Strive Newsletter: Back Pain

strivept.net Strive #1
5988 Stetson Hills Blvd
Colorado Springs, 80922

719-574-3111

Strive #2
3854 Village Seven Rd.
Colorado Springs, 80917

719-574-8761

Strive #3
6005 Delmonico, Suite 130
Colorado Springs, 80919

719-599-7401

Facebook.com/StrivePTCO

3 REASONS TO GET PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR

Back Pain Relief
1. PT LOWERS THE COST OF CARE have significant impact,” said lead author John D. Childs,
If you have low back pain, you should get evidence-based PT, PhD, in a PT in Motion News article about the study
physical therapy right away. Otherwise, your costs are like- (“Early Guideline-Based Physical Therapy Results in Health
ly to go up, along with the potential use of opioid medica- Care Savings for Patients With LBP” - April 9, 2015).
tions, spinal injections, surgery, and other treatments.
2. PT EDUCATES FOR BETTER OUTCOMES
That’s according to the results of an award-winning study While physical therapists are known as hands-on, move-
published in BMC Health Services Research that reviewed ment specialists, evidence is beginning to suggest their
122,723 Military Health System patient records (Implica- ability to teach can improve outcomes.
tions of early and guideline adherent physical therapy for
low back pain on utilization and costs – April 9, 2015). Physical therapists are experts in developing strategies to
help you better under-
The study contributes stand and manage pain.
to a growing body of Growing research is
evidence demonstrat- indicating education,
ing that early physical focusing on the recon-
therapy for low back ceptualization of pain,
pain lowers costs, and can lead to improved
that beginning low function, range of mo-
back pain treatment tion and decreased pain.
with advanced im- As little as one session
aging may increase with a physical therapist
costs. can result in improved
long-term outcomes
“Physical therapy as to improve or restore
the starting point of mobility and reduce low
care in your low back back pain.
pain episode can
cont. on pg 2

BACK PAIN CONT. from page 1

3. AVOID ADDICTIVE OPIOIDS FOR PAIN addicted to prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to
No one wants to live in pain. But no one should put their become addicted to heroin.
health at risk in an effort to be pain free.
Since 1999, Americans have increasingly been prescribed The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is
opioids—painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana, and urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in
methodone, and combination drugs like Percocet. favor of safe alternatives like physical therapy.
In some situations, dosed appropriately, prescription opi-
oids are an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, DON’T JUST MASK THE PAIN.
opioid risks include depression, overdose, and addiction, TREAT IT.
plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. And people
CALL STRIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR A
FREE CONSULTATION!

How Physical Therapists Manage Pain

As America combats a devastating opioid epidemic, safer, non-opioid treatments have never been in greater need. Physical
therapy is among the safe, effective alternatives recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in guide-
lines urging the avoidance of opioids for most pain treatment.

Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat pain through movement.

Here's how:

1. Exercise.

A study following 20,000 people over 11 years found that those who exercised on a regular basis,
experienced less pain. And among those who exercised more than 3 times per week, chronic wide-
spread pain was 28% less common1. Physical therapists can prescribe exercise specific to your goals
and needs.

2. Manual Therapy.

Research supports a hands-on approach to treating pain. From carpal tunnel syndrome2 to low back
pain3, this type of care can effectively reduce your pain and improve your movement. Physical ther-
apists may use manipulation, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, and dry needling, as well as other
strategies in your care.

3. Education.

A large study conducted with military personnel4 demonstrated that those with back pain who re-
ceived a 45 minute educational session about pain, were less likely to seek treatment than their peers
who didn't receive education about pain. Physical therapists will talk with you to make sure they under-
stand your pain history, and help set realistic expectations about your treatment.

4. Teamwork.

Recent studies have shown that developing a positive relationship with your physical therapist and be-
ing an active participant in your own recovery can impact your success. This is likely because physical
therapists are able to directly work with you and assess how your pain responds to treatment.

