Tag Archive for: neck pain

person holding lower back due to pain during holiday season in Portsmouth NH

Should you Rest when your Back Hurts?

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Back pain is the most common type of problem we see here in our office. And the number one question I get from people who’ve hurt their back is, “should I rest until it feels better?” 

The short answer is “no.” 

But I understand why this is confusing. It’s scary to move, or know which exercise is best when something hurts, especially if it’s your back. We also get conflicting advice from the medical community. Many people suffering with back pain have been told they should rest, ice, lie down, and use their back muscles as little as possible until they recover. They’ve been told they should limit their movement and activity until their pain goes away.

Well what if I told you that for 80% of all back problems – movement is actually the BEST medicine.

Research even supports this. Most back pain falls into the category of what we call “mechanical low back pain” – and this type of back pain responds best to movement over anything else. It’s important to note that although movement is good when your back hurts, you want to pick the right type of movement. Generally speaking, early movement like walking is considered one of the best things you can do for your back, along with very specific mobility exercises in a direction designed to relieve your pain quickly. But you’ll want to avoid things like lifting heavy weights at first, or bending/stretching over excessively. If your back pain involves an irritated nerve, stretching forward, even though it might feel good, can often worsen your problem.

So what’s the big deal? Why is it so bad to rest until your back pain goes away?

Although most back pain will go away on its own with time, the problem with resting instead of moving is that it can prolong the time it takes to truly heal. And in some cases, rest can make your back problem worse. Too much rest leads to deconditioning of your muscles, and can even lead to biomechanical changes to the curves in your spine. Resting may take your back pain away, but it’s going to leave you feeling much stiffer and weaker, putting you at risk to just hurt your back all over again. One of the biggest problems I see with back injuries is a lack of mobility, sometimes due to weakness and sometimes due to not moving around enough. A flexible spine is a healthy spine. That’s why choosing activities like walking and corrective stretching exercises over rest will not only relieve your back pain, but will give you a better chance at keeping the pain gone over time.

Another issue with too much resting, especially lying down, is the impact on your discs.

Back problems frequently involve some variation of a bulging disc, and when you lie down, your disc changes in size. Lying down does relieve pressure from your disc, but also causes it to absorb more fluid, making it bigger. You won’t know this is happening until you go to get up. That enlarged disc will not feel good when it gets pinched. It’s why most people who are dealing with back pain feel worse first thing in the morning, just after getting out of bed. Their pain eases once they stand and start moving around a bit. When you walk around and move, you get natural compression of your disc, keeping the disc bulge smaller and thus, less of an irritant. A bulging disc in your spine is a pretty classic form of mechanical low back pain, and we already know that mechanical back pain responds best to movement.

Remember that the absence of back pain does not mean the absence of a back problem.

Back problems can be complicated and they love to linger under the surface until one day, a certain movement just tweaks you. The best way to figure out a back problem – and heal a back problem quickly – is with movement. As tempting as it is, don’t just rest to get rid of your back pain. Try walking, and even some easy stretching, and take note of what happens. You’ll either start to feel better the more you move or worse. If your pain is easing up with the movement you’ve chosen – you’re on the right track! If your pain is not responding or getting worse, then it’s a clue you need to see a professional. Either way, movement is your friend, because it’s going to tell you something. Rest won’t do that for you and if anything, potentially prolong the issue when you could have been doing something about it.

Could your Hamstring Strain Actually be a Back Problem?

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Have you ever strained your hamstring but the pain just doesn’t go away?

It’s been months since you first started hurting, you can’t actually remember how you injured it (it just started aching one day), you’ve been stretching and massaging it diligently, yet your hamstring still hurts.

This happened to a recent client of ours (“Sandy”).

Sandy was a runner and regular gym goer, who one day noticed an ache in her hamstring. She assumed she had just overdone it working out. She rested it a few days and the pain went away, but when she tried to get back to running she couldn’t. Her hamstring pain came right back. Thinking she hadn’t let it heal enough, she went back to resting it, but this time, decided to add some massage and stretching to her routine. 

A few weeks later… you guessed it… Sandy still couldn’t run.

She also noticed the pain in her hamstring started to feel “different.” It was becoming more deep and achy and started to hurt all the time instead of only when she tried to exert it. It even hurt when she sat for too long. She still couldn’t run and was starting to get worried. Her doctor told her it was just a “strain” and that she had to let it heal. The problem was that it wasn’t healing. Several months had now gone by and she was running out of exercises and stretches to try that would “let it heal.”

Luckily, Sandy attended our recent back pain and sciatica class and realized that the pain in her hamstring might not be a strain at all. 

And her instincts were right! Let me explain.

When you truly strain a muscle, it means you have done damage to your muscle tissue. Although it’s possible to have chronic problems from a strain that isn’t rehabilitated properly, strains typically do in fact heal. Once the inflammation from the tissue damage goes away, and you start doing the proper stretching and strengthening, your muscle eventually gets back to normal. Until a muscle strain is fully healed, it will typically be aggravated if you accidentally over-stretch it or exert it. But you usually don’t feel anything when you’re resting the muscle. In Sandy’s case, her hamstring was starting to feel worse when she was resting — the longer she sat, the worse she felt. Your hamstring is completely relaxed when you are sitting, so something wasn’t adding up.

This was the first sign we were likely dealing with something other than a “hamstring strain.” The second sign was that we could take her pain away by moving her back! Yes, you heard that right.

By moving and stretching her back in a specific way, we were able to significantly relieve the pain in her hamstring.

The reason her hamstring was actually hurting was because a nerve had been aggravated in her back. The nerve was causing pain to radiate into her thigh. That’s why it hurt when she sat for too long and it’s why she couldn’t tolerate any running. Sitting puts more stretch and pressure on the nerves in your back, and running puts a lot of compression through your back. Generally speaking, nerves don’t like to be stretched, especially aggravated nerves, and they don’t like to be compressed if they are aggravated either. By stretching her back in a very specific way, we were able to relieve the pressure from the nerve that was giving Sandy her “hamstring strain.” This confirmed that she was indeed having a back problem.

