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).
Aquatic Therapy
Patients with osteoarthritis have found�waterexercise 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.
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�ice�treatment 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.
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.
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.
Lifting and Carrying Objects
First, look at the object to be moved. If it looks too heavy find help.
Remove obstacles from the pathway where the object will be going through.
Visualize maintaining proper posture.
Get as close to the object as you can.
Place feet slightly apart and flat on the floor.
Bend at the knees to provide stable support.
Tighten the stomach muscles.
Breathe deeply.
Smoothly lift the object using arms and legs and not the back.
Hold the object at the sides and bottom.
Keep the object close to the body.
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
Check the size, weight, and location of the object.
Use a proper stool or step-ladder to get the object. Stand with both feet flat.
One hand can be used for additional support.
Try not to look over too much as this can cause neck strain.
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.
FDA recognizes and approves spinal decompression and its ability to eliminate herniated discs.
On the verge of back surgery, a mason discovered the non-surgical solution to work-related chronic back pain.
A new male patient who works in construction came to see me as a last resort to lessen his back pain brought on from damaged/herniated discs.
His primary caregiver recommended back surgery, but that would have put him on disability for months.
Fortunately, before saying yes to the surgery, a co-worker recommended chiropractic care.
Bricklayers/masons have the highest rate of back injuries with non-paid sick leave.
Constant bending over, even with a back brace, takes its toll on the spine, which in this case resulted in two herniated discs.
Pain medications helped in the beginning but with constant use, put him in a constant brain fog state, along with the expense, which took its toll on the family budget.
Disc Injury & Back Surgery
The doctor did not discuss spinal decompression therapy
�A non-surgical back treatment that slowly and gently stretches the spine.
This stretching lessens the pressure on the compressed nerve root (herniated disc) and results in less and even complete alleviation.
The patient came twice a week with myself and the team working on him over the course of a month, however, every case is different so treatments vary depending on the condition.
With each treatment, the two herniated discs were slowly reverted back to their natural position. This is able to be achieved with less pressure between the discs.
Towards the end of treatment, the patient’s pain was gone by about 90%.
With two weeks of rest, the patient was able to return to work.
The best part was that there was no surgery, pain medications, disability, and hospital bills.
Spine treatment alternative
Chiropractic/Decompression therapy is way less expensive than medication and surgery. It is:
Non-surgical
Recovery time is faster
Completely drug-free
People suffering every day with herniated/injured discs should consider the chiropractic decompression option. You do not have to learn to live with chronic back pain.
If you suffer from:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
I encourage you to discuss the condition with an experienced chiropractor. There are many proven alternatives to back surgery and pain meds. People need to be aware of these alternatives for chronic back pain. The right-back pain treatment can definitely improve the quality of life.
Herniated Disc El Paso, TX
Sandra Rubio developed two herniated discs and a bulging disc after suffering from an accident at a young age, which caused her intense pain throughout her youth.
When she became a mother, her symptoms became severe.
After visiting doctors without results, Sandra found chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez and found relief from her sciatica and migraines.
The herniated disc treatment she received from Dr. Alex Jimenez was non-surgical.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition in which:
Atear from the outer intervertebral disc allows the soft, central area to bulge out beyond the outer rings.
Disc herniation is usually a result of:
Degeneration (wear/tear)
Trauma (auto accident/sports injury)
Lifting injuries
Straining movement
The tear can release the compounds, which cause inflammation and can cause severe pain even if the nerve root not compressed.
A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The chiropractor will examine the spine while the patient is standing, and while they’re lying down. Depending on the severity and location of the herniation, they may note a decrease in spine curvature.
Radicular pain will be assessed, when the spine is:
Unmoving
In motion
With pressure applied
Other tests may be administered.
X-rays may also be taken, but an MRI is usually more accurate and shows more detail.
Chiropractic has been very effective in helping patients manage their pain and regain their mobility so they can return to their normal life. Therefore, it should be your first option for treatment before you go down the road with drugs or surgery.
NCBI Resources
It is often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc and occurs when the disc moves or slips out of place. It can also be the result of a disc that has a small tear and is leaking the jelly-like substance that is inside. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
Physical therapists or PT’s are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.
Personal
Work
Sports
Auto Accidents
A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical�treatment plan.
A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.
Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise.
Conditions therapists treat
Sciatica
Whiplash
Rheumatoid arthritis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
Post spine surgery therapy
Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.
Team Care
Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.
A doctor may send the therapist:
Diagnosis
Current medications
Imaging/scan results
During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.
This can include:
Conditions
Medications being taken
Diet
Supplements
Type of Pain like:
Acute
Chronic
Episodic
The location of the pain that will also include:
Severity
Type
Factors that decrease or increase pain
Training
Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.
Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports
These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.
Physical Therapist
Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.
Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.
Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you
Take Charge
Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community.
Physical therapy can be challenging but don’t let that get you down, because they will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.
Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.
An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:
Vertebrae
Intervertebral discs
Soft tissues
Tendons
Ligaments
Muscles
Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.
Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.
NCBI Resources
Physical therapy includes both active and passive treatments. Passive treatments help to unwind the body and the physique. As an individual does not need to actively participate, they�re known as passive. A physical treatment program may begin with treatments that are passive, but the goal is to get into treatments that are more active.
Back pain and everything that comes with it can really take you out of it. It, being life, that you don’t get to participate in, because you have to anticipate how, whatever the activity may be, is going to affect your back. So you just skip activities altogether. No more! You have options and chiropractic care is one of them. Because back pain can occur due to a variety of health issues, diagnosis is essential to create the correct treatment plan.
Doctor of chiropractic Alexander Jimenez specializes in treating back pain. A few patients share their back pain experiences and how it affected their lives. They describe how Dr. Jimenez has helped them improve their overall health and wellness with chiropractic care. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the back pain specialist.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
We Are Ready To Get You Back To Normal Life!
Low Back Pain & Your Feet
The feet are the foundation of the body; they support its weight. If there is not enough support, various parts of the body, especially the spine become exposed to added stress, this can lead to:
Back, hip, knee and foot pain
Poor posture and abnormal foot movement
Sports performance compromised
Greater risk of injury
An abnormal walk leads to imbalances throughout the knees, ankles, and feet, and can eventually cause pain throughout the body, and yes you guessed it the back.
Foot Levelers Kiosk
The Kiosk helps guide patients in selecting the best custom-made orthotics for their condition and lifestyle. It’s�
Fast:�Push the Start button and the scanner begins.
Easy to use:�User-friendly easy touch screen.
Engaging:�Videos explain the importance of healthy feet and the benefits of custom-made orthotics.
Cloud-based:�Results can be securely accessed from anywhere.
Comprehensive:�Easily retrieve previous scans to compare them to new scans and see the difference.
The Foot Levelers Kiosk helps you. It saves time so you can spend more time living your life.
Intake Form
This is the intake form that is used to set up a custom orthotics treatment plan.
Low Back Pain
When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot�line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone.
The spine is the foundation for the body, supporting the spinal cord and the limbs. When there is a problem with any of the limbs it can affect the spine and vice versa. The intricate network of tendons, ligaments, and nerves work together within the incredible machine that is the human body.
Athletes participate in a variety of exercises and physical activities on a regular basis, however, this can increase the risk of injury. Proper sports injury therapy depends on the correct diagnosis in order for them to be able to return-to-play quickly. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor, helps many athletes recover to optimal performance through the use of chiropractic treatment.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
We Are Ready To Help Get You Back To Optimal Performance!
The Foot Levelers Kiosk
The Kiosk helps guide patients in selecting the best custom-made orthotics for their condition and lifestyle. It’s�
Fast: Push the Start button and the scanner begins.
Easy to use: User-friendly easy touch screen.
Engaging: Videos explain the importance of healthy feet and the benefits of custom-made orthotics.
Cloud-based: Results can be securely accessed from anywhere.
Comprehensive: Easily retrieve previous scans to compare them to new scans and see the difference.
The Foot Levelers Kiosk helps you. It saves time so you can spend more time living your life.
Workouts & Working
Our uplifting southwest community surrounded by it infinite beauty is a fantastic place to live and enjoy our families; it is, therefore, our mission to help each of our patients to�live,�to�love,�to�matter�and�to�thrive�pain-free�in this beautiful special place.
When your body is truly healthy, you will arrive at your optimal fitness level proper physiological fitness state. �We want to help you live a new and improved lifestyle. Over the last two decades, while researching and testing methods with thousands of patients, we have learned what works effectively at decreasing pain while increasing human vitality.
Individuals from all walks of life offer testimonials about their back pain and how their lives suffered from it. Each testimonial describes what they went through being affected by piriformis syndrome and how it limited their ability to take part in their jobs and home life. The patients clarify how El Paso, chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez helped them find relief from their debilitating symptoms. They are all thankful for the treatment Dr. Jimenez has provided, and recommend his team for any type of injury you may have.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and its main function is to connect the feet to the CNS. The painful symptoms associated with sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can tremendously affect a person's quality of life.
Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the low back, down each leg, and into the feet.
Dr. Alex Jimenez focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health issues associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Chiropractic care is an alternative option that utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to safely and effectively correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, which may be causing painful symptoms like sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. Dr. Jimenez is the non-surgical choice.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