References:
1. Holth HS, Werpen HK, Zwart JA, Hagen K. Physical inactivity is associated with chronic musculoskeletal complaints 11 years later: results from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. BMC
Musculoskelet Disord. 2008;9:159. Free Article.
2. Fernández-de-las Peñas C, Ortega-Santiago R, de la Llave-Rincón AI, et al. Manual physical therapy versus surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized parallel-group trial. J Pain.
2015;16(11):1087–1094. Article Summary in PubMed.
3. Delitto A, George SZ, Dillen LV, et al. Low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(4):A1–A57. Free Article.
4. George SZ, Childs JD, Teyhen DS, et al. Brief psychosocial education, not core stabilization, reduced incidence of low back pain: results from the Prevention of Low Back Pain in the
Military cluster randomized trial. BMC Med. 2011;9:128. Free Article.
Author: Joseph Brence, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, COMT, DAC

Tackling Winter Arthritis Pain

A rthritis can affect people Why movement matters.
all through the year, howev- For one thing, people with
er the winter and wet weath- conditions such as rheumatoid
er months can make it harder and psoriatic arthritis are more
to manage the symptoms. The prone to stiffness, and stiffness
cold and damp weather affects gets worse with stillness. For
those living with arthritis as cli- another, decreasing your phys-
mate can create increased pain ical activity can lead to weight
to joints whilst changes also oc- gain, and more weight means
cur to exercise routines. more stress on your joints.

Why does arthritis hurt more But there’s another reason
when it is cold? many people don’t think about:
One theory holds that a drop endorphins. When you ex-
in air pressure (which often accompanies cold, rainy ercise, your body releases these “feel good” hormones,
weather) allows tissues in the body to expand to fill the which actually have a pain-blocking effect.
space, meaning that already inflamed tissue can swell “In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you do it indoors
even more and cause increased arthritis pain. A study or outdoors — just keep moving. Don’t use winter as an
from Tufts University in 2007 found that every 10-degree excuse to stay still, or your symptoms may get worse.
drop in temperature corresponded with an incremental Need suggestions to break the cold barrier?
increase in arthritis pain. In addition, relatively low baro- 4 Make your home your gym - Ask your physical ther-
metric pressure, low temperatures and precipitation can apist for an exercise routine you can do at home. A set of
increase pain. light weights or inexpensive resistance bands can help you
increase your strength and improve your muscle tone. Bal-
If You Have Arthritis, ance exercises can be helpful for avoiding falls during icy
Don’t Hibernate — winters. You can do simple balance exercises such as stand-
Get Moving! ing on one leg at a time, using a chair or other support if
needed.

It’s winter. You live in a cold climate and the air outside 4 Join a class - Exercising with other people adds not only
may be frigid enough to make you want to spend the next a feeling of accountability, but also a fun social factor. I
couple of months hiding under a blanket. But if you have have had patients tell me that once they have a class set for
arthritis, avoid the urge. Sitting still all winter is the last once a week, and once they get to know their classmates,
thing you should do. they never want to miss it.

Strive #1 Strive # 2 Strive #3
5988 Stetson Hills Blvd 3854 Village Seven Rd. 6005 Delmonico, Suite 130
Colorado Springs, 80922 Colorado Springs, 80917 Colorado Springs, 80919
719-574-3111 719-574-8761 719-599-7401

OUR PATIENTS’ SUCCESS Think Spring

“ Make a few small changes to help your health
and be more active this spring. Pick three or
“My shoulder is essentially back to more TO FOCUS ON this month!
normal. I no longer have pain when
I am trying to sleep. I am able to ride 1. Drink more water.
my bike again without issue and I
have been able to return to Orange- It sounds so simple (and redundant) but it works!
theory Fitness. While I am taking it
easy with the amount of weight I am 2. Make breakfast a priority.
using while at Orangetheory, I can
do most exercises without pain.” Choose whole foods and toss the processed stuff.
— Rick P.
3. Get more sleeP.
“My mobility has improved and pain
has subsided since beginning treat- Getting your zzzs helps your body fight off illnesses
ment. I have also been educated on like the spring cold or flu.
exercised and stretches that I can do
at home to maintain my mobility and 4. Go for a walk.
ensure that pain is reduced or elimi-
nated. Very professional and experi- Enjoy that fresh spring air and get your body moving!
enced staff.Thank you to Coleen and It's free exercise and can be done anywhere.
Amber and Strive Physical Therapy.
— John T. 5. Unplug and Unwind.

