Treating Back Pain Effectively: We Don't Just Treat the Pain

Nice video from a Physical Therapist at the Jackson Clinics, giving a summary of how PT can help others recover from and manage back pain. He makes a good point that it can't always be prevented, but there are things we all can do to minimize our chances of developing serious back problems, one of which is staying mobile and fit. If you have 2-3 minutes, check this out.

Christmas Decorating: Don't Pull a Clark Griswold

 

 

 

updated 12/9/2004 1:56:17 PM ET 2004-12-09T18:56:17

ATLANTA — You better watch out: Decking the halls for Christmas brings a sharp increase in injuries from falling off roofs, ladders and living room sofas.

In its first study of seasonal spills, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday that about 5,800 people a holiday season end up in U.S. emergency rooms because of decorating injuries.

READ MORE HERE

Too Much Acetaminophen Over Time May Damage Liver

TUESDAY, Nov. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Taking slightly too much of the pain reliever acetaminophen (best known by the brand name Tylenol) over time can lead to an overdose that can cause liver failure and death, according to a new study.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY

The take home message is this: don't take any medication, even over-the-counter medications, such as acetominophen (tylenol), lightly. Chronic use (regular use over time) poses risks. If you take medications regularly, bring this up with your physician if you have questions or haven't discussed it yet.

A more effective (as well as safer and more long-term) way to address your musculoskeletal pain and issues is to engage in a regular exercise program aimed at improving your mobility, strength, and movement (if you ask us).

Exercise Central In Treating Neck Pain (Harvard Health Blog)

Scientific evidence is mounting showing the effectiveness of exercise in treating and managing neck pain, as this brief article in the Harvard Health Blog discusses. Good news is it demonstrates better long-term results. Surprisingly, exercise is not even offered as an option in many cases by doctors and other healthcare providers when patients see them for neck pain.  So if you're having neck pain, a good PT can help!

Medicare Scheduled to Cut Payment for Physical Therapy - Help Stop this Now!

 

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: House Health Care Legislation Uncertain; Therapy Caps and Payment Cuts Must Be Addressed Now

Congress is hoping to wrap up business by the end of next week and there is no guarantee that they will address the Medicare payment cut and the Medicare extenders before leaving town – time is running out. The extension of the therapy cap exceptions process could be in jeopardy in ...the House version of the legislation and APTA needs your help. NOW is the time to contact your Representative on the devastating effects of the therapy cap on our patients and profession. It is critical that Congress pass legislation before December 31, 2011 to extend the therapy cap exceptions process and to avoid the scheduled 27.4% cut in provider payments under the Medicare physician fee schedule.
Now is the time to pick up the phone and call your Representative to action to preserve Medicare benefits.

Help us reinforce our message by contacting your legislators today.

Message:

Urge your Representative to support the inclusion of the therapy cap exceptions process in the Medicare package.
Request that your Members of Congress sign onto the Therapy Cap Repeal legislation (H.R. 1546). We are well on our way to reaching 150 cosponsors in the House but we need your help to drive up the numbers to show support for this legislation.
Ask your member of Congress to contact their colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee to express their support for extending the therapy cap exceptions process. Without a congressional extension of the exceptions process, the therapy caps will go into effect on January 1, 2012. We need your member to weigh in with the big health committees to ensure patients receive the care they need.
What You Can Do

You can also contact the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Patient Action Center. This site is designed to educate patients on the issue and to provide easy access to form emails and letters for them to contact Congress.
http://www.apta.org/patientactioncenter/

Thanks for your help in getting the message through to Congress!

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How Healthy Is Our State?

Pennsylvania was ranked the 27th healthiest state out of the 50 states by UnitedHeath Group. This ranking was based on numerous factors, such as obesity rates, diabetes rates, and others. Read on here for more info.......

The question is, what can we all do about this?

OUTSTANDING ARTICLE

Most will be very surprised when reading this. This is an outstanding article written by Lorimer Moseley, a neuroscientist, regarding some common misconceptions about posture, MRI findings, and core strength, and how they relate to back pain. There is alot still to learn in the research about back and neck pain, and latest research is changing treatment approaches. If you have 5 minutes, check this out - very informative. If you have any questions, shoot them our way.

Have Arthritis? Great Story on How Exercise Helps!

Great article below from NPR about why exercise is so important for those with arthritis. There is also a link on the page to listen to the story. And remember, PT's can help greatly by steering you in the right direction with an exercise program specifically for your needs. Enjoy!

Rotator Cuff Impingement - What is it? What treatments are helpful?

Below is a link to a good article from our website detailing what impingement syndrome is and how it can occur. Treatments for it vary, but research shows a combination of "hands-on", manual therapy treatments combined with the right exercises for you work best. See a good PT today!

Rotator Cuff Impingement - What is it?

Thanksgiving Eating Tips for Those with Diabetes

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We're all looking forward to that Thanksgiving Day Feast (I know I am). Here are some tips/info from the American Diabetes Association that can help all of us enjoy our Thanksgiving meal in a healthy but still very tasty way.