Tight Hip Flexors-The Source of Your Back or Hip Pain?
Could your tight hip flexors be the source of your hip or back pain?
Have you ever been checked?
Total Motion Release : Patients are Raving About It!
Are you still in pain?
Has your previous physical therapy NOT resolved your pain?
Does your pain keep coming back?
Well…Total Motion Release may be the answer you’re looking for.
We are now offering a completely unique approach to the treatment of pain and restrictions. It is called TOTAL MOTION RELEASE or TMR. We have been convinced through our own clinical trials that it is pretty amazing stuff…and our patients love it!
You can read a description of TMR as well as a video demonstration and an incredible video testimonial by clicking HERE.
Do You Really Need To Stretch Your Hamstrings?
Fall has arrived. Amazing colors once again. Should you stretch your hamstrings before hiking thru the fall colors? Read on to see if you should…or if you shouldn’t….
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to maximize your health and wellness and to keep you up-to-date on the happenings at OrthoWell. So read on and let’s keep you on track.
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Do you really need to stretch your hamstrings??
So what if I told you that there is actually very little research that substantiates any long lasting effects of stretching? What if I also told you that you may not even have to stretch your hamstrings to get a release of the stiffness? Would that make you stop stretching or does stretching actually make you FEEL good?
I have been practicing PT for 26 years and I can honestly say that my patients have had some pretty amazing results with the soft tissue work that we do in combination with stretching exercises. Just look at our Success Story page. If you are reading this right now, you may actually be one on them. There are some things that get our patients better that may not have a lot of research-substantiated evidence.
In a 2010 article by Wepppler and Magnusson, they point out that there is only a transient mechanical increase in length of tissue after stretching. In other words, the muscle stretch recoils after the stretch is removed. How long the stretch lasts depends on the magnitude and the duration of the stretch. So then, how hard should you stretch and why do we only hold our stretches for 30-60 seconds?
We have used the evidence gathered from the study of tissue deformation or biorheology to determine that the optimum amount of time to acquire the most dramatic “viscoelastic” elongation of tissue is between 30-60 seconds. Yes, there is a much more gradual elongation after that time but who has the time to wait…right? There was a study in 2004 by Guissard and Duchateau that showed partial maintenance of tissue elaongaton 30 days after the program when patents were performing 20 minutes of stretching 5 days per week. So yes, you reap what you sow when it comes to the time spent stretching.
The Sensory Theory of stretching means that we achieve an increase in length while stretching due to a “stretch analgesia” effect in which “it doesn’t hurt as much” so you FEEL as though you can stretch further into the range. So what is wrong with that? If you stand all day and your hamstrings are working overtime to keep you upright and stable, what happens to the tissue? It becomes “stiffer”. This may be due to scar tissue, waste products, and trigger points that form due to this constant state of contraction. Intuitively, it makes sense to perform massage and stretching to counteract these effects. However, is this the cure for the stiffness? Gary Cook, a world renowned PT, who has revolutionized the way that we that we think of functional training would say unequivocally NO!
Gary Cook claims that the “stiffness” we feel is reflexive. It is due to the stabilizing effect that our muscles need to perform on a daily basis in order to control faulty movement patterns and faulty postures. Some parts of our bodies are stabile and other parts are very mobile. For example, your lumbar spine tends to be mobile or “sloppy” as Gray Cook would say. Many people are unaware of how to engage their core or how to perform proper body mechanics to prevent stress to the lumbar spine. Our hamstrings can be the first line of defense when it comes to stabilizing the spine.
If you are unaware of how you stand, you could be placing your pelvis in an anteriorly rotated position. When your pelvis rotates forward, it places a “pinch’ or a stress on your lumbar spine. Your hamstrings will consequently contract in order to correct your alignment and “pull” your pelvis posteriorly. What happens when you squat or roll out of bed? If you are not engaging the proper core and hip muscles then your hamstrings continue to fire in order to stabilize your spine. There you have it. The viscous cycle for constant hamstring stiffness.
So how do you become more stabile? First of all, you need to become reacquainted with your core. Just doing planks may not be enough. You need to be evaluated to determine any faulty movement patterns. If you don’t correct the faulty patterns, then you are reinforcing bad habits and putting yourself at risk for injury. Gray Cook has developed Functional Movement Screens to determine exactly where your deficiencies are. In addition to this, we have put together a version of the Selective Functional Movement Screen in our clinic. Based on the results of our screen, there are many types of corrective exercises that can be instructed to get you back on track.
