The Best Treatment Method for Solving All of Your Aches and Pains

Whether you have recently started waking up with generalized aches and pains, or suffering from chronic pain for a long time, physical therapy has been proven to be the best possible treatment method for you. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, poor nutrition or an injury can all contribute to aches and pains. The bad news is that the pain is probably not going to go away on its own. The good news is that a physical therapist can put you back on the right track and help get rid of those aches and pains.

Sources of Aches and Pains

If you suffer from generalized aches and pains when you wake up in the morning, here is what your physical therapist will tell you. Our bodies build up inflammation in the tissues throughout the day. This can be extremely subtle and you may not notice it, even by the end of the day. But when we lie down and go to sleep, the inflammation can thicken and settle into your muscles. This in turn immobilizes your joints and can lead to aches and pains when you wake up. That same process repeats, day after day.

Eventually, chronic pain can set in if you do not make any lifestyle changes to correct the problem. This is why it is a great idea to contact our office for a consultation, before the pain leads to more serious health problems.

Diagnosing Aches & Pains with a Physical Therapist

Your first visit with a physical therapist will involve a conversation about your symptoms and medical history, as well as some simple tests. Be prepared to answer questions about past injuries that may be contributing to your current aches and pains. Your diet, exercise routine and daily activities will also be discussed. This is to give your therapist an idea of the possible cause or causes of your aches and pains.

You will then be given a series of tests, based on your description of your symptoms. These will involve posture and range of motion exercises, and possibly some strength and resistance tests. When your therapist knows where you are experiencing aches and pains and has determined the likely causes, your personalized physical therapy treatment plan will be drawn up.

Physical Therapy for Aches and Pains

Physical therapy has a wide range of tactics and techniques that can be deployed to help with pain management. Here are just a few:

  • Tissue massage
  • Joint and bone manipulation
  • Movement therapy and exercise
  • Cold laser therapy to release endorphins
  • Microcurrent stimulation to release serotonin
  • Manual therapy

Within each of those categories, your physical therapist has a lot of tools and techniques at their disposal. For example, movement therapy and exercise might mean running on a treadmill, or working in a swimming pool. It all depends on your physical condition, the source of your aches and pains, and the treatment methods that are most likely to meet with results.

Tips for Ongoing Pain Relief

Your physical therapist will also work to educate you on ways to keep aches and pains at bay, by living a healthier lifestyle. This can range from advice on staying hydrated and enjoying better nutrition, to exercises and stretches you can do at home. The goal is to get you to the point where you are motivated to stay healthy without the need for regular physical therapy sessions. All of this will contribute to solving your aches and pains.

If aches and pains are starting to lower your quality of life, it’s time to take that first positive step by calling our office. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment with a trained and licensed physical therapist.

3 Natural Ways To Relieve Stiff and Achy Joints

Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Might Realize!

Sometimes we wake up in the morning feeling stiff and achy. We wonder, “Did I sleep on my neck wrong? Do I need to replace my mattress?” It’s only normal that from time to time we feel a little off upon getting our day started! However, if you find that you’re consistently waking up in pain, it could be time for a trip to a physical therapist.

Aching, stiff joints could be an easily fixed issue, but in some cases, your physician might diagnose you with a condition that requires a referral to a physical therapist for further treatment. Rehab Advantage has worked with tons of patients dealing with aches and pains in their joints, so contact us today to learn more. We’re 100% committed to helping you enjoy a better quality of life!

Stiff and Achy In The Morning? There Could Be A Reason!

Throughout the day, your joint tissues become irritated. By the time you’re tired and ready to go to bed, there’s a good chance you won’t even notice it. For the most part, when you fall asleep, you remain immobile overnight. This allows the inflammation to grow thicker joints become even more irritated.

The result? You wake up in the morning and find that your joints are stiff and achy. How uncomfortable! After you start moving around though, usually the inflammation becomes more fluid-like and the pain will lessen or subside altogether.

Your physical therapist is likely to recommend a pretty common remedy for this, which is that you stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated allows your body’s tissues to function at their normal rate, whereas dehydration slows down your chemical processes and has the opposite effect!

But What If I Have A More Serious Medical Condition?

Sometimes it’s not as simple as consuming enough fluids throughout the day to ease your aching joints. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a more serious medical condition that impacts your joints and tissues, physical therapy can be a great option for ultimate pain relief or elimination. Here are some of the most common ailments that can be relieved with the guidance of a physical therapist:

  • Lupus.
  • Bursitis.
  • Gout.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, all of these conditions can cause aching, stiffness, and joint pain. A physical therapist will work with you to help you gain your strength back, achieve a greater range of motion with the affected joints or limbs, and relieve the pain so you can enjoy a better quality of life.

