
Brooklyn Physical Therapy News- Evolve NY
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a disproportionate response of the sympathetic nervous system (think fight or flight) following an injury. This abnormal feedback to the brain has been associated with injuries to bone, nerve, soft tissue, and blood vessels. It is most commonly seen in the hand and foot after immobilizing a painful injury in that region or after a stroke or heart attack.
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a disproportionate response of the sympathetic nervous system (think fight or flight) following an injury. This abnormal feedback to the brain has been associated with injuries to bone, nerve, soft tissue, and blood vessels. It is most commonly seen in the hand and foot after immobilizing a painful injury in that region or after a stroke or heart attack.
Someone who has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) will complain of a continuous throbbing or burning pain in their arm, hand, leg, or foot. They may have increased sensitivity to touch, cold, and have changes to their skin color. These skin changes can range from blue, to red, to white blotches. The joints affected may be stiff and swollen as well. People with this syndrome may experience muscle spasms, tremors, and weakness.
There are two types of CRPS that one can develop:
Type 1: This type is found in the vast majority of CRPS patients, about 90%. It occurs after an injury that did not directly damage any nerves in the affected region.
Type 2: This less common form occurs after a direct injury to a nerve in the affected limb.
There is no general timeline for symptoms of this condition as it can last anywhere from a few months to a year. CRPS can lead to ongoing chronic pain which is a potential risk factor for developing clinical psychological depression.
Early management is crucial in order to support a good prognosis. There are some disabling complications that can develop if this issue is not taken care of early enough. The most common ones include muscle wasting and muscle contractures. When you visit your doctor, they will direct your treatment toward disrupting the increased sympathetic response and a nerve block medication will likely be administered. While medication will help ease the pain, it does not provide long term relief.
While medicated, it is important to see a physical therapist who will help you exercise through pain free ranges of motion. A physical therapist will help you loosen up joints that are stiff in order to prevent muscle and joint deterioration. They will also work with you to reduce the risk of contractures, which is caused by the tightening of muscles. In addition, various therapeutic techniques may be utilized to reduce swelling and reduce pain.
Medication alone will not help someone with CRPS get better for the long run. However, it significantly improves a patient’s ability to cooperate and perform better in a physical therapy session.
Are you or someone you know experiencing CRPS? Call us today to make an appointment. Our therapists will work with you to reduce the risk of complications, and help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Call to schedule an appointment! 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics:
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Upper Back Strain?
Upper Back Strains- If you are experiencing pain on your upper back, specifically between your shoulder blades, you may have a rhomboid strain or spasm. The rhomboids are muscles that pull your shoulders back and rotate your scapulae down. They also act as a stabilizer, positioning the scapulae onto the thoracic wall. Activation of these muscles help to maintain proper posture while standing, sitting, and walking. When not activated, the shoulders can protrude forward, leading to poor posture and upper back pain.
Upper Back Strains
If you are experiencing pain on your upper back, specifically between your shoulder blades, you may have a rhomboid strain or spasm. The rhomboids are muscles that pull your shoulders back and rotate your scapulae down. They also act as a stabilizer, positioning the scapulae onto the thoracic wall. Activation of these muscles help to maintain proper posture while standing, sitting, and walking. When not activated, the shoulders can protrude forward, leading to poor posture and upper back pain.
A rhomboid strain or spasm is usually caused from repetitive motions or other overuse of the shoulder. Some of these include overhead activities such as pitching, serving a tennis ball, rowing, carrying a heavy load such as a backpack, and sustained poor posture for long periods of time. A strain may cause pain in between your shoulder blades and can be assessed by your physical therapist.
Your physical therapist will help you strengthen and stretch the muscles in your upper back and shoulders in order to correct any existing muscle imbalances and to improve your posture. They also may incorporate some modalities into your treatment such as ice, ultrasound, and soft tissue work. All of these approaches will work off of one another to manage pain and inflammation. In order to facilitate the healing process, you will need to modify your activities in order to avoid anything that aggravates your upper back pain. Your PT will most likely prescribe a home exercise program to complete between visits. You and your physical therapist will become partners in your healing; they will give you the tools you need to get yourself better in a timely manner. Following this plan is important to speed up recovery. A mild strain should heal within 4-6 weeks while more severe strains may take longer.
There are a few actions you can take to prevent rhomboid muscle strains or spasms:
Be sure to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts
Perform dynamic stretches before activity and static stretches after activity
If you have a desk job, set an alarm on your device to remind you to take breaks and move around every 45 minutes
Practice proper technique while playing sports
If you wear a backpack, make sure to carry it on both shoulders
Here are some exercises that can help with upper back pain due to rhomboid sprains and spasms:
Shoulder Retractions: Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Draw your shoulder blades together while bringing them down and back. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat for 1 minute
Rhomboid Stretch: Extend your arms out in front of you, stacking your right hand over your left. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch sides. Repeat for a total of 3 times on each side.
Neck Rotations: Sit upright at the edge of a chair. Inhale while turning your head to the right and hold at the end of your range for 30 seconds while taking deep breaths. Repeat on the left side. Do this for a total of 3 times on each side.
Got upper back pain? Call us today to make an appointment! Call- 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Physical Therapy for Concussion Injuries
Concussions and Physical Therapy- It is not well known that patients who have had concussions can and should be treated by a physical therapist. It used to be thought that the only way to treat a concussion was with rest. However, a lot of research has emerged recognizing the effectiveness of PT on treating this injury. Physical therapists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals that provide concussion management.
Concussions and Physical Therapy
It is not well known that patients who have had concussions can and should be treated by a physical therapist. It used to be thought that the only way to treat a concussion was with rest. However, a lot of research has emerged recognizing the effectiveness of PT on treating this injury. Physical therapists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals that provide concussion management.
Concussions are classified as a minor traumatic brain injury and make up 80-90% of brain injuries. They usually occur from a direct blow or jolt to the head or body. It is important to seek medical care if you suspect that you’ve sustained a concussion. After suffering from a concussion some symptoms you may experience include headaches, trouble concentrating, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, sensitivity to light and/or noise, diplopia (double vision), feeling mentally foggy or slowed down.
Rest is the most important consideration in early rehabilitation. The majority of concussions resolve independently with little to no symptoms after 7-10 days. If symptoms are still present after that time frame, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist will work closely with your referring doctor to help you get on the road to recovery. They will examine and evaluate you to establish a diagnosis, implement their plan of care, and monitor you to determine when you can return to your daily activities or sport. Your therapy plan will consist of treatment focused on determining the root of your symptoms as well as reducing their presence.
There are a number of clinical profiles under which your symptoms can be associated with. These are:
Vestibular- disruption of the central vestibular system
Oculomotor- disruption of the brain’s coordination of visual system and input, which can not be treated with PT.
Cognitive fatigue- worsening of problems throughout the day
Post-Traumatic migraine- which your PT will refer you to a medical specialist for
Anxiety/Mood- changes in mood
Cervical - neck pain, numbness, tingling, headache
During an initial assessment, a comprehensive exam will evaluate your symptoms, cognitive function, neuromotor skills, vestibular/oculomotor system, and psychological status. The goal of the initial exam is to rule out any emergency conditions that can not be treated with physical therapy. Some questions that your PT may ask you will include information about the injury, initial signs, symptoms, and severity, orientation to place and time, cognitive function, balance and motor coordination. Your therapist will ask you about the symptoms that you are currently experiencing, and may use scales to measure them objectively. They will also administer a neurocognitive assessment focused on memory, attention, processing speed, and reaction time. Your therapist will assess your balance and gait using tests and measures, as well as your vestibular system status. A psychological assessment may be administered as well for patients experiencing changes in mood, anxiety, stress, or other emotional issues. This information is important in order to determine the patient’s prognosis.
Once you are cleared for therapy and your goals are clear, you will come in for a comprehensive follow up.
Common treatments that you can expect at a physical therapy sessions include:
Prescribed rest: this is beneficial to protect the brain from further injury and lessen disruption of cellular function. This is especially beneficial for patients with more severe signs and symptoms. However, active rehabilitation may be more effective for patients with chronic symptoms.
Sleep program: 33% of patients experience sleep disruption. Patients should be on a healthy sleep program to promote recovery and limit development of a sleep disorder.
Active therapy: this has been associated with improved outcomes, as it increases neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections.This may include neck and back stretching or strengthening exercises, or soft tissue work.
Vestibular therapies: dual gait and dynamic movement activities, gaze stability exercises, sensory organization exercises.
Oculomotor therapies: pencil push ups, ladder beads, shifting focus based on distance
Cognitive fatigue: patients may be advised to complete cognitive and physically demanding tasks early in the day
In order to return to activity your PT will make sure that you are asymptomatic, back to baseline for cognitive, balance or other impairments, and asymptomatic following exertion.
Our physical therapists stay up to date on relevant research regarding rehabilitation techniques for treating concussions. They will work to build you a program to help you get back to your daily activities with confidence. Call to Schedule an Appointment- 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, NY-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Evolve Physical Therapy: End of Year Insurance Updates!
Finally, 2021 is just around the corner! But don't be so quick to bring 2020 to a close without maximizing your health benefits. We want to remind you to take advantage of any unused insurance benefits. Make sure to use all available benefits to complete any outstanding treatment, preventive or maintenance Physical Therapy sessions. Almost all plans reset on a calendar year, this means any applied deductible amounts, Out of Pocket Max, or visits allowances and even unused FSA plans dollar amounts do not rollover to the next benefit year. So, Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em!
Evolve Physical Therapy Year End Update In Regards to Health Insurance…Maximizing Your Health Benefits Before the End of 2020
Finally, 2021 is just around the corner! But don't be so quick to bring 2020 to a close without maximizing your health benefits.
We want to remind you to take advantage of any unused insurance benefits. Make sure to use all available benefits to complete any outstanding treatment, preventive or maintenance Physical Therapy sessions. Almost all plans reset on a calendar year, this means any applied deductible amounts, Out of Pocket Max, or visits allowances and even unused FSA plans dollar amounts do not rollover to the next benefit year.
“So, Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em!”
2020 Benefits you might be losing out on:
Losing out on your Insurance Deductible? – Your deductible is the required amount of money paid for health services before your medical insurance starts contributing full or partial amounts for your health services. If you already paid your deductible, but only came in for therapy once, you are not “getting your money's worth”. Your deductible starts again each new year.
Losing out on your Co-Insurance? - Co-insurance is a percentage of the amount of money that the health insurance company will contribute towards your Physical Therapy sessions. For example your insurance plan may have a coinsurance of 80%/20%, meaning they will cover 80% of your cost for therapy leaving you with a $20 financial responsibility.
Losing out on FSA Dollars? - Use Your Existing flexible spending account (FSA) Contributions – Another great reason to schedule a Physical Therapy appointment before the end of 2020 is to spend any remaining balance in your flexible spending account (FSA). This is an account that you establish through your employer, and that you may have elected to have some of your pre-tax pay put into. Use it or lose it: If you don’t use all your FSA by the end of the year, you’ll lose them. If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA), now is the time to schedule treatment so your co-payment amounts can be applied to this year’s deductions.
Losing out on lower Premium Rates? - As you’ve heard on the news, most premiums are going up – Through your insurance provider, you currently have health insurance premiums every month, therefore you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t have any immediate pain or issues, you and your family should always have treatment sessions and screenings periodically looking for early signs of imbalance, postural changes, arthritis etc,.
Fee Increases or Substantial Changes in Coverage– 2020 there are a lot of changes happening to our health care system and coverage. Therefore, use your benefits before the end of 2020, as there could be fee increases or a reduction in services covered under your current plan.
We’re ready to help you move healthier & happier in 2021! Click here for more information about our physical therapy services
Call us today to schedule your appointment! 1-718- 258-3300
Happy Holidays!
EVOLVE PHYSICAL THERAPY, 3319 AVENUE N, BROOKLYN, NY, 11234 | (718) 258-3300 | FRONTDESK@EVOLVENY.COM
NYC's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
How Physical Therapy Can Help Reduce Opioid Abuse
Can you guess the most common reasons people seek health care? If you guessed that it's because of pain that they are experiencing, you are correct. Unfortunately, one of the most common ways that this is dealt with is via prescribed opioids. In 2017 this problem became extreme and the US declared the opioid crisis a “public health emergency.” The numbers of people abusing and overdosing on prescription pain medications has seen a dramatic increase between 2013-2017, and it is considered to be a national epidemic.
Can you guess the most common reasons people seek health care?
If you guessed that it's because of pain that they are experiencing, you are correct. Unfortunately, one of the most common ways that this is dealt with is via prescribed opioids. In 2017 this problem became extreme and the US declared the opioid crisis a “public health emergency.” The numbers of people abusing and overdosing on prescription pain medications has seen a dramatic increase between 2013-2017, and it is considered to be a national epidemic. In 2017, the CDC stated that 130 Americans die daily from opioid overdose. In addition, they stated that there is high quality evidence supporting exercise as part of a physical therapy treatment program for distressing issues such as low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia.
Research has shown that patients who started physical therapy earlier were able to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic pain. A study that was conducted in 2018 found that an early physical therapy visit was associated with reduced risk for long-term opioid use.
When a PT works with a patient who is in pain, they use tests and measures to determine the causes of that pain and to assess its intensity, quality, and physical characteristics. Once the pain drivers are identified, and the patients goals are clear, the PT will design a treatment program personalized for the patient. They will combine the appropriate techniques in order to address the contributors to the pain. Some of these techniques include exercise, manual therapy, stress management, sleep hygiene, and pain neuroscience education.
Let's dive into these techniques a bit deeper to learn about how PT can help reduce opioid abuse:
Exercise. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly actually experience less pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to create a program that addresses impairments and deficiencies that may lead to pain.
Manual Therapy. This is a hands on approach that involves the manipulation of joints and soft tissue in order to modulate pain, regulate swelling and inflammation, and even improve mobility.
Stress management. Your physical therapist may utilize techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and visualization to help patients reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
Sleep hygiene. It is common for those who have chronic pain to also present with sleep disturbances. There is evidence that shows that sleep deprivation can increase sensitivity levels and contribute to increased stress and pain. Your PT can educate you on the importance and implementation of sleep hygiene to help manage chronic pain.
Pain neuroscience education. Your PT may educate you about the physiological processes that happen in our bodies when we feel pain. This understanding can be empowering and help our patients on their path to conquering chronic pain.
Physical therapists at Evolve treat pain through movement, patient education, and hands on care. We stand by increasing physical activity to treat pain and also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases. Pain is personal, but treating pain takes teamwork. When it comes to your health, you have a choice, and we encourage you to choose wisely. Choose more movement and better health. Choose physical therapy! Call us to make an appointment: 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Elbow Pain?
Elbow Pain? If you are reading this article, then you or someone you know may be experiencing elbow pain. The elbow is a joint that works like a hinge and consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna. The way that these bones are oriented also allows for some rotation at the joint. The elbow is stabilized by ligaments which form the joint capsule, lubricating the joint. All of our nerves that travel down our arm pass through the elbow. When these structures are not working together properly, we can experience pain. In this article we will discuss common conditions that cause elbow pain, their symptoms, and PT treatments.
Suffering From Elbow Pain?
If you are reading this article, then you or someone you know may be experiencing elbow pain. The elbow is a joint that works like a hinge and consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna. The way that these bones are oriented also allows for some rotation at the joint. The elbow is stabilized by ligaments which form the joint capsule, lubricating the joint. All of our nerves that travel down our arm pass through the elbow. When these structures are not working together properly, we can experience pain. In this article we will discuss common conditions that cause elbow pain, their symptoms, and PT treatments.
MCL Sprain: This is the injury of the medial collateral ligament, or the ulnar ligament. It is commonly seen in tennis and baseball players, and in people who fell on an outstretched arm. Excessive strain of the ligament eventually leads to instability, pain, and decreased velocity with movements. This pain is usually present on the side of your elbow closer to your pinky finger. Pain is usually reported during the acceleration phase of throwing which may be accompanied by a pop, sharp pain, and the inability to continue throwing. Treatment for this injury will depend on the stage of the strain, but will focus on strengthening of the forearm and wrist flexor muscles.
LCL Sprain: This is the injury of the lateral collateral ligament, or the radial ligament. This injury occurs through excessive weight bearing through the extremity and is often seen in gymnasts and breakdancers. If you suspect an LCL sprain you may feel a painful clicking, snapping, or locking of the elbow when you straighten your arm, on the side closer to your thumb. There may be swelling as well. Treatment for this injury will depend on the stage of the strain, but will focus on strengthening of the forearm and wrist extensor muscles. It is also important to maintain grip strength during this process.
