Golf Fitness Clinic in Lititz

The Golf Fitness Clinic at The Rehab Center in Lititz will improve your golf game!

Did you know The Rehab Center in Lititz has a golf fitness clinic? Serving Lancaster County for 20 years, The Rehab Center is here for you.  We are best known for providing quality physical therapy services at our 8 outpatient clinics in Ephrata, Denver, New Holland, Lititz, Brownstown, Lancaster, Leola and Honey Brook.

How can the Golf Fitness clinic help your golf game?

It is estimated that there are 55 million people that golf worldwide. It is a low impact, aerobic based exercise that allows players to have social interactions while competing with aged matched cohorts. As with any sport there’s always the chance for injury, and improvement! A recent golf survey of professional and amateurs golfers showed some disturbing trends. The number one golf injury reported was low back pain; 30% of professionals and 27% of amateurs polled have experienced it. Naturally, you would assume that injuries would be directly related to the way the person is swinging the club. This may play a part of the problem but there are more factors involved. Decreased flexibility and strength, which occur naturally as we get older, can be contributing factors, too. Also, general lack of activity and exercise are becoming a larger part of our society.  That is why a visit to the Golf Fitness Clinic at The Rehab Center in Lititz is so important. Decreased flexibility in the trunk can lead to increased compressive forces in the spine. At the peak of your backswing the compressive forces in your spine are upward of 370% of your body weight! If you think that is amazing you haven’t heard anything yet. There are many muscle groups firing at once in an effort to stabilize your spine. The compressive forces at the moment of impact with the ball are at an astounding 600%+ your body weight!

Do You Need the Golf Fitness Clinic?

What if you haven't had an injury while playing golf?  A screening by a Physical Therapist who is certified to perform golf fitness screenings can determine whether you are at increased risk of injury and design a tailored exercise program geared toward preventing injury. Not only can we decrease the likelihood of becoming one of the statistics mentioned earlier but we can increase your overall health too. Increased flexibility in the hips, trunk, and shoulders allows a person to achieve more rotation during the backswing phase. This is more likely to allow a more uniform, fluid forward swing and permits more force production throughout the acceleration phase. You deserve to reap the benefits of a longer drive and more accurate swing. Whether you think your golf swing is like Tiger Woods' or you know you actually swing like Charles Barkley call today to make an appointment.  The Golf Fitness Clinic at The Rehab Center in Lititz will improve your golf game.  You can trust the physical therapist at the golf fitness clinic in Lititz to show you how.

The Rehab Center - Honey Brook Open House

The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Honey Brook

We are proud to announce our open house on Saturday, October 22nd.  We have just expanded to a new space at our same address and we invite everyone to come celebrate with us.  The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Honey Brook is one of eight clinics serving the Lancaster and Chester County areas.  Our clinics are located in Ephrata, Denver, New Holland, Lititz, Brownstown, Lancaster, Leola, and Honey Brook.  The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy has been providing quality services since 1992.  More recently we have now been in Honey Brook for over a year.  We want to thank the community of Honey Brook for their support to our physical therapy clinic.  

Physical Therapy Open House

We are hosting a Physical Therapy Open House from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday, October 22nd. Please stop by our clinic at 1351 Walnut Street in Honey Brook.  There will be free physical therapy screenings.  We will also have family friendly activities including face painting, a bouncy house, games, and prizes.  

Do You Need Physical Therapy?

You may need some physical therapy someday.  Most people seek out physical therapy when they are having pain.  The most common reasons are low back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.  Other people come to physical therapy after a surgery.  We also treat balance problems, difficulty walking, sports injuries, work injuries, and fibromyalgia.    Whatever the reason is, you can be sure you are getting the best physical therapy in Honey Brook when you choose The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy. Call 610-273-4304 today to schedule an appointment.  We will get you in within about 24 to 48 hours.  We have evening and morning hours to accommodate your busy schedule  Ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.

