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Injury Care

Back Clinic Injury Care Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Team. There are two approaches to injury care. They are active and passive treatment. While both can help get patients on the road toward recovery, only active treatment has a long-term impact and keeps patients moving.

We focus on treating injuries sustained in auto accidents, personal injuries, work injuries, and sports injuries and provide complete interventional pain management services and therapeutic programs. Everything from bumps and bruises to torn ligaments and back pain.

Passive Injury Care

A doctor or a physical therapist usually gives passive injury care. It includes:

  • Acupuncture
  • Applying heat/ice to sore muscles
  • Pain medication

It’s a good starting point to help reduce pain, but passive injury care isn’t the most effective treatment. While it helps an injured person feel better in the moment, the relief doesn’t last. A patient won’t fully recover from injury unless they actively work to return to their normal life.

Active Injury Care

Active treatment also provided by a physician or physical therapist relies on the injured person’s commitment to work. When patients take ownership of their health, the active injury care process becomes more meaningful and productive. A modified activity plan will help an injured person transition to full function and improve their overall physical and emotional wellness.

  • Spine, neck, and back
  • Headaches
  • Knees, shoulders, and wrists
  • Torn ligaments
  • Soft tissue injuries (muscle strains and sprains)

What does active injury care involve?

An active treatment plan keeps the body as strong and flexible as possible through a personalized work/transitional plan, which limits long-term impact and helps injured patients work toward a faster recovery. For example, in injury Medical & Chiropractic clinic’s injury care, a clinician will work with the patient to understand the cause of injury, then create a rehabilitation plan that keeps the patient active and brings them back to proper health in no time.

For answers to any questions, you may have, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900


Ultrasound For Tight Muscles and Active Physical Therapy El Paso, TX.

Ultrasound For Tight Muscles and Active Physical Therapy El Paso, TX.

Ultrasound is a passive therapy, which means this is a treatment that a physical therapist administers. It creates gentle pulsating, penetrating heat that soothes, and relaxes spinal and any other muscles that may be tight, knotted and sore.

It is an added supplemental therapy of the primary treatment like chiropractic, therapeutic stretching, and exercise. Ultrasound releases and warms the muscles and soft tissues thus increasing circulation that speeds recovery/healing.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Spine Muscle Pain and Myofascial Syndrome El Paso, TX.

How does ultrasound work?

The equipment creates high-frequency sound waves that flow through to the tight, knotted area with a round-headed probe. The sound waves flow deep into the muscle tissue and ligaments all the while creating a soothing heat that loosens up the tissues.

Treatment application

The therapist will apply a hypoallergenic gel to the skin, that makes for a smooth moveable surface. Then the therapist goes in gentle, circular motions with the probe, and performs the treatment, that can last several minutes.

Ultrasound can also be utilized when performing phonophoresis. This is a treatment that involves the application of topical anti-inflammatory medications that are mixed with ultrasound gel�then applied to the area with the probe. The sound waves force the medicine into the tissues to help reduce inflammation.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Ultrasound For Tight Muscles and Active Physical Therapy El Paso, TX.

Does it hurt?

Absolutely not, the patient will only feel a tingling sensation around the area being treated. There will also be a warming sensation from the sound waves.

Ultrasound results

The ultrasound probe is glided over the surface, all the while sound waves are penetrating through the skin’s surface, which causes the soft tissues to vibrate, creates muscle tightness soothing/releasing heat. The heat induces vasodilation that draws blood into the tissues that are hurting. The increased blood flow delivers much needed:

  • Oxygen
  • Nutrients
  • Removes the cell’s waste

The heat relieves pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, and accelerates healing. Depending on the area being treated, the range of motion will be increased.


 

Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation

 


 

NCBI Resources

Physical therapists also�instruct patients on the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with�long-term physical incapacity�(eg, spinal cord injury).

 

A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Work/Job Ergonomics

In today’s workforce, many jobs place workers at a higher risk for a back injury. The list is pretty extensive and may surprise you! Individuals that have suffered a� neck or back injury at work know the cost goes beyond lost wages. The impact of these injuries on employees, employers, and the economy is staggering.

