Did you know that texting may be a cause of neck and back pain? According to this article, each day the average person spends 2-4 hours with their neck bent at an unnatural angle texting or reading emails. Because of the weight of the human head and the extra pressure added to the spine, the back begins to lose its natural curve. This ultimately leads to stress on the spine and pain in the back. Read more by clicking the link below.
Do you or a friend have pain associated with texting or using your computer?? Come on in for a FREE Injury Screening at we will tell you what’s going on.
At this point last year we had 3 feet of snow. Sweet memories!?! I hope that your winter has been heathy so far.
Think positive. Boating weather will return soon!!
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to improve your experience at OrthoWell and to remind you how awesome you CAN feel. Read on and let’s get you back on track.
How can “Cups” Heal your Injuries Faster?
This Unique Eastern Technique Has Been Used for 1000’s of Years
If I were to tell you that putting suction cups on your point of pain would help you recover from injuries faster, would you believe me? If you’re hesitant, I don’t blame you. I had been treating patients for over 2 decades and it wasn’t until I personally experienced the benefits of cupping therapy when I became convinced. I couldn’t believe that something so simple could work so well.
Cupping therapy may sound strange but it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. We are finding that this supplemental therapy actually increased the effectiveness of other techniques that we use in our clinic.
If you haven’t experienced cupping therapy in our clinic then click the video below to see a demonstration.
Does your foot hurt?
Start feeling better TODAY!
Our goal with the Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Guide is to help people who are struggling with foot pain and its yours – FOR FREE!
If you are interested in gaining the knowledge to heal yourself or have a friend that is in need of help, then our treatment guide is the right place to start. Foot pain can really wear you down. We want to help you return to living a normal, happy and PAIN-FREE life.
We have put together the ONLY comprehensive protocol for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. We want to show you how YOU can help yourself.
This option is for those of you who want the consistency of care on a monthly basis but do not want to spend all the money up front for a Preferred package. This program allows us to automatically debit your credit card on a monthly basis. It includes all of the features of the Preferred Program and is priced at $60 per session. You can schedule an ongoing appointment or call to schedule as needed. If you dont use it, you will NOT lose it. We will just keep track of what you have used or not used. However, the purpose of our maintenance is programs is to use them consistently in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We would only need a 60 day advance notice to cancel the program.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
“After completing a round of physical therapy with Chris and Matt at Orthowell I am so pleased with the results. I came in barely able to run 3 miles without pain and within 2 weeks I saw a difference. I appreciate the education they provide as well. What I love most about their office is the access to multiple types of treatment. ART, Laser, Cupping and Massage all played a role in my recovery. The icing on the cake is the friendly service I received!” – Meg King
WALL OF FAME
We have started a Wall of Fame at each of our clinics. We are proud of our patients and the success that they have had. If you have previously provided us with a testimonial, we would love to take your picture with your therapist and hang it with your testimonial for display it in our clinic! Seeing is believing! Here is Beverly so far…..
Do you focus on strengthening over stretching during your workouts? Recent research has shown that the tighter your hip flexors are, the less activity there is in your glutes. It is theorized that this could apply to other glute exercises as well. If you tend to skip stretching to spend more time lifting, think a little harder before you skip that hip flexor stretch.
Check out this link to read more about Lower Crossed Syndrome to avoid any pitfalls during your workouts.
For the research oriented, check out this link for even more data on glute activation.
2016 has arrived. Thank you once again for helping to make 2015 one of our best years ever at OrthoWell.
The start of a new year is a time for resolutions. You may want to consider resolving to NEVER have a recurrence of pain by joining our Wellness Membership program. Read more below to save dough!
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to improve your experience at OrthoWell and to remind you how awesome you CAN feel. Read on and let’s get you back on track.
MIRACLE CURE FOR TIGHT HAMSTRINGS?
What REALLY is the cause for your tights hamstrings?? That is the first question we ask when we evaluate you at OrthoWell. Once we discover the cause, the next question is how do we treat it?
There are many approaches from both an exercise and a manual therapy standpoint to release your hamstrings. We are currently getting certified in a new approach, a new paradigm to the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction called Total Motion Release.
TMR focuses on neurologic patterns and connections within your body. TMR focuses on movements of greatest ease to release restrictions in either the same or opposing body parts. For example, treatment for a left frozen shoulder could entail active range of motion exercises of your right shoulder and your left hip instead of direct mobilization of the right frozen shoulder. Seeing is believing.
The first video is a TMR shoulder “miracle” and the second is a TMR technique to stretch your hamstrings.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS PROMOTION!
WE DID IT – TOGETHER!!