Fibromyalgia and Physical Therapy: The Latest Research

Aquatic Therapy and Fibromyalgia: The Latest Research

As many people know, physical therapy can often be a nice addition to treatment for fibromyalgia.  In our last article we introduced the benefits of aquatic therapy for treatment of fibromyalgia. You don't have to take our word for it. At The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy we try to stay on top of the latest research regarding the best treatments for our patients.  So what does the latest research say about Aquatic Therapy and Fibromyalgia?

Aquatic Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Aquatic therapy helps to decrease pain in patients with fibromyalgia.  In the Journal of Rheumatology International, Deniz Evcik, M.D. concludes from his study that Aquatic Therapy has a better effect on long-term pain management than a home-based exercise program in patients with fibromyalgia.  There were two groups in this study.  One group was given aquatic therapy.  The other was given a home exercise program.  Both programs lasted for 5 weeks.  The average of reduction in pain scores was 40% in Group 1 and 21% in Group 2.  However, this was still significant at week 24 only in the aquatic therapy group.  Only aquatic therapy seemed to have long-term effects.

Aquatic therapy can also help fibromyalgia patients maintain an exercise program of some kind even 12 months after completing therapy.  In a randomized controlled trial, Munugia-Izquierdo of the University Pablo de Olavide, in Seville, Spain, showed that a 16-week aquatic training program helps fibromyalgia patients in two ways.  Aquatic therapy in a warm pool can improve most of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and can cause a high adherence to exercise in unfit women with heightened fibromyalgia symptoms.  In short, a good aquatic therapy program not only helps decrease pain, it can help people continue to exercise even after they are done with therapy.

How long do the positive effects of aquatic therapy last?  In a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, Dr. Kaisa Mannerkorpi, of the Department of Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in Sweden, says that a six month aquatic therapy program showed positive effects even after 2 years.  He found that improvements in pain, fatigue, physical function, and social function were still found 24 months after completing the treatment program in the fibromyalgia patients.

Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia: Aquatic Therapy is Best

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can greatly affect your ability to function. Many fibromyalgia patients are finding that with the help of aquatic therapy their pain is decreased and they are better able to function.



If you are suffering from the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia maybe it's time for you to try aquatic therapy.  The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy has two convenient locations with aquatic therapy pools in Ephrata and New Holland.  Give us a call.

Ephrata phone number is 717-738-7979.

New Holland phone number is 717-351-2468.

If you have fibromyalgia, ask your doctor if aquatic therapy is right for you to help treat the pain and fatigue associated with your fibromyagia.

Charlie Eberling, DPT - Physical Therapist at The Rehab Center in Ephrata

http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-victim-becomes-physical-therapist,0,6541509.story

Click Here

 

Charlie Eberling, DPT from The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Ephrata

We had one of our very own physical therapists on Fox News. Check it out!


 

Fibromyalgia and Aquatic Therapy

Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia in Lancaster, PA

The best treatment for fibromyalgia can be found at The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy. Serving Lancaster County since 1992, The Rehab Center now has eight locations, including Ephrata, Denver, New Holland, Lititz, Brownstown, Lancaster, Leola, and Honey Brook, PA.

Fibromyalgia is a common problem we see in our physical therapy patients. Many fibromyalgia patients come to our clinics with another diagnosis. They may come because of low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or knee pain. Some are coming because they just had a total knee replacement, or a rotator cuff repair. The physical therapy we provide to a patient with fibromyalgia is modified because of the unique nature of this syndrome.

Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia

The National Institutes of Health states that Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) says that to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia someone must have a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months, and the presence of diffuse tenderness. Pain is considered to be widespread when it affects all four quadrants of the body, meaning it must be felt on both the left and right sides of the body as well as above and below the waist. ACR also has designated 18 sites on the body as possible tender points. To meet the strict criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis, a person must have 11 or more tender points.

