Lower Back Pain: PT vs MRI
A recently published study of patients with new low back pain (LBP) who received referral from a primary care provider concludes that not only is physical therapy a less expensive next step than advanced imaging, it's an approach that results in lower utilization costs over time. Click here to read entire article.
Set your appointment for an evaluation today and get treatment for your lower back pain. 303-757-1554
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Is MRI Advisable for Back Pain?
The back is back.
Last week, PT in Motion News reported on a new study supporting the idea that initial referral to a physical therapist (PT) for new uncomplicated low back pain (LBP) resulted in lower overall costs and utilization than referral for advanced imaging. Since then, more articles have surfaced that question imaging as a "go to" strategy for the condition. Click here to read entire article.
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 You're probably tired of hearing about all my injuries so this month I'm going to tell you about my "friend" Gerk. Gerk is a 42 year old pickle who developed pain in his lower back immediately after moving to a new house. He couldn't recall any specific injury but did quite a lot of lifting, carrying and bending down during the move. (I supervised all his work, because that's the kind of friend I am.) Click here to read entire story. Your physical therapist can evaluate your low back issues and help guide you to recovery. |
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 Congratulations to Bobby Bemis for earning his COMT certification (Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist)
 J oin us in wishing Addie Swyden good luck in her studies to become a Physical Therapist. Addie is leaving PTIS this month.
Every Monday at 11:00 am at Pearl clinic
Every Tuesday at 12:00 pm at Meridian clinic
On Sunday, May 17th, PTIS staff are joining the Colorado Arthritis Center in walking to help cure arthritis. Please visit Walk to Cure Arthritis for more information. If you would like to walk with us, please contact Bobby at bobby@denverptis.com to find out our meeting spot. We also plan on having a picnic afterwards. The walk is free but donations are accepted.
Staff Birthdays This Month
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Many back pain patients know the feeling of tension in the back, especially first thing in the morning. These stretching back exercises can help bring back some suppleness and increase mobility, decreasing back pain and discomfort.
 Back Flexion ExerciseWhile lying on one's back, pull both knees to the chest while simultaneously flexing the head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a balled-up position.
 Knee to Chest Stretch
While lying on the back with the knees bent and both heels on the floor, place both hands behind one knee and bring it to the chest.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!"
- Audrey Hepburn
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- Back pain is more common the older you get. You may first have back pain when you are 30 to 40 years old.
- Back pain is more common in people who are not fit.
- Too much body weight can stress the back and cause pain.
- Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, can have a genetic component.
- Some types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.
- If you have to lift, push, or pull while twisting your spine, you may get back pain. If you work at a desk all day and do not sit up straight, you may also get back pain.
- Your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the disks in your back if you smoke. Smoker's cough may also cause back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal, so back pain may last longer
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Pan seared salmon on baby arugula
Inflammation is a known cause of back pain. A mostly plant-based diet that includes such things as flax and chia seeds, is probably your best bet to avoid inflammation, especially when eaten in combination with omega 3-rich cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, black cod, tuna, and trout. Try out this recipe with salmon and arugula as an example of what can possibly help your inflammation.
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Don't forget to get your gift certificates for Mother's Day. Pamper all the mothers you know with a Massage, Pilates, TRX , Tai Chi or physical therapy.
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Tai Chi Class 
