Cure Your Neck & Shoulder Pain
One of the most important things you can to to cure your neck and shoulder pain is to be consistent with a home exercise program that includes an effective self massage routine.
Your Wellness Program is finally here!!
After you complete your physical therapy, you have a lot of options to maintain your health and wellness.
We want to provide you with an affordable option to make the OrthoWell Wellness Program your FIRST choice.
You trust us with your health and you trust our ability to medically manage a team approach to your wellness…and a team approach is what we are offering.
Your Wellness team would include your physical therapist as well as our in-house massage therapists and personal trainers. Click HERE to meet our team.
You no longer have to worry whether your massage therapist or your personal trainer know what’s wrong with you or what things to avoid so they will not hurt you.
Our commitment is to KEEP you healthy and pain-free.
Click HERE to read more about the Wellness Program.
Can Exercise Totally Cure Low Back Pain?
More than 80% of us experience low back pain at some point in our lives. In most cases, the pain goes away on it’s own or with a little “help” from the internet, yet recurrence rates of low back pain range between 24% and 80% within the first year.
A literature review by Steffens and colleagues summarizes the benefits of exercise and education for low back pain. The types of interventions included in the studies were patient education, core stabilization exercises emphasizing exercises for the back and abdominal muscles, stretching and spinal range of motion exercises as well as general aerobic conditioning exercises.
The reduction in recurrence rates of low back pain was impressive at 25% to 40% in the short-term.
The effects in the long term were more uncertain. Several studies showed no decline in recurrence rates after one year.
So what does this mean?
More than likely, the participants felt better and they stopped doing their exercises. Sound familiar?
In order to prevent recurrence of pain or injury in the future, it is crucial to continue with an exercise program that includes core stabilization training, flexibility and spinal range of motion exercises and general aerobic conditioning.
Don’t delay. Get a refresher from us ASAP or refer a friend or family member who is in pain.
Check out the link below or send it to a friend.
CLICK HERE
Guess What? Exercise Can Prevent Low Back Pain
Acute low back pain (LBP) is a very common condition. 80% of people at some point in their lives will experience acute low back pain.
Tight Hip Flexors-The Source of Your Back or Hip Pain?
Could your tight hip flexors be the source of your hip or back pain?Have you ever been checked?
Do You Really Need To Stretch Your Hamstrings?
Fall has arrived. Amazing colors once again. Should you stretch your hamstrings before hiking thru the fall colors? Read on to see if you should…or if you shouldn’t….
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to maximize your health and wellness and to keep you up-to-date on the happenings at OrthoWell. So read on and let’s keep you on track.
Do you really need to stretch your hamstrings??
So what if I told you that there is actually very little research that substantiates any long lasting effects of stretching? What if I also told you that you may not even have to stretch your hamstrings to get a release of the stiffness? Would that make you stop stretching or does stretching actually make you FEEL good?
I have been practicing PT for 26 years and I can honestly say that my patients have had some pretty amazing results with the soft tissue work that we do in combination with stretching exercises. Just look at our Success Story page. If you are reading this right now, you may actually be one on them. There are some things that get our patients better that may not have a lot of research-substantiated evidence.
In a 2010 article by Wepppler and Magnusson, they point out that there is only a transient mechanical increase in length of tissue after stretching. In other words, the muscle stretch recoils after the stretch is removed. How long the stretch lasts depends on the magnitude and the duration of the stretch. So then, how hard should you stretch and why do we only hold our stretches for 30-60 seconds?
We have used the evidence gathered from the study of tissue deformation or biorheology to determine that the optimum amount of time to acquire the most dramatic “viscoelastic” elongation of tissue is between 30-60 seconds. Yes, there is a much more gradual elongation after that time but who has the time to wait…right? There was a study in 2004 by Guissard and Duchateau that showed partial maintenance of tissue elaongaton 30 days after the program when patents were performing 20 minutes of stretching 5 days per week. So yes, you reap what you sow when it comes to the time spent stretching.
