Back Pain Archives

Back Pain, Exercise, Resources, Sports Medicine marketing

Preventative Physical Therapy – Why?

When considering the world of physical therapy (PT), many think it is a solution primarily for athletes or those recovering from surgeries or significant injuries. However, this perception barely scratches the surface. Preventative Physical Therapy is essential for people of all walks of life and can be an alternative to medications for specific conditions.

Preventative Physical Therapy can lower patient treatment costs by 72%. (TheGoodBody.Com)

What is Preventative Physical Therapy, and how can it improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle? This blog will introduce you to the therapy and provide eight benefits.

What is Preventative Physical Therapy?

PT, a branch of rehabilitative healthcare, employs trained professionals who use specialized equipment and tailored exercise regimes to address abnormal physical functions. These professionals can guide patients in maximizing mobility, managing pain, dealing with chronic conditions, avoiding surgeries, and heavy reliance on prescription drugs.

Preventative physical therapy distinguishes itself as a proactive approach. This strategy involves offering patients techniques and exercises to prevent injuries and discomfort. Preventative PT ensures these issues don't escalate into more significant complications by strengthening the body, enhancing mobility, and detecting potential problem areas.

Often, the Mckenzie Method of physical therapy is considered preventative physical therapy. The Therapy Network has McKenzie Method licensed providers and incorporates the method's four steps into a comprehensive therapy plan.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Preventative Physical Therapy

We now have your attention with the prospect of lowering your medical costs. But what are some of the direct benefits of Preventative Physical Therapy? Here are eight benefits that can help every patient:

Pain Management: Through therapeutic exercises, pain can be significantly reduced or managed, decreasing the risk of its return.

Reduced Dependence on Drugs: Managing or diminishing pain can lessen the need for specific medications, such as opioids.

Avoidance of Surgery: In cases where PT addresses pain or injury effectively, surgeries may become unnecessary.

Improved Mobility: Age is just a number! PT exercises can rejuvenate movement capabilities for individuals across all age groups.

Injury Prevention: Knowledgeable physical therapists can craft prevention exercises tailored to high-risk activities, ensuring maximum safety.

Fall Prevention: Improve balance and prevent potential falls with specific PT exercises.

Managing Age-Related Issues: Treat conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis through PT techniques.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Health: PT can significantly improve the quality of life for those with heart and lung-related conditions.

Is investing time in Preventative Physical Therapy worth it? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, especially considering the long-term benefits and the potential to avoid painful, costly, and debilitating health issues.

Preventative Physical Therapy at The Therapy Network

COASTAL VIRGINIA'S LEADER IN SPECIALTY PHYSICAL THERAPY

The Therapy Network has been a beacon of physical therapy excellence in Hampton Roads, Virginia, for over three decades. Established in 1987, it has continuously revolutionized PT in the region with a patient-centric approach. Our dedicated clinics across Hampton Roads provide flexible hours, catering to the bustling schedules of our patrons. With services available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., we strive to accommodate all.

For those seeking our expert services, TheTherapyNetwork.com provides all the necessary details. Remarkably, a physician's referral isn't mandatory to initiate your physical therapy plan with us, thanks to Direct Access. Direct Access in Virginia enables individuals to start a therapeutic journey overseen by our licensed professionals immediately.

What sets The Therapy Network apart is our commitment to excellence and specialization. Each of our clinics proudly hosts therapists trained in Preventative Physical Therapy. We are continuously pushing boundaries to offer top-tier care for our valued patients. Schedule an appointment today.

Back Pain, Falls and Balance marketing

The Importance of Fall Prevention

Did you know that with every passing second, an older adult in the U.S. becomes another statistic, facing a fall that may lead to severe injury or worse?

Fall prevention extends beyond mere statistics; it affects lives and the quality of life for countless individuals, especially our senior citizens.

The leading causes of hospital visits for those aged 65+ are falls, with an astounding 90% of injury-related ER visits attributed to them. The grave figures don't end there. A shocking 95% of hip fractures and many traumatic brain injuries stem from falls.

These stats underscore the paramount importance of fall prevention. But there's hope – with physical therapy's aid, prevention and recovery from fall-induced injuries become a reality.

Keep reading for further information on how The Therapy Network can help you prevent falls in your home.

Most Common Fall Hotspots Around the Home

Knowing where you're most likely to fall is half the battle in fall prevention. Unfortunately, the home, often considered the safest haven, tops the charts as the primary location for falls, especially for older adults.

Stairs: Number one risk zone in homes.