Lateral Epicondylitis: Otherwise known as tennis elbow, this is pain and inflammation due to degenerative tendinopathy. This is potentially caused by a dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck), fascial traction on the nerves, and poor elbow biomechanics. The pain usually presents on the side of your elbow closer to your thumb and is usually gradual, achy, and stiff. Grasping objects usually becomes difficult as well. Treatment will include exercises to increase the endurance of the affected muscles, stretching of the muscles, as well as soft tissue techniques to decrease tone and pain.
Medial Epicondylitis: This term is synonymous to golfer’s elbow and is ⅓ as common as tennis elbow. This injury usually occurs after repeated stress on the joint and consists of pain and inflammation on the side of your elbow closer to your pinky finger. It may be tender to touch and stretching may be painful as well. Physical therapy treatments will incorporate endurance exercises and stretching to the affected musculature.
Nerve Entrapment: A nerve may become irritated as a result of fluid buildup, prolonged weight bearing, or excessive pressure. Some of the most obvious symptoms may be hand weakness, tenderness, tingling, and numbness. Your PT will determine the site of entrapment and treatment will depend on the specific nerve that is affected. Splints are commonly used to decrease excess tone. Other treatments may include nerve mobilizations, soft tissue work, and some light stretching.
Therapists at Evolve, are dedicated to treating the cause of the symptoms, not the symptoms themselves. Our goal is to become a team with our patients in order to help them safely return to their activity or sport while preventing further injuries. Contact us to schedule your physical therapy appointment!
About Evolve Physical Therapy-
NYC's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Follow Us!
Are Your Hips Bothering You?
Are Your Hips Bothering You? Causes, Symptoms, and PT Treatments for People Living with Hip Pain There are a variety of diagnoses that can be the cause of your hip pain. It can come from wear and tear, overuse, bone injuries, and many more causes. The way your hip pain presents will depend on what exactly is going on. This article will break down the causes, symptoms, and treatments you can expect during a physical therapy treatment.
Are Your Hips Bothering You?
Causes, Symptoms, and PT Treatments for People Living with Hip Pain
There are a variety of diagnoses that can be the cause of your hip pain. It can come from wear and tear, overuse, bone injuries, and many more causes. The way your hip pain presents will depend on what exactly is going on. This article will break down the causes, symptoms, and treatments you can expect during a physical therapy treatment.
Let’s take a look at what the hip joint is and what it does:
The hip is a ball and socket joint which is able to move in many directions. These include flexion and extension, internal and external rotation, as well as abduction and adduction. While this joint is one of the largest in the human body, it is subject to damage and overuse. Hip pain is commonly the result of a muscular issue (muscles & tendons) or a skeletal issue (bones).
Many diagnoses that are discussed in this article are the result of a movement disorder. When the joint mechanics are not functioning ideally, it eventually leads to microtrauma and pain. What separates a good PT from a great PT is that a great PT will address pathomechanics (the way you move) in order to fix the anatomy that is dysfunctioning. Some treatments to help correct movement disorders include:
Joint mobilizations
Therapeutic exercises to target specific muscles and increase stability
Stretching to lengthen or reduce tone in specific muscles
Education on posture and positioning in order to facilitate the healing process
Physical therapists don’t treat “hips”, they treat movement disorders! However, it is helpful to know the diagnosis caused by this. Below we will briefly discuss the most common disorders of the hip, as well as some treatments one may expect from a physical therapy session.
Osteoarthritis (OA) : This is the loss of cartilage in the joint which may lead to pain and loss of function. OA is found in up to 25% of adults ages 55+. It can be caused by genetics, trauma, obesity, as well as poor biomechanics. OA usually presents as achy or sharp pain that increases with activity in the buttock, groin, thigh, or knee. It may become stiff with inactivity, especially first thing in the morning. When hip OA progresses to a certain degree, surgery may be indicated. Physical therapy is a great way to manage hip OA in order to prevent or prolong the need for surgery. When you come in for an appointment your PT will guide you through exercises and stretches as well as education on posture and positioning.
Hip Impingement: Abnormal friction between the ball and socket causing damage to the hip joint or the structures that get caught in between. A hip impingement may be accompanied by pain in the groin after walking or prolonged sitting. Pain may also be felt in the low back, SI joint, buttock, or side of the hip. Continued friction without treatment can cause further damage to the musculature as well as the labrum. Activities like running and cycling, and even light stretching should be avoided when a labral tear is suspected. Your PT will guide you through the proper exercises that should be performed. Some of these may include mini squats, glute bridges, and clams.
Labral Tear: A tear along the ring of cartilage located on the outside rim of the hip joint. A tear may be the result of the joint being stressed in a rotated position. It is common for the pain to be sharp with a clicking, catching, or locking sensation. The pain is mainly in the groin but can also be in the buttock region. There are tests that a physical therapist can do to determine whether or not they suspect a labral tear. During your treatment you can expect low-intensity exercises that activate muscles of the hip and core such as monster walks and dead bugs. With this diagnosis, it is key to stay active with exercises that do not cause pain.
Muscle Strain: A pulled muscle can result from a trauma such as a fall, sudden twist, or a pulling muscle or tendon. It can also result from poor biomechanics, overloaded muscles that can no longer compensate for weak primary muscles, or muscles that are fatigued and not working well. A muscle strain may lead to swelling, bruising, soreness, stiffness, and limited range of motion. When you come in to heal a pulled muscle a PT will treat the cause first, which can be a muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics. Then they will promote healing through education to avoid certain motions based on your stage of healing. Finally, they will address pain through the use of modalities such as ice, ultrasound, or electric stimulation.
Tendinopathy: This is when the tendon of a muscle becomes irritated and becomes damaged. Tendinopathy is most commonly due to overuse, beginning a new exercise program, or increasing a level of exercise too quickly. The tendon is not accustomed to the new level of demand and this new input may cause damage. If you have a tendinopathy you may see warmth and redness, swelling near the tendon, or feel some tenderness. You may also notice a loss of strength in the affected area. Some treatments that you may expect during a physical therapy session will include cross friction massage to increase blood flow to the area or eccentric exercises, depending on the stage of damage.
Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is tissue that prevents friction between two surfaces. It is a vague diagnosis usually caused by repetitive movement or prolonged or excessive pressure. Bursitis usually feels a lot like tendinopathy and is best treated by getting to the root of the movement disorder causing it, as determined by your PT.
Peripheral Nerve Entrapment: This is the impingement of a nerve as it passes through certain structures. Symptoms of a nerve entrapment vary greatly depending on the nerve that is affected. These are some of the most common symptoms: radiating pain, numbness and tingling, a burning sensation, and weakness. Some treatments for this may include soft tissue therapy around the nerve, strengthening of certain muscles to decrease compression and taping in order to take pressure off of the nerve. Good recovery is achieved with the vast majority of patients, however the amount of time it takes to treat varies.
A physical therapist at Evolve can help you get on the road to healing your hip pain. Our therapists do not just treat symptoms, but we get to the root of the cause. We strive to enable our patients to live pain free, and prevent the recurrence of related issues. Click here to find out more information about physical therapy for hips
Call us to schedule an appointment- 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE.
We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Follow Us Socially!
ACL Pre-hab and ACL Rehab
ACL Pre-hab and ACL Rehab: ACL Prehab Stretches and Rehab Exercises. The ACL provides stability as we move our knees through flexion and extension, and as we stand and bear weight through our legs. A torn ACL may occur if the knee rotates too far or from a direct hit to the front of the knee. There are more than 250,000 athletes diagnosed with ACL injuries each year, females being 2-8 more times likely to sustain one. If the ACL experiences a full tear, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to repair it…
ACL Pre-hab Stretches and Rehab Exercises
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four main ligaments connecting the femur to the tibia (thigh bone to the main shin bone). The ACL provides stability as we move our knees through flexion and extension, and as we stand and bear weight through our legs. A torn ACL may occur if the knee rotates too far or from a direct hit to the front of the knee. There are more than 250,000 athletes diagnosed with ACL injuries each year, females being 2-8 more times likely to sustain one. If the ACL experiences a full tear, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to repair it.
An ACL repair surgery is considered to be pretty invasive. Read on for a brief overview of what will happen during this procedure.