The Sensory Theory of stretching means that we achieve an increase in length while stretching due to a “stretch analgesia” effect in which “it doesn’t hurt as much” so you FEEL as though you can stretch further into the range. So what is wrong with that? If you stand all day and your hamstrings are working overtime to keep you upright and stable, what happens to the tissue? It becomes “stiffer”. This may be due to scar tissue, waste products, and trigger points that form due to this constant state of contraction. Intuitively, it makes sense to perform massage and stretching to counteract these effects. However, is this the cure for the stiffness? Gary Cook, a world renowned PT, who has revolutionized the way that we that we think of functional training would say unequivocally NO!
Gary Cook claims that the “stiffness” we feel is reflexive. It is due to the stabilizing effect that our muscles need to perform on a daily basis in order to control faulty movement patterns and faulty postures. Some parts of our bodies are stabile and other parts are very mobile. For example, your lumbar spine tends to be mobile or “sloppy” as Gray Cook would say. Many people are unaware of how to engage their core or how to perform proper body mechanics to prevent stress to the lumbar spine. Our hamstrings can be the first line of defense when it comes to stabilizing the spine.
If you are unaware of how you stand, you could be placing your pelvis in an anteriorly rotated position. When your pelvis rotates forward, it places a “pinch’ or a stress on your lumbar spine. Your hamstrings will consequently contract in order to correct your alignment and “pull” your pelvis posteriorly. What happens when you squat or roll out of bed? If you are not engaging the proper core and hip muscles then your hamstrings continue to fire in order to stabilize your spine. There you have it. The viscous cycle for constant hamstring stiffness.
So how do you become more stabile? First of all, you need to become reacquainted with your core. Just doing planks may not be enough. You need to be evaluated to determine any faulty movement patterns. If you don’t correct the faulty patterns, then you are reinforcing bad habits and putting yourself at risk for injury. Gray Cook has developed Functional Movement Screens to determine exactly where your deficiencies are. In addition to this, we have put together a version of the Selective Functional Movement Screen in our clinic. Based on the results of our screen, there are many types of corrective exercises that can be instructed to get you back on track.
In conclusion, you need to realize that “stiffness” anywhere in your body could be multifaceted.- especially with your hamstrings. Does this mean that you should never stretch or massage your hamstrings? NO. Stretching can certainly make you FEEL better but you need to realize that stretching alone may not be the cure. In the words of Gray Cook
“If the body doesn’t stabilize correctly, it will figure out another way to get stability: it’s called stiffness.”
So what you THINK is causing your stiffness may NOT be the reason. We all need to think outside the box. You are guaranteed that when you come to see us at OrthoWell PT
All the Best!
Chris
Drinking the Cross Fit Kool-Aid!
Harry feels better now than ever before…
I enjoy CrossFit because it consistently gives me a good workout. The workout ideology of CrossFit prides itself on never falling into a routine. This means every workout is something new that will not only work you out in a new way, but also help you to identify some new skill that you could improve upon. When working out with good form and responsible weight/volume, the benefits of Crossfit also translate to your functional daily activities. After a year of Crossfit I can truly say I have witnessed these benefits during my day to day activities.
MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPION..
Matt Veiga
As many of you have heard in the clinic I do a lot of mountain racing. This past weekend I had the luck to have a repeat win at one of the hardest races in the circuit. Check out my interview on levelrenner.com to get a little glimpse into the head of the Female winner Leslie and myself about how the race went down and up in this case.
Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Click the link to read about
this new option at OrthoWell
Our wellness maintenance program is for those of you who want consistency of care after being discharged from physical therapy in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We have three different plans the we offer that you can read about by clicking the link above.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
5/31/16
“I would like to thank Chris, Katie and crew for the outstanding care I received after my Achilles surgery. Their knowledge, experience and attention to detail allowed me to expedite my recovery. Thank you.”