Aquatic Therapy is the Best: Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Research suggests that the best pain relief for fibromyalgia comes when physical therapy is combined with AQUATIC THERAPY. The Rehab Center has two locations with Aquatic Therapy pools for our fibromyalgia patients. The first is The Rehab Center in Ephrata and the second is The Rehab Center in New Holland.

Here are six (6) great things about aquatic therapy in New Holland and Ephrata that might help convince you to try it.

1. The relaxing effect of warm water on fibromyagia pain.

The Rehab Center provides aquatic therapy in New Holland and Ephrata, PA. The water

[caption id="attachment_159" align="alignright" width="259" caption="Aquatic Therapy for Fibromyalgia"][/caption]

in each of these pools is kept at the optimal therapeutic temperature of 92 degrees. This has the effect of softening stiff muscles and joints, improving blood flow, and improving range of motion.

2. Decreased effects of gravity.

Being in water reduces the stressful effects of gravity on painful muscles and joints. With the water at chest-level body weight is reduced by up to 80%. This can increase the ability to exercise longer and get a more pain-free workout. It also takes stress off of your joints, decreasing the normal wear and tear you might normally experience from land-based exercise.

3. The strengthening properties of water resistance for fibromyalgia.

Water is a great environment to exercise in because it can provide resistance in all directions. A full-body workout with aquatic therapy in New Holland is more easily achieved, more muscles can be activated, and the resistance level can be controlled by the speed with which you move through the water.

4. Water Jet Massage.

Everybody loves the water jet massage at the end of their aquatic therapy in New Holland. The soothing feeling of fast-flowing water massaging sore back or leg muscles is a nice treat. You will not want to leave.

5. The Under-water Treadmill

And finally, ask any of our aquatic therapy patients at The Rehab Center in New Holland and they will tell you the best thing about aquatic therapy is the under-water treadmill in our state-of-the-art Hydroworx pool.  (Click Here to see a video: Aquatic Therapy – New Holland)

Physical Therapy and Fibromyalgia: Additional Points

It is not easy to treat fibromyalgia. There are many factors that will contribute to the successful treatment. For some patients the factor is improving sleep at night. For others it is increasing activity throughout the day. One thing is clear. Physical therapy and fibromyalgia are a good mix when people are looking for pain relief.

The Best Internet Links for The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy

Main WebPage:  www.therehabcenterpt.com

Main BlogPage:  www.therehabcenterpt.blogspot.com

Clinic Blog Pages:

Brownstown -     Denver -     Ephrata -     Honey Brook

Lancaster -     Leola -     Lititz -     New Holland

Google Places

Brownstown -     Denver -     Ephrata -    Honey Brook

Lancaster -     Leola -     Lititz -     New Holland

Physio Clinic Pages

Brownstown -     Denver -     Ephrata -     Honey Brook

Lancaster -     Leola -     Lititz -     New Holland

Ephrata Community Hospital - Centers for Health

Brownstown -     Denver -     Ephrata -     Honey Brook

Lancaster -     Leola -     Lititz -     New Holland

Additional information for each of our eight clinics can be found at these sites. Each clinic has its unique site in order to allow the public a chance to get to know all of them individually. That is a unique feature of The Rehab Center. We are located close to where you live and work. Many doctors will prescribe physical therapy for 3 times a week for four weeks. So why not choose a clinic that is close to where you live and work. This will save you time and gas money.

Other important links on the web:

APTA PTJournal PTstats PTDefinition

AboutPT WebMD/PT PTMovie

SportsInjuries BackPain-MayoClinic

back.com AdvancedSpine BackTrainer

PT-Good-for-Back-Pain MoreBackPain

Exercise-Good Nismat RTC-TBand

FamilyDoc Fibromyalgia-Physical-Therapy

Spine-Universe Quality-Health

Job Opening for a physical therapist: Clinic Director of The Rehab Center in Leola

Thank you for your interest in The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Leola.  Click here to Return to TheRehabCenterPT.com - Home Page

The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Leola

The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy has eight locations, including: Ephrata, Denver, New Holland, Lititz, Brownstown, Lancaster, Leola, and Honey Brook. Providing quality physical therapy close to where you live and work, since 1992.