In a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million cases of non-fatal occupational injuries and in 2018.� Of these cases, more than 50% lost time from work, transferred to a different job, or restricted work activity. Not all of these cases were spine-related injuries. However, 880,000 cases were back pain-related injuries.

The World Health Organization’s International Labour Office says that the problem is global.

Musculoskeletal diseases are a very common part of 270 million non-fatal work/job accidents where employees missed at least 3 workdays.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

 

Risky Jobs

Occupational safety experts gather all kinds of information that they factor. This includes job requirements, work environment, and work station set up. In compiling the list of risky occupations, here are some of the criteria:

  • Heavy physical work
  • Forceful lifting movements
  • Bending
  • Twisting
  • Awkward work postures
  • Whole-body vibration
  • Static work postures like standing/sitting but never changing position compounds the risks to workers.

Two occupations that lead the list of jobs placing workers at the highest risk are construction and nurses/nursing home workers. Workers in both of these jobs tend to share the under-reporting of work-related injuries. This happens as the employees fear they will lose their job and cannot afford to take any time off.

Construction Workers

Employees at a construction site are repeatedly lifting, bending, carrying, pulling, and tugging. These repetitive movements lead to overuse injuries and back strain/sprains are a common part of this. More than 30% of workers have to miss job time. Those that must climb ladders or work on scaffolds have a greater risk of falling. This is where some serious spinal injuries can occur, causing disability and sometimes being fatal.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Nurses/Nursing Workers

Nursing homes and employment opportunities are growing from elderly population growth. These workers are at high risk for back pain and spine injury. This comes from transferring patients’ from their beds, bathtub, and bathroom facilities. All these actions require lifting, carrying, holding, pulling, pushing, and turning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly all back and shoulder injuries are the result of moving patients.

 

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Warehouse Workers

This is another job that requires lifting, along with using forceful movements, bending, twisting, carrying, and placing the body in awkward positions. Sometimes these workers have to drive a truck or an industrial vehicle that creates whole-body vibration. Continual exposure to vibration can cause backache and soreness that can lead to lost work time.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Dentists and Surgeons

Both of these professions involve prolonged standing, stooping, bending, and awkward body positioning. Not to mention the mental strain that diverts the doctor’s attention to proper posture and body mechanics that results in injury and pain.

 

Landscapers

The American Chiropractic Association puts landscapers in the top 10 list of jobs that cause back pain. This job puts these workers at a greater risk for cumulative trauma disorders. All the tasks that a landscaper has to do that include hedge trimming, tree pruning, and planting. These actions/movements involve lifting, reaching, bending, and stooping. This is a perfect set up for an overuse back injury.

Hand tools that get used over and over can cause painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is when the nerves and blood vessels become compressed between the neck and shoulder.

 

Store Cashier

Grocery and retail store cashiers require workers to stand in one place for a long time. This along with the repetitive motions of scanning, typing, opening, closing combined with bagging and lifting bags over and over can cause neck, shoulder, back, leg and foot pain. Over half of checkout workers complain of back pain.

 

Other High-Risk Jobs

  • Airline crews meaning pilots, baggage handlers,
  • Factory workers
  • Bakers
  • Bus
  • Cab drivers
  • Cable and telephone line installers
  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Hairstylists
  • Plumbers
  • Carpet installers/cleaners
  • Dry cleaners
  • Medical technicians
  • Farmers
  • Firefighters
  • Police
  • Maintenance workers
  • Automotive technicians
  • Office personnel
  • Professional athletes

 

Job Injury Prevention

We may not be able to instantly change our occupation, but there are steps to help prevent neck and back injuries. The key is workplace ergonomics and safety. Be proactive to help reduce workplace risk for neck and back injury and share what you learn with co-workers.


 

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NCBI Resources

Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually.�This is the time when the symptoms are mild and come and go, so the individual just works through it and doesn�t think about it. It�s�not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong, and then they seek medical attention. Don�t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness�and you feel that it stems from your work�s repetitive movements, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor before it becomes excruciating.

 

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Not Only Caused by Trauma

When people think of spinal cord injury/s or SCI’s, traumatic events like a major auto accident, hard fall, severe sports injury or intense work injury come to mind. It is true that auto accidents are the leading cause, however, non-traumatic accidents and diseases like a spinal tumor can also cause spinal cord injuries.

These types of injuries involve damage to the spinal cord that can temporarily or permanently affect its functionality. Spinal cord injuries are divided into 2 categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Even with non-traumatic injuries the impact or severity is not lessened and the aftermath can have a devastating effect on a person�s life.

 

Spine Trauma Imaging Diagnostics Evaluation | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma

  • Vehicle crashes: Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 40% of all SCI’s.
  • Falls: Falls are the second cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 32% of injuries.
  • Sports: Sports and recreational activities cause around 9.0% of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
  • Violence: Violent acts, like gunshot wounds or a stabbing cause around 14% of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries occur more in men than women with 80% of cases affecting men.

Although people of all ages can experience SCI, there are activities/events that increase the risk that affects different age groups more than others. An example is high-impact actions like motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries occur more in young adults. Conversely, spinal cord injuries caused by a fall happens more in adults over age 60.

Regardless, SCI occurs more in the neck or cervical spine. Around 60% of cases involve the neck, followed by the mid-back or thoracic spine that averages to around 32% of injuries. Although most people experience low-back pain, only 9% of spinal injuries occur in the low back and tailbone or lumbosacral spine.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Understanding SCI Trauma

Damage to the spinal cord not only affects the area where the point of impact occurred. The primary injury can also damage cells, dislocate the vertebrae and cause spinal compression. It can also trigger secondary injuries, that cause a series of biological changes. This can happen within weeks or months after the injury.

The secondary injury cascade processes:

Glial cells along with the nerve cells in the spinal cord begin to die. These cells provide nutrients and other support to the nerve cells in the central nervous system. This consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The blood vessels in the spinal cord lose their ability to function, and this reduces the blood supply to the cord. When the blood supply becomes inadequate it is called ischemia. Blood vessel injuries expose the cord to inflammatory cells that in turn cause swelling. When the spinal cord becomes inflamed the spinal cord gets more and more compressed. If this happens�the initial injury progressively worsens.

This changes the cord�s structure and its normal operation. The secondary injury cascade can interfere with the cord�s ability to heal itself. This means an individual could experience permanent nerve pain and dysfunction.

 

Non-traumatic SCI

Spinal cord damage does not only happen with traumatic events. An SCI can also be caused by non-traumatic diseases in the spine. Tumors are the leading cause, but infections and degenerative disc disease can also cause serious damage.

Non-traumatic SCI’s happen more than traumatic based ones. �The incidence of traumatic SCI in North America comes to around 54 cases per one million people. With the incidence of non-traumatic SCI is around 1,227 cases per million people.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Healthy Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes

Spine researchers are making great strides in developing optimal protective and regenerative treatments to improve spinal cord health after these injuries occur.

Currently, innovative medical, surgical, cell-based and alternative treatments are furthering the medical community�s understanding of SCI’s. This is dramatically improving the quality of life and creating positive futures for individuals who experience these injuries.


 

Car Accident Injury Rehabilitation | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

The muscles in the back keep the spine moving and functioning properly.�When the spine or�abdominal muscles are�weak this creates a higher probability of a back strain or injury. Having strong, healthy spine muscles are important because they function in maintaining correct posture, which in some cases, causes chronic back pain because of poor posture.

If�only one part of the body is�strengthened like the back is not enough. Therefore strengthening the rest of the body is a must. These include the body�s core and leg muscles. Total body strength will reduce back pain and can help perform regular activities, like�lifting heavy objects much easier, with more confidence and with a lesser probability of injury.

 

Phone Related Neck and Head Injuries El Paso, Texas

Phone Related Neck and Head Injuries El Paso, Texas

Head and neck injuries related to phone use are on the rise. Since the first iPhone was released, according to a study in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Doctors are warning cell phone users to be especially careful when:

  • Walking around and texting

It is a distraction and one of the leading causes of head and neck injuries.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Phone-Related Neck and Head Injuries El Paso, TX.

 

2,501 reported cases of phone-related head and neck injuries that lead to emergency room visits between January 1998 and December 2017 found in a nationwide database. Injuries in teens and young adults aged 13 to 29 years old were about 40%, in women (55%) and men (45%).

 

Common Phone Injuries

Common injuries include:

  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Abrasions
  • Internal injuries usually happen around the eyes and nose
  • Possible trauma to the brain

Over 41% of these injuries happened at home and were minor with little or no treatment needed. Around 50% of injuries were a result of distracted driving and 30% from distracted walking.

 

 

Any type of phone distraction in and out of the home puts you and others at risk for:

  • Falls
  • Slips
  • Trips

All of which can lead to injuries and other possible consequences (e.g. a busted phone).

More individuals are getting injured because of phone use while moving around and not paying attention to what’s around them.

Children

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Phone-Related Neck and Head Injuries El Paso, TX.

 

Children under the age of 13 were at higher risk to suffer a mechanical injury like parents accidentally dropping the phone on their child or children hitting themselves in the face. For example, ninety cases of injuries occurred while playing Pokemon Go.

Spending as little as two to four hours a day hunched over a smartphone is enough to make a serious impact on the body over time. And though two to four hours may not seem like a long time, it isn�t hard to arrive at two hours by adding several 15-minute or half-hour segments together.

For teenagers, specifically, two to four hours on a smartphone has changed as of now teenagers spend around seven to eight hours on their phones. Spending twice as much time on afternoons or the space between classes or lunch. Think about the impact of 1500 plus hours of bad posture throughout the year. There is no surprise that teenagers are at risk.

The lasting impact of text neck and distracted phone use on today�s young people will be costly. Therefore, the public needs to be educated about the risks of distracted phone use and reducing this distracted behavior.


 

*Neck* Pain Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 


 

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If you begin noticing pain, spasms, or irritation around the neck, shoulders, or back make an appointment with a professional chiropractor. Explain when the pain occurred, the severity, and the activity that started it. A simple adjustment may be all that is needed to get re-aligned and gain relief from pain caused by overuse. A chiropractor can also help decrease the chances of the injury worsening over time.

 

Have a Safe Happy Holiday and Prevent Injury El Paso, TX.

Have a Safe Happy Holiday and Prevent Injury El Paso, TX.

This is the season of the year that brings special time with loved ones, but it�s also a time when many un-merry mishaps and accidents can happen. From neck and back pain to sprains and strains to serious fractures that can put you in the emergency room. With a little care, preparation and precaution, you can be safe and enjoy the holidays to the fullest, while reducing the risk of experiencing a slip and fall injury.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Have a Safe Happy Holiday and Prevent Injury El Paso, TX.

The Garage

This is where holiday prep, go for tools and the like usually begin. However, the garage can be the first place where danger lurks during this season.

  • Most of us store the big boxes at the top on overhead storage racks etc. A wobbly step ladder, not enough upper body strength, someone opening the door where the ladder stands and tipping it, etc, is a perfect setup for a fall.
  • The first thing to ask is whether or not this is a job for you? If not then wait and ask for help from friends and family that can offer added strength and balance.
  • Plan ahead and prepare ahead so that repacking the decorations, lights, and so on will be a clean safe process.
  • Proper footwear that can grip a stable step ladder is a must.

Around the Tree

Anything can happen around the tree, ornaments fall and break, wire from the lights shorts out, trip and fall around it.

  • Just be aware of your surroundings and maybe keep a safe perimeter around the tree so nobody trips, slips and falls around it.
  • Focus on stability on a ladder if you have to add, adjust, the tree/ornaments, lights and what have you.
  • If the tree starts to lean, make sure reinforcements are there just in case when you’re ready to straighten it out.

Maybe Get Off the Floor

Wrapping gifts on the floor doesn’t pose the greatest risk for a spine injury, but it can increase chances for a�musclestrain and sore back and neck. Hours just hunched over on the floor is a sure-fire set up for back pain.

  • Again plan ahead and knock out the trimmings and trappings little by little so there is plenty left in the tank when it’s time for the main event.
  • Maybe set up the wrapping station at a table and sit for a bit, stand for a bit,� take plenty of breaks, and move around and stretch out.
  • Sitting in a chair will help posture and prevent slouching.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Have a Safe Happy Holiday and Prevent Injury El Paso, TX.

 

On the House

As a spine injury specialist, I can tell you falls from the roof while hanging lights are real, and can be life-changing. From severe spine injuries to paralyzing fractures.

Safe Equipment is of the utmost importance!

 

  • Make sure the ladder you�re using is sturdy and on solid ground.
  • Only hang the lights from the eaves, so you can stand on a ladder.
  • Maybe think about using one of those projection kits that project various displays onto your house without the risk of injury.

No matter how you choose to decorate and entertain this holiday season, safety is priority one. From our team here at�Injury Medical and Chiropractic Clinic Happy Holidays!


 

El Paso, TX Chiropractor Personal Injury Attorney Recommended

 


 

NCBI Resources

The connective tissues in and around the spine can get:

  • Pulled
  • Strained
  • Sprained

Small tears in the disc can also contribute to back pain.

Basically, any number of activity and non-activity can cause damage to the spinal discs depending on the movement.

Manual tasks performed in an awkward posture

This includes:

  • Lifting boxes with the back and not bending the knees
  • Lifting something too heavy
  • Moderate physical activity
  • Vigorous physical activity

High intense strength training, long walks at the stores, handling people or animals, and picking up children can cause injury.

 

Proper Use of Hand and Power Tools and Prevent Injury El Paso

Proper Use of Hand and Power Tools and Prevent Injury El Paso

There are all kinds of tools for all kinds of jobs. However, using the correct tool can mean the difference between a job well done and a job that got done but also generated injuries and pain.

Examples:

  • Long tools are best for when you need leverage, sparing the need for massive physical force.
  • Vice grips and clamps can grip/stabilize objects rather than trying to hold objects with your hands.
  • Tilt objects to avoid overbending the wrists.
  • Use a cart/dolly/arm straps to carry heavy loads.

Take some time to think about how to make the job easier on yourself and look up youtube tutorials to find innovative ways to do these jobs making it less stressful both mentally and physically.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Proper Use of Hand and Power Tools and Prevent Injury El Paso

 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health guidelines hand tool use

 

  1. Keep the wrists straight &� Avoid bending/rotating the wrists.
    Instead bend the tool, not the wrist and there are a variety of bent-handle tools just for this reason. Using the handshake wrist position is a good way to approach a job, as it is a neutral position for the wrist.
  2. Don’t stand still in one place for an extended time when using a heavy tool.
    Instead, reduce the size and weight of the tool which will help avoid strain, keeping the elbows low and slightly bent.
  3. Tools that place pressure on the base of the palm stress the soft tissues of the hands and fingers interrupting circulation and nerve function.
    Instead, opt for one with finger grooves that fit the hand. Short-handles help by reducing stress on the soft tissues.
  4. Don’t use tools that need a lot of grip force to use or hold.
    Instead, use one with a grip that compresses like memory foam and shapes to the hand. This is far better than hard plastic.
  5. Don’t use tools that need the fingers to grip.
    Instead, use tools that utilize a full-hand power grip.
  6. Do not use tools that have sharp-edged handles or areas where the hands could get pinched.
    Instead, use tools that keep the hands/fingers safe.
  7. Trigger-finger operational tools should be avoided as this can easily cause repetitive finger/hand/wrist injury from the constant on-off motion.
    Instead, use tools with large switches that can be operated using all four fingers.
  8. Excessive temperatures affect manual dexterity, therefore keep hands free from extreme heat and cold.
    If possible, do a different job that’s away from the extreme weather and if not wear properly insulated work gloves.
  9. Keep excessive vibration to a minimum. Excessive vibration can affect circulation.
    Use tools with control�features that limit vibration to the extremities and whole body.
  10. Wear gloves that fit. If they are too tight they will place extreme pressure on the hands. Loose-fitting gloves reduce grip strength and the ability to grip properly.
    Instead have a selection that is designed for different jobs.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Proper Use of Hand and Power Tools and Prevent Injury El Paso

 

Safely Operating Tools that Cause Whole-Body Vibration

There are power tools that vibrate no matter what and transmit vibration into the operator’s arms and hands, legs, and feet. Using a tool like this can cause a condition called white finger or Raynaud’s Phenomenon to present.