Bathrooms: Over 23,000 yearly injuries.

Gardens: Uneven surfaces can be treacherous.

Living Rooms: Often cluttered and overlooked.

Driveways and Sidewalks: Cracks and uneven pavements can trip.

Bedrooms: Night-time navigation without proper lighting can be hazardous.

As part of your fall prevention plan, download a booklet from the CDC and review the tips for preventing falls in your home.

Home Safety: Fall Prevention Tips

Creating a fall-proof environment isn't a Herculean task. We asked the physical therapist at The Therapy Network for some tips for this blog. Here is some actionable advice from the TTN team:

De-clutter: Clear hallways, staircases, and rooms of any unnecessary items.

Repair Hazards: Address loose carpets, wobbly floorboards, or risky throw rugs.

Install Safety Measures: Add grab bars by toilets, handrails in stairways, and nonslip mats in wet zones.

Optimum Lighting: Ensure all areas, especially stairways and corridors, are well-lit.

Wear Sensible Clothing: Avoid excessively loose clothes that may cause tripping.

Shoe Strategy: Wear shoes indoors or opt for nonslip socks.

One-Level Living: If feasible, consider living on one level to avoid stairs.

Mindful Movement: Always move from sitting to standing with caution, taking a moment to stabilize. A physical therapist can show you the best method to move from sitting to standing.

Join Exercise Programs: Engage in exercises that enhance balance and muscle strength. Ask your TTN physical therapist for tips and ideas to improve mobility and flexibility.

How Can The Therapy Network Help?

The prospect of falls shouldn't paralyze you with fear. Instead, arm yourself with preventative measures and guidance from The Therapy Network.

We're never too far with offices in multiple coastal Virginia locations. In 2022, we took a significant leap forward, introducing our specialized Fall Prevention Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Here's the best part: Prevention begins before the accident. At The Therapy Network, we advocate for proactive measures. During your fall prevention visit, anticipate an extensive evaluation:

BioSway Testing

Berg Testing

Tenetti Testing

Balance Testing

Mobility Testing

Vestibular Testing

Home Environment Assessment

Begin your fall prevention journey today by scheduling an appointment. Did you know you do not need a physician's referral to schedule a fall prevention appointment at TTN?

Awareness combined with proactive measures can drastically reduce the risks of falls. The Therapy Network is dedicated to empowering everyone with the knowledge and tools needed to make every step safe.

Visit www.TheTherapyNetwork.com for more insights and assistance.

Back Pain, News, Resources marketing

School Backpacks and Pain: Protecting the Backs of Our Future

We all want the best for our teens—especially as they embark on another exciting school year in Hampton Roads, Virginia. However, sometimes the tools meant to support their learning, like backpacks, can lead to unexpected pain.

This blog will look at overloaded school backpacks and the pain that might affect your teen-aged child. We will also explore ways to address this issue, including how to shop for a new school backpack.

The Strain of the Backpack

By design, the back will compensate for any load applied to it. Picture this: A teen, excited for their day in a Virginia Beach school, slings on their backpack, not realizing that the weight is slowly harming their back. Picture your teen's backpack - X-Box Controllers, water bottles, computers, extra batteries, and more. This isn't a one-time event. This chronic routine may cause them to experience back pain throughout their school years, including college.

What are the effects of an overloaded backpack? From a physical therapy view, here is a list of impacts:

Exert undue pressure on the lower back, potentially leading to disc compression.

Distort the natural curves in the middle and lower backs, causing muscle strain and irritation to spine joints and the rib cage.

Cause lumbar asymmetry or curvature in the lower back.

Lead to rounded shoulders, which in turn affects posture.

Pull on the neck muscles, giving rise to headache, shoulder pain, lower back pain, and neck and arm pain.

Make someone lean forward, hampering balance and raising the risk of falls.

Preventative Tips: Backpacks and Pain

Backpacks and back pain don’t have to be lifelong partners! Back-to-School is the perfect time to review some tips with your kids. (These tips are also helpful for adults that regularly use a backpack during their commute to work or for hobbies and adventures.)

Some precautionary steps include:

Use both shoulder straps for balance.

Opt for lightweight, padded backpacks.

If available, pick backpacks with wheels.

Make use of lockers to reduce carrying weight.

Regularly empty backpacks of unnecessary items.

Limit backpack weight to 15% of a child's body weight.

