surgery that removes or injures the ear or its nerves, a hole in the inner ear, and stroke. This is not a complete list of everything that can cause vertigo as it can have other causes.

Along with vertigo, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, abnormal eye movements, ringing in one or both ears, and difficulty walking because you are not able to balance.

The most common form of vertigo is a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV is an inner ear problem that causes short periods of spinning when your head is moved in certain directions. Sometimes people have something called visual vertigo which is a dizzy or unsteady feeling in stimulating visual settings; which makes activities like walking and store aisles and driving in traffic hard.

Physical therapy and Bowie, MD like the ones available at the Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab can help you by evaluating what is causing your vertigo and creating a plan. This plan will be tailor-made to you, focusing on your goals as you live life with vertigo. Exact treatment is going to depend extremely on the type of vertigo and the cause.

Your physical therapist is going to help get you moving and manage the vertigo, and treatment is often going to include specialized head or neck movement that you will be taught to do. There will also be exercises to help get rid of your symptoms; and certain types of vertigo and conditions have very specific treatment plans.

If you still have issues after vertigo stops then your therapist can target these problems specifically because they were obviously not caused only by the vertigo. So if performing an activity or a chore at home causes you to become dizzy then your therapist is going to be able to teach you how to do them in a different way to reduce or stop the dizziness.

Back pain can signal many different things. It could be a herniated disc or muscle issues, or it could be the beginning stages of arthritis. No matter what, you need to get it checked out by a back pain doctor, like one from AmeriWell Clinics, as soon as possible. Often, the sooner you discover an issue, the more likely it will be resolved in a simpler way. There are many different causes of back pain, so you should not jump to conclusions and be overly concerned right off the bat. It will be important to get everything checked out by a professional to see how you need to move forward. Here are some of the most common treatments for back pain. 

Losing Weight Can Help Alleviate Back Pain

Carrying around excess weight can put a strain on joints and muscles. If you are overweight and experiencing back pain, it could be incredibly beneficial to get to a healthier weight to see if that helps reduce pain. Losing weight is not always easy, but it is worth it if you are able to eliminate the aches and pains in your back. 

Stretching and Strengthening Muscles Can Reduce Back Pain

Sometimes, tight muscles can cause back pain. They could be the actual muscles in the back, or in the surrounding area that are causing issues. A good back pain doctor will know what kind of stretches and exercises will help you, and what could potentially hurt you. This can be a good long term fix, as you will be able to do this “homework” every day, not just when you are able to see the doctor. 

Find Ways to Treat Your Pain

There are other tactics that can manage back pain as you strengthen and try to fix the anatomy of your back. Acupuncture, dry needling, heat therapy, and massage can all help alleviate pain in the back. Every person is different, which is why treatment needs to be as well. Some people may need muscle relaxers or other medications to help manage pain. This is all something to speak with your back pain doctor about. He or she will be able to give you advice for your specific needs and circumstances. What works for one person may not for another, but you can keep changing things until you and your doctor come up with a plan that works well for you.

Contact a Back Pain Doctor Today

Reach out to an experienced back pain doctor today to figure out the best protocol for you moving forward. The sooner you reach out, the faster you can begin to find relief. It is hard for anyone to be in pain, and back pain can be particularly difficult to deal with. Contact a back pain doctor right away so that you can manage your pain before it gets worse. He or she will come up with a plan tailor made to your specific issues and that will be the best option for your health. 

Can your chiropractor in Bowie MD provide relief from a pinched nerve? Pinched nerves were conditions that caused pinched nerves, a very common condition in a chiropractor’s office. Therefore many of the patients that see chiropractors often ask about ways to relieve their pain and whether chiropractors can help with that.

There are a lot of reasons why you might have a kink in your neck, or why your back may hurt or any part of your body. Chiropractors in Bowie, MD such as the ones available at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab often have a lot of experience in dealing with and diagnosing various types of pain.

In case you do not know a pinched nerve is when tissue presses against your nerve. The pressure on this nerve, known as compression, causes pain signals to be sent to the brain. Bone, cartilage, muscle or tendon can press against a nerve and cause compression error.

Pinched nerves can be caused by a number of things, can be the result of a bone spur, it can be the result of a herniated disc or bulging disc, it can be the result of inflamed joints or something else. What is pinching a nerve will depend entirely on what part of your body the affected nerve is in.

When you have a pinched nerve you may experience a variety of pain and other symptoms; such as tingling, numbness, weakness, and sometimes you might feel pain in an area that is not affected by the nerve but is relaying the pain. For example, you might have a pinched nerve in her lower back and you might feel pain in your back, buttocks and down one leg.

Osteoarthritis can cause your joints to become enlarged and puts you at worse risk for bone spurs, age, posture, body mass and heredity also put you at risk for pinched nerves. Understanding where the affected nerve is helps a chiropractor in Bowie, MD determine the best course of treatment for that specific nerve and they will know how to reduce the pressure.

Chiropractors provide safe and effective treatments for pension nerve pain, and decompression therapy can help to relieve pressure from herniated discs and further help you to ease pinched nerve pain. Your chiropractor may also suggest massage therapy, cryotherapy, and it may offer you exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area so that it is less likely to pinched nerves repeatedly.

If you think you have a pinched nerve you should consult with your chiropractor in Bowie, MD so that they can help you determine what is pinching your nerve, whether it is an underlying issue, the best treatment course for the underlying issue and the best treatment for your pain management.

CrossFit has become a very popular type of workout. However, if you don’t take the proper safety precautions, it can easily lead to injury. Knee injuries in particular are one of the most common injuries CrossFit patrons endure. While it’s always a good idea to talk with a CrossFit trainer about your own health needs before beginning training, here are a few basic tips that may help you avoid some serious injuries.

1. Listen to your body.

Many people want to jump right in when they begin CrossFit. If you haven’t tried CrossFit before, however, and especially if you normally do not work out, it’s important to take it slow at first. Take your time and listen to your body. Even though CrossFit is based on high-intensity training sessions, it’s important to know your body’s limits and to take a break if the workouts are becoming too rigorous. Our knees were made to help bear the weight of our bodies and more, but they have a breaking point too. 

2. Ask questions before you start.

Unlike a treadmill or a bicycle, which are both fairly easy to figure out and use without help or training, CrossFit has a bit of a learning curve. It never hurts to ask your trainers some questions before you begin. 

3. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with everyone else.

CrossFit training can be very competitive. This can be great for motivation, but it can also tip you over the edge and make you do things that are unsafe or even downright dangerous. Don’t let this “peer pressure” make you do something you’re not ready for. Use your workout to be the best version of yourself — not to be better than everyone else. 

4. Workout with a partner or trainer.

Even if it’s a group training session, having a partner keep an eye on your form can be very beneficial. Aside from improving your form and making you feel better overall, a partner can help you avoid personal injury. If you’re new to CrossFit, consider finding a trainer who is experienced so they can really keep you vigilant about how you can improve. 

5. Go for small consistent gains over big dramatic leaps.

We’ve all seen the personal breakthroughs and huge success stories. It’s important to remember that those stories didn’t come from a single workout. They were the result of hard, dedicated workouts over time. Take pride in each small gain you make, knowing that the next one will build on it. 

CrossFit training can be a fun and exciting way to work out, as long as you are careful. A personal injury can sideline you, temporarily or even permanently. As a knee pain doctor, like one from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, can attest, following these simple tips can help you stay safe, have fun, and get a great workout that you can be proud of, along with keeping your knees strong. 

If you are wondering whether you can get physical therapy (PT) at home, the answer is “maybe.” Some patients can receive in-home health services during which a licensed PT will come to their home to provide therapy. Since telehealth services are very popular now, PT patients also often have the option of receiving “hands-off” treatment during online live streams with a licensed provider.  It’s very appealing to choose the online option if you have difficulty scheduling treatment at an office. But, before making a decision on which route to choose, speak with a physical therapist about your unique needs and circumstances. 

As an experienced Bowie, MD physical therapy provider – including those who practice at MidAtlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic– can confirm, no two patients’ needs are exactly alike. Perhaps at-home PT sounds great but isn’t the best way for you to heal from your specific injury. Or perhaps you’re hesitant to embrace a home-PT option but it would suit your situation well. You won’t be able to make informed decisions about your care until you speak with a provider about your specific needs. 

In-Home Physical Therapy

For in-home therapy, licensed PTs are scheduled to visit your home and provide treatment there instead of a treatment center or rehab. Medical insurance may cover in-home therapy services if you have problems leaving your home. These reasons may include:

• having limited mobility to the extent that you can’t be transported
• leaving the home risks your health due to your injury or subsequent illness
• needing transport

If these limitations don’t apply to you, you can still request in-home physical therapy because you want the convenience, but it likely won’t be covered by insurance.  

You might also need in-home therapy due to certain illnesses or conditions you have. These may include: 

• hip or knee replacements
• fractures
• neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, MS (Multiple Sclerosis), ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• heart attack
• stroke

Online or “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Physical Therapy

PTs generally do not recommend self-treatment unless it’s under the guidance of a licensed provider. Unfortunately, there are many websites out there touting exercises and suggestions for individuals to do on their own. This is risky and likely ineffective. Without guidance from a licensed PT, you could:

• overwork your muscles
• do the exercises improperly
• cause more pain
• cause another injury
• waste time doing exercises or purchasing devices you don’t need

There are some things you can do on your own that are not likely to cause issues. You can apply ice or heat to your muscles, or do some gentle stretching. Simply resting your body can be very healing.

