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Put-An-End-To-Headache-Pain-With-Physical-Therapy
Put An End To Headache Pain With Physical Therapy

Did you know that headaches are the third most common pain complaint across the world? (International Headache Society). It’s true! So if you began reading this and you are suffering from headaches, breathe a sigh of relief: you are not alone.

It is no secret that headaches can cause limits to your daily life. Fortunately though, physical therapy can help you overcome those painful barriers.

If you are living with constant headaches and you’re looking for relief, contact Dubuque Physical Therapy today to schedule a consult with one of our licensed physical therapists. We’ll help you rid yourself of that pounding pain!

Reasons for headaches

The term headache is pretty self-explanatory. A “headache” is a term that refers to any form of pain you experience in your head!

Most headaches will go away without medical intervention; however, severe or persistent headaches that negatively impact one’s quality of life should be explored further.

The trick is to figure out what kind of headache you’re having and then consult with a physical therapist at Dubuque Physical Therapy to come up with a treatment strategy that works for you!

Physical therapists are skilled at identifying various forms of headaches and developing pain-relieving treatments for stress-related headaches.

There are several different types of headaches that can be treated with physical therapy. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Rebound.
  • Hypertension.
  • Migraine or sinus.
  • Stress (tension).
  • Cluster.
  • Exertion.
  • Caffeine.
  • Post-traumatic.
  • Hormone.

Tension headaches are some of the most commonly treated headaches by a physical therapist. They occur when the neck and scalp muscles contract or become tense, and they can happen at any age.

Stress-related headaches generally start at the back of the head and progress to the top of the head and eyes, sometimes accompanied by facial pain along the jaw and cheeks. This type of discomfort has been compared to having hair pulled or wearing a very tight hat.

This kind of headache can occur as a result of increased stress levels, but also from:

  • Depression.
  • Poor posture.
  • Arthritis.
  • Neck or jaw problems.
  • Fatigue.
  • Anxiety.

Physical therapy for headache pain

It may seem strange at first to see a physical therapist about headaches. However, physical therapy addresses all movement and posture problems, not just those that happen after surgery or injury.

To begin, at your first appointment your physical therapist will evaluate your posture, body strength, and movement. They may also ask you to describe your workstation to see if poor posture throughout the day is contributing to your headaches.

Next, they will prescribe a series of stretches and targeted exercises for you to do throughout the day to give your body a chance to reset its position, and cut back on the number of tension headaches you develop. Finally, they may give you a series of strengthening exercises to do on your own to strengthen the muscles in your stomach, back, shoulders, and hips so you can hold your body properly as you work.

Your therapist will also teach you how to perform pain-relieving techniques to do on your own whenever you experience tension headaches. These may include ice, heat, massage, stretching, or specific movements.

Your physical therapist may suggest any combination of specialized treatment services, including but not limited to:

  • Muscle energy techniques.
  • Ice or compressions.
  • Body mobilization.
  • Soft tissue mobilization.
  • McKenzie-based therapies.
  • Cervical traction.
  • Stretching exercises.
  • Strengthening exercises.
  • Muscular releases.

It’s vital to remember that you’re not alone in your therapy, even if you’re the patient! Your physical therapist will be by your side every step of the way to assist you in determining what causes your headaches and what relieves the pain. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your therapist.

Give our clinic a call today to find true headache relief

Are your headaches causing limits to your daily life? If so, contact Dubuque Physical Therapy as soon as possible. The quicker you consult with a physical therapist, the less likely your headaches will progress into more severe pain. Call our office today to get started on the first steps of your own personalized treatment plan!

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Arthritis-Pain-Shouldnt-Control-Your-Life
Arthritis Pain Shouldn’t Control Your Life. With Physical Therapy, It Doesn’t Have To!

Are your joints are painful, achy, or weak? You could be living with arthritis, and you’re not alone if this is the case. In reality, people are diagnosed with more than 100 different forms of arthritis.

The elderly are the most likely group to be diagnosed with arthritis; nevertheless, arthritic symptoms can occur in young people as well!

Male athletes who participate in professional sports are more likely than the general population to acquire arthritis over their lifetime, according to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. According to the study’s findings, 30 percent of male athletes who participate in contact sports will develop arthritis in their knees and/or hips as a result of overuse and excessive “wear and tear.”

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, or if you think you’re experiencing arthritic symptoms, call Dubuque Physical Therapy today to set up a consultation. We’ll design the best treatment plan for your needs and have you feeling better in no time!

How physical therapy can treat arthritis pain

A common treatment for arthritis is medication, usually for pain manageability. Your physician may prescribe NSAID pain relievers, corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs, or antibiotics for your arthritis treatment. Medication is easy – you pop it in your mouth, chase it with water, and your pain subsides shortly afterward.

However, they can also cause some unfavorable side effects, and in some cases they can be habit-forming. With NSAIDs, you run the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. With corticosteroids, you run the risk of cataracts, high blood sugar levels, and bone loss. Luckily, there is a much safer and healthier alternative to treating arthritis: physical therapy.

If you believe you may be experiencing arthritic pain, and you’re looking for relief without the harmful risk of drugs, call our office today. We’ll set you up with a physical therapist who can help you kick the meds and reduce your arthritis symptoms!