Job Opening for Physical Therapist/Clinic Director

We are now looking for a skilled outpatient physical therapist with at least three years of experience. Previous management experience a plus.

This job has been listed in several locations. Click on any of the following links below for more info, or to apply for the position call Betty Roscher at 717-738-7979 or e-mail your resume to Betty Roscher at 717-7970.

See our ad on MyPhysio.com
See our ad on Association Career Network
See our ad on SimplyHired.com

Job Opening for Clinic Director of The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Leola

Why you should take the Clinic Director position at The Rehab Center -  Physical Therapy in Leola:

1. Leola is a beautiful clinic
2. Great support staff
3. Competitive Salary
4. Significant autonomy
5. Great Continuing Ed program
6. Top notch benefits
7. Quarterly Incentive Program

What is it like to work for The Rehab Center Physical Therapy in Leola?

Ask our physical therapists:  Ephrata, Denver, New Holland, Lititz, Brownstown, Lancaster, Leola, and Honey Brook.

You can also get more information by going to our Main Website for The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Leola.

The Best Links to Physical Therapy Lancaster

Physical Therapy Lancaster

The best websites when searching for The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy Lancaster clinic.

1. The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy Lancaster at www.TheRehabCenterPT.com
2. Therapy Tips - The Blog of The Rehab Center at www.therehabcenterpt.blogspot.com
3. PhysicalTherapyLancaster.com (you are here)
4. The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy Lancaster at www.MyPhysio.com
5. Professional Physical Therapy Lancaster Blog Page of The Rehab Center at www.MedicalMingle.com
6. Local Business site for The Rehab Center Physical Therapy Lancaster at www.MerchantCircle.com
7. Another local business site for our Lancaster clinic is at CitySearch.com
8. Find us at Yahoo.com Physical Therapy Lancaster.
9. Find our Places page on Google.com for The Rehab Center.
10. The Rehab Center Physical Therapy at www.EphrataHospital.org
11. You can also find us on other Physio sites.
12. We also have a FaceBook page for The Rehab Center Physical Therapy Lancaster

Physical Therapy Lancaster

We hope you find this list helpful.  This list will be expanding as time goes on.  The Rehab Center, providing quality physical therapy services to Lancaster County since 1992.  With eight locations we are close to where you live and work.  Our physical therapists have over 60 years of combined experience providing the excellent care that our community deserves.  Quality, Convenience, and Pain Relief.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with us at The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy Lancaster, please call us at 717-397-2678.

Disability Testing in Lancaster County at New Holland

Disability Testing Now Available in Lancaster County at New Holland

The Rehab Center – Physical Therapy in New Holland offers disability testing and clinical documentation of physical findings for those individuals applying for social security disability benefits. We work with your physician to complete the necessary disability paperwork ensuring an error free application for benefits. Our disability testing is a 90 minute test of your physical ability to function safely in a work environment. The evaluation is performed by a Physical Therapist trained in the examination and treatment of workplace injuries and function. The findings of your test will be discussed at the completion of the examination as well as with your referring doctor. The next portion of the article will describe the specifics of the exam.

What is Disability Testing?

Disability as defined by the federal government: “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last or has lasted for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
Here at The Rehab Center – Physical Therapy in New Holland we will begin by taking a history of your diagnosis and your work history and lead into a physical examination. We will assess your available range of motion, strength, and flexibility in preparation for physical testing. Generalized upper extremity testing is completed through the use of grip dynamometry and force gauge push and pull testing. Assessment of conditioning is completed during a treadmill walking test protocol and approximate aerobic capacity is calculated. Next, material handling is evaluated to determine your maximum safe effort at occasional levels. Non-material handling includes assessment of balance, positional tolerance, repeated and sustained reaching, bending, and squatting.

