The short answer is that Paleo is short for Paleolithic and refers to a lifestyle and eating plan similar to that of our pre-agricultural ancestors.  No, this isn’t an historical re-enactment, this is a way of living that gets back to eating good, whole foods that are gluten, grain and legume free with little or no dairy.

Here is how Robb Wolf, one of the leading Paleo proponents explains it: “In simple terms the Paleo diet is built from modern foods that (to the best of our ability) emulate the foods available to our pre-agricultural ancestors: Meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, roots, tubers and nuts. On the flip-side we see an omission of grains, legumes and dairy. As this is directed to folks new to the Paleo diet idea we need to address the “What Abouts.” This is the seemingly endless list of ingredients that folks ask: “What about artificial sweeteners, agave nectar, red wine…” In simple terms, if it’s not meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, roots tubers or nuts…it’s a “no-go.” At least initially. I like to see people go after Paleo strictly in the beginning so we get the best possible results.”

After studying Paleo extensively and following the recommendations for nearly a year now (with great results), Ann is excited to offer a new service to Core Wellness and Physical Therapy’s clients – The Paleo Consultation. This consultation involves 1 hour of one on one attention to discuss your past medical history, current eating/exercise/lifestyle plan, and goals. Ann will provide information and resources, as well as make individualized recommendations for you. You will leave the consultation with ideas about how to implement these changes in your life immediately. This service is provided for $100.00. Follow up sessions and Q & A via email are options that you may add on after your consultation for an additional charge.

Ann will be presenting on The Effects of a Paleo Diet on Type 1 Diabetes at The Ancestral Health Symposium at Harvard University in August 2012. This lifestyle is helpful for our patients with:

Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Autoimmune Illnesses such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain

Weight gain/obesity

Call 571-527-9192 to schedule your consultation today!

Common non-traumatic cycling injuries

1) Anterior Knee

a) Patellar tendonitis: Inflammation of the patella tendon originating from the tibia, usually due to overuse. With repeated irritation thus inflammation scarring and tearing can occur. Pain is usually centered on the lower tip (inferior pole) where it connects to the tendon. If the tendonitis is severe you may get localized swelling – bump or lump just below your knee. Pain is felt in the front of the knee below the patella, when you pedal or walk upstairs, but it will probably be worse descending the stairs. It will also hurt when you press on the tendon itself.¹

b) Patellafemoral syndrome / Chondromalacia patella: Irritation of the cartilage behind the patella. Pain is often felt in the front of the knee when the knee joint is bent or flexed. It can often be caused by mal-tracking patella, poor foot mechanics or musculature problems.¹

Generally caused by pushing big gears- cadence to low, saddle too low or too far forward, foot to far forward on pedal, crank arms too long¹

2) Hamstrings / Calf strain

Possibly caused by saddle being too high or too far back, too much pedal float, leg length discrepancy. Can lead to excessive tension and tightness in the muscles.¹

3) Inside of the knee (Medial collateral ligaments or medial meniscus)

Possibly caused by the cleat position being too wide so the foot is held externally rotated, excessive knee frontal plane motion or too little pedal float. Can lead to repetitive strain to cartilage and ligaments.¹

4) Outside of the knee (Iliotibial band, Lateral collateral ligaments, Lateral meniscus)

Possibly caused by cleat position too narrow- foot is held inwards, too little pedal float.¹

5) Ulnar neuropathy- Symptoms include: pins and needles or numbness in the little finger, the little finger side of the ring finger and the outside border of the hand. Pain on activity that involves the little finger muscles working hard e.g. pinch grip, climbing, playing the piano. A feeling that the hand is clumsy.

6) Carpal tunnel syndrome- the main symptom is pins and needles and/ or numbness in the area of the hand that the median nerve supplies i.e. the thumb, 1st, 2nd and thumb side of the third finger on the palm side of the hand. Shooting pain may sometimes be felt going up the course of the nerve i.e. shooting up the forearm. Symptoms are often worse at night and during the day when lifting or griping something.

7) Neck and back injuries

Neck pain usually relates to the prolonged time that cyclists spend in an extended position. Neck extension with shoulders in a depressed (downwards) position increases neural tension, which can be exacerbated if your handlebars are set too low or you fail to keep your elbows slightly bent. Excessive or prolonged stretching of the nerves can result in pain, numbness or tingling in the nerve distribution down the neck and arms.²

Muscle fatigue, chronic tension to vertebral ligaments and prolonged compression to intervertebral discs can all be responsible for ongoing backache.²

**External Iliac Arteriopathy- an uncommon but serious cause of leg pain, burning or numbness and loss of leg power during cycling. Caused by repetitive hip flexion with high blood flow volumes. The repetitive stress on the artery by the hip flexor muscles creates a fibrosis in the artery.

Recovery

Compression garments- possible benefits:

• enhancing blood circulation to peripheral limbs
• reducing blood lactate concentration during maximal exercise bouts
• enhancing warm-up via increases in skin temperature
• increasing vertical jump height
• improving repetitive jump power
• reducing muscle oscillation upon ground contact
• increasing torque generated about joints, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury, for example, assisting the eccentric action of the hamstring at the end of the swing phase in running
• enhancing recovery following strenuous exercise by aiding in the removal of blood lactate and improving subsequent exercise performance
• reducing the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness in the days following strenuous exercise
• increased feelings of positive leg sensations both during and following strenuous exercise.

Glucose/carbohydrate intake

After exhaustive exercise, muscle glycogen stores are depleted. The 60-minute post exercise window is the best opportunity to replace these stores with carbohydrates and protein.

Stretch

Stretching after exercise helps keep the muscles loose and the light contractions help move blood and waste products the help the body recovery. See attached exercise sheet for the top recommended stretches for cyclists.

Massage

This can be done by a professional or you can use self-massage. If you are using self-massage, lay on the floor with your legs up on the wall so they are at a 90 degree angle to your body. Knead the muscles you can reach for 15 minutes. Having your legs up helps drain waste products from the legs, so when you sit up, fresh blood full of nutrients flood the legs speeding up the healing process.³

Sleep

Don’t stand when you can sit down, don’t sit when you can lie down. When not training, get off your feet. Take a nap if you can. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep each night. One bad night of sleep can mess up your training week as it is hard to make up for lost sleep.³

Recovery rides

Recovery rides are important both after an event and on rest days. When you have finished an event, stay on the bike spinning very lightly for 20 minutes to flush out the legs. You don’t want to stop and have the waste products produced during the ride just pool in the legs. On days after hard rides or races, 20-40 minutes of super easy spinning will let you recover quicker than complete rest. The increased blood flow to the legs helps get important nutrients to the muscles and flush out waste products without being so hard as to need recovery.³

References:

1)     http://EzineArticles.com/6344597)

2)     2) http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/cycling-injury-choose-the-right-bike-to-avoid-injury-33612

3)     http://EzineArticles.com/3658900

4)     De Glanville KM and Hamlin MJ. Positive Effect of Lower Body Compression Garments on Subsequent 40-km Cycling Time Trial Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2012 Jan 10 (abstract).

———————-Great Stretches for Cyclists——————

Adductor stretch

Seated hamstring stretch

Calf stretch

IT Band stretch

Low back stretch

Thoracic extension stretch

Chest stretch

Hip flexor stretch

Piriformis stretch

Modified quadriceps stretch

Chest and back stretch

THE 5 Minute Core Routine  (Better than 6 Minute Abs!!)

Hold 30" working your way up to 1'

Alternate 10 times. Modify by placing an exercise ball beneath your stomach

Side Plank: On your Straight Arm or Forearm. Hold for 30" building up to 1' per side

Roll up into a bridge. Tighten your abdomen and maintain a level pelvis while you straighten one leg out, then switch. 10x both sides.

Perform with upper body lifted or down. Straighten alternating legs as low as you can while maintaining contact between your low back and the floor. Repeat 10x

On all fours, extend opposite arm and leg outward then bring them together as you perform a crunch. Replace both onto the floor and change to the other side. 10x each

Go ahead and do this routine once a day! Your form, quality of movement and sustained hold for some should improve very quickly. Your increase in core strength will only help you make gains in your sport performance and reduce injury.