Many physical therapy offices now offer virtual sessions, so you might have various options with the provider you choose. The bottom line on DIY is you should seek a licensed and accredited physical therapist to conduct the sessions live stream and one-on-one. Talk to your insurance company if you need coverage for in-home visits, or you can start searching for local PTs who will provide online services to meet your needs.

Top Reasons To Return to Physical Therapy

Most patients undergo physical therapy for a short time. You may visit your physical therapist over the course of weeks or months. However, physical therapy can be a long process. For example, you may finish your initial several sessions and have to return years later to receive treatment for an exacerbation of your original condition. As an experienced Baltimore, MD physical therapy provider – including those who practice at MidAtlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic– can confirm, you shouldn’t avoid returning to physical therapy simply because it genuinely feels frustrating that you need to go through this process again. It is generally a healthier approach to work to a place of acceptance that sometimes old injuries “flare up” after initially healing to the greatest extent possible. 

Your Pain Returns

One of the most common reasons that patients require physical therapy is to alleviate pain. For example, if you have severe pain in your joints, soft tissue mobilization can help ease the pain. The use of taping, ultrasound or electric stimulation can also help with your blood circulation. When you increase your blood flow, you are more likely to heal quicker. In addition, relief from physical therapy is often safer than pain medication.

Your Mobility Decreases

When you finish physical therapy, you may have your range of function back. Often, physical therapy improves your ability to walk, stand or perform other daily activities. However, if you find that you are starting to lose those functions again, you need to see a physical therapist as soon as possible. You may think that an old injury can’t be “re-healed” or that you have to live with the pain, but that isn’t the case. In fact, even old injuries can often improve with flexibility work, endurance training and other strength training activities.

You May Require Surgery

Sometimes, when you suffer from joint mobility issues, doctors may suggest surgical intervention. In some cases, physical therapy can help you avoid the knife. If not, you may still need to have physical therapy to prepare you for the surgical procedure. Having physical therapy following surgery can also help promote healing. You may be able to heal without the use of stitches. Physical therapy can help aid in blood flow which also helps the body to heal itself. A lot of people fear being unable to move the same as before after surgery. If you don’t follow a physical therapy regimen, you could lose even more function.

Follow your doctor’s instructions in regards to physical therapy. Even if you start to feel better, don’t quit therapy before you’re cleared. If you are cleared but the pain returns or your mobility decreases, you may have to return for the old injury. Returning to physical therapy can help you regain independence or live with less pain.

3 Questions To Ask About Knee Pain

If you have recently suffered an injury, had surgery, or experienced a loss of mobility, you might be able to benefit from knee therapy by a Knee Pain Doctor. Your doctor may recommend this to you, but it is entirely appropriate for you to bring it up if he or she does not. Bear in mind that your doctor may not be able to answer all your questions about knee therapy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. If your doctor does not know the answer, he or she should at least be able to help you find it out.

If your doctor believes that you could benefit from knee therapy, he or she may recommend that you see a particular therapist. However, this is just a recommendation, and you have the freedom to choose which therapist to see. Before you make your choice, however, it is a good idea to ask some questions first.

1. What Do You Need To Do To Prepare for Appointments?

Knee therapy often involves exercise, so you should dress in comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely for each appointment. If for some reason you cannot go to your appointment dressed in your therapy clothes, you should at least bring them with you so you can change when you get there. You may also undergo some sort of treatment modality, such as iontophoresis. If this is the case, you should wear clothing that allows easy access to the symptomatic area. For example, for the pain in your knee, you may want to wear shorts or sweatpants that are easy to roll up.

If it is your first appointment, you may have to bring medical reports and images. However, in many cases, your doctor’s office can simply forward these.

2. What Can You Expect From a Typical Session?

Knee therapy appointments generally last about an hour. However, the exact treatments you receive depend on your diagnosis. During your first session, the therapist will perform an initial assessment and develop a treatment plan in response.

3. What Is the Knee Pain Doctor’s Experience?

Some knee pain doctors, like one from Austin Physical Therapy, are generalists that treat all areas of the body. Others specialize in a particular type of injury or body part. While you can receive treatment from a generalist therapist, it might be a good idea to seek out a specialist in your particular knee injury. If there are no specialists available, it is still a good idea to ask the therapist about his or her experience with the type of problem you have.

Contact our office with any questions you have about knee pain or to schedule your initial appointment.