– Marc S.
FREE INJURY SCREENING
Dont forget to take advantage of our Try Before You Buy program.
We offer a FREE, no obligation injury screening for YOU, a FAMILY MEMER or a FRIEND. Just click the link below or send it to someone who may need our help.
The Ultimate Cancer Cure and Prevention – Make it Yourself
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to maximize your health and wellness and to keep you up-to-date on the happenings at OrthoWell. So read on and let’s keep you on track.
A CURE for CANCER?
I previously did a post on cancer cures after I read a book called Outsmart Your Cancer . You can read the post HERE . For this month’s newsletter, I wanted to highlight a patient of mine who has an incredible story to tell. A story that may empower you to take charge and do all that you can do to prevent cancer – for you or for a loved one. Read on…
My introduction to Essiac Tea began almost 20 years ago. At that time, my fiancée (who owns a restaurant and is in the public eye) ran across Mr. Smith in his restaurant. “Mr. Smith!”, he exclaimed, “So great to see you again, sir! I heard you had cancer, and not having seen you for so many months…well, I feared the worst.” Mr. Smith replied with wry smile,”well son, I am 89 and I know I will die eventually of this cancer…but I’m here now!”. He went on to explain that his doctor had diagnosed him with stage 4 liver cancer and sent him home to put his life in order; expecting him to live only 6 months. He wanted to spend as much time as possible at home, so he hired a nurse to care for him. This nurse came with a tea called “Essiac Tea” that she brewed herself at his home and administered to him 3 times a day – which he credited for extending his life by years instead of months as the doctors had told him. “I just wish I had known of this sooner”, he sighed as he finished his story. “This tea can help your body cure itself of many different diseases. Wouldn’t you like to PREVENT disease instead of treating it after the fact?”.
This story really hit home with my husband-to-be, as he thought of a few problems his doctor had found – bad prostate numbers and stomach ulcers from his time in the Navy. He asked me to look up the information that Mr. Smith had given him regarding the Essiac Tea, and I starting brewing it and using it within a few weeks. By the time we were married less than a year later, my husband’s stomach ulcers were gone entirely and his prostate numbers were back down in the low range! A miracle cure, or something to really think about??
My husband and I have faithfully taken the tea since that encounter with Mr. Smith, but jump forward 10 years and my story continues. My sister-in-law went through some hard medical situations, and as a result wanted to get away from prescription pills and try a more natural & organic lifestyle. She learned Reiki and opened a natural healing clinic in NH; it was a perfect fit to shar e with her my story of Es siac tea. She embraced it into their routine and starting brewing it for clients. She has many, many stories of the people who have benefited from Essiac tea, but none so dramatic as her best friend who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer and was told she has less than 6 months to live. She loves to punctuate this story with “and we still have brunch every Sunday now 10 years later!!”
I have brewed tea for others as well over the years. My own success stories include breast cancer survivors, my own father-in-law with throat cancer who claims without the tea he’d be dead by now, people who have beat diabetes, many more prostate stories, high cholesterol numbers brought down, gall bladder stone issues, gout, sleep disorders, and truly the list goes on.
Essiac Tea consists of 4 herbs: the root of the burdock plant, Sheep Sorrel, inner bark of the Slippery Elm, and the roots of Turkey Rhubarb. Combined, these 4 herbs work together in a synergistic fashion to clean the body of toxins and impurities that significantly boosts your own immune system. Your immune system is the #1 defense against all diseases, including cancer – but when the body is compromised the cancer can gain a foothold. Not to mention all kinds of other diseases. So ask yourself the same question as Mr. Smith: wouldn’t you like to do something to PREVENT disease instead of treating it? You can! Brewing tea is not that hard; it just takes some time, commitment, and the right knowledge.
