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When people see us complaining of neck, upper back, or arm pain, one of things we will ask is if they have suffered some type of injury. In today’s age of rampant computer use, it comes as no surprise when most of these people are at the computer at least forty hours per week. It doesn’t take long to figure out that computer use has triggered problems in these people, and physical therapy in Parker, CO is likely the only way to resolve their pain issues.

It’s no secret that we as a country have started leading lives that are more and more sedentary, and this is especially true in the workplace. Some health experts are actually calling “sitting” the new “smoking” because its detrimental effects are so severe when it comes to our health. Most of us are sitting at a computer for many hours, day in and day out. This may seem like an occupational injury, but unfortunately, it’s something we have no choice but to deal with since our livelihoods depend on it.

If you find yourself dealing with chronic discomfort because you are staring at a computer all day, try these tips from Time magazine for staying healthy despite spending umpteen hours sitting.

How Computers Cause Problems in the First Place

Posture problems result in injury-like symptoms over time. There is no single event that has occurred, such as what might happen if you were in a car accident. These computer “injuries” occur over a long period of time. Tissue in the affected areas begin to wear down, setting problems into motion.
How does this happen? People start to rely on their internal stability structures to hold them upright when they should be using their muscles. Sitting for long periods of time relaxes the muscles, so instead, people sitting at the computer are using ligaments, discs, and cartilage to stay upright and battle gravity. Over time, these tissues start to break apart, causing areas of damage that translates into aches and pains that don’t heal.

If the muscles were being used the way they are supposed to be, they would break down and repair—and get stronger. (If you are a weightlifter, you know how this works!) The tissues of the body don’t repair themselves the same way muscles do, so the problems for people just continue to get worse.
Computers are not going away, and people will continue to use them. Because of this, we need to figure out solutions for people so they can use the computers for work without injuring themselves. Physical therapy is one way people can get help from chronic pain from use of computers. There are also things you can do yourself to help alleviate these problems.

What You Can Do for Repetitive Strain Injuries From Using the Computer

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are common when you do the same repetitive movements day after day. They particularly cause problems in the shoulder, neck, and upper back. It’s particularly common in the shoulder of the arm we use for our computer mouse. This isn’t surprising since we use our mouse about three times as much as we use our keyboards.

The first thing you should do to avoid RSIs is to ensure your work station is set up in a way as to be ergonomically correct. You don’t want to have to move your shoulder too high—or too low—when reaching for your mouse. Both can cause problems with your upper arm and shoulder.

Other tips include making sure your wrist is neutral or slightly flexed when you are using the mouse or keyboard. Adjust your arm rests to make sure they are offering support to your arms. Use both hands for your mouse, switching back and forth throughout the day.

You can also try to use dictation software to give yourself a break from using the mouse and keyboard. A telephone headset is also useful if you are on the phone a lot and tend to hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.

It’s critical to modify your workspace because even if you undergo physical therapy for your RSI, it will return if you don’t fix the problems that caused it in the first place.

The Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries From Using the Computer

If you notice any of the following, this could be an RSI:

• Pain in your arm or shoulder on the side that uses the mouse
• A burning feeling in your arm or shoulder
• Pain and tightness in the shoulder blades and back
• Tingling or numbness in your fingers and hands
• Pain in your wrist—especially on the side that uses the mouse
• Loss of strength in your hand on the side that uses the mouse

You might also find that you are getting frequent headaches. People can experience one or all of these symptoms, depending on the severity of their RSI.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is helpful for those who have an injury that is preventing them from moving in the way they previously did. It is good for people of all ages. (Read these tips on preparing for your first physical therapy appointment.)
If you are suffering from pain because you are at the computer every day for hours, physical therapy might help you in the following ways:

• It can reduce or eliminate the pain you are suffering.
• It can restore muscle and joint function in injured areas.
• It can improve your mobility.
• It can help you avoid surgery to treat an injured area.

We live in a computer age where RSIs are common. You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Find out if physical therapy might be the answer for your injuries from using the computer.

Contact us today to find out more about physical therapy or any of our other services. With offices throughout the Denver metro area, including south Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lowry, Parker, Aurora, and Englewood, you can be sure that one is conveniently located near you. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a healthy, pain-free lifestyle!

We all get a typical headache from time to time. Sometimes it is stress related, for others it could be nutritional habits. However, others experience headaches on a regular basis, which can be debilitating for everyday life. If you suffer from chronic headaches, it is crucial to get to the root of your problem. Each person is different and there are options out there to help. Learn more about chronic headaches and migraines and how Denver physical therapy can help.