The symptoms include:

  • Aching in the wrists and muscles of the forearm
  • Tingling sensations
  • Numbness
  • Whiteness in the fingers from restricted circulation

This type of vibration from riveting tools, grinders, pneumatic hammers, drills, and chain saws will affect the whole body’s well being.

 

Suggestions to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders

  • Choose power tools with anti-vibration controls and handles coated with suppressant/cushioned material to help with vibration.
  • Maintenance power tools by making sure they are balanced, clean, and lubricated.
  • Use gloves designed to absorb or reduce vibration.
  • Ask for help if the job requires equipment or tools that vibrate.

Whether using a hand or power tool to get a job done, the whole body is involved. Executing proper posture and body mechanics, along with proper tool choice and how it is used is vital to injury prevention.

 


 

El Paso, TX Chiropractor Recommended

 

 

Chiropractic care can help keep bodies flexible and help with range of motion. It is a very effective, non-invasive treatment for pain and can help with joint and muscular problems as well. Regular chiropractic treatments can help you better manage your body�s response to your work environment. It can also undo many of the ill effects that that type of work can cause.


 

NCBI Resources

Standing for extended or frequent periods of time without any breaks (such as walking or stretching) can cause the joints in the feet, knees, hips, and spine to become locked or immobilized temporarily. If the behavior continues, it can cause degenerative damage, leading to rheumatic diseases because the ligaments and tendons become damaged.

 

How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals that treat patients of all ages with various ailments/conditions. A spine surgeon, physiatrist, orthopedist, primary care physician, neurosurgeon, and a chiropractor may refer patients to a physical therapist as part of a non-operative treatment plan.

An organized physical therapy plan may be an integral part of after-care following surgery. Therapists practice in a variety of settings, like hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Physical therapists provide:

  • Treatments
  • Exercises
  • Mechanics

The primary goals�of physical therapy include:

  • Maintain practical skills
  • Improvement
  • Building endurance and strength
  • Increasing flexibility
  • Reducing pain
  • Preventing impairment

Physical therapists also instruct patients on the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with long-term physical incapacity (eg, spinal cord injury).

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

 

Aquatic Therapy

Patients with osteoarthritis have found�water exercise to be beneficial. With a gravity-free environment,patients can perform simple exercises without stressing the tender joints. Movement increases circulation to the affected joints and can relieve stiffness. Swimming is also a great exercise for anyone for loosening up stiff joints and strengthening muscles.

 

Electrical Stimulation

This type of therapy forces a muscle or muscle group to contract and relax. Therapists place surface patches containing electrodes on the skin over the area to be treated. The therapist programs the equipment to deliver the correct amount of stimulation for a set time.

The electrical current flows through nerve and muscle cells. The treatment is not painful. The patient feels gentle pulsating or an on/off sensation. This treatment stimulates circulation and supplies the area with oxygen and nourishment for healing. Electrical stimulation enhances healing and alleviates swelling and pain.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

Electrical stimulation in physical therapy. Therapist positioning electrodes onto a patient’s knee

 

Heat and Ice

Heat increases circulation, decreases stiffness, pain and muscle spasms.

Patients with early arthritis symptoms find relief by taking a warm bath or hot shower.

It is best when done in the morning to help loosen up and alleviate stiffness.

Physical therapists use moist hot packs wrapped in a towel that is laid or wrapped around the affected area.

A moist hot pack transfers moist heat that penetrates deeply into soft tissues and stimulates local circulation more than heat alone.

 

 

Ice decreases pain by slowing the nerve impulses.

Inflammation subsides with forms of cold therapy:

  • Cold packs
  • Ice massage
  • Iced towels

They are usually the first aid following trauma.