Have fun!

In the first trimester, women most often experience low back pain. This can easily be remedied by some instruction in body mechanics, positioning, and some exercises to help increase stability through your low back and pelvis. As you know, as your pregnancy progresses and on into breastfeeding, your body releases hormones that allow for increased mobility and flexibility. Without this change, there is no way little Timmy or Sweet Susie are going to come out of your body naturally. When these changes begin to take place, it is valuable to check in with a physical therapist to see if you need to use a sacroiliac belt ( to help keep your pelvis a bit snugger) and reduce too much movement. Truth is gals, once the low back pain kicks up…its more than likely gonna stay slightly obnoxious for the remainder of your baby baking time.

In the second trimester, we add diastasis recti to the mix. This is where your abdominal muscle (rectus abdominus) begins to separate and move laterally across your belly. Because your babe needs more room to dance, sleep and practice baby kung-fu; this is totally natural. It is not always aesthetically pleasing to mommies, and from a PT perspective can be part of why your low back pain progresses. There is not much as practitioners we can do for it in the prenatal stages, however postnatal physical therapy is fabulous for getting your abs to heal and you bikini ready..and getting your anatomy more biomechanically sound of course.

The third trimester is when things really get into full swing. In addition to the low back pain and diasasis, we include frequent urination, leg edema, fatigue, shortness of breath and constipation. Pelvic floor strengthening can help not only with frequent urination, it will also condition your body for delivery and incontinence prevention. Leg edema can be relieved with some lymph drainage and positioning instruction. Shortness of breath is due to the baby blocking the descent of the diaphram and by your third trimester can limit by as much as 4 cm. The elevation of the diaphram can make shortness of breath worse when you exert yourself. There is hope: with positioning, postural exercise and breath work we can get you comfy again. Constipation is another opportunity to use breath work, positioning, and some hands on stimulation to help things move on out.

Baby Is Here. Im Pooped, and You Want Me To Come To THERAPY?

YES! All women should follow up with a physical therapist after delivery of their baby. Beyond aiding in pain resolution and educating you on mommy and baby mechanics you will receive treatment for the following:

-Low Back Pain

-Diastasis Recti

-Scarring

-C-section, episiotomy or perineal tear

-Pelvic Floor Weakness

-Prolapse of your organs: vaginally or rectally

-Urinary or Fecal Incontinence

-Pelvic Pain

Treatment for these and other concerns often includes :

-Soft tissue mobilization

-Myofascial Release

-Deep Tissue Work

-Pilates Based Exercise/ Including Reformer

-Postural Exercise

-Lifting & Mechanics Techniques.

-Kegels- We will show you how to do these CORRECTLY! Great for restoring your body, reducing symptoms, and even improving your libido and sexual satisfaction.

We know that you have a lot on your plate with your new addition. We know that when baby sleeps you should be sleeping and frankly that doenst leave you with much time. We strive to do what we need to do in one 30-60 minute session a week. The more you can do your personalized exercise program the less you need us….so the sooner you get yours the better.

Please call us with questions about how to deal with aches and pains of your pregnancy and how to efficiently work through some of the lasting bodily changes.

As with most things health care related, access to physical therapy services can be a political issue. There are lobbyists from the medical community, chiropractic community, physical therapy community and others all fighting for the right to claim a particular skill set and justify protection of the general public as their primary intent.

I for one am all for protecting the public, as well as supporting each profession to have their niche modalities to promote health and wellbeing. As a provider and a patient, I believe that colleges are doing the best they can to equip providers of the future with the best education and skill set available. For those who “pass the test” but do not meet practice rigid practice standards, board exams and clinical internships weed out those who need to spend more time in academia before venturing out to heal the masses.

There are plenty of patients to go around to all of us providers out there. So, how wonderful that we all know how to heal bodies in various ways and approaches that resonate with the variety of personalities and physiology puzzles our patients bring us. So I say, lets all hug it out, collaborate on patient care, share the love and let the healing begin!

What’s The Deal With Direct Access in Virginia? and the DC METRO Area?

In the State of Virginia, you may come and see a physical therapist without a doctors prescription (MD, DO, DC, DDS or otherwise). If the therapist you see has a direct access certification, you may continue to see them for 14 business days without a prescription as well. So if you have just sprained your ankle, or want to give a few visits of PT a shot to nip that case of neck pain in the bud-this route is for you. Now the therapist with the direct access certification will be sending your exam findings to your specified primary care provider, which means that in case you need a prolonged treatment-you will be covered as long as they are comfortable signing your plan of care. This tends to be a very speedy process, if you are someone who sees their PCP once a year for a physical. If not, cough up the 30 dollar co-pay and get ‘er done! You should be thinking of prevention anyway! Get thee to the doctor asap.

If you live in Maryland or DC, you’re in luck. Pick a PT…Schedule….Get Treatment…Move On. No hoops to jump through compared to Virginia.

On A Budget? You Will Save Money If You Call Us First:

When we look at long term health care costs, the average American will save money by utilizing physical therapy resources as soon as possible. If a patient comes directly to PT, they more than likely saved one copay at the doctors office, saved money on diagnostic exams, and are in most cases able to be seen and treated within 24 hours of their call. The sooner you get in the door, the quicker we can work out any sort of impairment and dysfunction we find…the sooner you feel super-duper fantastic and ready to jump into a new and exciting active life!

Don’t I Need X-Rays??

X-rays, MRIs and the like are very valuable tools for your physician to diagnose you. They often reveal degenerative changes, arthritis, and other pathologies that aid in helping us treat your specific condition. From a PT perspective however, they are helpful but not the main thing we are looking at. We are more concerned with the FUNCTION of the body and the integration of all its parts. Films give us a great idea of what is happening when you aren’t moving and doing your daily routine, which is when most people are having pain. For example, Jim and Joe are twins. Both have oatmeal for breakfast and both have matching herniated discs in their low back. Jim has excruciating pain and sciatica, Joe is a weekend warrior who is very active and intermittently has some stiffness, but is otherwise devoid of pain. How is this possible? More likely than not-Joe has better spinal stability and alignment than Jim. Because of his active lifestyle, perhaps better posture while at work, and conscious movement and body mechanics he has kept the symptoms of his spinal boo boo at bay.  Are you getting my drift here?

What if I am suffering from something more serious?

During your exam we will utilize differential diagnosis ( signs and symptoms that often have a more serious underlying diagnosis that is outside of our skill set) and will send you IMMEDIATELY to your doctor, the ER, or another specialist. FYI: PTs tend to be more on the anal retentive side-so we really do want to figure out the whole picture, and treat your body top to bottom. So more likely than not, we will make recommendations to see other practitioners so that you have a well rounded and holistic approach to your health and well being.

We Are Gatekeepers

For any of your aches and pains, consider calling us first. We will take your blood pressure, listen to your heart in addition to oodles other screening tools to make sure you are in the right place. Besides, how many doctors offices can see you within 24 hours for what would be considered a wellness visit? This way, we can send a full exam to your doc, and when you follow up with them they can get to the nitty gritty of their specialty and save you more time and moolah! Poof-everyone is happy.

We hope that sometime in the future Direct Access will be a well-known option amongst Americans; and that all States will have equal opportunities to utilize PT resources and care without restrictions.

Please call is with questions pertaining to direct access and inquire about how physical therapy is important for you and your family.

To your health,

Elizabeth

Ahhhh, the chill of Winter! That silly man Jack Frost has been nipping our noses here in Virginia for about 10 days now. One day it is 55, the next 26.  Will we have fog, frogs, cats or dogs; falling from the skies? This type of weather tantrum is flat out not conducive to planning regular outside activity. So, I decided to make a greater investment in my health by insuring integrated activities during my day to day routine. Check them out below and sprinkle them into your weekly schedule to spice things up a bit.

1. Make it HOT HOT HOT!

While cooking in the kitchen, turn on your favorite tunes and shimmy your way between the sink and the stove, the fridge to the table and back again. Throw in a twirl, a leg lift, fling yourself into the arms of a loved one for a dip! Dancing around for a 30 minute meal (Thanks, Rachel Ray!) can burn up to 200 calories for a 150lb woman. Shake and sizzle!

2. The Commercial Game

Since the development of TiVo, Netflix, and other on demand program viewing-we have gotten a bit lazier. If you are still watching TV with commercials, take the opportunity to do squats for the entire 2-3 minute period, knock out some crunches, push ups, play tag around the house, etc. Better still, turn off the tv and take the dog for a walk, kids for a stroll, family plank competition…

3.  Squeeze!!!

Not just a great band from the 90s. But a fantastic exercise anywhere approach. You can literally contract nearly every muscle in the body and get a good workout. Let start with the simple ones…your BUNS. Pinch your tushy (not like aunt Edna) like you are squeezing a penny between your cheeks. Work your tummy by pulling your belly button in towards your back and hold it for 10 seconds-please dont hold your breath. For all you ladies out there, with and without children- you should be doing your Kegels. By properly performing a vaginal contraction, you can build up strength and stability in your pelvic floor leading to better sex, less incontinence and good posture.

4.  The Plaque Stack

When you brush your teeth, do these exercises the whole 3 minutes while you are cleaning. Set a timer!! Squat with your belly and pelvic floor pulled in 10x, then alternate lifting your knee to chest 10x, continue knee to chest while twisting 10x, and again but with your knees coming out to the side a bit 10x-keep on repeating until your chompers sparkle, and your muscles burn.

5. Mr. Clean’s Power Wash 5

Set a timer in the morning, for 5 minutes. In that 5 minutes, unload the dishwasher, fold clothes, vacuum the living room or wash all the windows-we are going for max output in 5 minutes, so no dilly dallying.

6.  Fight Fight Fight

Generally speaking, I’m a hugger not a fighter. But sometimes, a gal needs a good pillow fight, thumb or arm wrestle or shadow box with yourself ( no one has to know you made shadow puppets afterwards)

7.  1950s Americana

Remember potato sack races? indoor pillow case race. Egg toss? Hardboil to keep your carpets yolk free. 3 legged race? Try 3 Legged leg lifts. You can even put a dime in the jukebox and whip out the broomstick for a game of limbo.

The key here folks is to realize there are opportunities for fun and fitness everywhere. Play with some of these ideas and make some new traditions in your home. Overtime, these little bursts of effort and family bonding will support a happy and healthy life!

Cheers to indoor fit fun!

E

PS: Summersaults are not just for tykes under 3 ft. Pull out some blankets and pillows and try and do them as SLOW as possible. Work those abdominals, feel the burn…you will thank me later, either for the ab soreness or the good chuckle you had.

I challenge you to choose resolutions each day. Write a list, recite them in your head, on a whim, in the moment, after hours of perplexed pondering…none of that matters. What does matter about these lists, is the intention and commitment you power them up with.

Some examples might be:

No Swearing Today

More Sweating

5 Green Veggies by 5pm

Call Long Lost Friend

Hold a Plank for 60sec

Walk the Dog 5 More Minutes

Here are some things to think about while you make your daily commitment list:

1. Go Big Or Go Home: No dream is too big, too out there, or impossible. Think big…then go to #2 for how to make it happen.

2.  Baby Steps To The Door: Have you seen “What About Bob? It was a movie that came out in what feels like 10 years ago, but is actually more like 20, starring Bill Murray. His character has a difficult time getting tasks accomplished due to various phobias and poor social development. His readily recited mantra is “baby steps”. All over the office, he says “Baby steps to the door, baby steps to the elevator, baby steps to blah blah blah” It is soothing to him, and keeps his intention focused on the moment. So I ask you to do the same. Set tiny milestones, goals, or “baby steps” that lead to the big picture.

3.  Why, Why, Why? : Don’t just make goals for the sake of doing this exercise. You should be able to rationalize in your head or on paper; why you should, and inversely why you shouldn’t make a change. For example, you have chosen to quit buying and smoking cigarettes. You want to because you know that it is healthier, cheaper, and your family will be happier. Weighing these against downsides ( I dont even want to think of one reason why cessation isn’t a spectacular idea) will help really solidify why you want that particular goal.