Our holiday promotional was a success thanks to YOU! We donated $10 for each new patient that came through our doors from Thanksgiving thru the New Years Eve that was divided between two awesome organizations:
This option is for those of you who want the consistency of care on a monthly basis but do not want to spend all the money up front for a Preferred package. This program allows us to automatically debit your credit card on a monthly basis. It includes all of the features of the Preferred Program and is priced at $60 per session. You can schedule an ongoing appointment or call to schedule as needed. If you dont use it, you will NOT lose it. We will just keep track of what you have used or not used. However, the purpose of our maintenance is programs is to use them consistently in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We would only need a 60 day advance notice to cancel the program.
UltraMan and Our Trainer Extraordinaire
Matt Veiga
I’ve been running since the 6th grade. I ran cross country and track through high school and college. After college I completely transitioned from running on roads to running on the trails. I ran my first trail marathon at Stone Cat trail marathon in 2011. The USATF New England Mountain Series is a series of races that focus on climbing and in some cases climbing and descending different mountains through MA, ME, and VT. Over the past 2 years, I have placed 3rd overall and have become a regular in the top five of all the races. The mountain series got me hooked on trail racing and the different approach it takes to do well. The trail and mountain races require you to be strong uphill in addition to having leg speed for the flats and downs.
In addition to running mountain races the past two year I have also run 2 ultra marathons which is any distance over the standard 26.2 mile marathon distance. Specifically I have run two 50k trail races or 31 miles. I have wanted to run an ultra since learning about 100 miles races in high school. For some sick reason it just seemed like a lot of fun to me. Like the mountain races, there are a whole different set of principals you need to learn as an ultra runner and it keeps you interested and working hard to reach your goals. Next year I hope to move up to the 50 mile distance while continuing to have success in the mountain series.
You can request private coaching services with Matt. He also has a blog at
Sometimes injuries happen and you need some help. Check out what a recent Beverly patient said about his care here at OrthoWell:
“After a bad fall in the shower I damaged my knee. The injury was painful when I walked upstairs or at a fast pace. After several months of slow recovery I started physical therapy at OrthoWell with Chris and his wonderful, talented staff. My progress was almost miraculous. For those who doubt there is anything that can be done for pain and limited mobility visit OrthoWell. You will learn a lot about your body to help stay mobile and healthy” Anthony Metaxas 11/13/15
Do you have low back pain? Check out the testimonial below and see how you can get 100% relief at OrthoWell:
“I came to OrthoWell with severe lower back pain. Within the first week I could feel an incredible change. The people are friendly and really understand how to help you. Leaving OrthoWell I feel 100% better. I will continue my stretches and continue to get better. I would highly recommend this to anyone having issues with pain anywhere on their body. Thank you OrthoWell.” -Melissa Parkhust 12/15/15
WALL OF FAME
We are starting a Wall of Fame at each of our clinics. We are proud of our patients and the success that they have had. If you have previously provided us with a testimonial, we would love to take your picture with your therapist and hang it with your testimonial for display it in our clinic! Seeing is believing!
Give us a call and we’ll schedule a time to take your photo so you can be one of the first patient success stories on our Wall of Fame!
Wow! The holidays are upon us once again. I hope that you are feeling awesome. If not, then WHY? The purpose of this newsletter is to share as much as I can in order to get you feeling as awesome as possible.
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to improve your experience at OrthoWell and to remind you how awesome you CAN feel. Read on and let’s get you back on track.
HOW TO MAKE A CORE INVESTMENT
To get the best return on your investment, you want to make sure that when you go to the gym you are doing the exercises that will be most effective.
We often find that people haven’t been doing the most effective core stability exercises, or they have been doing them with incorrect form. Check out this video blog post about how to properly engage your core.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Are you looking for a way to help those in need this holiday season?
Here’s how we can do it if we work together.
As a way of serving our community, OrthoWell Physical Therapy will be donating $10 for each new patient that comes through our doors through the end of 2015 to either of two awesome organizations in Beverly called Beverly Bootstraps or inAmesbury called Our Neighbors Table.
You can check out the videos on our Beverly Facebook page or our NBPT Facebook page. So come on in for a physical therapy evaluation or spread the word about our holiday initiative.
Let’s do this together!
Help us Celebrate Our 1 Year Anniversary
in Newburyport
Wow! This past year just flew by. We have had a great start in Newburyport thanks to ALL of you. As a thank you we would like to extend a special discount on the purchase of one of our maintenance packages.
You can try get one of the following: Laser, Dry Needling or our Wellness Maintenance packages at a 15% Discount thru the end of this year!
You can also purchase these packages for a loved one if you want! Tis’ the season. Just let us know by calling 978-522-4199! And THANK YOU once again for your patronage!
TEAMWORK GETS YOU BETTER…FASTER
I have been coordinating services with local chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists and getting amazing results!
My goal is to improve the way that we collaborate and the way that we coordinate services with each of our patients. I have seen incredible results when we ALL work together. Why wait to start PT or chiropractic if we can get you better…faster as a team. This means better communication and better results.
