Do You Know Why You Have Back Pain? Here’s How You Can Find Out

August 17, 2018 Tim@inhometherapygr.com

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Is the source of your low back pain a mystery? You’re not alone. Nine out of 10 patients don’t know the primary cause of their back pain. The problem is that most people seek treatment after they’ve begun exhibiting symptoms of back pain. While this may seem logical on the surface, we’re here to tell you that there’s a better way.

The key is to go to a physical therapist before you begin to see the signs and symptoms of back pain. I’m sure that right about now you’re asking, “Why would I do that?” One, because physical therapists are trained to recognize the physical dysfunctions that may one day lead to back pain. And two, because eight out of 10 Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The chances are good that you could become a statistic one day.

Yearly Physical Therapy

Seeing a physical therapist on an annual basis is one of the most effective ways to prevent back pain from occurring in the first place. Doesn’t that sound like the better alternative? Great, now that you’re on board. Let’s talk about what you can expect during that annual physical therapy appointment. The first time you go, your physical therapist will collect a complete picture of your medical history. During subsequent visits, it’ll be important to update your physical therapist about any changes to your health during the previous 12 months, but it won’t be necessary to review your entire medical history again.

Next, your physical therapist will perform an examination using a variety of tests and measures including a movement screen. A movement screen is a screening tool that’s designed to identify imbalances in your mobility and stability that may contribute to limited function or other impairments. This gives your Physical therapist the ability to see how your back, hips, core, shoulders, knees and ankles perform during a series of carefully selected exercises.

The information gathered during an examination helps your physical therapist to identify changes from one year to the next, a critical step in assessing your risk for back pain and a host of other debilitating conditions. If a problem is identified early enough, then your physical therapist is better equipped to discuss preventive measures instead of designing a treatment plan. And that’s how you identify the root cause of back pain and derail issues before they even begin.

Mystery solved.

Contact In Home Therapy of Grand Rapids today to have your mystery solved.

Yearly Physical Therapy Visits are Just as Important as Annual Cholesterol Tests

July 9, 2018 Tim@inhometherapygr.com

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In Home Therapy of Grand Rapids

You know the drill. During your annual visit, your primary care physician will order a cholesterol test. Combined with an assessment of health measures such as diet and exercise, the results of the cholesterol test will provide your physician with the information needed to make a recommendation. If the results are positive, you might hear, “You’re doing great, keep doing what you’ve been doing!” If the results are unfavorable, then you’re more likely to be told, “I’d like you to walk for 20 additional minutes each day and eat cholesterol-lowering foods like oatmeal.”

Over time, high cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to form in your arteries, putting you in a high-risk category for heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the cumulative effects of poor posture or a muscular imbalance can take a toll on your body and inhibit your ability to move properly. That’s where a physical therapist comes in. Annual Physical Therapy “checkups” can catch the musculoskeletal problems that put you at risk for injury or limit your ability to function down the line.

Of course, it’s best to schedule your checkup before you’re experiencing a problem. That way, your physical therapist can establish a baseline based on your functional level at that time and use it to identify changes during subsequent annual visits. The effects of poor posture or a muscular imbalance may not be immediately apparent to you, but they will be to your PT.

Physical Therapy Checkup

An annual “checkup” gives your PT an inside look at your musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is composed of your muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connective tissues. It’s important that these essential internal structures are working together to support, stabilize and move your body.

Just as taking an annual trek to the primary care physician helps to monitor your cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Yearly physical therapy appointments allow your PT to identify and address any changes in the way you move before they become something more.

Contact In Home Therapy of Grand Rapids today for your yearly “checkup”

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