Think of a procedure like this as a controlled trauma. You will receive anesthesia as prescribed by the anesthesiologist on call and surgeons will make multiple incisions around the knee in order to insert surgical instruments into the area. The surgeon will start by removing the remaining pieces of your ACL from around your knee. They will then obtain a graft to replace the ACL with. They can either use a piece of your patellar tendon, a hamstring tendon, or obtain a donor tendon. Each of these options have their pros and cons which we will discuss below as they affect the rehabilitation process. The surgeon will create an attachment point for the graft by drilling small holes, or tunnels, into your tibia and femur. They will then place one end of the graft in each tunnel to create a new ACL tendon. Finally, the surgeon will place screws into each of the tunnels to hold your new ligament in place. New bone growth will fill the tunnels over the next 6-8 weeks to further stabilize the graft.
If you have torn your ACL and want to continue playing cutting sports such as tennis, football, basketball, or soccer, your doctor may recommend an ACL prehab therapy and ACL reconstruction as described above. If you have not yet met with your surgeon to discuss your plan, it is still very important to address the swelling immediately, regain quad strength, as well as range of motion.
ACL Prehab Exercises:
Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back with your injured leg raised up toward the ceiling. Wrap your hands around the back of your thigh while you slowly flex and extend your knee. Go through this motion, repeating it 10-20 times.
Hamstring Curl: Begin face down on your stomach. Bend your injured knee so that your foot is facing the ceiling. Slowly lower your foot back down to straighten it (eccentric) and then bend it back up to the starting position (concentric). Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions. As you progress, you may add resistance by placing your non-injured foot behind the heel of the injured one, and slightly press down.
Leg Extension: Sit up at the end of a chair with your knees bent to 90 degrees. Straighten the injured leg while engaging your quad. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions. As you progress you may add a theraband around your ankle and anchor it to the bottom of the chair.
Assisted Quad Stretch: Lie face down on your stomach. Bend your injured knee as far as you can, bringing your foot close to your lower back. Use a towel or a yoga strap to pull your foot even deeper into the stretch.
Glute Bridge: Lie flat on your back with your hands, palms down, extended next to your sides, your knees bent, and your feet flat on the ground near your glutes. Using your core, bring your hips up off the ground into a bridge position. Squeeze your glutes together at the top. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
ACL Rehab Therapy
Once you have had your surgery, physical therapy should begin after 2-3 days. Your physical therapist will ask you what type of graft you received. Younger patients who are involved in playing high velocity sports usually get a graft from their hamstring or patella. Some advantages to this option are that the body will not reject the graft, as it is from your own anatomy. However, there will be a recovery period for the area that it was taken from. Older patients who are not as active often receive a graft from a donor. There will be no recovery from a graft site with this option. However, there is a small risk of the body rejecting the tendon.
Patellar tendon grafts are great because they closely resemble the tendon being reconstructed. A disadvantage is a risk of a patellar fracture following the surgery. If you had a patellar tendon graft, your therapist will make sure to rehabilitate that site as well to reduce the risk of this happening. When a hamstring tendon is taken the incision is smaller. This tendon is longer, allowing for a thicker graft. However, this will take longer to heal and will need to be protected for a longer period of time. It is important that your physical therapist is aware of these details so that they can carry out your treatment plan appropriately.
The recovery after an ACL reconstruction can last anywhere from 9-12 months. Your therapist will break down your recovery plan into phases by gradually increasing your strength and range of motion in a safe progression. They will also ensure that you get back to your functional tasks such as walking without crutches or a brace, normal ambulation, and ascending and descending stairs. During later stages of rehab, your therapist will help you get back to specialty activities such as running, sprinting and other sport specific drills. It is crucial that you listen to your surgeon and physical therapist in regards to returning to your sport.
Having an ACL reconstruction surgery? Call us to prepare you!
after surgery and continue for 6-10 weeks. This takes about 9 months to fully heal. Avoid contact sports, racquet sports, and other sports requiring rapid direction changes, or cutting. Click here to find out more information about ACL Pre-hab or ACL rehab
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
https://EvolveNY.com
How Can Physical Therapy Help My Sciatica?
Physical Therapy and Sciatica- Physical Therapy is beneficial for people with sciatica for many different reasons. Therapy can help manage inflammation, improve daily function, and prevent future exacerbations of symptoms. Sciatica is best defined as irritation or inflammation along the pathway of the sciatic nerve which branches from your lower back, through your hips and down each leg, innervating many muscles.
Physical Therapy and Sciatica
Physical Therapy is beneficial for people with sciatica for many different reasons. Therapy can help manage inflammation, improve daily function, and prevent future exacerbations of symptoms. Sciatica is best defined as irritation or inflammation along the pathway of the sciatic nerve which branches from your lower back, through your hips and down each leg, innervating many muscles.
Sciatica is described as pain on one side, from the low back to the buttock, down the back of the thigh and sometimes reaching the calf. This pain is often accompanied by numbness and/or tingling, may present as a mild ache, or a sharp burning sensation and may get worse with prolonged sitting. Increased abdominal pressure may make it worse, such as when sneezing or coughing. Although described as “sciatica”, the symptoms experienced will vary from person to person.
There are many possible causes for pain that travels down the leg. This may be described as “radiating pain”. However, true radiculopathy includes diminished reflexes, sensation loss/changes, and weakness. Some causes of sciatic symptoms include hamstring strains, a herniated disc, tissue degeneration, spinal stenosis, small stress fractures, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and piriformis syndrome. Your physical therapist can determine the root of the cause by using special neurodynamic testing.
Without understanding the reason for your sciatic symptoms, it may be difficult to treat your symptoms with long term relief. A great physical therapist will give you a specific plan of care to address the cause of the pain with the goal of resolving this episode and preventing future exacerbations. Specific exercises will target underlying causes. For example, if the cause of the pain is from a herniated disc, exercises will include putting your spine in a position to encourage extension, taking pressure off of the disc and decreasing pain. Acute cases of sciatica usually get better with 4-6 weeks of physical therapy. Chronic sciatic pain that has lasted for over 8 weeks may take longer to resolve in PT.
You and your physical therapist will become a team in order to get yourself better. Being consistent with home exercises and focusing on correct form will take you a long way. This is key in getting the maximum benefits of your treatments.
Some general goals for physical therapy may include:
Increase core strength, including the low back, abdomen, glutes, and hips.
Stretching to loosen tight muscles, such as the hamstrings
Increase circulation with light aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, stationary recumbent cycling, and using the elliptical.
While you may be able to find temporary relief on your own with home remedies, a physical therapist at Evolve will work with you in order to treat the underlying cause of the issue and provide long term relief.
Click here to find out more information about physical therapy for Sciatica
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics- There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Top 5 Exercises to Get Rid of Headaches
5 Best Exercises to get rid of headaches- While headaches can range from being a nuisance to being excruciating, there may be a way to find relief through movement, if you meet certain criteria. The vast majority of headaches are not due to underlying conditions. However, there are certain symptoms that should prompt you to see your doctor:
5 Best Exercises to Get Rid of Headaches
While headaches can range from being a nuisance to being excruciating, there may be a way to find relief through movement, if you meet certain criteria. The vast majority of headaches are not due to underlying conditions. However, there are certain symptoms that should prompt you to see your doctor:
Very severe headache that comes on suddenly
Headache made worse while coughing, sneezing, changing positions
Constant headache in the same location of your head
Headaches accompanied by tingling of the face, fever, chills, weight loss, night sweats
If you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing a muscle contraction headache. This is a type of tension headache correlated with clenching the muscles in the head. While the cause of this headache is unknown, there are some factors that may contribute as a trigger for them. Some of these include poor posture, anxiety or stress, dehydration, eye strain, and excessive alcohol consumption or smoking. These factors prompt the head muscles to tighten up, leading to pain.
You may also be experiencing a cervicogenic headache. These stem from upper cervical issues of the segments, ligaments, and muscles on the sides and back of your neck. These make up about 20% of people's headaches. They are commonly one sided and start from the back of the neck going up around the temples. These are a mechanical dysfunction, and can be treated with certain exercises.
Here are 5 exercises you can try at home to find some relief from headache pain caused by tension, stiffness, and tightness in the neck and shoulders:
Chin Tucks: These help reset the muscles in your head, neck, and shoulders. All you have to do is keep your neck in a neutral position, and tuck it back like you are giving yourself a double chin. Start by holding this position for 3-5 seconds, and do it for 5 repetitions. These can be done several times throughout the day.
Head rotations on a roll: This exercise works on the upper cervical vertebrae. Grab a thin foam roller, or cut a piece of a pool noodle and place it under your neck while lying down. Make sure it is high up where your head meets your neck. Gently rotate your head from side to side holding for 3-5 seconds on each side. If you start to get light headed, dizzy, or nauseous while doing this, stop immediately and go see your doctor as it can mean something more serious is going on.
Scapular Squeeze: If you are experiencing headaches, it may mean your chest area is tight and that your upper back is weak. To help with this, sit up and squeeze your shoulder blades down and back. Imagine there is an orange between your shoulders, and you are holding it in place, not allowing it to fall. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat for 5 rounds. You can do this a few times throughout the day. Make sure you are activating the muscles in your back to bring the shoulder blades closer together. The chest will open up to help strengthen the upper back muscles.
Pec Stretch: This exercise will help you stretch out your chest muscles, putting you in a better posture and reducing the chances of getting a headache. Sit up and clasp your hands together behind your back. Press down and out while pushing your chest out forward. Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat for 3 rounds. Sometimes you may feel some tingling down your arms. This is okay if it goes away as soon as you come out of the stretch.
Thoracic roller: Headaches come from the neck, but may also come from the upper back, or thoracic region. Another way to relieve headaches is to loosen up that region of the spine. Rolling out the thoracic spine is a great way to do this. Place a foam roller on your mid back and wrap your arms around yourself like you are giving yourself a hug. Use your legs to roll up and down the muscles on the sides of your spine. Do this motion for 1 minute.
Want to learn more about how you can improve your posture to minimize headaches? Give us a call today to schedule a physical therapy appointment at Evolve.
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn Promotes Nathan Kind to Clinical Director of Marine Park Location!
Brooklyn’s premier physical therapy clinics, Evolve Physical Therapy, is pleased to announce the internal promotion of one of their own physical therapists to clinical director of their Marine Park location. Congratulations to Nathan Kind for Being Promoted to Clinical Director at Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn!
Nathan Kind Promoted to Clinical Director at Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s premier physical therapy clinics, Evolve Physical Therapy, is pleased to announce the internal promotion of one of their own physical therapists to clinical director of their Marine Park location.
Nathan Kind has been with the Evolve Physical Therapy family for over 3 years, working his way up the ranks, promoted to the director of the exclusive Rock Steady Boxing program for Parkinson’s Disease, doing all of this while earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the College of Staten Island in 2017.
With an extensive history in martial arts, Nathan learned at a young age the importance of self-discipline and physical health contributing to one’s overall well being. As such, Nathan Kind has proven time and time again that he is a driven, passionate person, caring deeply for anything he does and anyone he comes in contact with.
For more information about Nathan Kind and other team members (a.k.a. Family members) at Evolve Physical Therapy, please visit- https://evolveny.com/team
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
Multiple Locations!
Got Shin Splints?
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is definitely not pleasant, but is treatable. This is a problem that is found due to a sudden increase in exercise, especially in runners, dancers, and military recruits. The term “shin splints” is used to describe pain along the inner edge of the tibia, or shin bone. Some people find relief with simple home remedies while some require more care and attention.
What Are Shin Splints
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is definitely not pleasant, but is treatable. This is a problem that is found due to a sudden increase in exercise, especially in runners, dancers, and military recruits. The term “shin splints” is used to describe pain along the inner edge of the tibia, or shin bone. Some people find relief with simple home remedies while some require more care and attention.
Shin splints indicate inflammation of the muscles, tendons, or bone tissue around your tibia. The pain you feel would be at the site where the muscles attach to the bone. The pain may be sharp or dull, may be present during and after activity, and may be tender to touch. Many athletes have recalled their coaches having them work through the pain, and that is some bad advice. If you suspect that you are experiencing shin splints, stop your activity to prevent further damage. Be sure to avoid activities that bring on the pain.
What can I do at home?
Rest: This injury most likely is the result of overuse. Be careful to refrain from any activities that bring on your symptoms. Try alternative low impact exercises such as swimming, using the elliptical, or cycling.
Warm up & cool down: When you are engaged in your low impact activities, be sure to include a warm up and cool down period at the beginning and end of your sessions. This is important to protect your muscles, tendons, and bones against further injury.
Ice & Compression: Ice the area for 20 minutes, a few times daily. You can pair this with wearing a compression wrap or leggings.
Calf Stretch: This may provide some temporary relief. Start by stepping your left leg forward with your knee bent and foot flat on the floor. Extend your right leg straight back, placing your heel flat on the floor. Make sure to keep your right leg straight. Lean into the wall until you feel the stretch in the right calf. Hold for 90 seconds and switch legs.
Wear supportive shoes: Get some athletic footwear that offers extra support. This is only going to be helpful in the short term and will not heal the root of the problem, but it will temporarily help reduce stress to your tibia bone.
Getting to the source
You most likely are experiencing this pain due to a change in your physical activity routine. If you have recently increased your frequency, intensity, volume, or duration, consider scaling it back when you return back after the healing process. You also want to make sure that your sneakers are not worn out.
When you come in for physical therapy your PT will evaluate you to determine the source of the problem. They will ask you for a subjective history of your past medical history, medications taken, your daily activities, and your exercise routines. This information will help them gain the information they need to treat your shin pain. They will also be able to rule out certain issues like stress fractures, that do not respond to PT. The most common source of shin splints is tendinitis of the anterior tibialis muscle.
Some Shin Splint treatments that You may encounter at a PT session may include:
Flexibility exercises
Soft tissue work
Therapeutic exercise such as calf raises and single leg balance exercises
Guidance to progressively build up to your desired fitness level
Education on proper athletic footwear and how to pick out a shoe for yourself
Ice and compression to ease pain and swelling
Shin splints got you down? Call us to schedule an appointment today. Our physical therapists will evaluate you to determine the source of your shin pain and help you make a physical therapy plan to get back to doing what you love. Call: 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Follow Us Socially!
https://twitter.com/pt_evolve_ny
https://www.facebook.com/evolvephysicaltherapyfitforlife/
https://www.instagram.com/evolvefit4life/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-physical-and-occupational-therapy-and-sports-rehab/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydiv7YufCJ1hlNglcVOW9w
https://www.pinterest.com/evolveny/
Evolve’s Commitment to YOU amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns
Covid-19 Information- As the impact of COVID-19 spreads across the globe, we understand how it is affecting our families, work and businesses. At times like these, we want to ensure you that our top priority is the safety, health and well-being of both our staff and clients.
Covid-19 Information
As the impact of COVID-19 spreads across the globe, we understand how it is affecting our families, work and businesses. At times like these, we want to ensure you that our top priority is the safety, health and well-being of both our staff and clients.
It helps everyone to be informed, so here are some fast facts about COVID-19 according to the CDC:
Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity
Some people are at an increased risk of COVID-19. These people who have close contact with those diagnosed with the disease, and people who live in (or recently been) an area with an exposure.
You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by knowing the symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
There are simple things to keep yourself and others healthy and protected. Small things like hand washing, staying home when you’re sick and observing cough etiquette can help.
With this constantly in mind we have set up guidelines for the benefit of the community.
We Commit to the Following:
We require each team member to deeply clean all tables and equipment after each use.
To provide hand sanitizer that meets the CDC requirements for antiviral disinfectant.
Perform periodic cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces.
Employ professional cleaning services
Enforcing “scrub in and scrub out” policies
To protect each other, we also ask you, our beloved clients to also follow our guidelines
We ask of you:
Stay home if you are sick or having COVID-19 symptoms
Wash and/or sanitize hands upon entering our clinics
Frequent hand washing with soap and water appears to be the best to do to avoid spreading the virus.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Although little is still known about the virus, it appears that it can enter our bodies through our eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
Lastly, we urge you to seek medical advice if you feel any of the symptoms, especially if you have a history of travel to areas affected by the virus, or have been in close contact with someone affected.
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Call- 1-718-258-3300
Best Sleeping Positions to Reduce Pain
Which Sleeping Position to Choose in Order to Reduce Your Pain
Finding a Sleep Position to Reduce Your Back Pain- Dealing with back pain? Well, you definitely are not alone. Back pain has been named as the leading cause of disability globally. You might think most back pain results from trauma or serious medical conditions, but actually bad posture, sleeping positions and other everyday habits can contribute to lower back pain.
Finding a Sleep Position to Reduce Your Back Pain
Dealing with back pain? Well, you definitely are not alone. Back pain has been named as the leading cause of disability globally. You might think most back pain results from trauma or serious medical conditions, but actually bad posture, sleeping positions and other everyday habits can contribute to lower back pain.
How Should We Sleep and Which Sleeping Position Is the Best?
Try these top sleeping positions and find the right fit for you. Depending on your normal sleep positions, one of these variations can help to reduce pressure on your back, maintain alignment and help alleviate pain.