Lower stress by making time to put the technology
away and connect with yourself and your loved ones.

6. Eat more fruits and veggies.

” Fill half your plate with the good stuff and you'll have
an easier time maintaining a healthy weight.

COPD Physical therapy can help improve:

4 Your exercise capacity

4 Your overall strength

4 Your health and quality of life

COPD is the tenth most prevalent disease worldwide. It’s
estimated that by 2050, COPD will be the fifth leading cause
of death in the world. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
causes breathing difficulty and leads to other systemic prob-
lems. Although COPD used to be more common among men,
it now affects women at nearly the same rate in developed
countries and current research indicates that COPD is no lon-
ger considered a “smoker’s” or “older person’s” disease.

What Is COPD?
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the airways in your
lung lose their normal shape and elasticity, and can become in-
flamed. The result is that the airways are less efficient at moving
air in and out of your lungs. Common types of COPD are:

• Chronic bronchitis—a chronic inflammation of the medi- Research has shown that strength training in people with moder-
um-size airways, or “bronchi” in the lungs, causing a persistent ate to severe COPD increases muscle mass and overall strength.
cough that produces phlegm and mucus for at least 3 months Improve Your Breathing During Activity
per year, in 2 consecutive years. People with COPD often have shortness of breath and reduced
• Emphysema—a condition in which small air sacs in the lungs strength in their “inspiratory muscles” (the muscles used to
called “alveoli” are damaged. The body has difficulty getting all breathe in). Your physical therapist can help you with inspiratory
of the oxygen it needs, resulting in shortness of breath and a muscle training, which has been shown to help reduce shortness of
chronic cough. breath and increase exercise capacity. Your physical therapist can
Over time, COPD leads to a progressive decline in physical instruct you in pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing, which can
function because of increased shortness of breath (dyspnea) help make each breath more efficient, and helps to reduce short-
and loss of muscle strength. ness of breath during your physical activities.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help? Improve Your Balance
Your physical therapist will work closely with you to design The decrease in function and mobility that occurs with individu-
a program that takes into account your goals for treatment. als who have COPD can cause balance problems and risk of falls.
Our overall goal is to help you continue to do your roles in the People who require supplemental oxygen can be at a greater risk
home, at work, and in the community. for a fall. If balance testing indicates that you are at risk for falling,
Improve Your Ability to be Physically Active your physical therapist can help by designing exercises aimed at
Your physical therapist will design special exercises that train improving your balance, and helping you feel steadier on your feet.
the muscles you use in walking and the muscles of your arms, Don't let COPD keep you from enjoying a full life. Talk to a phys-
so you can increase your aerobic capacity and reduce your ical therapist at STRIVE to see how we can design a specialized
shortness of breath. program to help YOU.

Strive #1 Strive # 2 Strive #3
5988 Stetson Hills Blvd 3854 Village Seven Rd. 6005 Delmonico, Suite 130
Colorado Springs, 80922 Colorado Springs, 80917 Colorado Springs, 80919
719-574-3111 719-574-8761 719-599-7401

THREE CSC LOCATIONS:

Strive #1
5988 Stetson Hills Blvd
Colorado Springs, 80922
719-574-3111
Strive # 2
3854 Village Seven Rd.
Colorado Springs, 80917
719-574-8761

Strive #3
6005 Delmonico, Suite 130
Colorado Springs, 80919
719-599-7401

LIKE US on facebook!

strivept.net

SUFFERING FROM Discover how our Spine Program
BACK PAIN? transforms your back pain from a
problem to a memory allowing you
GET A
to live a happy, active and
FREE pain free life!

CONSULTATION

See how physical therapy can help!
We offer 24-48 hour scheduling!

$70

VALUE

5988 Stetson Hills Blvd 719-574-3111
3854 Village Seven Rd. 719-574-8761
6005 Delmonico Suite 130, 719-599-7401

strivept.net