Three common types of arthritis

  • Metabolic Arthritis. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially in the feet. This is typically a result of reduced kidney function. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area, and it can even reduce the buildup of acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also referred to as inflammatory arthritis, this is the second most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks joint tissues with intense inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis often has a genetic cause, and doctors usually treat it aggressively with drugs. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, physical therapy may be recommended for treatment as well.
  • Osteoarthritis. The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is caused by a loss of joint cartilage as a result of “wear and tear” as one gets older. The wearing away of cartilage causes bones to rub against one other, causing pain and edema. Physical therapy, especially if the osteoarthritis is mild-to-moderate, can often assist to relieve pain without the use of medication.

The good news is that all of these kinds of arthritis can be helped by physical therapy treatment. There are 3 main goals of physical therapy treatments for arthritis are to relieve your pain by decreasing the stress on your joints, increase your strength, and improve your functional movements and range of motion.

What will a treatment plan look like?

Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, depending on the type of arthritis you are living with and the severity of your symptoms. This is done through targeted and proven methods, including:

  • Exercise and stretching. Light exercises and stretching will help to increase range of motion in the affected areas.
  • Weight control. Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Controlling your weight helps to prevent added stress on weight-bearing joints.
  • Getting enough rest. Your therapist will also recommend a schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. This helps the body to heal and will hopefully reduce your amount of arthritic inflammation and pain.
  • Posture improvement. Posture work will help to reduce stress on your joints.

What are you waiting for?

There is no reason for you to live in constant pain and discomfort. If you are looking to find relief for your arthritic pains without the risk of potentially harmful pain-management drugs, contact us today! Dubuque Physical Therapy would be happy to help you find the relief you need, the natural way.

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6-Improvements-Physical-Therapy-Can-Make-To-Your-Health
6 Improvements Physical Therapy Can Make To Your Health

Do you realize that your muscles are aching or sore throughout the day? Do you need to heal from a recent accident or surgery? Do you have a chronic illness that causes you to be in continual pain? You might think there is no solution to your pain and discomfort, but you’re wrong!

Physical therapy can help you enhance your health in any situation. Physical therapist at Dubuque Physical Therapy can help you as you recover from surgery, heal from an injury, or learn how to manage symptoms of a chronice condition.

To learn about ways physical therapy can help you to feel better, keep reading! Afterwards, be sure to call our clinic to set up an appointment and let us get you back on track to being your best self.

Are you ready to start feeling your best?

Here are 6 ways physical therapy can help you make improvements to your overall health.

1. Balance can be improved with physical therapy.

Whether you’re standing, walking, or doing an exercise routine, a physical therapist can provide you with a variety of exercises to help you improve your balance.

Balance normally declines as bones become brittle with age, and there are various health issues that can influence your balance.

Improving your balance will help you prevent trips and falls, which can result in catastrophic injuries. It can also help you participate in and enjoy more demanding activities that you may not have been able to do previously.

2. Recovery time can be cut in half.

If you’ve previously had surgery or experienced an injury, a physical therapy program might be designed to help you get back on your feet. Your physical therapist will design a rehabilitation program that is tailored to your unique needs, with the goal of assisting you in recovering as rapidly as possible. Strength and range of motion exercises, as well as any specialty treatments recommended by your physical therapist, may be included.

3. Your flexibility will improve!

Increasing your muscle and joint flexibility is a goal of many physical therapy treatment programs. Your physical therapist can assist you with a number of stretching treatments as well as heat therapy to loosen up tight muscles and tendons. Massage or breathing techniques may be recommended by your physical therapist to help you relax and become more flexible.

4. Physical therapy gives you another reason to engage in physical activity.

Physical therapy might be effective even if you’re in good health and participate in a variety of activities! Your physical therapist can assist you in improving your performance by advising you on specific forms and techniques.

If you want to get back into the things you enjoy, your physical therapist can help you do so. You’ll collaborate on a treatment plan that will help you achieve your objectives, and he or she will help you improve your strength, endurance, and flexibility.

5. You may be able to avoid surgery.

You always run the danger of blood clots, infection, and a long recovery time when you have surgery. In many circumstances, physical therapy can resolve a problem without requiring surgery. A physical therapist can help you with sprains, strains, dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and acute/chronic pain, to name a few ailments.

Physical therapy aids your body’s natural healing process, and while surgery may be necessary in some cases, it’s almost always preferable to avoid an intrusive operation if the condition can be managed with physical therapy.

6. Preventing injuries will be much easier.

Physical therapy aids in the recovery of injuries, but most people are unaware that it can also aid in the prevention of injuries as well!

Your physical therapist can give you a variety of exercises to undertake at home and before engaging in physical activity to help you avoid injury. If you’re recuperating from surgery, your physical therapist can teach you new techniques to walk and move that will help you stay active while lowering the risk of falls and injury.

Let a physical therapist do the heavy lifting! Call us today

Whether you are looking for relief, looking to prevent an injury, or simply looking to improve your physical function, physical therapy is here for you. Your physical therapist will work closely with you, in order to help you reach your health and fitness goals. If you’re ready to get started on the path toward improved health, contact our office today!

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