Momentum Physical Therapy

1275 W Pueblo Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81004

719.542.0589
719PT.COM

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR

Headaches
Headaches, like back pain,
are one of the most common
of all physical complaints and
can be one of the most frus-
trating to manage.

GOOD NEWS! Tension-type headaches (also called muscle-spasm head-
There is effective treatment for aches) are the most common types of headaches in adults.
almost every type of headache! They may be the result of a neck or jaw problem, poor
Physical therapists can help de- posture, fatigue, or stress.
termine the type of headache A problem in the neck, head, or jaw--such as an inju-
you have, its cause, and devel- ry or arthritis--can lead to tension in the muscles at
op an appropriate treatment the back of the head and to increased pressure on the
plan that will reduce both its
frequency and intensity. Head- cont. on pg 2
aches are categorized as:
• Tension-type
• Migraine and cluster
• Secondary headaches

(from an underlying
condition, such as fever,
infectious disease, sinus
disorder, or serious illness)
• Cranial neuralgias, facial pain

Most headaches are harmless and resolve on their own,
although severe headaches that recur frequently can affect
your ability to do your daily activities and can reduce
your quality of life.

HEADACHES, CONT. from page 1

nerves to the face and head. Poor posture can cause these muscles to be-
come overworked, which can trigger a headache.

Your physical therapist will work with you to correct the problems that are
causing your pain and will help you learn to prevent headaches through
simple changes in your posture and lifestyle:
4 Improve neck mobility. Physical therapists use a specialized technique
called manual therapy to increase movement and relieve pain and to stretch
the muscles of the back of the neck.
4 Improve your strength. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises
to increase the strength of the muscles that help stabilize your upper back
and neck to improve your posture and endurance and make it easier for you
to sit or stand for longer periods of time without discomfort.
4 Improve your posture. Physical therapists will teach you ways to im-
prove your posture. Whether it is simply pushing your chest out or pulling
your shoulder blades backward and together, slight modifications to every-
day living can make a vast improvement in posture.
4 Modify your workstation or home office. We can visit your worksta-
tion and offer tips to correct problems that may be causing your headaches.

Call to make a free consultation appointment and
see how physical therapy can help you.

A SIMPLE TEST:

Find out if your upper back and neck are causing your low back pain.

• Stand normally with a friend facing you to observe your movements.
• Turn your head left and right as far as you can comfortably.Have your friend note how far you turn.
• Now sit in a chair and repeat the turning of your head both ways, have your friend again note how far you go.
• Ask your friend if there is a difference in your neck movement, standing compared to sitting.
• If your neck movement is more limited in sitting, then it is your neck or upper back that is tight and can be causing your

low back pain.

How do physical therapists relieve back pain?

Our physical therapists are medical experts trained in evaluating muscle and joint movement. First, a thorough evaluation is
done to determine the source of your back pain, and if your neck or upper back can be affecting it. Then, a complete plan of
care is put together based on your individual needs. This could include hands-on physical therapy sessions, stretching and
strengthening or a combination of both. If you are suffering with back aches and pains, whether for a week or a long time, give
us a call today, we can help!

1275 W Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo | 719.542.0589 | 719pt.com

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

1275 W Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo | 719.542.0589 | 719pt.com

OUR PATIENTS’ SUCCESS Know someone who needs our help?
Please share this newsletter or send
““When I first came to Momentum them our way!

Physical Therapy I had severe care to share
lower back pain all day which
made it difficult to work and sleep. Send your friends and family to Momentum Physical Therapy to get pain
All of the staff at Momentum are free and get RESULTS! We will THANK YOU with a $10 gift card to a lo-
very knowledgable and extremely cal business for every new patient you send us. We have easy referral cards
friendly. With their help, I now at the front desk!
have no pain in my back and can
do all of my normal daily activities We treat:
with ease. I would (and will) 4 Back Pain 4 Neck Pain
definitely recommend Momentum 4 Headaches 4 Shoulder Pain
to anyone who needs quality, 4 Hip/Leg Pain 4 Sports Medicine
professioanl care. Thank you all!” 4 Vehicle Accidents 4 Post-op Rehabilitation
— Patrick F. 4 Workers’ Compensation

“When I came in the pain was We take walk-ins
making it hard to walk. Now I am and offer 24-48
able to run and jump! We worked hour scheduling!
on strengthening my muscles and
mobility. Everyone is very friendly.
They begin to form a personal
bond. We love to laugh and joke
which makes me excited to come
to my next appointments.”
— Nicole R.

”

719.542.0589

1275 W Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo

73

MYTHSPHYSICAL THERAPY

The Top 37 Myths About Physical Therapy

1 MYTH: A physician’s referral is required to see a physical therapist.
FACT: You can go directly to a physical therapist without a referral.
Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) allow patients to be evaluated by a physical
therapist without a physician’s prior referral. In addition, 48 states and DC allow for some form of
treatment or intervention without a physician’s referral or prescription (Oklahoma and Michigan being
the exception.) However, beginning November 1, 2014, patients in Oklahoma can be treated without a
physician’s referral. On January 1, 2015, patients in Michigan will be able to do so, as well. Some states
have restrictions about the treatment a physical therapist can provide without a physician referral.
Check out APTA’s Direct Access Laws By State at www.apta.org/StateIssues/DirectAccess to see
the restrictions in your state.

2 MYTH: Physical therapy is painful.
FACT: Physical therapists work within a patient’s pain threshold.
Throughout treatment and healing, physical therapists work within a patient’s pain threshold to restore
movement and function and maximize healing. Physical therapists also help patients manage their pain in
order to help prevent chronic or long-term pain.

3 MYTH: Physical therapy is synonymous with “rehabilitation.”
FACT: Physical therapy is a diverse health care practice that effectively
prevents injury and pain, and promotes mobility, health, and
wellness.

There is a misconception that physical therapists just stretch or strengthen weak muscles after an injury
or surgery. In fact, “physical therapy” includes skilled evaluation and diagnosis by a licensed physical
therapist, who can often identify problems before they arise and help prevent long-term effects. As
experts in restoring and improving motion, physical therapists can help people stay mobile and fit while
avoiding injury as they age.

/MoveForwardPT www.MoveForwardPT.com
@MoveForwardPT

1275 W. Pueblo Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81004

719PT.COM

HEADACHE PAIN?

GET A

FREE

HEADACHE
CONSULTATION

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

$70

VALUE

719.542.0589

1275 W Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo