Physical therapy is not just about the exercises; it also includes various treatment modalities aimed at relieving pain and restoring function. One such modality is hands-on physical therapy, which emphasizes skilled manual techniques. This form of therapy offers a world of benefits that can enhance recovery, improve mobility, and alleviate discomfort. In this post, we'll explore the various aspects of hands-on therapy and why it could be the best choice for you. Therapist assisting a patient in hands-on therapy What is Hands-On Therapy? Hands-on therapy, as the name suggests, involves physical manipulation of the body by a trained therapist. It includes a variety of techniques that focus on improving the musculoskeletal system's function. Whether you're recovering from an injury, surgery, or dealing with chronic pain, hands-on therapy can be an effective way to aid your recovery. There are various types of hands-on therapy, including soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and muscle energy techniques. The primary goal is to alleviate pain, improve circulation, and restore range of motion. The Advantages of Hands-On Therapy Hands-on therapy offers numerous benefits for those seeking relief and recovery. Here are some compelling reasons to consider integrating this form of therapy into your recovery plan: Pain Relief : Many patients report significant pain reduction after just a few sessions. The manipulative techniques used in hands-on therapy target specific areas of tension, helping to alleviate discomfort. Improved Flexibility : Hands-on therapy can break up adhesions in muscles and fascia, thus improving flexibility. This is particularly beneficial for those working at a desk or anyone involved in regular physical activity. Enhanced Recovery : By improving circulation, hands-on therapy aids in delivering nutrients to damaged tissues. This is vital for a quicker recovery, especially post-surgery or after an injury. Personalized Care : Unlike generic treatment plans, hands-on therapy offers a tailored approach. Therapists assess individual conditions and customize their techniques accordingly. Holistic Approach : Hands-on therapy often promotes overall well-being. It can be complemented with techniques like breathing exercises, posture correction, and stress relief practices. What are the Techniques Used in Orthopedic Manual Therapy? Orthopedic manual therapy represents a subset of hands-on therapy focused primarily on treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Various manual therapy techniques , such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, are commonly employed. Soft tissue mobilization aims to relax muscles, enhance blood circulation, and break down scar tissue. On the other hand, joint manipulation involves applying specific forces to joints for restoring their motion. Many therapists also incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to individual needs. Upper thoracic manipulation to restore posture and neck position Who Can Benefit from Hands-On Therapy? Hands-on therapy isn't just for athletes or those recovering from surgery; it can help people of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some specific groups that can benefit: Post-Surgery Patients : After surgeries like joint replacements, hands-on therapy can help speed up recovery and alleviate post-operative discomfort. Chronic Pain Sufferers : Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neck pain can be notably improved through targeted manual therapy. Athletes : Sports injuries often require specialized treatment to ensure a safe return to play. Hands-on therapy can effectively treat strains, sprains, and even prevent injuries. Elderly Individuals : Aging often leads to muscle stiffness and decreased mobility. Gentle hands-on techniques can help maintain range of motion and improve quality of life. What to Expect During a Hands-On Therapy Session Understanding what to expect during a hands-on therapy session can make you feel more comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of a typical session: Initial Assessment : The therapist will begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific condition, any limitations you may have, and your treatment goals. Treatment Plan : Based on this evaluation, a customized treatment plan will be formulated, often incorporating various hands-on techniques. Therapeutic Techniques : The therapist will apply specific techniques based on your needs. Remember, communication is key; don't hesitate to express any discomfort. Home Exercise Program : Most therapists will provide you with exercises to do at home to complement your hands-on therapy and exercises, aiding in faster recovery. Follow-Up : Regular follow-up sessions will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Myofascial release of the upper shoulder and neck Finding the Right Hands-On Therapist Selecting the right therapist is crucial for gaining the maximum benefit from hands-on therapy. Here are some tips for finding the ideal practitioner: Qualifications : Ensure the therapist holds the necessary certifications and licenses. Look for professionals who specialize in orthopedic manual therapy. Experience : Check how long the therapist has been practicing and their areas of expertise. An experienced therapist is likely to offer tailored techniques for your specific condition. Reputation : Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Positive experiences from others can often signal a competent and caring therapist. Next Steps in Your Recovery Journey Incorporating hands-on therapy into your recovery plan can provide immediate relief and promote long-term healing. Whether you're experiencing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or simply aiming to enhance your mobility, consider hands-on therapy as a viable option. In the quest for wellness, remember that you're not alone. Working with a skilled therapist can provide the guidance and support you need to regain your physical capabilities. Don't hesitate to reach out and explore the possibilities that hands-on therapy can offer. As you embark on this journey to recovery, stay open-minded. The road to healing is often filled with ups and downs, but with the right support and treatment, you'll be moving toward a healthier and more active life. By understanding the benefits of hands-on physical therapy and its techniques, you're taking the first step in your recovery. For more information, feel free to explore different aspects of manual therapy techniques here . Your health journey is important, and proper care can make all the difference. Embrace the healing process and take those steps to a more active life!