Shopping for the Perfect School Backpack

Shopping for a new school backpack is exciting—no matter the student's age. But choosing a backpack isn’t just about colors or trendy designs; it’s about ensuring it supports your teen's health. You have read about the link between school backpacks and pain. Now, here are some tips from the Therapy Network staff to keep in mind when shopping for a new backpack:

Opt for backpacks with wide, padded straps.

Seek multiple sections for even weight distribution.

Consider waist belts to help distribute weight.

Reflective material is a plus for children commuting during low light.

Aim for a lightweight design.

Physical Therapy: The Solution to Backpack-Induced Pain

If your teen in Hampton Roads feels the aftermath of a heavy backpack, physical therapy is the way forward. It alleviates pain and strengthens muscles, ensuring future resilience against injuries. School backpack-induced pain should not be ignored.

“A great way to prevent back injury is to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of your torso, including your lower back and abdominal muscles.”—KidsHealth.org

Enter The Therapy Network…

When the talk comes to expert physical therapy, look no further than The Therapy Network. With six accessible offices throughout Coastal Virginia, including Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and Chesapeake, we are always within reach. What makes us even more special? No need for a physician's referral to start your teen's healing journey with us! We prioritize convenience with immediate appointment availability.

In conclusion, while backpacks are a school staple, ensuring the correct use is vital. As we've learned, overloaded backpacks can be the villain behind back and shoulder pain. But with the right backpack and the expert care from The Therapy Network, we can ensure our teens and children are pain-free and ready to conquer the world!

If your teen is experiencing back or shoulder pain, don’t wait. Visit one of our six locations in Coastal Virginia today. The health of our future, our children, rests in the balance. School backpack-induced pain may not resolve on its own.

And remember, at The Therapy Network, a healthier future is just an appointment away!

Aqua Therapy, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Exercise, Rheumatoid Arthritis marketing

Does Aquatic Therapy Promote Recovery and Wellness?

If you seek an effective way to recover from an injury or prevent future ones, look no further than Aquatic Therapy. The Therapy Network in coastal Virginia offers Aquatic Therapy sessions that can be your ticket to improved well-being and an active lifestyle.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Simply, it involves personalized, hands-on therapy techniques and specific body movements designed for water use. How do Aquatic Therapy exercises promote recovery and wellness?

Imagine exercising in an environment where gravity's effects are reduced, and joint strain is minimized. Water provides natural buoyancy, making recovery and wellness, with Aquatic Therapy an ideal choice for rehabilitation after an illness or injury.

Your Therapy Network therapist will use specially designed exercise equipment and aids like floats and balls to assist you during your sessions. Through targeted exercises and movements, you will experience the benefits of this low-impact yet highly efficient form of Therapy.

7 Benefits of Pool Exercise

Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable benefits of Aquatic Therapy and how it promotes recovery and wellness. Here are seven of the top benefits:

Lowers Fall Risk: If you are concerned about balance and coordination issues, Aquatic Therapy is a game-changer. In a safe and supportive aquatic environment, you will regain confidence and reduce the risk of falls by improving these skills.

Helps with Balance and Coordination: Whether recovering from an injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply looking to enhance performance, aquatic therapy can help improve your balance and coordination—the resistance provided by water challenges your muscles, enhancing your overall stability.

Reduced Stress on Joints and Bones: Water's buoyancy provides a unique advantage by alleviating stress on your joints and bones. The buoyancy makes Aquatic Exercise an excellent choice for individuals with arthritis, back pain, or orthopedic injuries. By reducing the strain on these areas, you can engage in rehabilitation exercises comfortably and with less pain.

Builds Muscle Strength and Endurance: Water is hundreds of times more resistive than air, making it ideal for building strength and endurance. Your Therapy Network therapist will guide you toward improved muscle tone through exercises.

Increases Aerobic Capacity: Water-based exercises elevate your heart rate and enhance your cardiovascular fitness. Aquatic Therapy offers an enjoyable and effective way to improve your aerobic capacity without placing excessive stress on your joints.

Improves Joint Flexibility: Aquatic Therapy can help you regain and improve flexibility if you struggle with limited joint mobility. The water's resistance enables you to move your joints through a greater range of motion, restoring joint function and reducing stiffness.

Reduces Swelling: Aquatic Therapy can effectively reduce swelling in injured or inflamed areas. The pressure exerted by the water helps to improve circulation, promoting healing.

As a bonus, can Aquatic Therapy help you lose weight? "Aquatics therapy is considered superior to traditional forms of physical exercise for individuals who are overweight and obese. When coupled with a new diet, aquatics therapy can help people lose weight safely and effectively.”—ClassicRehabilitation.com

Aquatic Therapy has significant benefits, but how else does it promote recovery and wellness? What conditions can benefit from Aquatic Therapy?