When treating an overworked body part�icetreatment should be supervised by a physical therapist.

Hydrotherapy

This is like a whirlpool bath. The water temperature and agitation loosen up joints, stimulate muscles and are controlled for maximum benefit.

 

Myofascial Release

This therapy improves circulation, decreases muscular tension and increases range of motion.

It is a type of massage that stimulates the muscles. The muscle tissue is manipulated by hand to stretch the tissue. Tight tissues become loosened using a cross friction motion with this therapy.

 

 

Movement & Conditioning

A physical therapist teaches patients how to move properly while being able to work through the pain. Therapists want patients to work as pain-free as possible. This does not mean that the exercises will be easy. More than likely they are going to be tough, but that is what you want to get back into top physical form.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

Physical therapist assisting woman on an exercise ball at the clinic

 

Warming-Up can be accomplished by riding a stationary bike and some light stretching. The type of warm-up that goes with the therapy is determined by the individual treatment plan.

There will be muscle soreness for 24 to 48 hours following exercise therapy. This is completely normal and should be expected. As the exercises become a normal part of the day the discomfort will gradually go away. Stretching will increase flexibility. And as the treatment goes on resistive and strength exercises could be added.

 

Couple warming up

Home Exercise

With any treatment plan, there is usually a custom home exercise program. Exercises pretty much follow clinic exercises with variations and added stretches to keep the body from stiffening staying limber. Changes can be discussed with a physician.

 

Body Mechanics & Posture

Proper body mechanics helps to prevent further injury/s from occurring. Patients willing to maintain

  • Physical fitness
  • Reduce stress
  • Apply proper body mechanics

This reduces the risk of injury.

Proper posture is defined as keeping the natural curve of the spine. Proper posture minimizes stress to the spine. This is the first lesson a physical therapist teaches a patient.

Poor posture and poor body mechanics are leading contributors to neck and back pain.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 How Can Physical Therapy Help Me El Paso, Texas

Proper Work Habits

  • Do not lean over a desk for long periods.
  • Try not to sit without back support.
  • Adjust chair height so the knees are bent at a 90-degrees.
  • Bend the elbows at a 90-degree angle or they can rest on the work surface.
  • Don’t cradle the phone against the ear and shoulder as this can cause neck and shoulder issues.

 

movement in the work place el paso tx.

 

Lifting and Carrying Objects

  1. First, look at the object to be moved. If it looks too heavy find help.
  2. Remove obstacles from the pathway where the object will be going through.
  3. Visualize maintaining proper posture.
  4. Get as close to the object as you can.
  5. Place feet slightly apart and flat on the floor.
  6. Bend at the knees to provide stable support.
  7. Tighten the stomach muscles.
  8. Breathe deeply.
  9. Smoothly lift the object using arms and legs and not the back.
  10. Hold the object at the sides and bottom.
  11. Keep the object close to the body.
  12. Keep back straight and carry the object with elbows slightly bent.

With shopping bags or luggage split the load in two, and try to carry the same amount of weight in each hand.

 

 

Pushing versus Pulling

Pushing is the more efficient and safer method of moving objects. Keep the back straight and use the knees to push. Keep close to the object and reposition the body every so often.

Reaching for Objects

  1. Check the size, weight, and location of the object.
  2. Use a proper stool or step-ladder to get the object. Stand with both feet flat.
  3. One hand can be used for additional support.
  4. Try not to look over too much as this can cause neck strain.
  5. Think about storing regularly used items within easy reach.

Physical therapists may work directly for or with a physician, therapist, chiropractor and other healthcare providers to organize aspects of physical treatment plans. For example, a doctor may send physical therapist information of graphs, medications, analysis, and imaging results.


 

Massage Rehabilitation El Paso, Texas

 


 

NCBI Resources

During the first consultation, a physical therapist will talk about symptoms, analysis, and medical history.� Severity the location, type, and variables that decrease or increase pain are significant, and the PT will ask many questions regarding pain.

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals and members of your medical team. While physical therapy may be challenging or demanding at first, there are many benefits. It�s an opportunity to take charge of back or neck pain while building a stronger more resilient body.