When you're considering a professional massage, you may wonder what you can expect during the session. Each massage therapist has their own approach, but there are some common elements that many sessions share. This guide will provide you with insights into what happens before, during, and after a professional massage, helping you feel more prepared and at ease. The Professional Massage Experience A professional massage is more than just a luxury; it is a therapeutic treatment that can enhance physical and mental well-being. Most sessions range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your personal needs and preferences. Before your session, you will want to ensure you are well-hydrated and comfortable. You’ll typically begin with a brief consultation with your therapist. This allows them to assess your needs, any areas of pain, and your overall health. It is essential to express any concerns you may have so that the therapist can tailor the session to your specific requirements. Massage therapy room created for relaxation and tranquility. Understanding Massage Techniques There are several types of massage techniques, each of which serves different therapeutic purposes. Here are a few common styles: Swedish Massage: This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to relax muscles and improve circulation. Deep Tissue Massage: Unlike Swedish massage, deep tissue massage focuses on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This technique is particularly beneficial for chronic pain or tension. Sports Massage: Tailored for athletes, this massage targets areas of the body that are overused and strained from repetitive movements. Craniosacral Massage : a gentle, hands-on massage technique that focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the skull, spine, and pelvis . It aims to restore balance and improve the body's self-healing abilities by releasing tension in the fascia, cerebrospinal fluid, and other tissues surrounding the central nervous system.  Discussing your pain points during the consultation can help the therapist determine which technique will be most beneficial for you. The Massage Setup: What Happens in the Room Once you enter the massage room, you will notice a calming atmosphere designed to help you relax. The therapist will usually have calming music playing and may use aromatherapy oils to enhance the experience. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level, either completely or partially, and cover yourself with a sheet or towel. The therapist will leave the room while you prepare so you can feel at ease. Once you are comfortable, they will return to begin the massage. During the session, it's common to experience a variety of sensations. The pressure may vary based on the technique and your comfort level. If you find any pressure too intense, do not hesitate to inform the therapist. Communication is key to ensuring you have a satisfying experience. Tranquil and inviting massage table prepared for a session. After the Massage: What to Expect Once your massage concludes, it is normal to feel relaxed or even a little lightheaded. Take your time getting up, and allow yourself to adjust back to your surroundings. The therapist may offer you water or herbal tea, which can help rehydrate your body after the treatment. After the massage, your body will continue to benefit from the session. You might feel soreness in the areas that were worked on, but this will fade and turn into a sense of relief as your body adapts. It is advisable to drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins that may have been released during the massage. Many people also find that regular massages can significantly reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life. Discuss scheduling follow-up sessions with your therapist based on your particular needs and preferences. Final Thoughts on Your Professional Massage Experience Whether you are seeking relief from tension, recovery from an injury, or simply a break from your busy life, a professional massage can offer immense benefits. Understanding what to expect can help reduce any anxiety you might feel and ensure you have a positive experience. Prepare to communicate openly with your therapist, thus fostering a better understanding of your needs. For the best results, consider starting your journey with a licensed massage therapist who can guide you through the process and tailor each session to your individual requirements. Enjoy the process of exploration and healing, and embrace the benefits that a professional massage can bring to your life!

A clicking jaw is officially called a disc dislocation with reduction. The jaw joint has a superior and inferior joint. These joints are separated by a disc. This disc is held onto the jaw bone by ligaments and blood supply that helps it stay over the jaw bone during movement. Normal TMJ A click without pain or changes in function such as speaking, eating, sleeping, etc. is not something that is considered an injury or pathological. Current literature says that clicking is not dysfunction. You can do exercises and address postural needs so that the clicking does not progress and cause more serious problems in the future. A jaw joint becomes dysfunctional when the clicking stops and you get stuck. This is called a locking jaw or disc dislocation without reduction. When episodes of locking occur, it is time to seek professional assistance with the jaw. The locking may cause pain in the joint. The distress of not being able to open your mouth may become strong as well. Daily tasks such as speaking, eating, brushing teeth, etc may be painful and limited. Who do you reach out to for help when you have a locked jaw? This is normally your Dentist and a specialized Craniofacial Physical Therapist. The Dentist may assist with medication and a quick splint therapy while your Physical Therapist is going to assist with muscle relaxation, assisting with joint positioning, and exercises to help free the disc as well allowing you to open and then hopefully keep the disc in a more stable position to reduce the locking. Therapy can be very effective with proper education and techniques to help you reduce the disc back to its place especially early after the lock. The longer you wait for treatment the more difficult it can be to correct. Education will assist you with ways to reduce the likelihood of the locking, decrease the pressure into the disc for clicking, and help you overall reduce the probability of other issues of the neck and jaw. All physical therapy is not the same, and Craniofacial Physical Therapy is a highly trained speciality that is required for comprehensive treatment of the TMJ. Call your Craniofacial Specialist if you are having locking or difficulty with opening your mouth. ( Photo: https://saunders-therapy.com/tmj-treatment/ ) American Academy of Orofacial Pain Specialist A click is something you can work on to prevent future locking episodes from occuring due to posture and alignment deficits. There are programs such as Healing Your Head that can give you the guidance to reduce possible future issues before you need to see a specialist.

