Low back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office other than the cold and flu. Four out of ten American suffer from pain. According to Dr. Grace Walker, physical therapist and director of Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center in Orange, CA, “The key to effectively treating chronic low back pain is avoiding too much medicine.” The American Pain Society states that for people suffering from chronic low back pain, physical therapy supported by evidence should be tried before surgery, invasive diagnostics, epidurals, and other interventional therapies.
The American Heart Association issued a statement on February 26, 2007 that recommends that doctors change the way they prescribe pain relievers for patients with pain. The American Heart Association advises that doctors start with non-pharmacologic treatments such as physical therapy before they prescribe pain relievers for patients with heart disease or for those who are at risk for heart disease. Many pain relievers that are currently prescribed for patients suffering from low back pain and joint pain have been associated with gastrointestinal complications and have indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Grace Walker, DPT, OTD, “The best option and the first option that should be used for patients suffering from low back pain is physical therapy.”
Many things can cause low back pain, however the most common causes are:
1.Early Arthritis - As we age, the daily forces from lifting, bending, and twisting can slowly wear on our backs.
2.Disc Problems – In our society we tend to sit a lot and the excessive sitting really takes a toll on the discs of our spine which leaves us vulnerable to injury. Most disc problems do not heal on their own.
3.Sprains/Strains – Even minor sprains and strains can take their toll on our backs and leave us more susceptible to more pain and more severe injuries.
4.Car Accident/Trauma – Some injuries can remain with you for many years so it is important to take them seriously and get thorough and complete treatment in order to prevent future problems.
The physical therapists at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center in Orange treat low-back pain gently and conservatively without medication, side effects, or invasive procedures. We use a combination of hands on care and an active exercise approach to provide effective results. The experts at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center focus on getting to the root of the problem and not merely treating the symptoms so that your pain stays away once your problem is resolved. Our solutions actually speed the healing process and make your body less vulnerable to re-injury and the return of pain.
Physical therapy is also one of the most cost effective choices for the treatment of low-back pain. Physical therapy costs less than expensive tests, surgeries, and endless prescriptions of pain medication. Our goal at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center is to provide patients with effective care that is long lasting and affordable. We are the experts when it comes to obtaining fast and effective relief of low-back pain.
For more information about your low pain problem, please call 714.997.5518 or visit our website at www.walkerpt.com.
Showing posts with label Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Physical Therapy relieves Baby Boomers Back Pain by Grace Walker Doctor of Physical Therapy, Walker Physical Therapy, Orange, Orange County, Calif.
Because of increasingly demanding jobs, hectic daily schedules, participating in recreational activities, and caring for children, grandchildren, and elderly parents, back pain is becoming a common thread among baby boomers. However, this generation is less resigned to simply accept the changes brought about by aging, says Grace Walker, DPT OTD.Director of Walker Physical Therapy.
Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964 and who now make up one fourth of the U.S. population, are leading more active lifestyles than previous generations. "Baby boomers are as active as they were when they were younger, but now they're living with chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis," says Grace. "These conditions as well as others can benefit greatly from physical therapy intervention."
and is not a substitute for a visit to a physical therapist or other health care professional.
"Frequently, patients may unknowingly exacerbate their pain by exercising improperly or by having poor posture," Walker says. Physical therapists can help to identify and correct those behaviors. Physical therapists work on increasing muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, restoring and improving range of motion in joints, and decreasing muscle and joint pain. Secrets of back pain relief can be found at http.//walkerpt.com.
Physical therapy interventions may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training, as well as exercises for strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and devices designed to rest or support the joint, such as lumbar supports or pillows. "The goal of a physical therapist is to get you back to doing what you enjoy on a daily basis with as little discomfort as possible."
For those patients who either are just starting an exercise regime, or for injured weekend warriors just getting back in the game, Walker recommends starting off slowly and not doing too much too fast. She notes that physical therapists devise step-wise plans in order for patients to gain strength and mobility.
Walker also suggests investing in an ergonomically correct chair for work, taking frequent breaks from computers, and participating in stress-relieving activities, such as yoga or meditation, to offset back pain.
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964 and who now make up one fourth of the U.S. population, are leading more active lifestyles than previous generations. "Baby boomers are as active as they were when they were younger, but now they're living with chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis," says Grace. "These conditions as well as others can benefit greatly from physical therapy intervention."
and is not a substitute for a visit to a physical therapist or other health care professional.
