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Is Your Posture Suffering
Is Your Posture Suffering? Physical Therapy Can Provide Improvements!

If you find yourself struggling to sit up straight on a daily basis, you most likely have an ongoing posture issue. It is common for back pain to develop as the result of poor posture. If your posture is not correct, it can cause stress on other parts of your body, resulting in pain, inflammation, or dysfunction. Fortunately, posture can be improved with the help of physical therapy.

According to a study, approximately 3% of all emergency room visits tend to be the result of back pain or injury. Back pain is the most commonly reported area of pain, which can cause significant limits to one’s daily life.

To learn more about how we can help improve your posture and relieve your back pain, contact our office today.

How did I develop poor posture?

When you hear the term “poor posture,” you might think of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but not every case is this severe! In fact, poor posture isn’t something to be ashamed of. Few people have ideal posture, and the majority of people engage in terrible posture behaviors in some form. We get so caught up in whatever task we’re working on that we neglect to pay attention to how our bodies are positioned.

Perhaps you’re working on a project at work, it’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and you’re slouched sideways in your desk chair, one eye on the computer and the other on the clock. This isn’t your regular position, but you’re getting into the most efficient position for typing up the rest of that file and then zooming out the door.

Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch, slump, hunch, and droop over when we get feel drained because our bodies literally get tired of holding us up.

Even if you exercise regularly, you may have a few weak muscles that are contributing to poor posture that you are unaware of. Your posture is influenced by the muscles in your shoulders, back, belly, buttocks, and pelvic floor. Your core will be affected if even one of these is weak, and your posture may suffer as a result.

Why does my posture affect my back?

If you are suffering from persistent back pain, there is a good chance it is due to your posture. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Do you slouch at your desk? Do you lean forward when you’re reading your emails? Do you hunch over your keyboard? These are all things that people do subconsciously, without even realizing the toll it takes on the body.

Your posture affects how your body moves throughout the day, whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, jogging or jumping. Your posture may change depending on what you’re doing; for example, your posture may be great when you’re standing, but when you sit at a desk or lie down, your body begins to hunch and fold in ways it’s not supposed to.

Physical therapy can help you sit up straight!

Your physical therapy clinic will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This will concentrate on reducing discomfort, increasing strength, and improving posture as rapidly as feasible. Treatment strategies may include focusing on mobility, balance, flexibility, or stability, depending on the type of your problem.

Our physical therapists are highly experienced and dedicated to helping patients relieve pain and improve their posture. When you arrive for your first appointment, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to find out where your pain is originating and what the best treatments will be for relieving it.

Call us today for more information

Is your posture causing your back pain? Contact us today to find out. We’ll provide you with the treatment you need so you can get back to your pain-free life. Getting better doesn’t have to take years or even months, and fixing your posture can be quite easy when you’re guided by a skilled physical therapist. What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

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5-Tips-to-Decrease-Pain
5 Tips to Decrease Pain and Improve Your Energy Levels

Living with chronic pain can change the way you do things on a daily basis. Whether your pain symptoms reside in your back, hips, neck, knees, or other area of your body, one thing rings true: dealing with discomfort is always the last thing anybody wants to do!

Fortunately, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make in order to decrease your pain while simultaneously increasing your energy. When you do these in addition to your physical therapy treatments, you can help recover from your pain and reach the physical goals you’ve been aiming towards.

Call Dubuque Physical Therapy today to learn more about how our physical therapists can help you to decrease your pain symptoms (or even eliminate them!) and boost your energy levels. We’d be happy to see you and help in any way we can!

In the meantime, check out these 5 super helpful PT tips about how regular exercise can result in better overall health:

Tips to improve your overall health and pain free life

1. Get a good night’s sleep on the best mattress for your needs.

We spend a lot of time sleeping. Did you know that approximately ⅓ of your life is spent asleep? Because of this, it is important to make sure that your mattress is right for you.

The mattress you sleep on can affect the way your body feels when it’s awake. Since everyone sleeps differently, it is recommended that you choose a mattress according to your sleep style:

  • Soft mattress. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer mattress, as it is easier on their sides.
  • Firm mattress. If you sleep on your back, a medium-to-firm mattress will help with those backaches.
  • Memory foam. If you toss and turn all night or swap positions frequently, memory foam may be right for you. Because it conforms to the shape of your body, it may aid in your staying put.

2. Eat nutritious meals.

The food you eat is what fuels you throughout the day. Certain foods can provide you with more energy, in addition to relieving the chronic pain you feel. A few of these include:

  • Salmon. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve neck, back, and joint pain.
  • Cherries. Cherries increase antioxidants, which can relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Ginger. The ginger plant has been known to relieve pain from migraines, as well as muscle aches and nausea. It is typically used as a spice and can be easily sprinkled into a meal.
  • Hot peppers. This spicy treat has been known to relieve arthritis pain. Even if you aren’t a fan of the spice, a serving as small as half a teaspoon could help bring some relief.

3. Practice stress-relieving techniques.

While we are all aware of the psychological effects of stress, it can also increase physical pain. As a result, it’s critical to carry some stress-relieving tactics in your back pocket for when you need them.

A warm bath is an excellent technique to relieve tension while also soothing sore muscles and joints. Breathing exercises can also aid relaxation by soothing the mind and body. Taking two or three deep breaths and slowly releasing them through your nose is an easy technique to do this.

4. Boost your endorphins.

When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that work as natural pain relievers. When you have aches and pains, it may seem tough to exercise, but even light movement can bring much-needed relief.

You can also increase your endorphin levels by inhaling a relaxing lavender aroma, listening to music, or eating chocolate. So you see, it’s a win-win situation all around!

5. Come in for your physical therapy treatments for pain relief!

At our physical therapy practice, we have several treatment methods that can help alleviate your pain and increase your energy. We will find where your pain is originating so we can address it at the root, providing you with long lasting relief. Some common methods we employ for pain relief includes:

  • Massage therapy. A physical therapist is well-versed in the treatment of aching body parts. He or she can manipulate your aching muscles and joints using massage, which reduces inflammation and provides relief.
  • Aquatic therapy. Water can stimulate nerves and provide resistance for exercise and strength training. It allows for easier movement, which can ease the stress on your body.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound produces sound waves that can assist in blocking pain signals to the brain.
  • Ice and heat therapies. Warming the muscles and tendons helps to make movement easier and less painful. Ice decreases inflammation while simultaneously giving pain relief.

Call our clinic for an appointment today for relief from pain

You should notice an increase in energy and a decrease in pain if you incorporate some of these strategies into your regular routine. Call Dubuque Physical Therapy today; we’ll assist you in achieving your physical objectives so that you can live the life you desire!

Looking-For-Relief-From-Hip-Knee-Pain
Looking For Relief From Hip & Knee Pain? Your Search Ends With PT

As the cartilage in one’s joints begins to break down with age, the risk of experiencing chronic hip or knee discomfort rises. Anyone can acquire hip or knee discomfort as a result of excessive overuse, unanticipated traumas, or underlying disorders.

While surgery may be required to repair specific disorders of the hip or knee, physical therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and increasing function. In many circumstances, physical therapy can completely obviate the need for surgery.

Your hips and knees are essential joints that work hard all day to give you the best possible function. They are common sources of pain and discomfort due to their complexity and constant use.

If you are suffering from hip or knee pain and are looking for a solution, visit our office today to learn more about how our services may help you!

Common causes of hip and knee pain

When you schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, the first thing you can expect is a thorough evaluation. Your physical therapist will examine you to figure out where the painful area is, as well as where the pain is stemming from.

For example, discomfort in the hips can occasionally be felt in the lower back, buttocks, groin, or the front or side of the hips. Knee pain can also be felt on the front or rear of the knee joint. If there has been a trauma to the knee, it can also be felt on the inside of the knee, or on the outside of the knee if you have iliotibial band tension.

Hip pain is often described as a dull discomfort that doesn’t seem to go away. Knee pain, on the other hand, is a little different, and it’s usually classified as one of three different forms of pain:

  • Chronic – Chronic pain can be defined as any pain that lasts longer than two or three months. If you’ve been living with serious knee pain for that long, you should consult with your doctor. He or she will most likely suggest performing another full physical exam, in addition to x-rays.
  • Acute – Acute pain is the most intense type of knee pain. It typically occurs after an injury and will last for about a week. The treatment for acute pain is generally just to simply rest and isolate the affected area, as your body is working hard to heal it.
  • Subacute – Subacute pain is typically felt two to six weeks after an injury. The affected area will still be painful, but it will not be nearly as severe as the acute pain of the first week. The treatment for subacute knee pain generally consists of gentle motions meant to increase your range of motion and facilitate healing.

Let us help you find real pain relief once and for all

When you come in for your initial consultation, your physical therapy clinic will perform a thorough assessment to evaluate the extent of your problem and the best treatment options. This assessment will involve the following:

  • Range of motion tests. Your physical therapist will put your knee or hip to the test to see how far it can bend. This aids in identifying the degree of the trauma and provides your physical therapist with information on how to proceed with treatment.
  • Strength tests. Testing the strength of your knee and hip structures will give your physical therapist a better idea of whether your pain is due to an injury or a physical imbalance.
  • Palpation. Your physical therapist will gently palpate your knee or hip to figure out where the pain is coming from.
  • Gait analysis. Your physical therapist will assess how you walk to determine if anything is out of the ordinary with your gait.

Targeted stretches and exercises will be included in treatment regimens to relieve discomfort and improve function in the problematic hips or knees. As your physical therapist sees fit, other methods or modalities may be applied. Your progress will be continuously monitored to ensure that you meet your objectives as quickly as possible.

Your physical therapist may do balance tests to check if your equilibrium has been compromised, depending on your symptoms. Your physical therapist will pay special attention to any regions that are irritated.

Find the light at the end of the tunnel with physical therapy

We’ll get you the care you need at our clinic so you can get back on your feet! Contact our office today if you’re looking for a natural solution to ease your hip and knee pain.

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