Conditions that Benefit from Aquatic Exercise

Now that you are familiar with the benefits of Aquatic Therapy, you may wonder which conditions can benefit from this physical therapy approach. Aquatic Physical Therapy has been successfully used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

Arthritis

Back Pain

Balance Disorder

Chronic Pain

Relief from Diabetes Symptoms

Fibromyalgia

Joint Pain

Multiple Sclerosis

Orthopedic or Sports Injuries

Post-Operative Conditions

Stroke

Tendinitis

With the list of benefits and conditions improved with Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise, we hope that we have answered the question, “Does aquatic therapy promote recovery and wellness?”

Aquatic Therapy at The Therapy Network

The Therapy Network is here to support you on your journey to recovery and optimal health. Our team of skilled physical therapists specializes in customizing your PT journey and will guide you every step of the way.

The McKenzie Method® for Back Pain

Have you suffered from persistent back pain or discomfort in your extremities for months? Perhaps you have tried physical therapy and are still looking for a better solution. It is time to find out about the McKenzie Method® for back pain.

The McKenzie Method® used in physical therapy is a non-invasive and self-managed solution that may fit your needs today and into the future. Each of TTN’s six locations has a McKenzie Institute®-trained physical therapist.

How Common is Back Pain?

You are not alone. Here are a few statistics about back pain in the US today:

Over 72 million Americans will suffer from back pain during their lifetime. That is 8 out of 10 in the United States. —Vertosmed.com

Out of those with mild symptoms, 5% will develop chronic pain if left untreated. –Pain News Network

4 out of 10 employees that sit at a desk will suffer from back pain at some time. --NIH

Usually, back pain builds gradually until the pain is noticed and impacts the enjoyment of your day. Here is a quote that sums up the problem facing many today:

"When back pain suddenly shows up, we are tempted to blame it on the last minor stressor that affected it, such as a soft bed in a hotel. This is like blaming your bankruptcy on the last latte you bought before your account finally went into the red.”—Todd Hargrove.

After reading the quote, you may be nodding your head in agreement. Most suffering from long-term back pain admit to ignoring the initial discomfort.

The Method that Works is Available Now

You may be new to the pain or have been suffering from back pain over an extended period of time. You may have even tried other solutions, even physical therapy.

Two of the top benefits of The McKenzie Method® is that your therapist will know within a few sessions if another treatment protocol is needed. If successful, it becomes a method you can deploy at the first sign of discomfort.

What if you could turn back time and stop or alleviate back pain before it impacts your day? The McKenzie Method® for back pain gives you the tools and exercises to relieve pain without using pharmaceuticals. The technique relieves pain and lets you continue a productive and enjoyable lifestyle.

It is a method backed by science with a long record of a positive outcome. You can learn about the McKenzie Method® by meeting with a McKenzie Institute®- trained physical therapist at The Therapy Network. In addition, read the latest updates by the McKenzie Method® Institute.

https://youtu.be/noF9uulyi4I?t=9

Good Morning America describing McKenzie Method Treatment

The McKenzie Method® at The Therapy Network

You may ask, "What is the McKenzie Method®, and how do I learn about it?" The method is non-invasive and focuses on the need of each patient. Often, the technique helps where other physical therapy methods have not.

Here is a quote from a TTN therapist that specializes in the McKenzie Method®:

"Specializing in the treatment of spinal patients at our Chesapeake office, I received my Certification in McKenzie Method® of Diagnosis and Therapy in 1999 and have been using it to treat spinal cases ever since. I utilize this method because it is patient-driven and exercise-based, backed by research, and incredibly effective. Many of my referrals come from physicians whose patients tried traditional physical therapy (sans-McKenzie) and failed to see improvement.”—Elaine Comer PT

The McKenzie Method® for back pain includes a tailored routine of exercises and stretches that patients can do at home. It is an active therapy method that is cost-effective. Once you learn the technique and the best steps for your diagnosis, you can self-manage the process.

Schedule An Appointment at The Therapy Network Today

Think of the McKenzie Method® as an investment in a pain-free future. If you are ready to learn more, it is time to schedule an appointment at The Therapy Network.

https://www.thetherapynetwork.com/schedule-appointment/The Therapy Network is coastal Virginia's leading physical therapy network. Schedule an appointment online or call 757-496-3700. Let us teach you the McKenzie Method® for back pain today.

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