Please let me know if you are using another practitioner that you think would be a great addition to our TEAM approach.
Our Commitment to YOU
by Mark Johnson,PT at OrthoWell
I have been treating patients for 1.5 years following completing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England. I have been here at OrthoWell for almost 6 months and I cannot believe how much I have grown as a physical therapist in an environment committed to education and evidenced based practice.
Over the past several months I have been noticing a trend of increased number of patients complaining of neck pain which has sparked my interest to participate in continuing education focused on neck pain in order to get the best results for my patients. I recently completed a 16 hour course focused on cervical (neck) pathology at the Institute of Manual Therapy where I was able to refine my skills and apply new knowledge to all of my patient with neck pain.
So if you or someone you know is suffering from neck pain because life can certainly be a “pain in the neck”, then come on in. You are always guaranteed the most up-to-date, comprehensive and holistic physical therapy at OrthoWell.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
Check out what a recent Beverly patient said about his care here at OrthoWell:
“OrthoWell PT has given me my life back, no doubt! After 3 months of knee pain with every step I took, I feared for my job as a nurse and my normally active lifestyle was severely curtailed. Surgery was an option, but without guarantee for improvement.
After just one session of PT and 1 laser treatment i was able to walk without limping. After 1 month of therapy and new orthotics, I am closing in on 100% return of function and I am thrilled with the progress.
The holistic approach used by Chris and his team is unique compared to other PT experiences I have had. I highly recommend OrthoWell PT as the best option out there!”
Doris Bailey-Jones
WALL OF FAME
We are starting a Wall of Fame at each of our clinics. We are proud of our patients and the success that they have had. If you have previously provided us with a testimonial, we would love to take your picture with your therapist and hang it with your testimonial for display it in our clinic! Seeing is believing!
Give us a call and we’ll schedule a time to take your photo so you can be one of the first patient success stories on our Wall of Fame!
There has been a lot of talk about the role probiotics play in our health; from general intestinal health to the management of stress, anxiety and energy levels. With the overly stressful and constant on-the-go lives we live today, it makes it difficult for our bodies to keep up. One area greatly affected by this life style is our gut health. Take a look at these two articles about their importance in good gut health, and the affect they can have on your healing/recovery as well as your athletic performance.
Our wellness goal at OrthoWell Physical Therapy is to partner with YOU in order to provide the BEST in physical therapy maintenance care to prevent return of pain or injury for a LIFETIME!
When you have experienced the OrthoWell approach to physical therapy care, you realize that we do things a little differently. We are not paint-by-the-numbers physical therapists. We are truly passionate about figuring out what is wrong with you. We are Holistic. We are Comprehensive.
On Day 1 you will see that we spend a lot of time evaluating your condition in order to provide you with an accurate functional diagnosis. If you aren’t assessing, you’re guessing! We don’t want to waste your time or your money.
Why don’t your entrust your care to the experts? Becoming a member of our Wellness Membership Program is the answer for long-term health and wellness.
Just think how you would feel if you received a monthly or even bi-monthly treatment that included a combination of Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, Cupping Therapy and Deep Tissue Laser Therapy to release stiff tissue that re-occurs as result of participating in sports, running, or even the daily stresses of being a stay-at-home Mom. Your treatment would be focused on problem areas that we identify with a re-evaluation. You wouldn’t just get “generalized” treatment that may or may not help solve the problem. You would then be instructed in appropriate exercises to perform during your session and to continue with as part of your maintenance or progressive program.
You can pre-purchase a package of wellness visits to become a member in our Preferred Program. This would qualify you for a FREE Deep Tissue Laser Therapy session with each visit. Consistent use of laser therapy helps to stimulate chemical reactions in your cells to accelerate healing and prevent future injury during your sport or daily activity. You will also receive future discounts and coupons for things such as custom foot orthotics, EFAC cream, physical therapy equipment, and referrals rewards to local health care practitioners such as personal trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists who we trust and do business with.
The best part of this program is that you pay less when you make a commitment to your health.
Purchase a package of 6 wellness visits for $65 per visit or $390
Purchase a package of 12 wellness visits for $55 per visit or $660.
Why take a risk with your health?
In life there are no guarantees, but why take a chance on your health? Convince yourself that you are doing the most to OPTIMIZE your health. Partner with us to take control of your long-term health and wellness. What are you waiting for?
I have struggled over the years as to the importance of including toe flexor strengthening as part of a program for plantar fasciitis. Many researches agree that the potential causes of plantar fasciitis are just too numerous and multi-factorial. The evidence in the literature has not been conclusive and I have let many of my patient’s comments that “this is silly” when picking up marbles dictate my decision-making. I have slowly but surely, and I believe wrongly, eliminated this important exercise from my treatment approach. I have recently read several articles that have rekindled my enthusiasm for toe flexor strengthening. So why the change in heart??