In conclusion, you need to realize that “stiffness” anywhere in your body could be multifaceted.- especially with your hamstrings. Does this mean that you should never stretch or massage your hamstrings? NO. Stretching can certainly make you FEEL better but you need to realize that stretching alone may not be the cure. In the words of Gray Cook
“If the body doesn’t stabilize correctly, it will figure out another way to get stability: it’s called stiffness.”
So what you THINK is causing your stiffness may NOT be the reason. We all need to think outside the box. You are guaranteed that when you come to see us at OrthoWell PT
All the Best!
Chris
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Drinking the Cross Fit Kool-Aid!
Harry feels better now than ever before…
I enjoy CrossFit because it consistently gives me a good workout. The workout ideology of CrossFit prides itself on never falling into a routine. This means every workout is something new that will not only work you out in a new way, but also help you to identify some new skill that you could improve upon. When working out with good form and responsible weight/volume, the benefits of Crossfit also translate to your functional daily activities. After a year of Crossfit I can truly say I have witnessed these benefits during my day to day activities.
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MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPION..
Matt Veiga
As many of you have heard in the clinic I do a lot of mountain racing. This past weekend I had the luck to have a repeat win at one of the hardest races in the circuit. Check out my interview on levelrenner.com to get a little glimpse into the head of the Female winner Leslie and myself about how the race went down and up in this case.
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Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Click the link to read about
this new option at OrthoWell
Our wellness maintenance program is for those of you who want consistency of care after being discharged from physical therapy in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We have three different plans the we offer that you can read about by clicking the link above.
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SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
5/31/16
“I would like to thank Chris, Katie and crew for the outstanding care I received after my Achilles surgery. Their knowledge, experience and attention to detail allowed me to expedite my recovery. Thank you.”
– Marc S.
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FREE INJURY SCREENING
Dont forget to take advantage of our Try Before You Buy program.
We offer a FREE, no obligation injury screening for YOU, a FAMILY MEMER or a FRIEND. Just click the link below or send it to someone who may need our help.
Would you like to feel happy and vibrant EVERY day? Here’s how.
Spring has sprung, but it sure didnt feel like it last week. So how do you feel when it is sunny and warm versus cold and damp? There may be a physiological reason why you feel down or painful on cold and damp days. Check out the posts below to see why.
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to maximize your health and wellness and to keep you up-to-date on the happenings at OrthoWell. So read on and let’s keep you on track.
HOW TO FEEL HAPPY & VIBRANT
EVERY DAY
No, I havent found the fountain of youth or am advocating that everyone apply for a medical marijuana card. lol. But…there are a few things that could make your body work more efficiently on good weather days as well as bad ones. Knowledge is power so I want to share a few things with you.
So WHY do you feel stiffer or more painful on rainy days??
A recent systematic review of the relationship between joint pain and weather found no consensus on the issue. However, several researchers have found evidence that a decrease in the barometric pressure associated with a storm front can increase the pressure inside your joints thereby potentially increasing your stiffness or pain.
VITAMIN D
A study published in the Archive of Internal Medicine in 2009 showed that Vitamin D levels have “plummeted” among ALL U.S. ages, races, and ethnic groups over the past two decades. Because there are such small amounts of Vitamin D in food, the only 2 ways to get adequate amounts is thru direct sun exposure or via supplements.Over the past 10 years, several researchers have found an association between extremely low vitamin D levels and chronic, general pain that doesn’t respond to treatment. Check it out HERE. So start taking your Vitamin D! Click here for a great source of Vitamin D.
EXERCISE-The Happy Drug
Did you ever notice how some people are addicted to exercise? There are good reasons for that (some bad if you push through pain…..) Exercise releases endorphins which are your body’s natural painkillers and “feel good” hormones. Read more HERE.
Turmeric-The Spice of Life
You may know turmeric as that yellow spice that is used in indian curry dishes. The active ingredient in turmeric that has been extensively researched and provides more health benefits than there is room on this page is curcumin. One of the main reasons people take curcumin is for its potent natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to take curcumin with a pepper based supplement to maximize the effects such as Pure’s Curcumin with Bioperine. You can read more about turmeric HERE.
So what should you take for supplements??
If you want even more information, then you could read my post on which vitamins and supplements are best for you. CLICK HERE.
GET RID OF SURGICAL SCARS
AND
GET A FREE FACIAL FOR TRYING
Dear OrthoWell patients,
My name is Andrea Linn and I am currently a patient at OrthoWell PT. I just had an ACL reconstruction.
I was born in Europe- Hungary. I went to school there to be a cosmetologist. In the USA, I have worked for many prestigious beauty brands but my most favorite is Le Metier de Beaute. I want to share with my secret for getting rid of surgical scars-quickly.
Does it take long for your surgery scar to heal? Do you need extra nourishment for your body skin? Would you like to erase signs of aging from your body?