"Frequently, patients may unknowingly exacerbate their pain by exercising improperly or by having poor posture," Walker says. Physical therapists can help to identify and correct those behaviors. Physical therapists work on increasing muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, restoring and improving range of motion in joints, and decreasing muscle and joint pain. Secrets of back pain relief can be found at http.//walkerpt.com.
Physical therapy interventions may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training, as well as exercises for strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and devices designed to rest or support the joint, such as lumbar supports or pillows. "The goal of a physical therapist is to get you back to doing what you enjoy on a daily basis with as little discomfort as possible."
For those patients who either are just starting an exercise regime, or for injured weekend warriors just getting back in the game, Walker recommends starting off slowly and not doing too much too fast. She notes that physical therapists devise step-wise plans in order for patients to gain strength and mobility.
Walker also suggests investing in an ergonomically correct chair for work, taking frequent breaks from computers, and participating in stress-relieving activities, such as yoga or meditation, to offset back pain.
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Post-Operative Treatment at Walker Physical Therapy by Grace Walker Physical Therapist, Walker Physical Therapy, Orange, California 92868
Post-Operative Treatment at Walker Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is a key aspect of recovery after surgery.
“By increasing the muscle function and range of motion of patients that have undergone recent surgery procedures, we can promote a healthier recovery and minimize potential problems down the road. When we treat a body part it is important that we assess and evaluate the surrounding body parts to ensure maximum function and recovery.” –Doctor of Physical Therapy Grace Walker
Walker Most Common Post-Op PT Treatments
■ Spine Surgery
■ Elbow Surgery
■ Wrist/CT Surgery
■ TMJ/Jaw Surgery
■ TKR &THR
■ Foot and Ankle Surgery
■ Shoulder/RC Surgery
■ Knee Ligament Repair
Post-Operative Program Consists of:
1. Core Strengthening which targets deep trunk muscles to aid in stability.
2. Resistance exercise to increase functional movement.
3. Cardiovascular training to rebuilds stamina which has been shown to reduce pain incidence.
4. Mobility and Flexibility to overcome tension with gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization.
Success Story: “On September 19, 2006 I had lumbar fusion surgery. I was having trouble walking and a bad balance problem. I needed to return to work the week of Thanksgiving (kind of hard to work when you have difficulty walking). I came in and the team had me walking on my own within a week. I was able to go back to work. With exercises and stretching I feel about 90% better, post surgery. I can’t thank all of you enough for all you’ve done for me. This is a great place. Everyone was helpful and understood my situation. All of you have been the best, and I would recommend Walker Physical Therapy to everyone.”
- D. Drehsen
Physical Therapy is a key aspect of recovery after surgery.
“By increasing the muscle function and range of motion of patients that have undergone recent surgery procedures, we can promote a healthier recovery and minimize potential problems down the road. When we treat a body part it is important that we assess and evaluate the surrounding body parts to ensure maximum function and recovery.” –Doctor of Physical Therapy Grace Walker
Walker Most Common Post-Op PT Treatments
■ Spine Surgery
■ Elbow Surgery
■ Wrist/CT Surgery
■ TMJ/Jaw Surgery
■ TKR &THR
■ Foot and Ankle Surgery
■ Shoulder/RC Surgery
■ Knee Ligament Repair
Post-Operative Program Consists of:
1. Core Strengthening which targets deep trunk muscles to aid in stability.
2. Resistance exercise to increase functional movement.
3. Cardiovascular training to rebuilds stamina which has been shown to reduce pain incidence.
4. Mobility and Flexibility to overcome tension with gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization.
Success Story: “On September 19, 2006 I had lumbar fusion surgery. I was having trouble walking and a bad balance problem. I needed to return to work the week of Thanksgiving (kind of hard to work when you have difficulty walking). I came in and the team had me walking on my own within a week. I was able to go back to work. With exercises and stretching I feel about 90% better, post surgery. I can’t thank all of you enough for all you’ve done for me. This is a great place. Everyone was helpful and understood my situation. All of you have been the best, and I would recommend Walker Physical Therapy to everyone.”
- D. Drehsen
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