These symptoms are some causes of why you may have back pain and sciatica…
Herniated Disc
The symptom of a herniated disc is sharp pain located above the tailbone that may travel down to the buttocks and sometimes to the groin. A person with a herniated disc can draw a specific line down their back and leg indicating the location of the pain. Herniated discs can also cause numbness and weakness in the leg.
Typically, a person with a herniated disc is younger and may have had some trauma or done repetitive bending and twisting movements. They often have pain bending forward, but leaning backwards reduces the pain.
Arthritis and Osteoarthritis (not Rheumatoid), Stenosis, and Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
These are clumped together as they all have similar symptoms and causes. The typical person with arthritis is over 50, has pain while standing and walking, and experiences relief when sitting. They also have morning stiffness, as well as weakness, pain, numbness, and tingling from the back into the legs. It is often the person you see in the grocery store leaning on the cart, or someone who often says, “I just need to sit for a minute.”
SI Joint and Pelvis Dysfunction (Often With Disc Symptoms, Too)
SI joint problems are easy to miss, as they do not appear on X-rays or MRIs. These are the patients who may have had surgeries that did not help.
People with SI dysfunction range from young to old. They have pain sitting or driving. They often complain of pain when rolling over in bed and getting in and out of the car. They try to avoid bearing weight on one side. The pain is more diffused than with a herniated disc and can radiate to the outside of the leg, into the front of the thigh, and into the groin. this is common in women following childbirth and can come with a loss of bladder control.
Let us help you find the cause of your pain so you can heal naturally- not with medications, injections, or surgery, but with physical therapy!
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
Now that the holiday season is here, it’s likely that you’ll have to lift heavy boxes off high shelves in your garage to find decorations. As you begin to use your shoulders more frequently during this time of the year, you may notice pain or weakness each time you reach overhead. Don’t ignore your pain. It’s possible that you’re suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition that develops when the rotator-cuff tendons in the shoulder are overused or injured. The acromion, the bump at the tip of your shoulder, covers your rotator-cuff and bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between the bony acromion and rotator-cuff tendon. When the bursa is compressed, your tendons are no longer protected. If you do not seek treatment quickly, you will be at risk of rotator-cuff tendinitis.
Individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome may experience restriction in shoulder motion and associated weakness when reaching overhead, behind the body, or out to the side. They may also experience pain in the shoulder, pain or discomfort when attempting to sleep on the affected side, or pain with throwing motions and other dynamic movements. Thankfully, physical therapy can be very successful in treating shoulder impingement syndrome. Once you are diagnosed, your physical therapist will create a specialized treatment plan, which may include pain management, manual therapy, rage-of-motion and strengthening exercises, patient education, and functional training.
Your physical or occupational therapist will use manual techniques like gentle joint movements, soft-tissue massage, and shoulder stretches to get your body moving properly. We also offer laser treatments for this syndrome. Once your discomfort has been reduced, your therapist will teach you exercises to correct and strengthen shoulder movements and weak muscles. Finally, your therapist will prescribe you at-home exercises to continue strengthening your shoulder so you can avoid pain and discomfort throughout the year.
As always, call us at Rue and Primavera if you are experiencing shoulder discomfort this season. (360) 279-8323
Happy Holidays!
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
It’d be hard to overstate the importance of our hands. We use them for everything, from performing our most basic functions like eating and drinking to putting food on the table, literally and figuratively. It’s hard to imagine a job that doesn’t require the use of your hands, or a day that could go by without using your hands hundreds of times. It’s no wonder, then, that ordinary wear and tear can cause issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or “tennis elbow,” or that people suffer from chronic issues, like arthritis, as a result. Accidents or trauma can also damage your hands.
How you go about treating that damage can be tricky. Operations are expensive and can sometimes leave you less mobile than before. No matter what, there’s always a risk, and even if the operation is successful, you’re still going to need therapy to get back to normal.
Our clinic can help. From basic therapy for all kinds of hand injuries and hand pain, to instructions on exercises and stretches to do at home, to postoperative therapy, we have the ability to help your hands. Even difficult issues, like nerve damage, that’s left you unable to feel properly, can be addressed with the right treatment plan and a good occupational/ hand therapist. We use all kinds of techniques to get your hands back to where they should be. Exercises, splints, edema control, hot and cold packs, sensory education, laser treatments, and work stimulation are just a few of the many tools in our toolbox, and we’ll find the ones that work for you and your specific medical needs. Often splinting is needed and we can make you a custom splint that will address your specific condition.
Don’t spend another year worrying about the state of your hands or suffering from pain that we can help with. Get in touch today, and start 2018 with hand therapy that will work for you.
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
It only takes 3 ingredients to make these crispy, flavorful potatoes. They’re perfect side dish for a meal.
Ingredients:
2 pounds red potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons basil pesto
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
In large bowl, combine potatoes and pesto. Toss to coat. Transfer potatoes to large baking sheet or shallow roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Roast 20 minutes and remove from oven.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over potatoes and put pan back in oven. Roast for additional 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and crispy. Remove from oven and serve warm.
As a white food, potatoes are often lumped together with white bread and white pasta, and are considered no-nos when trying to eat healthier. But potatoes are filled with nutrients that promote good health. And red potatoes are particularly healthy because you may be more likely to eat their skins, which are loaded with fiber, B vitamins, iron and potassium.
Help With Weight Loss
Red potatoes with the skin are a good source of fiber. One medium baked red potato contains 3 grams of fiber. Fiber in food makes you feel less hungry and might help you eat less. According to a review article published in “Nutrition Reviews,” eating more than 14 grams of fiber for more than two days is associated with a 10 percent decrease in total calorie intake and a 4-pound weight loss over a four-month period. So if you’re trying to lose weight, red potatoes can help, not hurt.
Lower Blood Pressure
If you need to lower your blood pressure, you might want to consider eating more red potatoes. One medium baked red potato contains 943 milligrams of potassium. Getting more potassium in your diet reduces the effects of sodium and may help lower blood pressure, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. The guidelines also point out that most Americans don’t meet the recommended 4,700 milligrams a day of potassium.
Blood Builder
Red potatoes are also a good source of iron, with 1.2 milligrams in one medium baked potato. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans note that women who may become pregnant do not get enough iron in their diet. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 need 18 milligrams of iron a day, while men and women over age 51 need 8 milligrams a day. You need iron to make hemoglobin, which is found in your red blood cells and is what helps carry oxygen throughout your body.
Protection Against Free Radicals
Free radicals are substances produced through normal body functions, such as breathing and physical activity, as well as through harmful habits such as smoking. These free radicals attack healthy cells and weaken them, making them more vulnerable to disease. Antioxidants are nutrients found in food that help protect your cells against free radicals. Red potatoes contain high amounts of the antioxidant vitamin C, 21 milligrams in one serving. In addition to protecting your healthy cells from damage, the vitamin C in the red potato also helps your body absorb more iron.
But what is the difference between Thai Massage and Classic Massage therapy?
My clients who frequent massage therapists are always pleasantly surprised upon our first session together. There are a few key differences between Thai massage techniques, and those “regular” methods traditionally practiced by western massage therapists.
THAI MASSAGE VS. CLASSIC WESTERN STYLES
The first difference you’ll notice between a Thai massage and the classic western styles is the lack of a massage table. Traditional massage takes place atop a massage table, we take the the Thai massage to the floor on a floor-mat. This allows the client a more complete range of motion — which comes in handy. Because unlike western massage styles, you won’t just be lying on your back or stomach when you receive a Thai massage.
Rather than just using hands, fists, forearms and elbows — the standard tools of the Swedish masseuse — Thai therapists may use legs and feet during the massage. Oftentimes, they will use a combination of both to gain leverage as they initiate deep stretches of the client’s arms, legs, hips, and shoulders. Thai Massage therapists also use acupressure to stimulate blood flow, flush out internal organs and for overall relaxation.
LAZY MAN’S YOGA
Clients receive similar relaxation and elongation of muscles from an hour long yoga class, but without the exertion. The client simply relaxes and breathes while the masseuse turns and folds legs, hips and arms into stretching poses, coaxing the muscles to release. Lazy Man’s Yoga is passive which allows the client to relax while the therapist does all the work.