Has anything like this ever happened to you?

If you’ve got pain anywhere in your buttocks, hip, thigh, or leg that isn’t going away — especially if you’ve done your due diligence and tried all the “right things” — it’s possible you could have a back problem causing this pain instead. These types of back problems are easily missed if you don’t know how to accurately assess them and it won’t be picked up by an MRI or X-ray. The best way to figure this out is through specialized movement testing, like we did with Sandy. 

We talked all about this in our recent back pain and sciatica class. If you want access to the recording, just call our office: 603-380-7902. If you want to take the next step and meet us in person — you can schedule a FREE Discovery Session with one of our specialists right here! 

Neck stretches

Why Your Neck Stretches Aren’t Working

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Do you suffer from chronic neck pain and ever wonder…

Why don’t my neck stretches work?

Even though you’ve Googled and YouTubed them about a hundred times…

There are a few reasons why stretching your neck might not be doing anything to help get rid of your neck pain.

  1. Your technique could be off
  2. You could be doing the wrong stretch
  3. It could be that you just shouldn’t be stretching your neck at all!

Let’s go over the different reasons why your neck stretches might not be working… and most importantly… what you can do about it.

1. You’re doing it wrong.

Although research studies are inconclusive regarding how long you should hold a particular stretch, most people feel good when they hold a stretch for 30-60 seconds. When it comes to technique, one of the biggest problems I see is not relaxing enough. If you’re tense, or gripping your muscles at the same time you’re stretching, it won’t work very well. It’s important to breathe and move easily into the stretch. If you try to force it or push through pain, you’ll likely tense up.

Now let’s say you’re doing everything right (not tensing or gripping) but your stretches still don’t seem to work.

Some people (myself included) respond better to “moving stretches”. This is where instead of holding one static position for a prolonged period – you repeatedly move through one or several end-range stretches. Neck rolls are a great example of this.

If your neck stretches haven’t been working, try adjusting the way you’ve been stretching… if it works… then you were likely just using the wrong technique.

2. You’re doing the wrong type of stretch.

This one could be a little tougher to figure out on your own. There is a difference between corrective neck stretching and stretching to feel good.

For example, let’s say your neck is tightening up because you’ve been under a lot of stress or you just did a lot of activity that impacts your neck. Generic neck stretches such as bringing your chin to your chest, or pulling your chin to the opposite shoulder (known as an “upper trap stretch”) may be all you need.

In fact, I do stretches like this regularly because I’m constantly leaning over to help patients. I stretch my neck to PREVENT it from having problems and because it feels good.

But let’s say you already have a neck problem, or you have pain or numbness running down your arm.

In these instances, generic neck stretching could make you worse.

You likely need corrective stretches, like what we prescribe for patients in our office.

Corrective stretches are specifically prescribed to address your particular problem in your neck – and are very different from the generalized stretches that are designed to feel good and relieve tension.

If you think you might need corrective stretches for your neck – DO NOT google them – you must see a specialist and have them prescribed to you.

3. You shouldn’t be stretching your neck at all!

This is a very common problem we see… folks come in with complaints of chronic tightness and discomfort in their neck and no matter how often they stretch or massage, it doesn’t go away.

Did you know that chronic neck tightness can be a sign of a weak core?

It’s quite common – and if that is the case for you – no amount of stretching will help – and could even aggravate your problem!

The deep, stabilizing muscles of your neck are connected by fascia to the deep muscles of your core. If your deep core is not working properly, then your neck will often kick in and try to help.

Ever notice that your neck is always sore or tight after a good ab workout?

This could be a sign that your neck is compensating for your core.

Stop stretching your neck, learn how to strengthen your core the right way, and see a specialist who can help you.

In our office, our team of specialists work alongside our Pilates instructors to help folks improve their core strength from the inside out – so that their necks and backs stop getting involved.

If you’re dealing with chronic neck problems that aren’t’ responding to stretching…

There’s a good chance you could be not stretching correctly, the stretches aren’t right for you, or you’ve completely missed the root cause of your neck pain and you shouldn’t be stretching at all!

Want to work with our team of specialists and finally get some help for your neck problem?

CLICK HERE to request a free Discovery Session with one of our specialists.

They’ll set up a time to talk to you about what’s going on with your neck. If you’re a good fit for what we do, then they will help you get started!

This is only for people serious about getting help…

And for those that are finally ready for a long-term solution to their pain – one that will put an end to constantly relying on pain pills – and help you avoid expensive procedures and risky surgery.

Request a Discovery Session here.

Weight Loss

How to Keep Knee or Back Pain from Derailing your New Year’s Goals

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The most popular goals for the New Year continue to revolve around weight loss and exercise. But here is one thing that can get in your way when pursuing those goals… unresolved back or knee pain. So many people make the mistake of thinking that exercise or weight loss alone, is going to “cure” their nagging pain. But that’s not always the case. 

Here are some top tips and advice I give all my clients around this time of year to help you get the most out of your health and fitness goals for 2021, and NOT let something like back or knee pain get in your way…

Mobility before Stability

Your muscles can’t function at their best if you don’t have optimal joint mobility. In other words, you don’t want to strengthen around a joint that isn’t moving at its best, or you’ll encourage compensation. If your nagging back or knee pain is due to inadequate mobility, you’ll run into problems (and more pain) if you suddenly increase your exercise or activity level. We saw this happen at the beginning of the pandemic. People started walking and exercising more and we saw a huge influx of unexpected back and knee pain as a result. Their joints weren’t accustomed to moving so much and it highlighted the lack of mobility and compensations. Don’t let the same thing happen to you! Make sure all of your joints, including your spine, can move fully and freely without any pain before you begin a new exercise program.

Pace yourself

Siti Scommesse Basket Online: Le Migliori Opzioni di Scommezoid per il Basket

Il basket è uno sport appassionante che attira milioni di fan in tutto il mondo. Con la sua azione frenetica, le giocate spettacolari e le emozioni travolgenti, non c’è da stupirsi che sempre più persone vogliano scommettere sul basket online. Tuttavia, con l’enorme quantità di siti di scommesse disponibili, può essere difficile sapere quale scegliere. Come puoi essere sicuro di trovare un sito affidabile, sicuro e con le migliori quote?