A great website for buying the bulk tea is www.herbalhealer.com . They only sell organic, grown in North America dried herbs. I also like the fact the herbs are separate and combined upon brewing. When the 4 herbs from some other sites are sold they are combined together already, some will settle to the bottom and the dosage will not be as exact as the formula from Herbal Healer. Just sharing from my own knowledge and experiences!!
A great website to start if looking for more information is www.essiacfacts.com . They can be found on Facebook as well. You can also contact us at info@orthowellpt.com and we can put you in direct contact with the author of this story who may be able to Brew for You.
Are you a runner?
Check this out TODAY!
The more that I read about running, study running technique, and learn from my own mistakes, the more emboldened I’ve become as a runner. Who we consult to determine the proper path in accomplishing our goals can be THE determining factor in success or failure. It certainly was for me. Every running coach has a different level of experience. Every physical therapist has a different level of experience. It is up to you to become the educated consumer, the informed runner, and to advocate foryour own health and wellness. What I would like to do is to share my “education”.
I have read the running literature extensively and wish toconsolidate a wealth of information and reference as much as possible. I will present current thought and research behind the evolution of running, the evolution of running shoes, and the controversy and merits behind different running techniques. I will summarize the findings of my research by highlighting key points and strategies for unlocking your potential as a runner.
CLICK HERE to get your FREE COPY.
Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Click the link to read about
this new option at OrthoWell
Our wellness maintenance program is for those of you who want consistency of care after being discharged from physical therapy in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We have three different plans the we offer that you can read about by clicking the link above.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
2/15/16
I came to OrthoWell with severe foot pain as well as knee pain from a running injury. The staff was wonderful, so supportive and professional. Within a few weeks my foot pain was 100% gone, with therapy and the use of orthotics. My knee is so much better as well. I look forward to being able to start running again. They gave me the tools and exercises to continue at home which has made a world of difference. I feel great!
WALL OF FAME
We have started a Wall of Fame at each of our clinics. We are proud of our patients and the success that they have had. If you have previously provided us with a testimonial, we would love to take your picture with your therapist and hang it with your testimonial for display it in our clinic! Seeing is believing! Here is NBPT so far…..
Make A Core Investment This Holiday Season
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to improve your experience at OrthoWell and to remind you how awesome you CAN feel. Read on and let’s get you back on track.
Are you looking for a way to help those in need this holiday season?
Here’s how we can do it if we work together.
As a way of serving our community, OrthoWell Physical Therapy will be donating $10 for each new patient that comes through our doors through the end of 2015 to either of two awesome organizations in Beverly called Beverly Bootstraps or in Amesbury called Our Neighbors Table.
You can check out the videos on our Beverly Facebook page or our NBPT Facebook page . So come on in for a physical therapy evaluation or spread the word about our holiday initiative.
Let’s do this together!
Over the past several months I have been noticing a trend of increased number of patients complaining of neck pain which has sparked my interest to participate in continuing education focused on neck pain in order to get the best results for my patients. I recently completed a 16 hour course focused on cervical (neck) pathology at the Institute of Manual Therapy where I was able to refine my skills and apply new knowledge to all of my patient with neck pain.
So if you or someone you know is suffering from neck pain because life can certainly be a “pain in the neck”, then come on in. You are always guaranteed the most up-to-date, comprehensive and holistic physical therapy at OrthoWell.
“OrthoWell PT has given me my life back, no doubt! After 3 months of knee pain with every step I took, I feared for my job as a nurse and my normally active lifestyle was severely curtailed. Surgery was an option, but without guarantee for improvement.
After just one session of PT and 1 laser treatment i was able to walk without limping. After 1 month of therapy and new orthotics, I am closing in on 100% return of function and I am thrilled with the progress.
The holistic approach used by Chris and his team is unique compared to other PT experiences I have had. I highly recommend OrthoWell PT as the best option out there!”
Doris Bailey-Jones
Chris Dukarski
OrthoWell Physical Therapy (978) 522-4199
info@orthowellpt.com