4.  Say It With Me Now “Commitment” : Commit to yourself, and share it with other people as you go through day to day tasks. This simple effort will hold you accountable to yourself as well as someone else that knows your goal. Lets say I come home and say “Honey, I have not been good about drinking water today. I am going to make us a dinner with lots of juicy fruits and vegetables!” That statement has prepped my sweetie for a nutritious meal, limits my choices, and keeps me focused. Sharing your choices may also help your family make their own commitments. Oooooh, family bonding!!

5.  You’re a Winner!: Being able to cross off a daily commitment is pretty darn exciting. Not enough for you? do it with a colored pen, a sticker, or do a celebratory dance right there where you are. If you need more than the exhilaration of achieving each goal-treat yourself with another activity or item you enjoy. When you lose those 10 lbs, buy yourself some new earrings, pants, or a fruit cocktail.

6. Leave The Past In The Past: History is valuable for all sorts of reasons. You came, you saw, you tried, you failed. Move on. Time to try again or better still, modify the goal to make it more achievable.

7. Thank You: Remember to give thanks and honor where you are right now, in this moment, how you feel, & what you are thinking. Allow yourself to have days that are easy as pie and others that challenge and shake you…the folks that say deep/emotional/uplifting/psychologically motivational quotes tell me that “shows you what you’re really made of”.

Bottom line: Commit to your health & happiness every day. It will always serve you.

Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis is an incredibly debilitating condition. It sneaks up on you like a cold. As sniffles have potential to make you a bed ridden, drippy nose, movie marathoner; frozen shoulder starts with a little ache and progressively restricts your range of motion to the point that brushing your hair becomes a challenge. Although this condition does heal on its own ( assuming you have the patience to wait 1-2 years and not mind occasional unilateral bad hair days), it is ideal to see a physical therapist as early on as possible.

As with all conditions, we physical therapists like to see you as soon as symptoms arise. Not a week, month, and certainly not a whole year after the fact. Truth is, the soon as we can take a peek and get our hands on your body to help resolve dysfunction, the faster you are back to doing the things you love. Frozen shoulder is the perfect example of how critical time is. But before we cover what WE can DO FOR YOU….lets review some basic background information so you can ask appropriate questions of us and your physician.

Who: Sorry ladies, you are far more likely to develop this condition than the fellas. The National Institute of Health reminds us that if you have diabetes that you have an increased risk of developing this condition due to excess glucose sticking to your cells and potentially damaging connective tissue. Other conditions such as autoimmune conditions, endocrine disorders, trauma and more can increase your risk as well.

What: Imagine you have plastic wrap in your shoulder holding all the goodies together. Now imagine that we headed it up enough that it melted and then it became hard and more rigid. The good news is, you have no such plastic in your body. Frozen shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis is a tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder making movement more difficult.

Where: Adhesive capsulitis can occur in any joint with a capsule…Frozen shoulder is limited to that part of your body. With time and lack of treatment, this condition can result in adaptive or compensatory soft tissue tightness, other joints becoming sore, and overuse. For some folks, both shoulders can be affected at the same time or one right after the other.

When: This condition can happen at any time.

Medical Treatment: Typically your Doc will have you take an anti-inflammatory, possibly inject a corticosteroid into the joint, and in extreme cases surgery is performed to aid in release of the capsule. Some Docs also try to manipulate the joint while you are under anesthesia- essentially you are in la la land, while your doc body slams your shoulder, yanks, pulls, and “puts” your arm back where it “belongs”. Graphic, huh? (it is something to be avoided, but not a gruesome as my description suggests)

PHYSICAL THERAPY:

We want to get back and maintain as much range of motion in your shoulder and your shoulder blade as possible. Your daily function and quality of life is our priority. The most effective treatment for this is manual or hands on mobilization of the joint. Mobilization has been shown to improve pain and function 50% more than exercise instruction alone.