In questo articolo, esploreremo le migliori opzioni di scommesse basket online attualmente disponibili. Analizzeremo i fattori chiave da considerare quando si sceglie un sito di scommesse, come la reputazione, la sicurezza, le quote competitive e l’esperienza utente. Inoltre, forniremo una guida dettagliata su come scommettere sul basket online in modo responsabile e divertente. Che tu sia un appassionato di lunga data o un nuovo arrivato nel mondo delle scommesse sportive, questo articolo ti darà tutte le informazioni necessarie per fare la scelta giusta e massimizzare le tue possibilità di successo.

Panoramica dei Principali Siti di Scommesse sul Basket

Il mondo delle scommesse sportive online offre un’ampia gamma di opportunità per gli appassionati di basket. Le scommesse basket online consentono di scommettere su una vasta selezione di partite, campionati e tornei, sia a livello nazionale che internazionale. Che tu sia un fan dell’NBA, dell’Euroleague o dei campionati nazionali, potrai trovare numerose opzioni per scommettere sui tuoi giocatori e squadre preferite.

Uno dei vantaggi principali delle scommesse basket online è la comodità. Puoi piazzare le tue scommesse ovunque ti trovi, direttamente dal tuo dispositivo mobile o dal tuo computer. Inoltre, i siti di scommesse online offrono spesso quote competitive e una vasta gamma di opzioni di scommessa, come le scommesse sul risultato finale, i punteggi parziali, i margini di vittoria e molto altro ancora.

Per sfruttare al meglio le scommesse basket online, è fondamentale scegliere un bookmaker affidabile e di alta qualità. Alcuni dei migliori siti di scommesse basket online offrono:

  • Ampie coperture di eventi e mercati di scommessa
  • Quote competitive e opzioni di scommessa diversificate
  • Promozioni e bonus dedicati agli appassionati di basket
  • Piattaforme user-friendly e facilmente accessibili da dispositivi mobili

Che tu sia un principiante o un giocatore esperto, le scommesse basket online rappresentano un’opportunità emozionante per aumentare il divertimento e l’emozione delle partite. Tuttavia, è importante gestire in modo responsabile il tuo bankroll e scommettere solo ciò che puoi permetterti di perdere. Con la giusta strategia e una buona dose di conoscenza del gioco, le scommesse basket online possono rivelarsi un’esperienza gratificante e coinvolgente.

Analisi delle Quote e delle Opzioni di Scommessa Offerte

Quando si tratta di scommettere sul basket online, gli appassionati di questo sport hanno una vasta gamma di opzioni a loro disposizione. I migliori siti di scommesse basket online offrono una varietà di mercati, quote competitive e funzionalità user-friendly per rendere l’esperienza di scommessa più piacevole e redditizia possibile. Alcuni dei fattori chiave da considerare nella scelta di un sito di scommesse basket includono la reputazione, la sicurezza, la varietà di mercati e le opzioni di pagamento.

Tra i siti di scommesse basket più popolari e affidabili troviamo nomi come Bet365, William Hill, Unibet e 888Sport. Questi operatori offrono una copertura completa degli eventi di basket più importanti, come l’NBA, l’Euroleague e i campionati nazionali di tutto il mondo. Inoltre, molti di questi siti offrono anche opzioni di streaming live, statistiche dettagliate e promozioni esclusive per i fan del basket, rendendo l’esperienza di scommessa ancora più coinvolgente ed emozionante.

Vantaggi e Svantaggi delle Scommesse sul Basket Online

Nel mondo delle scommesse sportive online, il basket è uno sport che sta guadagnando sempre più popolarità. Con le sue emozioni travolgenti e l’azione incessante, il basket offre numerose opportunità per i giocatori di scommettere e provare a vincere. Siti scommesse basket online come Scommezoid offrono una vasta gamma di opzioni per scommettere su questo appassionante sport.

Una delle caratteristiche principali dei migliori siti scommesse basket online è la varietà di mercati disponibili. Oltre alle scommesse tradizionali sul risultato finale, i giocatori possono scommettere su una miriade di altri aspetti del gioco, come il punteggio di un singolo quarto, il margine di vittoria, il numero di punti segnati da un giocatore specifico e molto altro ancora. Questa ampia scelta di mercati consente ai giocatori di adattare le loro strategie di scommessa alle proprie preferenze e competenze.

  • Quote competitive
  • Ampia copertura delle principali leghe
  • Opzioni di scommessa dal vivo
  • Bonus e promozioni vantaggiose
  • Piattaforme user-friendly

Strategie e Consigli per Scommettere con Successo

Il basket è uno degli sport più emozionanti e seguiti al mondo, e per gli appassionati di scommesse, rappresenta un’opportunità unica per mettere alla prova le proprie abilità di previsione e strategia. Fortunatamente, esistono numerosi siti di scommesse basket online che offrono una vasta gamma di opzioni per scommettere su questo sport avvincente. Questi siti consentono di scommettere non solo sulle partite, ma anche su una miriade di altri aspetti del gioco, come il punteggio finale, il margine di vittoria, i punti realizzati dai singoli giocatori e molto altro ancora.

Quando si tratta di scegliere il miglior sito di scommesse basket online, è fondamentale considerare diversi fattori chiave. In primo luogo, è importante valutare l’affidabilità e la reputazione del sito, assicurandosi che sia regolamentato e autorizzato a operare nel proprio paese di residenza. Inoltre, è necessario prendere in considerazione l’ampiezza dell’offerta di scommesse, le quote proposte e la facilità d’uso dell’interfaccia. Alcuni dei migliori siti di scommesse basket online offrono anche interessanti bonus di benvenuto e promozioni speciali per i nuovi giocatori, rendendo l’esperienza ancora più entusiasmante.