3 Natural Ways To Relieve Stiff, Achy Joints

Your physical therapy treatment plan will largely depend on the specific symptoms or diagnosis you have received. There are several recommendations that work hand-in-hand with physical therapy.

Here are some tips that your physical therapist may share with you on your recovery journey!

  • Eat Healthy. According to Healthline, “A plant-based diet provides antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation by eliminating free radicals from the body.” Having a well-rounded diet is key to relieving joint pain. Be sure to consume lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. These healthy foods contain many antioxidants and vitamins, which help to fight the swelling and inflammation that can lead to joint pain. A better diet also helps your body reap more benefits from exercise, and helps you to get better sleep!
  • Get Restful Sleep. Sleep can help you stay fit — pretty cool, huh? Getting enough sleep at night creates a circular benefit with physical therapy exercises, because when you get enough sleep, it increases your ability to exercise effectively. When you exercise regularly, it helps you to get better sleep. Better sleep habits and physical exercise are a powerful duo for keeping aches and stiffness away.
  • Work On Your Posture. It’s important to get up every half hour for stretches if you work at a job that requires you to stay pretty sedentary all day. Moving around keeps your circulations going, and can help relieve joint pain. Having good posture during the day also helps your joints to function properly. When we slouch or don’t practice good posture, it causes unnecessary strain on parts of the body that shouldn’t be stressed.

Contact Our Physical Therapy Office Today

Some people believe that you have to be a professional athlete or a bodybuilder to work with a physical therapist regularly, but this is far from the truth. Many of the exercises and stretches a physical therapist will teach and recommend are very easy and simple to perform on your own, and they don’t require special tools or equipment. Not to mention, most of our patients are regular people — not Olympic athletes!

If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s time to put your discomfort to rest. Contact Rehab Advantage today to learn more about how physical therapy can benefit you and relieve your pain. We can schedule a comprehensive exam for you to meet with one of our movement specialists. He or she will be able to assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan suited for your exact needs. So what are you waiting for? Pain relief is a phone call away!

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Finding Effective Pain Relief – Without the Risks of Harmful Drugs

Are you in constant or recurring pain that won’t let you enjoy your everyday life? Do you suffer from the effects of an old injury, a degenerative condition, or some other situation that calls for ongoing pain management? If so, then your first instinct might be to reach for medication — but hold that thought, because drugs can pose their own threats to your health. Physical therapy can provide safer, more satisfying pain relief, which is why you should contact the Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine physical therapists to explore this form of care.

What Is Pain?

Pain is your body’s natural warning system — which makes it a very important and useful asset under the right circumstances. These nerve signals alert you to a problem that requires attention, from an infected area or traumatic injury to joint or overuse of a particular muscle group. This is especially true of acute pain. Sensations of pain and stiffness discourage you from using an injured body part while it’s healing; once the condition resolves, the pain goes away.

But sometimes pain out lives its usefulness, lingering on for months or even years after your body has done all it can to address the underlying problem. This is chronic pain, and it afflicts some 116 million people in the U.S. alone. The pain may plague you constantly, or it may come and go in bouts that last for weeks at a time.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can develop for a variety of reasons. The most common causes and types of chronic pain include:

  • Post-injury/surgery pain – Internal scar tissue formation can interfere painfully with normal muscle and connective tissue motion.
  • Neuropathy – Nerve damage, disease, or impingement can cause pain as well as numbness, tingling, and other unpleasant symptoms.
  • Joint disorders – Arthritis and other degenerative conditions can cause chronic pain.
  • Chronic strain – Overuse can damage your tissues faster than they can repair themselves, causing chronic strain and inflammation.
  • Muscle knots and spasms – Chronic tension due to a physical imbalance or systemic disorder can leave you with painful muscle knots known as trigger points.
  • Stress – Chronic emotional stress can lead to unremitting physical tension and pain.

How Physical Therapy Eases Pain

Drugs promise quick (if only temporary) relief from many kinds of pain. Unfortunately, they can harm as well as help. The most glaring example is the addictive potential of opioid drugs. Opioid dependence and abuse has become a national nightmare in recent years, especially since overdosing on these drugs can cause death. Even over-the-counter pain relievers can pose dangers. Aspirin can promote internal bleeding, while other popular drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can cause severe organ damage.