After the Disability Testing

The information collected in the evaluation is then summarized in a report to allow for accurate completion of your SSDI paperwork. Our goal is to provide a top notch service to those individuals in the community in need of a disability evaluation. We are able to provide a report for your referring doctor, and/or your disability lawyer assisting you with your case. Choose The Rehab Center for your disability testing in Lancaster County at New Holland.  Call us today at 717-351-2468. We guarantee quick scheduling of your disability testing and a report back to you within one week.

Physical Therapy in Lancaster

Did you know that you can now find Physical Therapy in Lancaster at The Rehab Center?

Physical Therapy in Lancaster at The Rehab Center

At some point in everyones life pain happens. It can be back pain. Maybe it's knee pain. Whatever kind of pain it might be you can be sure to find friendly and caring service at The Rehab CenterPhysical Therapy in Lancaster.  We take almost all insurances including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Medicare, Workman's Comp, Auto and Medical Assistance.

Who works at The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Lancaster?

Head Physical Therapist: Chris Knudsen,DPT

Chris Knudsen has been a practicing physical therapist for 11 years. He graduated in 2000 from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.  He moved to Lancaster in 2002 and has been working for The Rehab Center now for nine years.  Chris believes that every patient should have their own personalized treatment program.  Manual therapy and strengthening exercises play an important part in his treatment programs.  He does not believe the "no-pain no-gain" idea works for injuries.  Chris gets great results without going "too far".  If you have the desire to return to full-function with the least amount of pain, you should choose physical therapy in Lancaster at The Rehab Center.

Physical Therapist Assistant: Phil Cruz, PTA

Phil Cruz, PTA

Phil Cruz has practiced as a Physical Therapist Assistant for almost 29 years. He has been working for The Rehab Center Physical Therapy almost since its inception 19 years ago.  Phil has a faithful following of patients in Lancaster County.  When you've met Phil, you will never forget him.  If you need somebody to motivate you, Phil is your guy.

Both Phil and Chris believe in a Hands-On approach with physical therapy.  Each patient receives the specific care that is right for them.  We also follow an active approach with exercise.  Every patient leaves the clinic stronger than when they first arrived.

How Do I Start

You have the right to choose your physical therapy. Once your doctor has prescribed physical therapy stop in or give us a call to schedule your first appointment. We have a 24 hr. policy for scheduling new patients. We will always offer at least one time slot for you to start today or tomorrow with your physical therapy. You can also find more information about The Rehab Center Physical Therapy in Lancaster at www.TheRehabCenterPT.com or call us at 717-397-2678. Thank you for choosing us for your physical therapy in Lancaster.

What Do Physical Therapists Know About Joint Disease and Osteoarthritis?

by Chris Knudsen, DPT

Clinic Director of The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy in Lancaster

Our previous article addressed the anatomy of a joint.  In today's article we will discuss the definition of Joint Disease.

Did you know that physical therapists now must have seven years of college, and earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, in order to become a physical therapist?  The schooling is very rigorous and thorough.  Any physical therapist can teach you about joint disease.  Many things can happen to the normal joint to make it diseased.  A disease process can harm the joint in several ways.  It can attack the cartilage on the ends of the bones, it can affect the inside lining of

the joint capsule (the synovium), or attack the joint capsule itself (for more anatomy details, see Osteoarthritis: What is that popping noise? ). 

A diseased joint is usually painful, stiff, and sometimes swells.  Sound familiar?  Movement is hampered by these symptoms.  I always tell my patients that simply resting a painful joint may not make it better.  In fact, it might actually get worse with rest.  You see, rest decreases the blood supply to the joint and also causes the joint lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) to thicken.  On the other hand, movement increases blood flow, which then increases the supply of nutrients and fluids to the joint for nourishment and joint repair.  Have you ever noticed that you feel stiff and sore in your joints in the morning after lying around all night, but feel better after you get up and move around?