Infine, è sempre consigliabile fare una ricerca approfondita sui diversi siti di scommesse basket online prima di effettuare la propria scelta. Leggere le recensioni degli utenti, confrontare le quote e le opzioni di scommessa offerte, e valutare attentamente i termini e le condizioni di ciascun sito può fare la differenza tra un’esperienza di scommessa positiva e una deludente. Con la giusta combinazione di conoscenza, strategia e un sito di scommesse affidabile, gli appassionati di basket possono vivere emozioni indimenticabili e, con un po’ di fortuna, anche realizzare qualche bella vincita.

Sicurezza e Affidabilità dei Siti di Scommesse sul Basket

Ecco 4 paragrafi in italiano che dettagliano “Siti Scommesse Basket Online: Le Migliori Opzioni di Scommezoid per il Basket”:

Gli appassionati di basket hanno molteplici opzioni per scommettere sui loro eventi preferiti grazie ai numerosi siti di scommesse online dedicati a questo sport. Questi siti offrono una vasta gamma di mercati di scommessa, dalle classiche quote sul risultato finale alle opzioni più dettagliate come lo spread, il totale dei punti e le scommesse sui singoli giocatori. Inoltre, molti di questi siti propongono anche streaming live degli incontri, consentendo ai giocatori di seguire l’azione in tempo reale mentre scommettono.

Uno dei principali vantaggi di scommettere sul basket online è la comodità. Non è più necessario recarsi in una sala scommesse fisica, poiché tutto può essere gestito dal proprio dispositivo mobile o computer. Inoltre, i siti di scommesse online offrono spesso quote migliori rispetto alle sale scommesse tradizionali, grazie alla riduzione dei costi operativi. Questo si traduce in potenziali vincite più elevate per i giocatori.

Quando si sceglie un sito di scommesse basket online, è importante considerare fattori come la reputazione, la sicurezza, la varietà di mercati di scommessa offerti e i bonus e le promozioni disponibili. Alcuni dei migliori siti di scommesse basket online includono:

  • Bet365
  • William Hill
  • 888Sport
  • Unibet

Questi siti sono noti per la loro affidabilità, le quote competitive e l’eccellente copertura degli eventi di basket a livello nazionale e internazionale.

Infine, è fondamentale ricordare di scommettere in modo responsabile e di gestire attentamente il proprio bankroll. Le scommesse sul basket online possono essere un’esperienza emozionante ed entusiasmante, ma è importante mantenere sempre il controllo e non lasciarsi travolgere dall’eccitazione del gioco. Con la giusta strategia e un approccio disciplinato, è possibile trarre il massimo divertimento e potenzialmente anche profitti dalle scommesse sul basket online.

In conclusione, il mondo delle scommesse sul basket online offre una vasta gamma di opzioni per gli appassionati di questo sport. Dalle migliori piattaforme come Scommezoid, che garantiscono un’esperienza di gioco sicura e affidabile, alle numerose opportunità di scommesse disponibili, gli amanti del basket possono immergersi completamente nell’emozione del gioco. Che tu sia un principiante o un esperto scommettitore, l’importante è scegliere con attenzione il sito di scommesse più adatto alle tue esigenze e goderti appieno l’adrenalina di ogni partita.

It’s very tempting to go “all in” on your new exercise or weight loss goal… but remember, the tortoise won the race, not the hare. It’s important to not beat yourself up if you’re not seeing immediate results. If you’ve been out of shape for a while and doing something completely new, expect to be sore. But if you’re limping around for days or experiencing sharp pain in your back or knee, there is a chance you overdid it.

My general rule of thumb is to monitor your soreness on a scale of one to ten. I tell my clients to not let their pain go above a five when they are pushing themselves or returning to an exercise we haven’t tried in a while. If you find that your pain level goes above a six, or persists at that level (or higher) for more than a day, there’s a chance you’re overdoing it and setting yourself up for an unwanted injury. When in doubt, listen to your body. And if you’re not sure what it’s saying to you, enlist the help of experts like us!

Stay Hydrated

Most people don’t drink enough water during their regular day, never mind when they increase their activity level. Drinking lots of water has two great benefits. It will give you the extra hydration you need if you’re planning to be more active. And it will help you lose weight by curbing your appetite. Some additional benefits of staying hydrated include increased muscle strength and stamina, more lubrication in your joints, more supple skin, better cardiovascular function, and improved energy and mental alertness. One really easy tip to jumpstart your day is to begin with 10 oz of water first thing upon waking. A good place to start when you’re trying to stay adequately hydrated is to drink at least half your body weight (in ounces) of water every day.  

Get assessed by a movement expert

If you’ve already got some nagging back and knee pain, do yourself a favor and get assessed by a movement expert FIRST, before you begin your new exercise routine or New Year’s goal. Your first thought might be to go see your medical doctor, which of course isn’t a bad idea, but it’s important you understand how different medical professionals look at you when you have knee or back pain.

Medical doctors are trained to screen your whole body and spot for serious problems. If you see them for musculoskeletal pain, they will typically take X-rays and MRI’s to make sure there are no broken bones or serious pathologies. They do not have extensive training to assess how your pain behaves during movement or exercise, which is the majority of people’s problems. That’s where we come in.

A specialty practice like ours will be able to assess your movement in detail, through various movement tests, which will tell a much better story about how your pain may or may not impact the new exercise or weight loss program you’re about to start. Plus, once we know how your pain behaves, what the triggering patterns are, we can also teach you how to control it – so that you don’t have to let nagging back or knee pain derail your 2021!

I hope your New Year is off to an amazing start, and if you want to ensure that back or knee pain doesn’t get in the way of that, reach out for a FREE 30 minute Discovery Session. We would love to talk with you about your goals and be part of your support team as we all launch into 2023!

 

 

Considering Back Surgery? Read this First

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Approximately 500,000 Americans undergo back surgery to relieve their pain every year, and according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHTQ), this costs approximately $11 billion annually. The worst part — it turns out only 5 percent of these people actually need back surgery. And for many folks — the pain just ends up coming back.

So why are we spending so much money on back surgery when the majority of people don’t actually need it?

First of all, back pain is not fun. It can be excruciating, debilitating, and can have a significant impact on your life and happiness. If you’re told surgery will fix your problem (and it often does take your pain away in the short-term), why wouldn’t you choose this option? 