Physical therapy can provide the pain relief you’re looking for without forcing you to risk drug dependence or side effects. One of the great advantages of physical therapy is its ability to address, not just your pain, but the underlying cause of the pain. Our physical therapist can perform a careful evaluation to understand your current condition in detail. We can then provide a mix of therapeutic techniques such as:

  • Physical therapy exercises to loosen tight muscles, strengthen weakened areas, and increase your range of motion
  • Manual therapies such as massage to release internal scar tissue or painful muscle knots
  • Postural corrections and exercises to reduce nerve impingement problems and symptoms
  • Stress management recommendations to help you avoid unnecessary physical tension

Are you ready for a pain management solution that doesn’t come from a pill bottle? Contact our Dublin, GA physical therapists today!

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The Best Treatment Method for Solving all of Your Aches and Pains

The older you get, the more aches and pains are bound to become an issue in your life. A rough day at work, a long day outside with the family, an unexpected injury—anyone of these factors could contribute to aches and pains throughout the body that may seem to never really give you a break. The body has an increasingly difficult time coping with injuries as you age. Something that you may have easily bounced back from in the course of a day or two as a child or teenager may take weeks or even longer to overcome once you pass the age of 40.

So many people are tempted to turn to pain medication as a means of coping with the discomfort, but there are a lot of drawbacks to relying solely on medication to address your pain. To begin, medication does not actually provide a solution to the pain, it merely lessens the pain for a brief period of time. Furthermore, many forms of pain medication are highly addictive and have painful health consequences. This is why the best treatment for solving all of your aches and pains is physical therapy.

Physical Therapy for all the Aches and Pains

Physical therapy is a comprehensive treatment method that is specialized to address pain wherever it develops within the body. Working with a licensed and trained physical therapist means working with someone who can diagnose the cause of the pain, rather than merely address the symptomology. Physical therapists use a combination of stretching, massage, and chiropractic adjustment to target the source of the pain and ultimately reduce both the severity and frequency of the discomfort.

As you are working with your Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine physical therapist to overcome chronic pain, there are also tactics that you can use at home for added relief.

These top pain-relief tips include:

  • Hot & Cold Therapy: Using a hot compress or an ice pack, interchangeably, can help to alleviate pain as a result of fatigue and overuse. Taking warm or cold baths can also be helpful for this purpose. Different types of pain will benefit from different ratios of hot versus cold therapeutic support, and you should always consult with your physical therapist for specific guidelines.
  • Acupuncture & Acupressure: While acupuncture is a type of therapy that you would need to see a professional in order to undergo treatment, acupressure can be done at home with simple supplies. Foam rollers with pressure points are a great example of at-home acupressure care.
  • Yoga & Regular Stretching: As part of your physical therapy treatment you are going to be guided through basic stretches and exercises that can help to alleviate pain, and your physical therapist will provide you with guidelines regarding practicing those activities at home. Engaging in a regular yoga routine or spending time everyday stretching can help to alleviate tension and pain.

In addition to these helpful home-therapies, it cannot be understated how essential it is to provide your body with much-needed rest when you have experienced an injury. The best way to overcome pain is to provide your body with the time it needs to heal, and all therapies should be accompanied with plenty of rest and hydration. For support in overcoming your aches and pains, contact our Dublin, GA physical therapy office to set up a consultation.

Decrease Your Pain and Inflammation With This Nutritious Diet

Do you feel like the pain is unbearable? Pain and inflammation are two health issues that affect large swaths of the population. Considering a single source of pain alone, such as arthritis, reveals prevalence rates of approximately 40 million, says the Arthritis Foundation. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four Americans suffer with pain that lasts more than 24 hours, and that statistic derives from research conducted in the early 2000s. But, physical therapy can help. Instead of suffering, see a Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine physical therapist, and switch to a nutritious diet, says EatingWell, following these steps.

Reduce Intake of Unhealthy Carbs.

Unhealthy carbohydrates include all excessively processed starches. However, items with a higher starch content, such as wheat flour and whole-grain foods, are associated with improved health.

Get Plenty of Omega-3s.

Omega-3s are most commonly found in seafoods and nuts. The body uses these essential acids to form the building blocks of proteins and stimulate the immune system.

Have a Cup of Coffee or Tea.

The caffeine within a cup of coffee or tea also possesses antioxidant properties, reducing pain and inflammation. Yet, too much caffeine may have an adverse effect on the body. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in excess as well.

Use Sage and Spices Known for Antioxidant Properties.

Sage, cinnamon, cardamom and garlic possess antioxidant properties as well. Antioxidants function by eliminating unbound hydrogen atoms, also known as free radicals, within tissues. When free radicals come into contact with healthy tissue, they produce an inflammatory response.

Try Sour Cherries.

Sour cherries, while tart, make an excellent addition to a diet that seeks to reduce pain and inflammation as well. Furthermore, they can be used in dishes for any meal, including dessert.