1- Side Sleeping with a Knee Pillow
For some people, lying on their back can create discomfort. Try rolling over onto your side. Allow the entire length of your body on your sleeping side to make contact with the mattress. Place a pillow between your knees, which reduces pressure on your back. Consider adding a small support, if there is a gap between your waist and the mattress. Make sure you alternate sides, as continually sleeping on one side can cause additional problems.
Why does this help? The pillow between the knees is the key to this sleeping position. It promotes better spine alignment and reduces pressure on the spine that can further irritate back pain.
2- Fetal Position- Suffering from a herniated disc? Rather than sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side curled up like a fetus. Start by gently rolling over onto your side. Bring your knees toward your chest by tucking them upward and curling your upper body down toward your knees, as if you are going to hug your knees. Don’t forget to alternate side on occasion.
Why does this help? Herniated discs occur when those soft cushions between your vertebrae bulge or move out of place. Putting your body into a fetal position lengthens the space in between your vertebrae.
3- Stomach with Pillow- Sleeping on your stomach can increase back pain; however, we tend to have favorite sleeping positions that we all gravitate toward. There’s no need to force yourself into sleeping in a foreign position. Instead, place a pillow under your abdomen and pelvic area which relieves some of the pressure from your back. It is likely that in this position, you will choose not to use a pillow beneath your head. Why does this help? This position can reduce the pressure and stress on the spaces between your disc.
4- On Back with Elevated Knees- For many people, sleeping on your back provides the most back pain relief and is the most desirable. If you prefer to sleep on your back, use a pillow places underneath your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position. It is critical to maintain the natural curve of the lower back when in this position. You can also place a rolled towel under the small of your back to add support.
Why does this help? Sleeping on your back evenly spreads weight across the widest areas of your body, resulting in less weight resting on pressure points. This position also allows for better alignment of your spine.
Are You Properly Aligned?
Regardless of the sleep position you choose, what matters most with back pain is that your spine is in proper alignment, whether you are sleeping, exercising or doing your daily routine. In addition to helping you select a sleep position, a physical therapist can use spinal manipulation and other manual therapy techniques to move your spine back into alignment. Physical therapy can also help you train to improve form and alignment during athletic and non-athletic activities to prevent injury from occurring or progressing.
The longer you wait to correct misalignment in the back, the more the pain can progress. Seeking expert help can improve your sleep, your performance, and your quality of life.
About Evolve Physical Therapy
NYC's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
PT and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system that causes chronic pain in many different parts of the body. It is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, memory lapses and mood issues. Doctors and researchers believe that fibromyalgia alters how the brain processes pain. They believe that pain experienced by those affected becomes amplified and feels worse than it actually is.
Are You Suffering From Fibromyalgia?
Each day while we are performing our daily activities, our muscles and tendons are working hard to support our bodies. When our muscles and tendons become overworked, pain, stiffness and weakness can result. Sometimes this can progress into more serious, chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system that causes chronic pain in many different parts of the body. It is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, memory lapses and mood issues. Doctors and researchers believe that fibromyalgia alters how the brain processes pain. They believe that pain experienced by those affected becomes amplified and feels worse than it actually is.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
There is no known single cause for this condition. It may result from physical trauma, surgery, infection or an accumulation of micro injuries. Most of the time it is idiopathic, which means the cause is not known. Scientists have narrowed down potential fibromyalgia risk factors which include:
Gender: in general, fibromyalgia affects more women than men.
Genetic:. The disorder tends to run in families. If you have a relative with this condition, you might be at risk of having it as well.
Infection and other disorders: Fibromyalgia can result from physical stress such as an infection. Pre-existing conditions can also put you at risk, such as osteoarthritis, lupus or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How Does It Affect People?
Fibromyalgia can be easily dismissed as simple musculoskeletal pain without taking into consideration its other symptoms (sleep disturbances, mood disorders, memory issues). It is difficult to diagnose and often overlooked. Fibromyalgia can interfere with your ability to participate in daily tasks and work. As a result, it can lead to other conditions such as depression, anxiety and even more pain.
Can Physical Therapy Help?
Patients with fibromyalgia experience pain in various parts of the body, which causes the muscles of the body to tense up and stiffen. A physical therapist can make use of physical agents, like hot or cold compresses to reduce pain and stiffness. Frequently, joint range of motion and muscular strength are also affected. A technique called manual therapy can be utilized to treat these. Your PT will also teach you flexibility and strengthening exercises. These exercises will help prevent the pain from returning.
Aside from stretching and strengthening, exercises that promote relaxation are also taught. These include diaphragmatic breathing and meditation. These are important to practice at home as they will be your best armor against the pain caused by Fibromyalgia.
What You Can Do at Home
While participating in a physical therapy program, you will usually be given a set of exercises you can safely do at home in between appointments. Here are some tips to get you started:
Warm Up Exercises- These are easy and simple actions you can do at home without supervision. Do a couple of rotations, flexion and extension movements using your big joints – the neck, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. You should perform these for 5 to 10 minutes.
Stretch Your Big Muscles- Your big muscles are your shoulders, back, hips, thighs and calves. These muscles are responsible for maintaining good posture, and since we use them so frequently they tire easily. Don’t forget to ask your physical therapist the proper way to stretch them!
Aerobic Exercise- We all have a tight schedule, but even a brisk walk for twenty minutes, five days a week can make a big impact. There are many opportunities for exercise, you just have to find the right one for you! Committing to an aerobic activity that you like will help keep fibromyalgia away.
If you are already in pain, don’t wait until it goes away. Chances are, it won’t. Or if it does, it will likely return. Physical therapy can help you prevent it from returning. If it does return, physical therapy can still help you by teaching you how to cope with the pain. Click here to find out more about physical therapy for Fibromyalgia
About Evolve Physical Therapy
NYC's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Can Physical Therapy Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Physical Therapy & Rheumatoid Arthritis- The word arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe painful and swollen joints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over a 100 types of arthritis, but one of the most common and a leading cause of disability, is Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Physical Therapy & Rheumatoid Arthritis
The word arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe painful and swollen joints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over a 100 types of arthritis, but one of the most common and a leading cause of disability, is Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is defined as a long-term and progressive disease that mostly affects the joints of the hands and feet. It is also described as an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks itself and causes the injury and swelling within the joint. This happens when the immune system fights healthy cells and mistakes them as foreign invaders. Doctors also say it is a systemic disease, which means it can affect the whole body.
R.A. Symptoms and Common Complaints
The most common symptom of RA is joint swelling, leading to the most common complaint, pain and loss of function. Since it is labeled as a systemic disease, it can affect more than one joint and become bilateral during a flare up. It usually affects the hands and feet first, but can also progress to big joints like the hip and knee, making it difficult for a person to stand or walk. Other signs of RA include:
1. Joint deformity, especially in the tips of the fingers or toes
2. Fever and a general feeling of being unwell
3. Sudden loss of function and mobility due to severe pain
It is difficult for a doctor to diagnose RA in its early stages, but it is imperative to start treatment and physical therapy once a diagnosis has been made. When you consult a doctor, you will likely undergo several tests to confirm if you have RA. There are numerous other types of arthritis, so your doctor will follow diagnostic criteria to be certain of your diagnosis. Your doctor also has to make sure to distinguish it from other conditions such as gout or osteoarthritis, as those need different management. A proper diagnosis will entail the appropriate treatment for you.
Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis runs in the long term, meaning it will have relapse and remission phases. Physical therapy teaches you how to manage your symptoms whenever they are present. It also teaches you ways to protect your joints so that they can be preserved and prevent damage as much as possible. When symptoms are not present, the goal of therapy is to maintain and improve the status of your joints and muscles.
Physical therapists make use of hot and cold compresses to relieve joint pain and lessen swelling. When there is excessive swelling, massage and other manual therapy techniques are used by therapists. You will be given range of motion exercises, requiring you to move the affected joint gently within a certain degree. If you are able to tolerate it, simple and gentle strengthening exercises called isometrics are taught. These exercises are used to maintain the integrity of the muscles around the affected joint. Immobility is one of the disabling causes of RA. To prevent this, light aerobic activities is given to a patient. Frequently, bicycles or ergometers are used for this exercise.
Physical therapists will also teach you how to move about your home and in any environment. For example, if the RA affects your knees it may be difficult for you to climb the stairs or hop in the car. Your therapist may recommend an assistive device, and teach you efficient ways to get around without getting tired or feeling pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Home Remedies
Here are some strategies to help manage RA symptoms:
1. Rest during a flare up, while still moving at a tolerable pace.
2. Strive to have a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and meat to help maintain good weight so as not to stress the joints.