Well, if you knew the facts, you might be willing to hold off on a surgical “quick fix” and investigate options that are less risky. The research shows over and over that 80% of the population suffers from “non-specific low back pain,” meaning, it’s not from something structural like a tumor, broken bone, or deformity. The research also shows that non-specific low back pain does NOT benefit from surgery! The better solution for the majority of back pain sufferers is correctly prescribed movement followed by regular exercise to maintain your strength (especially your core) and postural endurance.

So again, why are we spending so much money on back surgery when the research and data clearly show it’s not the best course of action for the majority of back pain sufferers? 

There are a few reasons. First, most of the time we just don’t know any better.

Back pain is typically diagnosed with imaging (X Rays and MRI’s). Although these highly specific tests are critically beneficial after a major trauma or accident, or when you suspect something more serious is going on (like a tumor or broken bone), they are not the best way to diagnose non-specific low back pain. That’s because these tests are designed to show you everything – including all the normal, age-related changes that occur in your spine such as arthritis, degenerative discs, stenosis, and even bulging discs.

The truth is that 60-80% of people walk around with these findings in their spine all the time and have absolutely zero pain.

That means that your back pain is likely coming from something else, typically, a bad movement pattern or habit. Poor posture and movement habits can exacerbate a bulging disc or stenosis, and this is where the confusion comes in. Surgically “fixing” your bulging disc or stenosis will not correct your poor habits. That’s why so many people suffering from back pain get surgery only to find their pain comes back several months or years later. What you need to do is find the true cause of your low back pain and attempt to address that first before ever considering something like surgery.

The second reason back surgery is so common and over-prescribed is because it does a great job at taking pain away quickly where conservative therapy often fails. Conservative therapy really can help you get rid of back pain and keep it gone – but it has to be done correctly. And sadly, there are many well-meaning therapists, trainers, and movement professionals out there that lack the expert knowledge to get it right. If you don’t get the correct conservative treatment for your back pain, you’ll assume it didn’t work, and will be more apt to get surgery.

So how do you know you’re getting correct and effective conservative treatment? Quite simply, it will work, and fairly quickly! 

Remember, 80% of all low back pain responds to the right conservative treatment. You’ll notice obvious improvement in your back pain within 2 weeks. If you fall into the 20% where conservative treatment doesn’t work as well, it will be pretty obvious to a back pain expert almost immediately. In our office, for example, we have special movement screens and tests that we perform on everyone to determine if you’re in the 80% or the 20%. If you fall into the 20%, we know right away and can send you to your doctor, or a surgeon, for one of those highly specific tests to see what’s really going on.

The take home point is this: If you currently suffer from on and off back pain, have tried every treatment you can think of, and are just tired of it because it really hurts – I completely understand why back surgery would be an attractive option for you right now.

But please consider the facts and research first before you make the decision to go under the knife. Back surgery has its risks, and there is no going back from the unimaginable happening. If you have back pain that you’re ready to solve for good — sign up for a FREE 30 minute Discovery Session with one of our specialists today! 

 

Active and Mobile

Five Easy Ways to Keep Active and Moving this Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving might look a lot different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to stay active during the holiday. And if you suffer from back or knee pain, it’s especially important to find ways to keep active and moving. Our spine and joints don’t like to be sedentary for prolonged periods. That’s especially true if you have arthritis. You may not notice any pain while you’re sitting or relaxing, but you WILL pay for it the next day. 

Here are five very easy ways to keep active and moving this Thanksgiving:

1. Interrupt your sitting.

This is quite possibly the easiest and most effective strategy to minimize pain and stiffness in your back and knees. I give this tip out all the time, not just for Thanksgiving. Our bodies were not designed to sit for prolonged periods, so getting up frequently (I recommend once every 30 min) keeps your knees, hips, and spine from getting painful and stiff. 

2. Do a Turkey Trot!

Thanksgiving Turkey Trots are a tradition for many. But just because races aren’t happening live and in person this year, doesn’t mean you still can’t get out there! Plus, many of these popular events have switched to virtual and have arranged ways for people to still participate but on their own time, and socially distanced. Turkey Trots are typically 5K’s – or 3.2 miles – so grab your dog, headphones, or favorite podcast or audiobook and start your morning off right. Whether you walk or jog, it will feel great to get your Thanksgiving Day started with lubricated joints and blood flowing. 

3. Stretch during Commercials.

Yes – the Macy’s Day parade is still happening (on TV only) and there will of course be football. A very easy way to keep yourself from sitting or slouching too much because you’re watching TV is to get up during commercials! I literally teach my clients to do “TV exercises”. Choose some very easy stretches or mobility exercises to do during the commercial breaks. It’s the perfect opportunity to do a quick 2 min exercise or stretch.  It doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose from a quick set of squats, some heel raises, a set of planks, or back stretches on the floor or in standing. You can alternate through these during each commercial break.

4. Walk for Dessert.

Just because you did that Turkey Trot in the morning doesn’t mean you have to be done for the day! Skip the dessert (maybe) and go for a nice easy walking stroll after dinner. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. And it gives you many of the same benefits of running (only slower). Walking is very functional, and it’s good for your hips, back and knees. Since we tend to sit and bend so much during the day, walking is a very natural and active way to get some much needed lengthening and stretching into our bodies. Plus, it can’t hurt to work off some of those Thanksgiving calories!

5. Help with set up and clean up.

You may not like this tip, and your kids and grandkids might fight you on it, but it’s another easy way to keep moving on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re suffering from back problems, be careful bending and repetitively leaning over when you’re collecting or setting dishes down. And watch your posture when you’re cleaning dishes or loading the dishwasher. An easy fix for this, and a great way to protect your spine from the harmful effects of too much bending, is to remember to stand up straight and stretch backwards often and frequently whenever you’re doing an activity that requires a lot of bending forward. And remember to bend from your hips and knees instead of curving over from your spine.  And of course, if your back is so bad that it prevents you from being able to help clean up, or do any of the other activities I mentioned in this article, please reach out! 

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving, and that these tips help to give you some easy, practical ideas to stay active and moving!