Different Types of Headaches

A headache is a headache. Right? Not exactly. In fact, there are more than 100 variations of different types of headaches. Headaches occur in different areas of the head due to a multitude of causes. Some of the most common types of headaches include:

• Cluster: When a person has a cluster headache, it is normally a deep pain in one area. It is common for them to occur around the eye area. Due to how painful they can be, they can sometimes be mistaken for a migraine, especially if nausea is involved. The pain from a cluster headache not only can sit around one’s eye and temple, but also shoot pain around the face, neck, and even shoulders. The affected eye may become red and/or dropping some people experience congestion in the nose. It is common for people who suffer from cluster headaches to have multiple flare-ups throughout the day, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours.
• Sinus: Sinus headaches occur when there are congestion issues. This can occur from sinusitis, allergies or a cold. Sinusitis happens when the sinuses become congested and unable to expel as they normally would. There are passages in the forehead, eyes, nose, and cheeks and when there is added pressure, it is painful. The pain gets even worse when one tilts their head forward or even when lying down. Pain can even occur in the teeth.
• Tension: Tension headaches are often described as a tight feeling around the head. They can take place on both sides or front of the head and range in pain levels. When it comes to tension headaches, there are two types: episodic and chronic. Episodic tension headaches pop up and can last for a short amount of time or up to several days, every so often. A person may experience them a couple times a month. Tension headaches are chronic when they occur over half of the month.
• Migraine: When a person has a migraine, they experience extreme pain on one side of one’s head. The pain can be so severe making a person experience nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Others also experience sensitivity to light or sound and it is common for a person with a headache to lay down in a dark, quiet space. For some, a migraine will last for a few hours, while others may have ongoing symptoms for a week.

Headaches Stemming from Larger Issues

Headaches can occur due to a multitude of causes. Ultimately, they happen when the blood vessels around the brain swell. As they swell, it negatively impacts the areas around them hence the pain around the different areas of the forehead, temples, and cheekbones.

There are two ways headaches are categorized: primary or secondary. Primary headaches are ones where a headache is the main problem or a stand-alone condition. Cluster headaches, tension headaches or migraines are primary types of headaches. Secondary headaches are headaches that are a symptom of another pain or illness. Sinus headaches would be an example of a secondary headache.

Headaches are genetic for some. For others, they can be due to stress and anxiety, medical issues, high blood pressure, overexertion or nutrition.

How Migraines Differentiate from Headaches

While migraines and headaches both have pain in and around one’s head, migraines are more severe. In addition to its already debilitating symptoms, there are a few additional symptoms or categories of a migraine that headaches do not have. The first is an aura. Migraines with an aura are ones that include visual changes in addition to sensitivity to light, due to neurological changes. They can cause a person to see zig zags, flickers of light, spots or other illusions. For others, vision may become blurry or there may even be a temporary loss altogether.  Auras usually occur prior to a migraine and can last for a few minutes up to several. Auras can also be sensory, leading to negative sensations in the body such as in the arms, legs or feet.

Tips for Relief

Those who suffer from headaches can find relief in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways is through over-the-counter medication. Popular ones include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, and naproxen. In addition, rest and relaxation are key. When coping with a headache, continuing to push yourself will not aid in its disappearance. For some, they find relief through peppermint oils that can be rubbed on the temples. Food also can play an impact on headaches. It is important to monitor when a headache occurs. In many cases, it can be food related. For some, it can be intolerances and allergies, while for others, it can be artificial ingredients and aspartame. Use a food journal to document what you eat and any symptoms that occur after. Over time, you will begin to see patterns and can make changes accordingly. It is important for you to do research and learn how to stop a headache to find methods that work for you.

Did you know that physical therapy can aid in headache relief? Whether your headaches are primary or secondary, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness can help. Oftentimes, headaches are caused by musculoskeletal problems or jaw pain. Through working with us, we will help you find the root of your headaches and come up with a relief plan for you. In many cases, through dietary changes and customized exercises and stretches, relief is in sight. You can also try dry needling or soft tissue mobilization. Contact Peak PT and Wellness today to set up your appointment.

Nothing is more frustrating when you are training for a race—whether it’s a 5k or a full marathon—than being sidelined by constant injuries. If you are a Parker runner who is constantly plagued with problems in your shins, calves, or hips, you might want to consider a running analysis.

Also referred to as a gait analysis, once the problem has been identified, you can be treated—and back on the road (or trail) feeling better than ever. Getting a professional gait analysis by an experienced clinician means a more efficient and accurate diagnosis. What this means for you is that you are running pain-free in a shorter amount of time.