Osteoarthritis develops in our joints after years of "wear and rear."  You see, after walking thousands of miles, after grasping and turning a thousand bottle lids, after getting up and down from a chair ten thousand times, the cartilage on the ends of our bones has undergone numerous little insults which result in tiny microscopic cracks.  These tiny little cracks in the cartilage have been repaired over and over again with non-cartilaginous scar tissue (it is difficult to get cartilage to reform and repair itself because the blood supply is so poor). 

After our bone ends have become riddled with hundreds, even thousands of little cracks, they begin to show changes visible to the naked eye.  We can see fibrous scars and calcium deposits on the surface of our long bone ends where the normal smooth cartilage used to be.  This creates an irregular, rough surface.  The normally smooth movement of one bone upon another is now disrupted and the movement is more coarse and "sand-papery". 

This rubbing of one rough surface upon another creates joint irritation with thickening of the synovial fluid, and leads to the process we call inflammation, the body's way of trying to repair damage. 

Inflammation causes pain, increased blood flow into the joint (which causes redness and warmth) and leaky capillaries, which increases fluid accumulation into and around the joint (resulting in swelling).

When people have these symptoms they should see their family physician and consider asking for a prescription for Physical Therapy.

In my next article we will address the available treatments for osteoarthritis: including NSAIDs, topical analgesics, diet, and Physical Therapy.  If you have immediate questions feel free to call one of our physical therapists at The Rehab Center closest to you.  Click Here for the phone numbers.

Osteoarthritis: What is that popping noise?

Osteoarthritis

(What is that popping noise?)

By Chris Knudsen, PT, DPT

www.TheRehabCenterPT.com

One of the primary problems our bodies face as we age is degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis.  In physical therapy, we deal with osteoarthritis a lot.  In fact, it is one of the most common causes of pain that leads people to come see us.  There is much to learn about it.  Some factors that contribute to this condition are controllable (such as lifestyle) and some are not (genetics and environment). 

As we age we have joint pain more frequently.  Patients come into The Rehab Center in Lancaster and say, "My Dr. says I have osteoarthritis.  Does that mean there is nothing I can do about this pain?"

There are many things that can be done to treat osteoarthritis pain.  This is the first of four articles that I will be writing in order to answer that question.  To better understand what can be done it would be helpful to know exactly what osteoarthritis really is.  In this article we are going to talk about the anatomy and physiology of a joint.  In later articles we will address joint disease, treatments for osteoarthritis, physical therapy, and exercise and weight-loss.

Anatomy of a Joint

Any anatomy textbook will tell you that joints are made up of:

• bones
• cartilage
• joint capsule
• synovium
• synovial fluid
• ligaments
• tendons
• bursa  

The bones come together in the joint and touch each other; cartilage on the ends of the bones acts as a protective surface for bone to bone contact; the joint capsule is a fibrous sac which surrounds and encloses the entire joint; the synovium is a glistening membrane which lines the inside of the fibrous joint capsule; and inside each moving joint you will find synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant to promote smooth joint movement, and which is secreted by the synovial lining. 

Some joints have ligaments within them to connect one bone to another.  Other joints have tendons outside the joint capsule to attach muscles to the bones.  And some joints have cartilage plates between the bones to act as shock absorbers (such as the menisci in the knee).  And finally some joints have bursa (little fluid filled sacs lying between the

tendons and the joint itself to act as a cushion).   

The joint has a relatively good blood supply to the outer fibrous capsule, but very little blood flow to the deeper structures inside the joint, like the cartilage and ligaments.  We will talk more about this lack of blood flow in our next installment as we take a closer look at joint disease.

If you are experiencing joint pain, remember, joint pain is treatable.  Ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you, then call The Rehab Center closest to you.

Aquatic Therapy is the Best!

by Chris Knudsen, DPT

The Rehab Center - Physical Therapy

What's so great about aquatic therapy?  It is simply the easiest way to exercise for people who are in pain.  Maybe you have avoided exercise because you were nervous or afraid of the pain you might get.  With aquatic therapy there is less to worry about.  It is not like land therapy.  Maybe you tried to exercise but you got tired too quickly and had to stop.  Has it been hard for you to exercise long enough to get any results?  Aquatic therapy is different.  Did you stop exercising because every time you did you noticed increased swelling in your feet or legs?  Here are six great things about aquatic therapy that might help convince you to try it.

1.  The relaxing effect of warm water.

The Rehab Center provides aquatic therapy at our clinics in Ephrata and New Holland, PA.  The water in each of these pools is kept at the optimal therapeutic temperature of 92 degrees.  This has the effect of softening stiff muscles and joints, improving blood flow, and improving range of motion.

2.  Decreased effects of gravity.

Being in water reduces the stressful effects of gravity on painful joints.  With the water at chest-level body weight is reduced by up to 80%.  This can increase the ability to exercise longer and get a more pain-free workout.  It also takes stress off of your joints, decreasing the normal wear and tear you might normally experience from land-based exercise.

3.  The strengthening properties of water resistance.

 

Water is a great environment to exercise in because it can provide resistance in all directions.  A full-body workout is more easily achieved, more muscles can be activated, and the resistance level can be controlled by the speed with which you move through the water.

4.  Edema control.

Exercising in water can help to control swelling.  The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps remove excess fluid from swollen feet and legs.  The deeper the water is the greater the hydrostatic pressure.

5.  Water Jet Massage. 

Everybody loves the water jet massage at the end of an aquatic therapy session.  The soothing feeling of fast-flowing water massaging sore muscles is a nice treat.

6.  The Under-water Treadmill

And finally, ask any of our aquatic therapy patients at The Rehab Center in New Holland and they will tell you the best thing about aquatic therapy is the under-water treadmill in our state-of-the-art Hydroworx pool.  Maybe it is time to try it for yourself.  Call your doctor and ask if aquatic therapy is right for you, then call The Rehab Center closest to you.

Safety Tips for Snow Shoveling

Safety Tips for Snow Shoveling

By Jason Cavallaro, MS PT

Clinical Director, The Rehab Center at Cornerstone, Lititz

Back pain is a frequent complaint of those who shovel snow. It’s been estimated that shoveling snow from your walks and driveways may involve lifting and moving hundreds of pounds of snow over the course of the winter season. If the season is as plentiful with storms like last year, it can feel like you’re moving tons! The result can be strain on your arms, legs and back. The following information gives you an overview of some potential issues and provides you with some tips on preventing pain while shoveling.

                Body mechanics refers to the way you move and use your body during any activity. There are good and bad body mechanics for everything we do. For example, bending from your back instead of using your hips and knees to pick up something from a low position is one sure way to aggravate your back. Do it repetitively, such as when shoveling snow and you’re likely to feel it even more. By practicing good body mechanics, you can help your body avoid injury:

Tips & Techniques

-          Change positions and activities frequently to vary the stress on your back. It may feel natural to always hold the shovel in the same position, but by switching sides every 10 shovelfuls, you can diminish the repetitive stress you would place by lifting and twisting to the same side.

-          When pushing, lifting or throwing, position your feet wide apart (at least shoulder width) to increase your base of support.

-          When picking up a shovel full of snow, remember to bend from your knees and hips. This will help you to keep the natural inward curve of your lower back as you bend or stoop.

-          When leaning or working forward, move one foot forward (staggered position) to spare pressure on your lower back.

-          As you lift snow, stand up with your legs, keeping your back straight.

-          Turn your feet or step in the direction that you are throwing snow – DON’T TWIST!

Equipment

-          Snow shovels today feature better designs than their predecessors. Today, snow shovels are made of lighter materials and designed to lift the snow without creating as much load on your back when you bend. A back saver handle allows the shovel to get lower to the ground without making you bend as much to pick up the snow. Also, avoid choosing the largest or heaviest shovel on the stand, as the extra weight in each load can add up quickly on your back.

-          Snow pushers are designed to push snow into piles. They work well with lighter snow and flat driveways. They allow you to stand upright, pushing from your legs to move the snow.