Increase Consumption of Leafy, Green Vegetables.

Leafy, green vegetables are sources of vitamin A, and adequate vitamin consumption is key to maintaining homeostasis. Also, the National Institutes of Health explains, leafy vegetables provide a protective effect against diabetes and cardiovascular health problems.

Have a Cup of Yogurt.

Yogurt possesses a two-fold benefit for those in need of pain relief. Probiotics within yogurt restore the natural flora of the digestive tract, reducing pain from eating certain foods. Furthermore, frozen yogurts can be a healthy alternative to ice cream and other sweet treats.

Enjoy the Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

Dark chocolate also appears to reduce risk for heart disease, mental decline, diabetes and blood pressure, notes MoveForwardPT. These health conditions affect risk for chronic inflammation and pain, so increasing dark chocolate in the diet may lead to better management of pain as well.

Enjoy Bananas, Strawberries, Oranges and Other Fruit.

Fruits provide an excellent source of inflammation-fighting nutrients, reports the Harvard Health Publishing. Without getting the discussion of whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, just think of it as an anti-inflammatory food as well. Natural sugars also help curb cravings for sweet treats, made with granulated sugar, that have an association with inflammation.

Fight Pain and Inflammation With Both the Right Diet and Physical Therapy.

No one wants to live the discomfort and life-changing impact of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, pain and inflammation continue to affect millions, but the right approach to managing these conditions can make all the difference. Discover how the right combination of diet and physical therapy can reduce inflammation by contacting our Dublin, GA office online now.

Nutrition: The Quick and Easy Way to Reduce Your Pain and Inflammation

If you are dealing with chronic pain or inflammation in your life, proper nutrition can play a key role in helping you find relief. Diet is an important part of any physical therapy regimen because eating the right foods can help your body recover from many different conditions. Eating right, paired with reduced stress and proper exercise can help in correcting inflammation and chronic pain. To find out more about how our nutritional services can benefit you, contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today and schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists.

How does inflammation occur?

Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process, as it is an immune response to harm or sickness. If you’re feeling pain, there is probably inflammation at that location, as the two often go hand-in-hand. If you have an infection, a wound, tissue damage, or a buildup of toxins in your body, the immune response is triggered in order to initiate the healing process.

Without inflammation, injuries would not be able to heal completely; however, if the inflammatory response goes on too long, it can cause chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a cause for worry, and your physical therapist will want to help you get it under control. Without treatment, chronic inflammation can lead to much worse outcomes, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.

The traditional methods of dealing with chronic inflammation include rest and medication. Traditionally, primary physicians would even recommend limiting your amounts of exercise. However, a lack of exercise can leave you worse off in the long run than doing the simple stretches and exercises that a physical therapist can teach you. Additionally, medications can often carry a host of nasty side effects and could potentially be habit-forming. The good news about treating pain and inflammation with diet is that it’s all natural!

How to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet:

Many patients who adopt an anti-inflammatory diet report lessened symptoms of pain and inflammation. You can help speed up the healing process as the body purifies itself during the inflammation process by switching to a diet that complements the removal of toxins. There are three basic components to an anti-inflammatory diet:

  • More vegetables. One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is to increase your veggie intake. This diet is most successful if you eat up to nine servings a day, with the vegetables preferably served raw. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli are some the best options. It is okay to substitute fruits for a couple of your servings, in order to break it up, but vegetables should be your main ingredient for the most part.
  • Less red meat. It is best to avoid red meat altogether in an anti-inflammatory diet, but if you must add some in there, it should be very scarce. One small piece of steak, one time per week, should be your maximum limit. The proteins in red meat require extra work from your kidneys to process; therefore, eating a lot of it will slow down your healing process. The good news is that chicken and fish are just fine for an anti-inflammatory diet. Enjoy them with all of those servings of vegetables!
  • Less dairy and grains. In order to strengthen your body’s immune response as much as possible, you’ll want to try and avoid simple carbs and sugars completely. That means no pastries, no donuts, and no white breads. Dairy products should also be extremely limited, so be mindful of serving very little cheese or milk with anything. Whole grains such as barley, oats, brown rice, and wheat are best when practicing an anti-inflammatory diet.

Additional support:

If you stick to the diet listed above, you should see your pain and inflammation symptoms start to significantly reduce. You can also combat chronic inflammation by maintaining a healthy body weight, getting daily exercise, and learning how to manage your stress.

To learn more about how we can help you abide by a strict nutrition plan to decrease inflammation and boost overall wellness, contact our Dublin, GA office today. One of our physical therapists would be happy to set up a consultation and speak with you!