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| Greetings! |
As physical therapists, we usually see people after they have had an injury. However, many people are taking charge of their health and come for physical therapy treatments to prevent an injury or avoid potential surgery.
One of the smartest things you can do, with your health and in your life, is to be proactive. We encourage everyone to make their health a priority.
Beginning with this newsletter, we will include patient testimonials so you can see how other people, who may have similar conditions to yours, have changed their lives for the better.
Be well,
Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS & Staff
8 Century Hill Dr Suite 201
Latham, NY 12110
PH: 518-690-4406
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The #1 Patient Complaint... |
 Back pain -- it is estimated that at least 80% of all adults have suffered, or will suffer, from some type of back pain during their lifetime. Most pulled muscles heal without professional intervention. However, if you have recurring back pain, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist who will assess the cause and recommend treatment.
Many of our patients are able to avoid taking pain killing drugs and/or surgery because of physical therapy treatment.
If you have back pain, here are some things to AVOID:
- Sudden movements including lifting. Our trained physical therapists can teach you good body mechanics to minimize or eliminate back strain.
- Bed rest. Unless your doctor recommends complete bed rest, it is usually better to keep moving to prevent muscles from becoming too tight.
- Strenuous exercises. Our trained therapists can show you gentle and balanced exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles.
Don't Forget Proper Footwear...
Proper fitting footwear provides a solid foundation so your body can perform  at its best. This is especially important if you have back pain. Often times we refer patients to a local specialist for orthotic inserts. We also refer many patients to Fleet Feet for athletic footwear. Their staff carefully evaluates each customer's feet and how they walk and takes their lifestyle into consideration when recommending the perfect fitting shoe. |
| Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin the Magic Arthritis Pills? |
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Eager to relieve joint pain and repair the cushioning between bones, millions of arthritis sufferers reach for glucosamine and chondroitin, over-the-counter dietary supplements.
Glucosamine sulfate is a chemical that already surrounds your joints. However, there is a theory that taking it in supplement form may help keep your cartilage pliable. The supplement chondroitin, often paired with glucosamine, has been shown to decrease the symptoms of osteoarthritis, possibly by decreasing inflammation in the joint.
 Despite their popularity, studies examining the effectiveness of this natural therapy have yielded mixed results. While many people report feeling better after taking the supplements, a February, 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, or the combination of the two, was no more effective than a placebo in reducing pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
We recommend that you talk to your physician if you are considering taking these or any type of supplements. He or she can ensure that you are taking safe dosages and can recommend other strategies to help manage your symptoms.
Studies show that adults with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain and disability. We see this everyday with our patients.
Call us for an appointment if you would like to find out how a combination of physical therapy and fitness training can help you better manage your arthritis. |
| Patient Profile - Low Back Pain |
"I feel the strongest I have in my life," says Linda, a 51 year-old educator from Watervliet. But just two years ago, Linda came to Empire Health and Wellness Center with debilitating pain from a bulging disc in her lower back which prevented her from standing or sitting for more than 15 minutes at a time. Her physician, Dr. Effendi, recommended physical therapy because Linda did not want to take prescription pain killers or resort to surgery. "From my first visit, I was treated like family," recalls Linda.
Her treatments, which included deep tissue therapeutic massages every six weeks, have produced tremendous results. We also recommended that Linda wear custom orthotics made by a pedorthist.
Once the pain subsided, Linda was able to integrate a regular exercise routine into her schedule; now, she is committed to exercising several times per week. Recently, we showed Linda how to incorporate Wii interactive video games into her exercise routine. She loves video boxing as a way to increase her cardio workout. Linda reports, "I am really happy I decided to pursue physical therapy and exercise as a treatment for my pain - I now have greater control over my destiny and am loving life!"
Please call us today to find out how we can help you feel fit for life. |
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