Rest Positions:

So you’ve tried to do everything I’ve said and your back is still sore. Here is a safe position to use when your back is stiff or sore.

-          Lie on your back on either your bed or a carpeted floor.

-          Place a pillow beneath your head and neck, and place two or three pillows under your knees.

-          This position allows you to reduce the stress on your lower back muscles, allowing them to heal.

Stretches: Stretching before shoveling to loosen up your muscles and reduce the chance of disc strain. Use the same stretches to cool down afterward. Remember that stretching should not cause pain in either your back, arms or legs. If you experience pain with any of these stretches, stop and consult your physician.

-          Standing Back Bends: stand with your feet comfortably apart and your hands on your hips. Bend your trunk backwards at the waist as far as you can comfortably can while pushing your hips forward. Make sure to keep your knees straight as you bend backward.

o   Hold each stretch for 3-5 seconds, repeat 10 times.

-          Prone on Elbows: Lie face down on the floor. Prop your upper body up on your forearms with your elbows directly under your shoulders. Relax your back muscles, allowing them to sag as you bend backward. Keep your hips in contact with the floor.

o   Hold each stretch for 3-5 seconds, repeat 10 times.

As old man winter reminds us how tough the cold weather can be on our bodies, remember that: (1) Being outdoors for extended periods of time causes our bodies to burn more energy just to regulate our core temperature and (2) this can also cause our blood vessels to constrict, which can raise your blood pressure.  Those with high blood pressure should remember that frequent breaks will alleviate the stress on your cardiovascular system. Be safe out there!

Best Treatment for Back Pain?

 

Recent news articles say therapy offers long-term results as alternative to surgery, meds

from Physiotherapy Associates

 A recent Consumer Reports survey of its subscribers found physical therapy to be one of the top treatment choices for back pain, according to the survey results in the May 2009 issue of the magazine.

Physical therapy and other hands-on treatments were among the top five in the results. The survey of 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers, who had reported back pain in the last year but had not had surgery, rated consumer satisfaction of treatments they had used to alleviate their back pain. Most of the participants, according to the article, had tried more than five different treatments to ease the pain.

“Physical therapy focuses not on just easing the pain, but also correcting the cause as much as possible, and also teaches the patient how to prevent future pain and injuries, ” says Jayne Fleck Pool, Vice President of Clinical Services and Compliance at Physiotherapy Associates.

A March 23 segment on back pain on NBC’s Today Show highlighted the story of Linda Michel, 39, a woman with severe back pain who is using physical therapy to treat her back problems. According to Michel, after six weeks of physical therapy, the pain is almost gone.

“What I am learning are different things I can take home with me. Things I can continue to do to ensure the health of my back,” said Michel.

Michel’s intention, according to the segment, was to avoid surgery through physical therapy. Others with back pain should consider non-invasive alternatives before having surgery as well. While medications are an option, they can often have unwanted side effects, in addition to the long-term cost. The Consumer Reports article urged consumers to take into consideration those possible side effects before use.

Click here to learn more about physical therapy as an alternative to long term medications. 

 “Clinical trials have shown that about half of the people who take (opioid pain relievers) suffer adverse effects such as drowsiness, respiratory depression and gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, reflux, heartburn, cramping, nausea and vomiting,” said Dr. Orly Avitzur, M.D., in the May 2009 issue.

When surgery is an option, it is important to also consider the recovery time after, and the possibility that the surgery may not work. In a 2008 survey from Consumer Reports, only 34 percent of those surveyed were “very satisfied” with the results of their surgery.

Another telling result of the 2009 Consumer Reports back pain survey is that 58 percent of participants wished they had done more exercising to strengthen their backs. A physical therapist can provide safe and effective exercises to help strengthen those supporting muscles to prevent pain and possible injury. More than 40 percent of the survey respondents who had tried exercise found it helped “a lot.”

Ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you, then call The Rehab Center closest to you.