Is Shoulder Pain “Impinging” on Your Lifestyle?

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If you’ve ever had pain in your shoulders when you try to raise your arms overhead, pull off a sweatshirt, grab a gallon of milk from the fridge, or place grocery bags on the counter, you were likely dealing with shoulder “impingement syndrome…” otherwise known as “rotator cuff impingement” or “rotator cuff tendonitis.”

They call it “impingement” because your rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the round head of your shoulder bone and a hook-shaped bone in your shoulder blade called the acromion.

The pinching tends to happens every time you raise your arm above ninety degrees. After a while, the pinching eventually irritates your tendon, resulting in pain and inflammation. These symptoms are exacerbated and pronounced with any arm movements above shoulder height. Most of the time, the root cause of this problem has been there for a long time, but it’s only just now manifesting itself as pain — and this so-called “impingement syndrome.”

So what causes your rotator cuff tendon to get pinched or impinged in the first place?

Most of the time, the answer is POSTURE.

Financial Betting Sites UK 2025: Betzella’s Best Options for Financial Markets

In the ever-evolving world of finance, where markets fluctuate with the blink of an eye, the allure of financial betting has captured the imagination of thrill-seekers and savvy investors alike. As we approach 2025, the United Kingdom stands at the forefront of this exhilarating realm, offering a plethora of online platforms that cater to those seeking a unique blend of risk and reward. But how do you navigate this intricate landscape and uncover the best financial betting sites tailored to your needs?

Enter Betzella, a trusted authority in the realm of online betting, poised to unveil a curated selection of the finest financial betting sites in the UK for 2025. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Betzella’s experts have scoured the digital landscape, meticulously evaluating each platform’s offerings, security measures, and user experience. From user-friendly interfaces to cutting-edge trading tools and unparalleled market coverage, this comprehensive guide promises to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions and potentially unlock lucrative opportunities within the financial markets.

Regulatory Landscape: Navigating the Legal Framework

As the financial markets continue to evolve and captivate investors worldwide, the demand for reliable and user-friendly financial betting sites UK is on the rise. In 2025, Betzella emerges as a trusted platform, offering a comprehensive range of options tailored to the needs of discerning traders and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of Betzella’s financial betting sites UK is the diverse range of markets available. From traditional stocks and currencies to emerging sectors like cryptocurrencies and commodities, traders can explore a wealth of opportunities. The platform’s intuitive interface and real-time data feeds ensure that users stay informed and make informed decisions.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Betzella’s financial betting sites UK offer a seamless integration with virtual trading simulators. These cutting-edge tools allow traders to hone their skills, test strategies, and gain invaluable experience without risking real capital. Additionally, educational resources and expert analysis are readily available, empowering users to navigate the intricate world of financial markets with confidence.

Betzella’s commitment to security, transparency, and customer satisfaction sets it apart from competitors. With robust encryption protocols, stringent regulatory compliance, and responsive customer support, traders can engage in financial betting sites UK with peace of mind. As the industry continues to evolve, Betzella remains dedicated to staying at the forefront, introducing innovative features and adapting to emerging trends, solidifying its position as a premier destination for financial market enthusiasts in the UK and beyond.

Emerging Trends: Innovative Financial Betting Platforms

As we approach 2025, the financial betting landscape in the UK is poised for exciting developments. Betzella, a leading authority in the industry, has meticulously evaluated the top options for those seeking to engage in financial market betting. With a keen eye for reliability, user experience, and competitive odds, Betzella’s recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike.

One standout platform that has consistently impressed is [Platform A]. Renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive range of financial instruments, [Platform A] offers a seamless betting experience. From traditional stocks and indices to emerging cryptocurrencies, bettors can navigate the markets with confidence, backed by real-time data and insightful analysis tools. Additionally, [Platform A]’s robust mobile app ensures that traders can stay connected and capitalize on opportunities wherever they are.

For those seeking a more personalized approach, [Platform B] has garnered praise for its exceptional customer support and tailored betting solutions. With a team of experienced financial analysts on hand, bettors can access in-depth market insights and receive personalized recommendations based on their risk profile and investment goals. [Platform B] also boasts a diverse range of betting options, including spread betting, binary options, and contract for differences (CFDs), catering to various investment strategies and preferences.

Risk Management Strategies: Maximizing Returns, Minimizing Losses

As the financial markets continue to evolve and new opportunities arise, UK bettors are seeking reliable platforms to engage in financial betting. In 2025, Betzella stands as a trusted authority, offering a curated selection of the best financial betting sites tailored for the UK market. With a keen eye for security, user experience, and competitive odds, Betzella’s recommendations provide a gateway to the exciting world of financial market speculation.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newcomer to financial betting, Betzella’s top picks cater to a diverse range of preferences and risk appetites. From user-friendly platforms with intuitive interfaces to advanced trading tools and in-depth market analysis, these sites empower bettors to make informed decisions. With a commitment to transparency and responsible gambling practices, Betzella ensures that UK bettors can navigate the financial markets with confidence, seizing opportunities while managing risks effectively.

User Experience: Evaluating Platform Features and Usability

As the financial markets continue to evolve, the demand for reliable and user-friendly betting sites in the UK is on the rise. In 2025, Betzella stands out as a leading platform offering a diverse range of options for those seeking to engage in financial betting. With a commitment to transparency, security, and cutting-edge technology, Betzella provides a seamless experience for both seasoned traders and newcomers alike.

One of the key strengths of Betzella is its comprehensive selection of financial markets, including stocks, currencies, commodities, and indices. Whether you’re interested in trading major global equities or exploring the intricacies of cryptocurrency markets, Betzella offers a wide array of opportunities. Additionally, the platform boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and execute trades with confidence. Betzella’s commitment to providing educational resources and expert analysis further empowers users to make informed decisions, ensuring a rewarding and engaging betting experience.

As the financial markets continue to evolve and new opportunities arise, it’s essential to stay informed and choose a reliable betting platform. Betzella’s comprehensive guide to the best financial betting sites in the UK for 2025 provides valuable insights and expert recommendations to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape. Whether you’re an experienced trader or just starting your journey, our carefully curated list of top-rated platforms offers a range of options to suit your preferences and investment goals. Stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions with Betzella as your trusted companion in the exciting world of financial betting.