Our goals typically include:

Restoring Range of Motion

Resolution of PAIN

Improved Mechanics of The Shoulder

Improved Strength

Improved Stability

No Functional Limitations…whatsoever!

Each of your amazing bodies deals with these types of issues differently. You also all uniquely heal and respond to treatment. The beautiful part of physical therapists is that we are equip with a gargantuan “bag of tricks” to help us reach our goals sooner rather than later. At Core Wellness for example, we might integrate trigger point dry needling, postural restoration techniques and joint mobilization…its all based on our findings and what your body tells us it needs as we progress.

If you or someone you know is complaining of aches and pains in their shoulder or any other nook and cranny of their body…please, take the time to encourage them to see a medical professional and snuff out issues early in the game.

Cheers to frozen strawberry-banana smoothies, NOT SHOULDERS.

Elizabeth L. Polis PT, DPT

What is Postural Restoration?

Postural Restoration is a form of physical therapy treatment that encompasses the entire body and is based on the premise that the human body is not symmetrical.  While this natural asymmetry is integral to normal function and a normal “imbalance” of the body, it can become problematic when overlaid with excessive dominance, injury or other compensation patterns. This can create structural weakness, instabilities or other musculoskeletal pain syndromes.  The main focus of the treatment is identifying and correcting common postural imbalances and positional faults and restoring normal reciprocal function to all major body systems.  By addressing the underlying postural patterns, we can more effectively treat the patient, and at the same time teach them how to prevent further injury.

Postural Restoration (often referred to as PRI) treatment is an integrative and holistic approach.  Besides utilizing very specific exercises, manual techniques, and postural recommendations, we often utilize other professionals to address issues outside the scope of our practice that may be negatively affecting our treatment outcomes.  We may refer patients to dentists and even optometrists to be fully successful.  PRI trained therapists understand the direct relationship that these different professions have on postural alignment, and how that can affect the musculoskeletal system and physical therapy outcomes.

PRI can be helpful for some of the most common musculoskeletal issues including:

-Achilles tendonitis

-patella-femoral dysfunction

-hip bursitis

-SI joint pain and low back pain

-rotator cuff tendonitis

-TMJ dysfunction

PRI may also be effective in the treatment of issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction, scoliosis, and headaches.

For more information visit http://posturalrestoration.com/about/

Jolene Walsh, PT, MPT

As PT’s, my gals (Jolene and Ann) have an abundance of knowledge on preventative care for an array of conditions. I myself suffer from a spinal condition where one of my vertebra likes to travel towards my bellybutton and cause me pain. The best way for me to prevent this “feisty dude” from irritating me is to do the stability exercises that work best for ME.  Part of this routine often includes movements that are used in Pilates.

This approach to integrating strength and stability leaves me feeling like I am 6 feet tall, tight, solid, and build like a brick house. No joke. No exaggeration. No monkey business.

Ann and I are both trained to instruct pilates with the bonus of integrating all of our rehabilitation know-how to accomplish rehab goals and fitness goals.

We look forward to sharing this with you all.

PS: To all you MEN out there….there is nothing girlie about the reformer. I bet you (a coffee or tea or kool-aid) that we can give you a better workout on the apparatus than you can get in the gym.  Bring it on!

If you have not experienced Pilates….wait until you see this..

Allegro 2 Demonstration

Core Wellness & Physical Therapy is built on the belief that rehabilitation, prevention, and treatment in one-on-one sessions is the key to optimizing your success. Our highly experienced physical therapists are passionate about helping you reach your goals. Using an integrative approach, that includes a spectrum of hands on manual care, modalities, exercise prescription, and comprehensive education regarding your condition, you will receive the personalized care you deserve.

We believe that your body has the capacity to heal and restore itself. With the right guidance, the appropriate treatment, and conscious commitment; your quality of life can improve dramatically. There are a variety of practitioners that may aid in your pursuit of health and healing. We will refer you to a variety of specialists as needed to build your “Wellness Dream Team”, and keep you on your journey to optimal health.

We look forward to serving you.

elizabeth@corewellness.net or 571-309-3048