What Does It Mean to Have a Gait Dysfunction?

When you have a gait dysfunction, it means that the way you are walking or running is abnormal in some way. In some cases, they can be related to some kind of disorder of the inner ear, diseases of the muscle or nervous system, or musculoskeletal abnormalities. When these underlying disorders are treated, often the problem with gait is normalized.

There are common classifications of gait dysfunction, as follows:

• Anatalgic. This is commonly referred to as a limp, meaning people are putting more weight on one leg than the other. This is usually because they are in some kind of pain.
• Cerebellar ataxia. This gait dysfunction is displayed by erratic foot placement, such as in someone who is intoxicated.
• Parkinsonian. These short, shuffled steps are often seen in those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
• Steppage. With this dysfunction people cannot lift their ankle so they frequently lift the leg higher at the knee and hip
• Vestibular ataxia. This is usually related to vertigo or inner-ear conditions and causes people to walk in an unsteady manner.
• Waddling. People with this pattern of dysfunction often walk on their toes, with a side-to-side movement.

These are some of the most commonly known dysfunctions. Yours might be different than what is listed here. You can find a more comprehensive list of gait abnormalities published by Stanford Medicine that offers a bit more insight.

How Is a Gait Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Although running shoe stores often offer a running analysis to determine the best type of running shoes, nothing compares to a gait analysis screening by a professional physical therapist. When you go in for an analysis, you will likely be asked a series of questions first, including:

• Are you experiencing any pain while walking or running?
• Did you recently have a fall?
• When did you start to notice you were not walking the way you always have?
• Is the problem with walking or running getting worse?

The physical therapist will also talk to you about your medical history, including whether or not you are on any medications.

When you first meet with the physical therapist, be prepared to describe your pain and symptoms in as detailed a manner as possible. Before your first appointment, in fact, it might be a good idea to keep a journal that outlines what activities you are doing when you are experiencing pain—whether it’s just while you are running or if the pain exists while you are walking and doing other things. Try to be as detailed as possible.

The physical therapist will conduct certain assessments to help determine the cause of your gait problems, including:

• The physical therapist will have you walk back and forth so he or she can observe any abnormalities in your gait simply by watching you.
• The physical therapist will check your balance to determine if you are at undue risk of a fall.
• The physical therapist will see how fast you walk.
• The physical therapist will test your strength and range of motion.
• The physical therapist will test your reflexes.
• The physical therapist will conduct sensation screenings.

Based on these assessments, he or she will try to diagnose the reason for the gait problems.

Can I Do Something to Prevent Gait Problems?

Whether or not your issue is preventable depends on the reason for it. But often getting treatment early means further issues can be prevented

What Can a Physical Therapist Do to Improve Gait?

Physical therapy is crucial in helping people improve their gait so they can walk and run again without pain. Each treatment plan is different, depending on the issues you are having the reasons behind them, but a treatment strategy might include any of the following items:

• Pre-gait training. These include activities and exercises that have nothing to do with, such as standing and lifting your leg. But they can give you insight into improving your gait.
• Gait training. This includes retraining the way you walk based on the underlying condition for your gait problems.
• Balance and coordination training. These activities can help you get better balance, which will help stabilize the way you walk.
• Neuromuscular reeducation. Your inactive muscles might need to be activated to improve your walking pattern.
• Bracing or splinting. If a weakness in a ligament is part of your gait problem, a brace or splint might be able to help.
• Manual therapy. Depending on the reasons for your gait problems, we might also recommend manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization.
• Dry needling. Dry needling is crucial for pain control, muscle tension reduction, and improved biochemical motor functions.

Don’t be sidelined because of pain or discomfort. Talk to Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness about a Parker running analysis and treatment plan for runners of all ability levels. Our comprehensive running analysis has three goals: (1) tell you what you need to do to reduce your pain, (2) lower your risk of injuring yourself in the future, and (3) improving your running performance. At Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness, we will also talk to you about an appropriate training plan to help you achieve your running goals with a lot less pain.

Contact us today to find out more about a running analysis. With offices throughout the Denver metro area, including south Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lowry, Parker, Aurora, and Englewood, you can be sure that one is conveniently located near you. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a healthy, pain-free lifestyle!

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, and the TMJ is like a hinge that connects your jawbone to your skill. When you have pain in your jaw joint or in the muscles around it, it is called a TMJ disorder. Deciding on the right TMJ treatment in Denver isn’t always easy, and it might depend on the reason behind the disorder.