3. Applying heat or cold to painful joints to decrease swelling. This will help you maintain your mobility.
4. Exercise when you are in remission, or when symptoms are mild. Your muscles can get affected easily during a relapse, so it’s important to keep them healthy and in good shape.
The Takeaway…
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and painful condition that can easily make it difficult for you to perform your daily tasks. It is important to consult a physical therapist once symptoms arise. The earlier you get into arthritis physical therapy, the easier it is to cope with this condition.
Click here to find out more information about our RA physical therapy services
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
What is pelvic floor therapy? Included among the many services a physical therapist offers is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Therapy. In this article, we’ll give you the background on how dysfunction in your pelvic floor muscles can affect your quality of life, and what physical therapy can do to help fix the problem.
IMPROVE YOUR PELVIC FLOOR FUNCTION
Included among the many services a physical therapist offers is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Therapy. In this article, we’ll give you the background on how dysfunction in your pelvic floor muscles can affect your quality of life, and what Physical Therapy can do to help fix the problem.
What Is The Pelvic Floor? And Why Is It Important?
Your pelvis is made up of two bones that make room for your internal organs. While connected to the spine and hip, the pelvic bones fuse together to make a bowl shape. To help make this “room” orderly and to make sure that the organs are stable in their positions, muscles and ligaments attach around them. Think of your pelvic floor muscles and ligaments as a trampoline or a sling, where your organs - the bladder, rectum, uterus for women, and prostate for men - lie down. Aside from providing stability, your pelvic floor muscles help you to control urinating, bowel movements and sexual activity. So, what happens when they are affected?
Our pelvic floor muscles wrap around our internal organs, so when our muscles are active/contracted, we are able to hold and control urinating or defecating. When muscles are weak, it may result in urinary incontinence, which is a sudden leak of urine outside of your voluntary control. Pelvic floor muscles can also overreact or have a spasm that makes it difficult for a person to fully empty their bladder and bowel. And, just like any other muscle, the muscles of your pelvic floor can be tight and may result in painful intercourse for women.
Other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are:
You need to take several trips to the bathroom either to urinate or defecate in a short time span.
You stop urinating even though you feel as though you have not completely emptied your bladder
Pain in your lower back that is not musculoskeletal or orthopedic in origin
Painful urination
Ongoing pain in your pelvic area, groin, genitals or rectum with or without bowel movement
What Causes These Symptoms?
There is not one specific cause of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in the body, they can get stiff, tighten up, develop knots or become weak. Some known causes of this condition are pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, or trauma. Some doctors would also suggest that frequent coughing or straining develops a certain level of incoordination in the pelvic muscles.
When to Seek Help?
It’s always best to seek medical assistance when you first realize the symptoms. Never wait for pain, or any other kind of symptom to go away on its own because even if it does, chances are it will return! And in some instances, symptoms that return are worse. Most clients feel ashamed and bothered when they experience incontinence or leakage. And many clients feel inconvenienced when they can't use the bathroom properly.
What Can PT do?
Yes, a Physical Therapist can help! After you consult with a medical doctor to rule out other diagnosis (like kidney problems), your therapist can perform an assessment and develop a treatment plan to address your symptoms. Here is what you can expect:
Biofeedback - this technique involves placing special electrodes or sensors to muscles close to your pelvic area. This will help give you feedback to see if you’re relaxing or tightening the right muscles. For example, when we try to stop urinating, we usually use our pelvic muscles to hold it in, but if they’re weak, some people hold their urine by using also the abdominal and postural muscles. Biofeedback can help ensure that you’re using the pelvic muscles, and not the abdominals. The feedback can be in the form of sound (high pitched when contracting and low when relaxing) or a video where you see a bunch of lines going up and down (up when you’re contracting and low when relaxing)
Relaxation Techniques - your therapist will teach you ways to relax. One is through diaphragmatic breathing exercises. When we breathe to relax and meditate, we should be able to breathe deeply and expand our bellies. In some cases when a patient is comfortable enough, massage or soft tissue mobilization is provided.
Sessions can get awkward, but it’s up to your physical therapist to make you feel comfortable in your exercises, so it’s important to find the right therapist for you.
The Most Common Exercise Is…
The Kegels! You might have already heard it, and you might have already tried it! Kegels is pretending that you need to urinate and then trying to hold it in. It is an alternating exercise between relaxing and contracting your pelvic floor muscles. It’s important to be familiar with the sensation of contracting and relaxing your muscles, and we’re sure your PT can help you achieve this.
You can also practice this at home, here are the steps to take:
It is best to start practicing Kegels when lying flat on a firm surface or floor. Bend both your knees with your feet still on the ground.
Tighten or contract your muscles for 2 to 3 seconds then relax and release them for the next 5 seconds.
Repeat this exercise 10 times while lying down. And then, do the exercise three times a day (morning, afternoon and night)
When you are more comfortable with the exercise, practice doing it in other positions like sitting and standing. You can also practice while doing an activity such as when washing dishes or watching TV!
Click here to find out more about physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Got Pain? Schedule a Consultation Today! Walk Ins Welcome.
NYC's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
Preventing Back Injuries and Back Pain With Back Exercises
Have you ever experienced lower back pain? What do you do when you have it? Did you know that, contrary to popular belief, you should be doing movement exercises rather than just resting when you have back pain?
Simple Back Exercises to Get You Through the Day!
Have you ever experienced lower back pain? What do you do when you have it? Did you know that, contrary to popular belief, you should be doing movement exercises rather than just resting when you have back pain?
When we experience back pain, it is usually because of a mix of factors: tight muscles around your lower back, a poor postural alignment, and a weakness in core musculature. Here, we provided some exercises that can help you chase away your back pain:
Find Your Neutral Spine
Your spine is in “neutral” when all its segments are in good alignment. This is the most stable and strongest position of your spine, it’s important to practice being in this position to prevent pain and injuries. To find your “neutral” spine, relax and lie on your back on a firm surface. Gently tilt your pelvis forward by pushing your lower back down and flat on the surface, then tilt it all the way backwards by making an arch with your lower back. After doing the pelvic tilt, find your “neutral” by feeling the best and most comfortable position for you in between the tilts.
Focus on Breathing
There is research linking breathing to good postural alignment and lower back pain. The correct way to breathe is called diaphragmatic breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose making sure that your belly expands and not your chest. You can do this while sitting, standing, or lying on your back.
Open up Your Hips. Stretch, Stretch and Stretch
A lot of stretching is involved when dealing with back pain. Our muscles tighten up as a way of protecting themselves when they (or we) feel pain. There are three stretches you can do to help with your lower back pain:
Knee to Chest - Hug both of your knees to your chest while lying on your back on a flat surface. You should be able to feel a gentle stretch on your lower back and butt muscles. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds while inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
Rotational Stretch - Lie back on the floor with your knees bent with feet flat on the floor. Make sure your shoulders are flat on the floor while you gently roll both your knees to one side of your body. Again, hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds, don’t forget about diaphragmatic breathing!
Runner’s Stretch - this position helps open up your hips and pelvis, it stretches both the front and back muscles of your legs. Step one foot forward and gently bend your knees into a low lunge until you feel a slight stretch on your back leg. It’s kind of tricky to hold your balance in this position, so you can opt to brace yourself on a table or wall. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds.
Partial Crunches
You don’t have to do a whole sit up to strengthen your core! Partial crunches are better and friendlier for your back. Start by lying on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Breathe in deeply, and then as you breathe out, engage your abdominal muscles and slowly raise your head and shoulders to about 2 inches off the ground. Make sure your neck is aligned with your spine to avoid strain. If you’re just starting out, you can put your hands forward as if you’re trying to reach for your knees. As you get stronger, you can then put your hands across your chest, or behind your head. This exercise will help strengthen your core. Your core muscles have a big role in preventing lower back pain. Even though they are located in the front (in your abdomen), they help your back muscles in maintaining your upright posture.
Bridging
This exercise helps you strengthen your gluteus (butt) muscles. Lie on your back on a firm surface with your knees bent and feet flat. Take a deep breath, slowly exhale, then lift your buttocks off the floor while engaging your abdominal muscles. Make sure your shoulders stay on the floor. Then slowly lower your buttocks back to the floor and rest for a few seconds. Repeat this movement 15 times.