If your upper back is stiff, curved, and lacks adequate mobility, it’s going to impact how your shoulder blades move and position themselves. With a stiff and curved upper back, your shoulder blades will respond by moving out and up. This scenario makes that hook-like bone (the acromion) sit more forward and more down than it should. When this happens, there isn’t enough room for your tendon when you lift your arms above shoulder height. The bony surfaces above and below your tendon create friction, and this eventually turns into pain and inflammation.

The tempting and easy “fix” is to get a cortisone shot or attack the inflammation more conservatively with ice and topical anti-inflammatory agents.

But what you need to understand is that in most cases, “impingement syndrome” is actually the SYMPTOM. The root cause is usually coming from immobility and poor movement patterns in the upper back or neck. If you really want to get rid of your shoulder pain, get back to lifting and carrying things without any worry, and have full and free mobility of your arms, it’s essential that you identify and address the root cause and not just the symptoms. Since there is an 80% chance your shoulder pain is a mechanical or movement problem — the best people to examine and address this FIRST are movement experts like us.

So moral of the story… next time you go to the doctor complaining of shoulder pain and you hear the words “impingement syndrome” or “rotator cuff tendonitis” — don’t assume you need a cortisone shot or surgery to fix it.

Neither of these solutions will likely give you the long-term solution you’re looking for. The very last thing you want to do is get some kind of procedure or surgery that either masks the pain or corrects the wrong problem. You want to do everything possible to preserve the integrity of your tendon, and the best way to do that is by optimizing mobility and using natural movement and strength training prescribed by movement experts.

Interested in seeing if physical therapy could resolve your shoulder pain? Try a FREE Discovery Session on us. This is a chance for you to speak with one of our specialists, tell us everything that’s been going on with you, and determine for yourself if we’re the best people to help you. It’s a completely free, no-obligation appointment that will give you all the information you need to make the BEST decision for YOUR health – whether that’s working with us or not!

Neck stretches

Neck Pain During Crunches? Here’s Why & How to Avoid it

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Abdominal crunches are one of the most popular “ab exercises” around. It’s a movement that emphasizes upper abdominal strength. You start by lying on your back, typically with your hands behind your head and knees bent. You then lift your head and chest off the floor, “crunching” your upper body into a C-shaped curve.

Over the years, many “experts” have dismissed this exercise, claiming it’s ineffective for core strengthening. While I agree that it shouldn’t be the ONLY core exercise you do — the crunch does have its place. I work on this a lot with my private clients, because it’s a functional move that when done correctly, will help you sit up from the floor with more ease and with less risk of injury. And of course you see variations on this movement all the time in Pilates, which is a key part of our practice and our efforts to help people recover from back pain.

I often hear that people don’t like crunches because they’re uncomfortable or hurt your neck. But when you’re doing a crunch, you want to make sure you’re feeling it in your abs… NOT in your our neck. Here are the biggest problems I see with crunches and how to tell if it’s a technique problem or a neck problem:

You’re not actually using your abs

This sounds pretty obvious, right? But a lot of people have trouble figuring this out. During our Pilates 101 class this week, one woman experiencing neck pain appeared to be doing the move correctly — but she couldn’t feel it in her abs, only in her neck.

It’s because she was using her neck and chest muscles to curl her upper body into the crunch instead of initiating the move from her belly (abs). My tips to correct this were to pull her lower belly in toward her spine and the front of her ribs down toward her belly button. Then, keeping this shape locked in, use her breath (exhale) to help her initiate and start the curl from her abs.

Sometimes people don’t have the abdominal strength yet to perform a crunch from lying flat. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to do this correctly no matter how well you follow my cues. If you think that’s your problem, place a small pillow under the back of your head. This gives you a head start into the curl. Once your abdominals get stronger, you can try doing the crunch with your head starting from the floor again.

Your neck is in the wrong position

When you’re doing a crunch, you want your neck to be slightly curled (chin toward chest). Most people either curl their neck too much, or not enough. If your chin is touching your chest, you’re curled too much. And if you feel your chin and neck jutting forward toward the ceiling, you’re not curled enough. Either of these positions could lead to neck problems down the line if not corrected.

The ideal position for your neck is to begin with a slight nod of the chin (like you’re nodding “yes”) and then keep it there. The rest of the curling motion will come from contracting your trunk and abs. As you curl up, I recommend keeping your eyes focused on your belly and keeping a tennis ball’s distance between your chin and your chest.

Sometimes your hand and arm position can be what causes your neck to be in the wrong place. If your hands are behind your head, be sure you’re not using them to pull your neck forward. Your head should be gently pressing into your hands and your elbows should be at a 45 degree angle from your body. Your abs do the rest.

If you’re having neck pain while doing crunches, reach out to see how we can help.

You have an underlying neck problem

In our practice, we specialize in neck and back pain. When you’ve got an underlying neck problem, doing crunches isn’t a good idea until the underlying problem is resolved.

Let’s say you have a small bulging disc in your neck that you weren’t aware of or that you thought was fixed. The curled position of your neck during a crunch can exacerbate this problem, even if you are using your abs correctly and following every tip I just mentioned above.

Some clues that you might have an underlying neck problem could be pain that shoots into your shoulder blade or numbness and tingling down your arm. You might experience these symptoms during the movement, or even up to several hours after.

Either way, symptoms like this could be a sign that there is more to your neck pain than simply incorrect crunch-technique or weakness in your abs.

If this is happening, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a movement/mechanical specialist like the physical therapists in our practice. The good news is that we can help your neck feel better even if you do have a problem like bulging discs — and you can get back to doing crunches again without any neck pain.

You can also check out our FREE guide to neck and shoulder pain right here!

It comes right to your email inbox and explores seven easy ways (plus a bonus section!) that are PROVEN to help you ease neck and shoulder pain quickly – without pain medication, procedures, or surgery.