Do you have nerve pain following a recent dental procedure? You were most likely given NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) and told to ice or heat the area with possible muscle relaxers. This is the proper first protocol for any remaining pain. It has been two weeks, and you still have pain. Now what? Physical therapy is a great place to start and start soon. We know that the window of having an acute pain (from a cause) can convert to chronic pain within a month or two. The best way to prevent this as much as possible to is to start treatment quickly to help the nerve heal, the muscles to calm down, and the continued healing process to move forward. Why physical therapy for jaw nerve pain? The nerve that innervates the jaw muscles and the sensation of the face is the Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve V). This nerve has lots of connections with the neck and other nerves that can cause a cascade of symptoms including a change in the feeling of the soft palette, the tongue, possible changes to swallowing, increased anxiety from the effect on the vagus nerve, upper back tension, and even some expression irritation of the face. This can be alarming when it happens to you, but these symptoms may all be from the same source and can be address with physical therapy. The sooner we get started on helping you reduce the nerve pain and muscles the better the outcome. If you are continuing to have nerve pain and irritation in the face following a dental procedure and treatment protocol after two weeks, give me a call and lets get started.

I know it can very cliche to discuss setting goals in the New Year. Why should we set goals? Goals help us to set a direction. Goals are meant to be broken down to accomplish and there will be good days and bad days on the journey to the goal. Set a yearly goal and a 5 year goal. Think what must you do this year to accomplish your 5 year goals. Keep moving backward. What must you do in the next 6 months to accomplish your yearly goal. Keep going. What must you do in the next month to reach your goal at 6 month and a year. Then, what must you do this week to reach your monthly, then 6 month, then year goal. Finally, what must you do today to accomplish your goal by the end of the week to reach the month, etc. This set ups is making the one thing the priority of your day to make your long term goals. Every day is an opportunity to put that one thing first in order to meet your goal. There will be days in which you will miss it. Do not throw the whole goal out. Rather, adjust your needs to make your monthly goal and assist yourself. Do not give up on your goal just because you missed a day or because the goal now needs to be stretched in order to adjust to your work and family needs. Goals will have bumps in the road but a straight road is not as satisfying as overcoming the hard things to show your own resilience and strength. Don’t give up and keep going!

I know that for some this holiday does not bring joy, happy memories, or good family time. For that, I am truly sorry. I pray that with time you can find people that you may be able to create a family to spend holidays together. Some of the best families are created by friends who stand by each other and form bonds of family. I love these members of my family in different and deeper ways. I love that Christmas is a time that we can reflect on the people we count as family perhaps more than biology and their love and care of us. My favorite pieces of Christmas are the quiet mornings with coffee by the Christmas lights with reflection. I enjoy the times of reflection without noise or interruption in order to remember the good times with the children, with my spouse, with business, and with friends. I love to sit quietly and looking at the ornaments as each of them have memories of the children, travels, and family. I love seeing the glitter with the lights to remember that there are pieces of my life that have sparkled through the year. Yes, the darker spots between the lights remind me that there were times I needed to rely on my friends, family, and spouse to help me. I love that the lights remind me of God and how He has helped me be strong in the dark and carry forward to what He has for me everyday. Christmas is a time that I reflect on the year and choose to focus on the blessings and joy as I look at the darkness and how the light shined into those moments. I am thankful for the dark spots as they have brought me closer to God and family and renewed my faith in both. I am thankful for Christmas and the season. I am thankful.

If you are a busy mom like me, then wrapping happens late at night and a bit more of a last minute. This usually then happens curled up on the floor with tape, wrapping paper, and scissors hoping to get the wrapping done and get to bed after a busy day of trying to get everything ready. I then end up in bed hurting and tired while waking with minimal rest and hoping the coffee kicks in for the focus to enjoy the morning. Let us change this with some different ways to avoid pain. Use your kitchen counter or dining room table to bring the paper and the packages to a better height. This should help you maintain a better neck and upper body position to reduce tension on the face and the neck. Try to space out the presents and ask for help from your partner to reduce the work on you alone and the time can be broken up. This can turn into a good time of talk and intimacy for you and your spouse. I have taken to slowly wrapping them throughout the week prior to Christmas and the kids see the gifts slowly start to pile. We keep the holiday small but the kids love to start to read through them to see the small things and anticipate the joy. The table for wrapping stays there for about a week allowing the kids to wrap their gifts and joys (usually hand made things) for us and they start to get into the spirit. Set up a wrapping station, maybe the end of the table, dinette, or desk that allows everyone to get into the spirit and reduce pain and stress. I hope that your wrapping time brings joy and time together with laughter and smiles and less at the end of a busy day with fatigue and pain. If you have more pain in the neck and back after all your holiday fun, then call me and let us work together to get you out of pain before the joy of the season passes. 352-727-0472.