I am always looking for ways to get our patients better…faster. I have written a book on plantar fasciitis called the Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Manual and it identifies ankle muscle weakness as a result of plantar fasciitis but not include the presence of toe flexor weakness. That is my oversight and I will correct that in the book. Yes, the literature does identify weakness of the ankle muscles and the toes flexor muscles with the plantar fasciits population, yet the research does NOT confirm any causative factor of this weakness on the development of plantar fasciitis.(1,3,4) It is the chicken or the egg conundrum. Unfortunately, there are theoretical assertions that the “flexor digitorum brevis muscle (the muscle directly underneath the plantar fascia) plays an important role in distributing pressure away from the plantar fascia” that are simply not supported by research. (2) Does this mean that we should not perform strengthening exercises? Let me provide some more evidence.
As we get older, we get weaker. We all lose muscle mass, we lose muscle fibers and, as a consequence, we see decreases in strength between the ages of 30 and 80 within a range of 20-40%.(5) Several articles have also shown that “older people” exhibit 24-40% less strength in the muscles of the foot and ankle(5,6,7,8). As a consequence of foot and ankle weakness, older adults are more susceptible to loss of balance, the development of foot and toe deformities and can be susceptible to overuse syndromes such as plantar fasciitis. (5,6,7,8) The biggest question that has not been answered when it comes to strengthening exercises for older adults is WHICH exercises are the most effective?
As a result, we have to rely on some common sense. If the muscles in our ankles and feet get weaker as we get older (proven!), then we should strengthen them to avoid plantar fasciitis. Right? Not necessarily. There is not a direct correlation between weakness and the development of plantar fasciitis but, then again, many people don’t believe that there is a direct correlation between human activity and climate change. My point is why should we wait to change our approach until it is conclusive – whether it be climate change or your plantar fasciitis?
There are a lot “pain creams” on the market that tout their effectiveness. Do they really work? Do they just take your mind off of the pain temporarily?
A topical counterirritant is a cream that essentially takes your mind off of the pain. Creams such as BenGay and IcyHot simply activate nerve ending in your skin that “fool” your brain temporarily. These products do not cross the skin barrier to get to the root of the problem. What if I told you that we recommend a product at OrthoWell that is:
*Safe
*Natural
*95% absorbed thru the skin
*Fast acting
*Research proven
We use a cream from two different companies that contains esterified fatty acids. One of the companies is EFAC at Hope Science and the other one is 1-TDC at Elite Science. The inventor of the EFAC-brand formula researched the effects of esterified fatty acids and came up with a combination that beats the effects of chondroitin and glucosamine…hands down! You can read the results and more about the evidence behind EFACHERE.The proprietary formula for esterified fatty acids is the same in both products but the 1-TDC product uses a paraben-free cream. So how does it work?
It has been shown that EFAC reduces joint and muscular discomfort within 30 minutes of topical application and within 14 days of oral consumption. The effects of the esterified fatty acids include:
*Pain reduction
*Tissue regeneration
*Improved function and range of motion
*Reduction of inflammation
*Lubrication of your joints and tissues.
Read what Robin said about it:
“After only 3 days I noticed a huge improvement in my feet. I also applied the EFAC to my knuckles and thumb joint, when arthritis is bad! Pain gone after application! I want to take a bath in this cream!”Robin Graves. January 31, 2017.
The esterified fatty acids are carried in the membranes of our white blood cells. Because white blood cells are the first responders after injury or in the presence of inflammation, the fatty acids are delivered directly to the affected site and play a role in mediating the inflammatory process. You can read more about the pharmacology HERE. These products have shown dramatic effects in the treatment of gum disease and positive results have been demonstrated in humans as well as animals. Don’t forget about your dog!
Both companies offer a cream as well as capsules. The cream contains a 7% concentration of the esterified fatty acids where as the capsules contain a 70% concentration. You can maximize your benefits by taking the supplement orally as well as topically. There are no side effects and no maximum allowable dosage. You can essentially take as much as you want. However, the manufactures suggest 3-6 capsules per day. We recommend that you apply the cream at least twice daily or as needed depending on your pain level. In some cases, we suggest piercing the capsules and applying the contents of the capsule on smaller areas for maximum effect. There is a small amount of menthol in the cream for the topical analgesic effect. Research has been done that compared the effects of the cream with versus without the menthol and the results were the SAME
You can purchase these products online or in our office. Let us know if you want to give them a try! You wont be disappointed.
Can icing actually INCREASE your swelling and delay your healing? What if I told you that it can? What if I also told you that the evidence supports NOT using ice? Watch this video by MobilityWOD to get the facts.