RELAX INTO A THAI MASSAGE
Since no oil is required in a Thai massage, the client may remain fully clothed. However, comfortable, relaxed, fitting clothes are recommended so the clothes don’t become constricting during the session. The more you relax into a Thai massage, the more you’ll feel at ease and knot-free afterward.
Nicole Anthony is an RYT200 Yoga Instructor and Level 2 Intuitive Energy Therapist with over 7 years of leading private and group classes. Along with her passion for yoga, there came a deep connection to the ancient healing practice of Thai Bodywork.
With training from Master Thai Bodyworkers of traditional Thai Massage, Nicole creates a peaceful experience that attends to the energetic, spiritual and emotional bodies. Nicole’s clients leave with a sense of peace for both the body and mind.
“My favorite memories of Thanksgiving are from my celebrations with my own kids. Every year, I hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and I still host today, even though my kids are all grown up. As they grew, my kids developed a love of board games, so we play Pictionary and other games after we eat turkey dinner. We also take a picture down at the waterfront each year to document the celebration. Since we live in Washington, my kids are natural Seahawks fans, and they don’t care to watch the Lions play like I used to do on Thanksgiving as a child- thank goodness!”
-Wendy Rue, Physical Therapist
Three Family Activities for Thanksgiving
Unless you have a child auditioning for “MasterChef Junior,” you’re probably not going to let the little ones cook the turkey this Thanksgiving. Just because the kitchen might be off limits, though, doesn’t mean you can’t find a few creative ways to make the holiday extra special for your kids. Spice up Thanksgiving with these fun, family friendly activities.
Coloring-Book Tablecloths
If you have a big family, you are probably familiar with the Thanksgiving tradition of the kids’ table. It may be smaller than the grown-ups’ seating arrangement, but it doesn’t have to be any less special. Turn your kids’ table into a canvas for a colorful, creative dining experience.
To do this, use craft or art paper to cover the table. Tape everything down tightly and provide crayons and colored pencils for every place setting. If you want to add some extra holiday spirit, put the drawing supplies in empty cranberry sauce and pumpkin cans.
Gratitude Mobiles
Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t just about delicious food. It’s also about reflecting on the parts of our lives we are grateful for. Teaching kids about gratitude is the most valuable Thanksgiving lesson. Bring that concept to life with a gratitude mobile.
Grab some colored paper circles – or cut them out – and have your children write down things that they are thankful for. A silver Sharpie is great for this. Punch holes in the tops of the circles and run string through them. Tie the other end of the string to a coat hanger or embroidery hoop and hang it from the ceiling.
Stuff The Turkey Game
Want to get the kids outside so you can get to work in the kitchen? Create a Thanksgiving-themed game for them to play outside while you prep the stuffing and put the turkey in the oven.
To create a holiday themed “Stuff the Turkey” game, all you need is a few paper bags. We’ll bet you have some left over from shopping. Use two small bags stuffed with scrap paper to create legs and glue them to a larger bag folded to look like the body of a turkey. Now that you have your turkey, you need some balls to stuff it with. Anything soft and baseball-sized will work, even some balled-up paper. Kids will take turns trying to toss the balls into the turkey, scoring points for every shot made.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million American have diabetes or pre-diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, physical therapy can help patients dealing with the condition improve their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks with less pain. Physical therapy can also alleviate the skin issues that often accompany diabetes.
If you are suffering from diabetes, alert your therapist from the first visit. They will conduct an assessment that takes into account your condition, including factors like blood glucose levels. From this testing, they will develop a customized program that meets your treatment needs.
The plan will include safe exercises designed with your current movement and strength levels in mind.
Training will include movements that can improve strength, raise endurance levels, and increase flexibility and range of motion. A stronger and more limber body leads to less pain on a daily basis. As your treatment progresses, you may also find a greater sense of balance and coordination, which helps to prevent falls. Physical activity has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. In order to help health sores, a therapist can apply bandages and wraps. Skin checks will help to prevent new sores from forming.
Your therapist won’t just help during your office visits. They will provide safe exercises for you to perform at home so you can improve between visits. It’s important to follow prescribed routines in order to avoid overexerting yourself. Over the course of treatment, you should consult with you therapist so exercises can be tailored as you grow stronger and more flexible.
Diabetes is a serious condition, but physical therapy can be part of a treatment plan that minimizes the impact it has on your life.
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
Remember when your child spoke their first word or walked into your arms for the first time? Those firsts are magical moments, and they probably sill bring you so much joy. They were big accomplishments, right?
When compared to Aelita Andre, maybe not. Aelita’s paintings sell for thousands of dollars. This might not seem significant, except that she’s only 10. Aelita fits into a category of kids that are rare but often talked about: the child prodigy. Famous examples include Mozart, Picasso, and Pascal.
Aelita Andre, 10
Sounds great to have a kid like that, doesn’t it? With their talent, your prodigy can rake in the cost of a Harvard degree before finished elementary school. If you’re wondering how to determine whether or not your toddler is on their way to becoming the next Mozart, here are some marks of genius you can keep an eye out for.
They are exceptionally skilled at a very young age. Picasso completed his first painting at age 9. Drew Peterson played a piano concert in Carnegie Hall at 6. Child prodigies typically perform a skill at an adult level before the age of 12.
They paint for 24 hours straight. Whatever the skill, the prodigious child has an intense drive to master it and is found performing during all of their spare time, without prodding.
They have an advanced ability in a specific area. Prodigies are usually focused in the areas of music, math, athletics, and chess. did your child pick up chess at age 3 after watching their older siblings play it once?
That could be the sign of a prodigy.
They have a crazy-good working memory. Working memory is more than the ability to memorize. It’s the ability to hold memory at the same time you manipulate incoming information. Mozart could memorize music while rearranging compositions in his head.
They experience loneliness. Unfortunately, because they are so advanced for their age, prodigies have a hard time relating to other kids. This can leave them feeling alone in school.
Needless to say, don’t feel too disappointed if none of these qualities describe your child. Turns out, the path of a prodigy is probably a pretty lonely (albeit a potentially prosperous) one. If your child shows the above signs, do all you can to nurture and support them. If they don’t, applaud the wonderful accomplishments they will undoubtedly still have
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
Rue and Primavera’s Recipe of the Month of October.
Its a great time of year to warm up with a cup of soup, and this comforting, guilt-free dish comes together in a flash!
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
6 oz Turkey breakfast sausage
2 1/2 cups Frozen bell pepper stir-fry
1 (14 1/2 oz) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, un-drained and chopped.
1/4 cup Uncooked quick-cooking barley
1 cup Coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
Directions:
Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat.
White sausage cooks, place stir-fry and 2 cups water in a blender; process until smooth.
Add stir-fry puree, tomatoes, and barley to sausage in pan. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts.
Life for new moms can get hectic. Between changing diapers, feeding, and everything else on your plate, it can be difficult to take even just a few minutes for yourself. Many mothers neglect physical therapy after giving birth and suffer negative health consequences. The following are reasons why new moms should consider postpartum physical therapy.
Control Incontinence
Many women have difficulty controlling their bowels and bladders after giving birth, but thankfully, there are many ways to help this. Through noninvasive, postpartum physical therapy, your body can recover and regain control.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that make your pelvis and lower back stable and strong, help control bladder and bowel function, and contribute to sexual performance. After giving birth, it’s very common for these muscles to need some rehabilitation to keep you feeling healthy and strong. Our therapists can work you and teach you exercises to rehabilitate your pelvic floor, and you can undergo other treatments that will help you stay strong and feel good.
Alleviate Lower Back Pain
Pregnancy and lower back pain often go hand in hand. After recovering from childbirth and all of the bending and lifting that comes with motherhood, it’s common for this pain to continue postpartum. Our team works with new mothers to manage and alleviate back pain through strength training, stretching exercises, and other methods of treatment.
Just Feel Good
There’s no bond like that of a mother and child, but as a new mom, it’s also important to take a little time to think about your own health. Our team can work with you to get back into a physical routine, improve your fitness, prevent future pain, and contribute to your overall wellness.
New moms have so much to look forward to, and it’s important that they are able to present their healthiest, best self during this pivotal time in their lives. To learn more about our physical therapy services for women’s health or to schedule and appointment, visit Women’s Health Care today!
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