I have a recommendation for you: Le Metier de Beaute’s fantastic Vital ET Recovery Boost.
Redefine Age
Replenish, repair and protect your entire body with Vital ET Recovery Boost – Body. This highly effective form of Vitamin E protects you against free radicals. Free radicals are known to damage collagen, create dryness and lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. This deeply reparative serum will drive super antioxidants and vitamins directly into your skin, leaving you with it glowing and age-resistant.
Key Ingredients:
TPM® Technology. Vital ET®, a patented technology that decreases redness and swelling while fortifying resistance to inflammation caused by environmental stressors.
Usage:
Apply to clean skin in the morning and/or evening. Gently massage Vital ET Recovery Boost – Body over entire body. Pair with SPF protection when going out in the sun.
6.35 fl. oz. / 180 mL $125.00
Small samples will be available at the front desk. Please try them.
:
Le Métier de Beauté is one of today’s most technologically advanced skincare brands using a unique TPM technology. TPM increases the therapeutic benefits while reducing redness- inflammation – irritation.
Le Métier de Beauté (which translates to “the craft of beauty”) is known for its award-winning Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe. The line also features stunning makeup and has collaborated with couture and ready-to-wear designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa on a fashion-inspired color collection.
Le Metier de Beaute features incredible anti-aging skincare and make up — everything that your face and body needs.
Patients of Orthowell Physical Therapy are invited to a complimentary anti aging mini facial in Newburyport or Beverly.
Please contact Andrea to schedule your appointment.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact Andrea
T: 978-609-4011
Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Click the link to read about
this new option at OrthoWell
Our wellness maintenance program is for those of you who want consistency of care after being discharged from physical therapy in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We have three different plans the we offer that you can read about by clicking the link above.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
4/27/16
The winter of 2015 had me shoveling so much snow on our alpaca farm. Spring into summer convinced me my sore shoulder wasn’t just going away. I quit “using” my arm as it hurt to even raise it. I procrastinated so long that I thought for sure I would have to have surgery. I was in such pain that I finally saw a surgeon. He strongly suggested I try PT and said he’d heard good things about OrthoWell. Talk about life changing! After 5-6 weeks of working with Chris and his team, I have to say that I’m calling this just short of a miracle! Everything was explained to me and shown to me in a clear and concise manner. I am looking forward to having my life back this summer, if that sounds dramatic, well, it is!
– Olivia Sanderson
WALL OF FAME
Here is the update on our Wall of Fame in Beverly. 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!
All the Best,
Chris
The Ultimate Cancer Cure and Prevention – Make it Yourself
May the luck of the Irish be with you! You can be more than just lucky when it comes to cancer prevention. Our story below is a must read to find out how.
I want to share with you what my staff and I have learned to maximize your health and wellness and to keep you up-to-date on the happenings at OrthoWell. So read on and let’s keep you on track.
A CURE for CANCER?
I previously did a post on cancer cures after I read a book called Outsmart Your Cancer. You can read the post HERE. For this month’s newsletter, I wanted to highlight a patient of mine who has an incredible story to tell. A story that may empower you to take charge and do all that you can do to prevent cancer – for you or for a loved one. Read on…
My introduction to Essiac Tea began almost 20 years ago. At that time, my fiancée (who owns a restaurant and is in the public eye) ran across Mr. Smith in his restaurant. “Mr. Smith!”, he exclaimed, “So great to see you again, sir! I heard you had cancer, and not having seen you for so many months…well, I feared the worst.” Mr. Smith replied with wry smile,”well son, I am 89 and I know I will die eventually of this cancer…but I’m here now!”. He went on to explain that his doctor had diagnosed him with stage 4 liver cancer and sent him home to put his life in order; expecting him to live only 6 months. He wanted to spend as much time as possible at home, so he hired a nurse to care for him. This nurse came with a tea called “Essiac Tea” that she brewed herself at his home and administered to him 3 times a day – which he credited for extending his life by years instead of months as the doctors had told him. “I just wish I had known of this sooner”, he sighed as he finished his story. “This tea can help your body cure itself of many different diseases. Wouldn’t you like to PREVENT disease instead of treating it after the fact?”.
This story really hit home with my husband-to-be, as he thought of a few problems his doctor had found – bad prostate numbers and stomach ulcers from his time in the Navy. He asked me to look up the information that Mr. Smith had given him regarding the Essiac Tea, and I starting brewing it and using it within a few weeks. By the time we were married less than a year later, my husband’s stomach ulcers were gone entirely and his prostate numbers were back down in the low range! A miracle cure, or something to really think about??