If you have any additional questions or want a more personalized assessment, sign up for a FREE Discovery Session with us! It’s a quick, no-obligations opportunity for you to see if working with us could be the best decision for your health.

Man getting knee pain treatment

Tight Hip Flexors? When Stretching isn’t Enough…

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When it comes to feeling stiff and immobile, tight hip flexors are the second most common complaint I hear – right after tight hamstrings.

Tight hip flexors are annoying, achy, and they often contribute to lower back pain. When your hips are tight, it can be painful or uncomfortable to walk, run, play golf, exercise, and even stand up straight!

Typically, the recommended treatments for this problem include lots of stretching, foam rolling, massage, and myofascial release.

But what if the stretching and all that other stuff doesn’t work?

What if no matter how often you stretch, the tightness just keeps coming back?

Sometimes – actually often – the tightness you feel in your hip flexors (or any other muscle group for that matter) can be due to weakness or overworking of the muscle.

If this is your problem, then no amount of stretching or foam rolling is going to help you.

Stretching and foam rolling will help to temporarily ease the stiffness from an overworking muscle, but it will only be a bandaid until you tackle the root cause.

You need to first identify WHY these muscles are weak or overworking, and THEN figure out the proper exercise and load that will help turn your hip flexors from feeling tight and overworked – to flexible and mobile.

Your hip flexors consist of the muscle group located in the front of your hip in the area of your groin. They are responsible for flexing or bending your thigh up and toward your chest. But they also play a role in stabilizing your pelvis and lower back… and this is where we see a lot of problems and confusion.

The rectus femoris, part of your quadriceps muscle group, and your psoas, part of your deep abdominal muscle group, are the two major hip flexors. Your rectus muscle is the one primarily responsible for lifting your thigh. When you are walking or running, and repetitively flexing your leg, this is the muscle you are using.

Your psoas, on the other hand, is much shorter and actually attaches to your lumbar spine. Because of this, it has more of a stability role. When functioning properly, it will assist in exercises like the crunch or sit up, and it helps to stabilize your pelvis during any of these movements as well as when you are standing upright. Your psoas, abdominals, and glute muscles all have to work together in harmony for you to have good posture.

Let’s talk about the psoas for a moment… because this is where many folks I speak with are misinformed.

The psoas gets blamed for a lot of things – most notably – tilting your pelvis forward and being the cause of low back pain. The theory is that if you stretch, massage, and “release” your psoas muscle – then you will balance out your pelvis and your back pain will disappear.

Sadly – this is rarely the case. Read more

Holding Knee with Arthritis

When Traditional Physical Therapy Fails…

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I’ve been a physical therapist for a very long time — 20 years to be exact — and I’ve seen a lot of changes in healthcare over the course of my career. One of the biggest (and saddest) changes I’ve seen in my field is the overcrowding of clinics. As reimbursements from insurance companies go down, traditional physical therapy clinics have been forced to increase their patient volume. That means you rarely get to spend time with your therapist, and your treatment sessions consist of repetitive exercise sets that you typically can do at the gym or on your own.

If you do manage to get some one-on-one time with your therapist, whether it be for hands-on-care or actual consultation about what’s going on with you, it’s often just a quick 20 minutes. The rest of the time, your poor therapist is usually held hostage by a computer because of all the documentation requirements placed on them, and you’re left on your own doing all those exercises.

Has this happened to you?

With this model of care, it’s impossible for the quality of your treatment NOT to suffer. Many folks I speak with say that traditional physical therapy is a “waste of time.” 

Why bother going when they can do everything on their own at home?

Worse, when traditional physical therapy does fail, most people go back to their doctors hoping for a different solution. Many times, the next step for these folks involves unwanted procedures, pain pills, or surgery.

So what do you do if you don’t want to go down the medical route of procedures or surgery, but the “physical therapy” didn’t work?

Well first, you need to understand what physical therapy actually is, seek that out, and don’t settle for anything less.

Physical therapy is NOT just a bunch of general exercises or ultrasound — at least it’s not supposed to be. After your pain is gone and your problem has been resolved, the role of general exercise is to keep your pain gone, and to continue optimizing your strength, performance, and mobility. That’s what we use our Pilates program for.

When you receive proper physical therapy in the way it was intended, it looks something like this…

Your therapist will first give you a proper examination and an actual diagnosis. Your physical therapy diagnosis might be different than your medical diagnosis. In fact, it should be. For example, you may come to us with a diagnosis of “bulging disc,” but our job is to figure out WHY your disc is bulging. Our diagnosis is going to be related to the specific movements, habits, and musculoskeletal deficiencies that led you to having that problem in the first place (discs don’t just bulge spontaneously). Once we know that, we can come up with a plan for you.

Here’s an example…

Let’s say your bulging disc is due to poor sitting posture, a weak core, and poor mobility in your spine. When your spine doesn’t move well and you sit too much, compensations like bulging discs can occur. Your plan might then consist of strategies for better, less painful sitting postures, as well as some help getting your spine back to full mobility again — so that your bulging disc no longer irritates you.

At this stage in your treatment, any “exercises” given to you should be corrective, very specific to your problem, and should be prescribed specifically to you.

There should be nothing cookie-cutter or general about them — and they should be working!

When you have the right “movement prescription” and when your exercises are corrective versus general — your pain goes away, your problem gets resolved, and most importantly, you’ll know exactly why and can even replicate this on your own in the future.

Once this has all been achieved, THEN we can get you back to the fun stuff like exercises at the gym, Pilates, or yoga — the stuff that is designed to keep you feeling healthy, active, and mobile.

Getting rid of something like back, knee, or neck pain doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to involve pills, procedures, or surgery. But it may require you to be a bit open-minded about HOW you receive physical therapy.

If you’ve had a frustrating experience with physical therapy in the past, don’t just give up!

Consider working with a specialist practice like ours that operates differently from traditional clinics.

Click here to request a Discovery Visit.

It’s completely FREE! A discovery session serves as an opportunity for you to “discover” what’s going on with your body and what we do in our practice. You’ll speak with one of my specialists, find out if we’re a good fit for you, and then get started on a path to natural recovery!