Supermans
This exercise will challenge the whole length of your back. Your position should literally look like Superman himself! Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended in front of the body, and your legs should also be stretched out straight. Now, try to lift both your arms and legs up off the ground. You should aim for about 6 inches gap between your legs and the ground. Keep your head up and look straight forward as you hold this position for 6 seconds.
All of these exercises are safe to do at home, but still, it’s best to see a Physical Therapist first to help you with your back pain. They will provide you with tools that can decrease or completely eliminate the pain, and teach you exercises to keep the pain from returning.
Click here to find out more information about physical therapy for back pain
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of bio-mechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
Living With Parkinson's Disease? RSVP for the Up and Coming Parkinson's Event Dec 19th at the Sephardic Center
Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, Set to Co-Host Fired Up: Living Healthy With Parkinson's, Dec. 19th at the Sephardic Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, Set to Co-Host Fired Up: Living Healthy With Parkinson's Disease, Dec. 19th at the Sephardic Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Evolve Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Brooklyn, recently announced it will be co-hosting a free Parkinson's Disease Symposium at the Sephardic Center in Brooklyn, NY., Dec. 19th 2019 at 6:30pm.
This exclusive Parkinson’s Disease symposium will start with a complimentary light Kosher buffet dinner at 6:30pm, followed immediately thereafter by: featured speaker presentations about PD, PD symptoms, new PD treatments, along with some of the latest updates and breakthrough’s on PD. There will also be a Q&A session, along with an exciting demonstration of the Rock Steady Boxing program.
Hosts, Co-Hosts, Organizers, and Sponsors of Fired Up: Living Healthy with Parkinson's-
The Center for Health & Wellness: Ralph S. Gindi Foundation, Sparks of Life, Rock Steady Boxing at Evolve Physical Therapy, Boston Scientific, American Parkinson's Disease Association, and New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Medical Center hosted at The Sephardic Community Center
RSVP and join Evolve Physical therapy for a fun filled night. Enjoy a light dinner, listen to educational and informative presentations, ask questions, watch an action packed class of Rock Steady Boxing, and enjoy the camaraderie, energy, and ambience of this exclusive symposium for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Event RSVP Instructions -
RSVP by reserving general admission tickets online-
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fired-up-living-healthy-with-parkinsons-tickets-85137786411
Or Call-Linda Eber at 718.954.3154
Or via email-Linda[at]scclive.org. Please include your full name, phone number, and the number of people in your group.
Find Out More About Fired Up: Living Healthy With Parkinson’s Disease-
From the Jewish Voice-http://thejewishvoice.com/2019/12/11/fired-up-living-healthy-with-parkinsons/
From The Sephardic Center- https://www.scclive.org/event/fired-up-living-healthy-with-parkinsons/
For more information on Rock Steady Boxing Classes,
please visit- https://evolveny.com/rsb
About The Sephardic Center-
Sephardic Community Center,The Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 social service agency dedicated to serving the intellectual, cultural, social and recreational needs of the Sephardic community. Open to all, the Center works to ensure cooperation and collaboration with others outside the Sephardic community, while building pride in its Sephardic heritage within its own community.
https://www.scclive.org
1901 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11223.
For more information and to RSVP,
Contact Linda Eber at 718.954.3154
email- Linda[at]scclive.org.
About Sparks for Life-
Sparks of Life is a non-profit organization founded by Rabbi Moshe Gruskin who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease back in 2009. At the time, it was hard to face the reality of what the future held. Unfortunately, within four years his symptoms had progressed and he found himself living life as an invalid. This prompted him to seek professional guidance and educate himself about the disease. Understanding the benefits of exercise, Rabbi Gruskin implemented a physical regimen that included simcha dancing in his basement every night. Today he looks and feels like a new man,and is passionate about creating awareness within the Jewish community to better the lives of those challenged with Parkinson’s. https://sparksoflifejcp.org
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics-
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of bio-mechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better! First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
Multiple Locations!
1-718-258-3300
https://EvolveNY.com
Physical Therapy and Custom Fitness Programs
Physical Therapy and Different Types of Fitness Programs- Sooner or later, you will graduate from your Physical Therapy program. This means that you have reached your goals - decreased or eliminated the pain, you are able to move again, you are able to go back to work. However, more often than not, many patients stop doing their exercises when they finish the program…
PT and Different Types of Fitness Programs
Sooner or later, you will graduate from your Physical Therapy program. This means that you have reached your goals - decreased or eliminated the pain, you are able to move again, you are able to go back to work. However, more often than not, many patients stop doing their exercises when they finish the program. This will more than likely mean you have recurring pain and have to return another round of Physical Therapy sessions before too long.
What Should You Do After Physical Therapy?
Well, you should definitely continue to exercise! Most patients stop doing even simple exercise programs when they stop coming for Physical Therapy. Continuing your exercises will ensure that you keep all the flexibility, strength, balance and skills that you gained through your sessions. Stopping it will only put you at risk of re-injury. However, diving into fitness programs without any knowledge could potentially do you more harm than good.
In post-rehabilitation fitness programs, the main goal is to avoid re-injury and maintain or improve your current strength and flexibility. These fitness programs are facilitated by personal trainers, or you might’ve guessed it, other physical therapists! Your trainers will make sure you perform exercises at an appropriate level. For example, basketball players that have been injured and rehabilitated cannot return to their previous fitness training immediately, their healed structures might not be able to take the pressure of being used at such a high level. An injured athlete will need to gradually ease back into their original fitness training program post-rehab.
Ordinary individuals who do not participate in sports or activities, but who put strain on their bodies, can participate in regular fitness programs facilitated by personal trainers or fitness instructors. It is important to let their instructors know that they have just finished a bout of Physical Therapy. They will likely adjust their program for you to protect your still healing body.
Finding the Right Program
It can be overwhelming to find the right program for you. There are loads of gyms, clinics and centers available for you, but finding the right trainer and program is important.
Here are some steps to take before deciding on a program:
Figure out the pre-exercise and dynamic warm up and cool down routines that are perfect for you. If it’s not painful, and it’s warming your body up (or cooling it down) in a good way, then it’s perfect.
If the exercise of program hurts, then you need to find another one. Remember that even though you’re done with PT, your body is still in the process of healing. Your body mechanics are completely different pre-injury to post-injury, so listen to your body. If it’s painful, then you should stop.
Find a program that you enjoy. It can be lifting weights in the gym (supervised, of course), yoga, pilates, cross fit, swimming or even dancing! Choose a program that you will love, so that it will be easier to maintain and continue!
Why do I still need a Fitness Program?
Again, even though you have graduated from a PT program, your body is still healing and there is still a risk of re-injury. We want to prevent that. We also want to maintain whatever gains you obtained during your sessions with your PT! Other reasons to work out after PT are:
To further rebuild muscle - Did you know that staying in bed for two straight days can already have muscle wasting effects on your body? Or that sitting in front of the TV/desk all day can actually weaken your muscles? Your muscles need to be continually challenged for it to maintain its strength, but it’s more important to challenge them post-injury or post-rehab.
To restore bone strength and density - muscles put pressure and load on our bones. When a person leads a sedentary lifestyle, there can be a certain level of muscle wasting and atrophy, and therefore a decreased bone density and strength. Load your muscles, and they will load your bones. This will protect you from fractures and musculoskeletal pain.
To improve mental health - Sometimes, people get depressed, angry or lonely after an injury, surgery or even physical therapy. This is because they feel the difference in their bodies and may feel that they are not the same. Enrolling in a fitness program will help with a person’s emotional or mental well-being, while also addressing their physical needs.
To improve overall health and wellness - Even if Physical Therapy had your body in an improved state, your cardiovascular system may still have a hard time keeping up. If you’re a runner, you might have a hard time returning to your normal running distance and routine. Even if you’re a stay at home mother, you might still have a hard time doing chores or chasing the kids. A consistent fitness program will help everyone ease back into their normal self.
As much as we love seeing our patients, it’s better to see them doing well and injury-free!
Would you like assistance creating a custom fitness program? Give us a call! 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy-
Advanced, One on One, Hands On Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Parkinson's Boxing Training - Active Release Physical Therapy - Sports Physical Therapy NYC - Manual One on One Physical Therapy Brooklyn NYC - Hand Physical Therapy - Running + Gait Training - Soft Tissue Physical Therapy- Pediatric Physical Therapy - Schroth Method - Pre-Hab Physical Therapy - TMJ Specialists- Post-surgical Physical Therapy Care - Occupational Physical Therapy Clinics - Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, NY
Multiple Locations!