My husband and I have faithfully taken the tea since that encounter with Mr. Smith, but jump forward 10 years and my story continues. My sister-in-law went through some hard medical situations, and as a result wanted to get away from prescription pills and try a more natural & organic lifestyle. She learned Reiki and opened a natural healing clinic in NH; it was a perfect fit to share with her my story of Essiac tea. She embraced it into their routine and starting brewing it for clients. She has many, many stories of the people who have benefited from Essiac tea, but none so dramatic as her best friend who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer and was told she has less than 6 months to live. She loves to punctuate this story with “and we still have brunch every Sunday now 10 years later!!”
I have brewed tea for others as well over the years. My own success stories include breast cancer survivors, my own father-in-law with throat cancer who claims without the tea he’d be dead by now, people who have beat diabetes, many more prostate stories, high cholesterol numbers brought down, gall bladder stone issues, gout, sleep disorders, and truly the list goes on.
Essiac Tea consists of 4 herbs: the root of the burdock plant, Sheep Sorrel, inner bark of the Slippery Elm, and the roots of Turkey Rhubarb. Combined, these 4 herbs work together in a synergistic fashion to clean the body of toxins and impurities that significantly boosts your own immune system. Your immune system is the #1 defense against all diseases, including cancer – but when the body is compromised the cancer can gain a foothold. Not to mention all kinds of other diseases. So ask yourself the same question as Mr. Smith: wouldn’t you like to do something to PREVENT disease instead of treating it? You can! Brewing tea is not that hard; it just takes some time, commitment, and the right knowledge.
A great website for buying the bulk tea is www.herbalhealer.com. They only sell organic, grown in North America dried herbs. I also like the fact the herbs are separate and combined upon brewing. When the 4 herbs from some other sites are sold they are combined together already, some will settle to the bottom and the dosage will not be as exact as the formula from Herbal Healer. Just sharing from my own knowledge and experiences!!
A great website to start if looking for more information is www.essiacfacts.com. They can be found on Facebook as well. You can also contact us at info@orthowellpt.com and we can put you in direct contact with the author of this story who may be able to Brew for You.
Are you a runner?
Check this out TODAY!
The more that I read about running, study running technique, and learn from my own mistakes, the more emboldened I’ve become as a runner. Who we consult to determine the proper path in accomplishing our goals can be THE determining factor in success or failure. It certainly was for me. Every running coach has a different level of experience. Every physical therapist has a different level of experience. It is up to you to become the educated consumer, the informed runner, and to advocate for
your own health and wellness. What I would like to do is to share my “education”.
I have read the running literature extensively and wish to
consolidate a wealth of information and reference as much as possible. I will present current thought and research behind the evolution of running, the evolution of running shoes, and the controversy and merits behind different running techniques. I will summarize the findings of my research by highlighting key points and strategies for unlocking your potential as a runner.
CLICK HERE to get your FREE COPY.
Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Click the link to read about
this new option at OrthoWell
Our wellness maintenance program is for those of you who want consistency of care after being discharged from physical therapy in order to prevent any reccurence of pain. We have three different plans the we offer that you can read about by clicking the link above.
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
2/15/16
I came to OrthoWell with severe foot pain as well as knee pain from a running injury. The staff was wonderful, so supportive and professional. Within a few weeks my foot pain was 100% gone, with therapy and the use of orthotics. My knee is so much better as well. I look forward to being able to start running again. They gave me the tools and exercises to continue at home which has made a world of difference. I feel great!
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 NBPT so far…..
Is Texting a Pain in the Neck??
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.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/omg-youre-texting-your-way-to-back-pain/
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.
Miracle Cure for Stiff Hamstrings? Save $$ on Monthly Maintenance
Happy New Year!!
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:
Beverly Bootstraps in Beverly received $460
Our Neighbors Table in Amesbury received $430
Prevent Your Pain from EVER coming back
Check out this new option for your Wellness Membership Program
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
SUCCESS STARTS HERE!
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!
Sincerely,
Chris
Make A Core Investment This Holiday Season
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 in Amesbury 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!
Sincerely,
Chris
Chris Dukarski
OrthoWell Physical Therapy
(978) 522-4199
info@orthowellpt.com
Are Toe Crunches just as important as Stomach Crunches??
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?
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12968860
- http://running.competitor.com/2014/06/photos/new-techniques-treating-plantar-fasciitis_96398
- http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdfplus/10.2519/jospt.2003.33.8.468
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1672577
- https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/368357
- http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/8/866.full
- http://www.jfootankleres.com/content/7/1/32
- http://www.jfootankleres.com/content/7/1/28
Do Pain Creams Really Work?
Do pain creams really work??
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 EFAC HERE.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.