TMJ disorders can be caused by the bad luck of genetics, an injury to the jaw, or an arthritis condition. Sometimes people who clench or grind their teeth develop TMJ disorders. There are a variety of TMJ treatments available for people who are experiencing pain.

TMJ disorders can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. You may feel pain or tenderness in the joint area, in your neck or shoulders, or even around your ears. You might have issues if you try to open your mouth wide for yawning. Your jaws might get locked into position, or you might hear clicking or popping sounds coming from your jaw joint when you speak or chew. Chewing might be uncomfortable. Your face might become swollen in the area near the TMJ.

Most problems, whether muscular or within the joint, improve with the passage of time, so starting out with the most conservative treatment is usually your best bet.

Tips for Relief You Can Try on Your Own

These tips might help relieve your TMJ pain or discomfort:

• Try to avoid yawning—or yawn as little as possible. When you do yawn, try to press your fist under your chin to keep your mouth from opening too much.
• Don’t chew on ice or gum.
• Stop using extreme jaw movements, such as singing and yelling
• Yawn and chew (especially gum or ice) as little as possible.
• Avoid extreme jaw movements, such as yelling or singing.
• Try to rest your jaw naturally as much as possible. This means keeping your teeth and lips slightly apart.
• Sleep on your back as much as possible. Especially avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Don't rest your chin on your hand or hold the telephone between your shoulder and ear.
• Try to reduce stress.
• Eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Suggestions include smoothies, cottage cheese, soups, yogurt, and so on.
• Avoid hard or thick foods that require you to open your mouth wide and are difficult to chew.
• See a physical therapist who can work with your head and neck simultaneously. A physical therapist can also recommend specific exercises to do to help relieve your pain.

You might want to check out what the TMJ Association—yes, there is an association for this disorder—has to say about TMJ treatments, including its list of recommended resources.

Therapies to Treat TMJ Disorders

Some of the more common therapies to treat TMJ disorders include the following:

• Oral appliance or mouth guard. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)—especially at night when you sleep—these appliances can be helpful. If you are not sure if you are dealing with bruxism, your dentist should be able to tell you based on the condition of your teeth. If your bite is off, this too can cause TMJ pain, and your dentist can help you address this issue as well.
• Physical therapy. As mentioned previously, physical therapy can be helpful. Treatments might include ultrasound and moist heat and ice. A physical therapist can also show you exercises to do that will help strengthen and lengthen jaw muscles. Often a regimen of ice, heat, and exercise will relieve symptoms.
• Counseling. It might sound odd, but if you are performing behaviors such as biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth that are exacerbating your TMJ pain, understanding why you are doing them can you stop. Often this is all you need to stop your TMJ pain.

Medications to Treat TMJ Disorders

When you are trying nonsurgical treatments for TMJ disorders, your doctor might prescribe some type of mediation to go along with it. Here is a list of those that have been shown to help:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories—also known as NSAIDs—can provide relief with TMJ pain. If over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, and others aren’t enough, you can ask your doctor or dentist for a prescription for one that is stronger.
• Muscle relaxants can be used for a limited period of time to provide relief of TMJ disorder symptoms.
• Tricyclic antidepressants often have a secondary use other than for depression, and that includes pain relief. Your doctor can give you more information.

Surgeries to Treat TMJ Disorders

Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have been exhausted, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments. These procedures might help where other treatments have failed:

• One option that is minimally invasive is called arthrocentesis. With this procedure, small needles are put into the TMJ so fluid can be used to flush out debris from the joint.
• Corticosteroid injections into the TMJ might help some suffers. In some cases, Botox injections into the jaw muscle are now being used to relieve some of the pain.
• Modified condylotomy is surgery on the mandible but not in the joint itself. This procedure is more helpful on those whose jaw locks up.
• Open-joint surgery (arthrotomy) repairs or replaces the actual join. This is done only in extreme cases because of the risks.
• Arthroscopic surgery is preferred because there are fewer risks than in open-joint surgery. With this type of surgery, an arthroscope is inserted into the joint space via a small tube. Small surgical instruments are used to treat the joint.

If your doctor recommends surgery, be sure to discuss the potential benefits and risks, and ask what all your options are.
Contact us today to find out more about how physical therapy can help with your TMJ or TMJ. With offices throughout the Denver metro area, including south Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lowry, Parker, Aurora, and Englewood, you can be sure that one is conveniently located near you. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a healthy, pain-free lifestyle!

If you are a female concerned about women’s health in Parker because you are experiencing issues such as pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, incontinence, or anything else involving the pelvic area, we invite you to call Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness. Our experts would be happy to provide you with a pelvic health physical therapy evaluation.

You don’t have to suffer with these often painful and always inconvenient issues. Many of these problems can be fixed quite easily, and you can get back to living a normal life again. Give us a call if you are experiencing any of these problems.

Endometriosis

This disorder, in which the cells that form the endometrial lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus, affects millions of women in the United States. There can be a lot of pain associated with endometriosis, including painful urination and painful intercourse.

Pelvic physical therapy can help when the therapists manipulates the organs affected by hand. This manual work can improve tissue mobility and increase circulation to the areas. A pelvic physical therapist can also offer suggestions for general diet and exercise.

Hernia

Hernias happen to both men and women, and often it is a physical activity, such as moving or lifting something heavy, that makes people aware of the hernia. It is generally unknown whether the activity caused the hernia or just caused it to become symptomatic. Early diagnosis of a hernia means patients are treated more quickly. (Want to learn more about hernias? Read this article on everything you need to know about hernias from Columbia University Department of Surgery.)

Urinary Incontinence

This is another condition that also affects both men and women. Women who have experienced childbirth are particularly vulnerable because of issues with the pelvic floor. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles located in the pelvic floor. Even patients who have been suffering from urinary incontinence for years can benefit from seeing a physical therapist.

Irritable Bowel

Since the bowel and pelvis are located so closely to one another, it is not surprising that issues of the pelvis could lead to problems with the bowel. Researchers have continued to examine the connection between the two, and have become more inclined to believe there is indeed a connection.

Because of the role of the pelvic floor muscles in coordinating bowel movements and controlling the action of the anal sphincter, problems with these muscles can lead to bowel problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Painful Bladder Syndrome

Painful bladder syndrome, also called interstitial cystitis, presents itself in a number of ways, including urinary urgency, constipation, unexplained back pain, and pain during or after intercourse. Patients suffering from this syndrome often have very tight or spasming muscles in the pelvic region. There are trigger points that set off bladder symptoms. Physical therapy can help relax and lengthen tight muscles and release the trigger points, offering patients relief.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Over-Activity

When pelvic floor muscles are overactive, this can cause pain much like having tight neck muscles. But with physical therapy, patients learn techniques to relieve the tight muscle tension.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition wherein the ovaries and fallopian tubes develop an infection. This is usually the result of a sexually transmitted disease. This is a painful condition that can actually be fatal if it is left untreated. Of course, antibiotics are needed immediately to get the infection under control and to keep it from spreading. In addition, physical therapy can be beneficial to help with the pain and to promote healing in the area.

Lower Back Pain

If you are a woman suffering from unexplained lower back pain, it could be because of problems with the pelvic floor. Women who have experienced childbirth are particularly susceptible to unexplained lower back pain occurring as a result of a weakened pelvic floor. Physical therapy can improve muscle strength, relieving back pain and other symptoms.

Post-Surgery Problems

Patients who undergo pelvic or abdominal surgery can benefit from physical therapy in the months immediately following the surgery. Physical therapy can help break up any scar tissue that has formed. It can help patients regain their strength and range of motion. Just as in knee surgery, where physical therapy is mandated, after abdominal surgery, patients who have physical therapy will enjoy an improved range of motion much sooner than without physical therapy.

Postpartum Issues

Having a baby is natural, but it can also be hard on the body. Oftentimes after childbirth, women find that their abdominals are weak because of muscles that have been over-stretched, resulting in lower back pain. Other problems postpartum can include urinary incontinence and painful intercourse. There can also be scarring from a C-section or episiotomy. Sometimes just a few sessions of physical therapy can make all the difference, resolving these problems relatively quickly.

Weak Abdominals or Muscle Separation

During pregnancy, abdominal muscles are put to the test. Sometimes, these muscles not only stretch but they become fully separated. In some people, this condition doesn’t heal properly, resulting in a condition called diastasis recti. The condition leads to a weak core and back pain, not to mention a stubborn postpartum belly that lingers. Physical therapy can often completely heal this condition with a series of core-stabilizing exercises. A physical therapist can also advise patients on the proper core exercises to do; some gym exercises such as crunches, planks, and sit ups can actually be counterproductive when it comes to healing this condition. These should be avoided.

You don’t need to suffer alone. Contact us today to find out more about pelvic physical therapy or any of our other services. We offer TMJ treatment, dry needling, hand therapy, injury risk assessment, kinesio taping, manual therapy, running analysis, and TRX training among others. With offices throughout the Denver metro area, including south Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lowry, Parker, Aurora, and Englewood, you can be sure that one is conveniently located near you. We look forward to working with you and helping you return to a normal, pain-free lifestyle!