‘Tis the season of giving and joy. I know that not everyone feels that during this season. Depression, sadness, and anxiety can mark many a person’s holiday spirit due to their trauma, situation, and lack of family support. However, you can change that in your own life. Helping others can bring you the joy you are seeking. Easy and helpful ways to care for others can be to collect clothing and donations and give to your areas homeless groups, domestic violence groups, and foster families. These groups need more assistance during the holidays as holidays usually have some of the highest incidences of family discord and violence. Volunteering for your communities decorating group for downtown may bring you in contact with new people that you can create a family with for the holidays and gain joyful experiences. Volunteering for the baby cuddling group at the local hospital can bring joy and comfort. The pet shelters need help with feeding and walking the animals during the season. Your local food bank could use your help with gathering and asking for donations as well as serving in their holiday delivery groups. I know that with depression and anxiety getting involved with others can be a lot; however, there are ways to help without having to interact much. Interacting can really help you change your mood. Just like exercising, most of us have to convince ourselves to even just start and once you start the mood shifts and joy begins. It is never easy to just start. It is the hardest and most difficult part. These groups are happy to have another person to join them in spreading cheer. Let us be like the who-ville people and spread some cheer this year even when we don’t have any. You will be surprised how contagious the joy can be for you as well. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Traveling for the holidays can be a real pain in the neck! I have just returned from a 16 hour truck drive from Florida to Texas. The hardest part can be the lack of room depending on your family and the stuff they bring. Some of my hardest struggles is sharing the front seat with a 12 pounds Schnauzer as my seat is never just my own. How can I avoid neck pain and/or back pain while being in the car for any significant time. The best advice is to plan small but frequent breaks. Every two hours is a good break time for continued traveling needs, gas, snacks, bathroom stops, and stretching. When you take your breaks, be sure to do some neck and back stretching such as back extensions, chin tucks into extension, and chin tuck with rotations. These can be helpful as your muscles and joints need movement and the car keeps a more static posture. While in the car, be sure to adjust your lumbar support to keep a small arch in the low back. The small arch in the low back will set up your upper back and neck into better positions without having to work so hard to keep your neck in a good alignment. Use the neck support throughout the ride in order to rest the neck. Napping in the car cause some significant pain due to the position and the inactivity it causes. Be sure to take a good neck pillow and prop yourself well for resting. If possible, lay the seat back a bit to support yourself better. Overall, change positions as needed and frequently. If you ended up in pain and difficulty, give me a call and we can sort it out and get you back to feeling better for the holiday fun. 352-727-0472.

’Tis the season to decorate for the Christmas Holiday. I know that after Thanksgiving I love to put the tree up and place out the holiday traditions. I love the tree to have white lights and gold accents. My family tradition is to get a holiday ornament that has our family written on it and the year. I collect one every year and enjoy going and picking out the new one! Every year, this is my favorite gift to get. The family time of putting up the tree and ornaments while playing Christmas Carols is a joy every year. The children go through their memories of the ornaments as they put them onto the tree. My husband puts the star on the top, and we turn the lights down to enjoy the soft light of the tree. This tradition is a such a joy until the year one of us has an ailment. The year my husband had back pain made this more difficult and the traditions had to shift. We accommodated his needs and changed who had which responsibilities in order to still have fun. I know that not all families can shift so easily but I would like to encourage you to switch the roles to still have fun but not have neck pain. So if you have neck pain, perhaps you switch who does the overhead tasks to reduce your pain and allow you to participate more in your holiday fun. Prolonged looking down can cause pain as well as your position can place too much stress on the muscles and cause a headache. Try to shift these tasks to someone without pain and do more in the middle. However you can shift the tasks to still have fun is recommended. If you cannot switch, then break the tasks up to perform for a few minutes 10-20 min and then do something else before coming back and to continue. We get in the habit of wanting to complete the task through but break them up to reduce your pain and have fun during the holiday. If you are still struggling, please call and we can get you out of pain in order to enjoy your time with family. Traditions do not need to include pain and dysfunction. Call today 352-727-0472

Do you find that while preparing your normal dinners you get neck pain and upper shoulder pain? Are you limited in what meals you can cook due to your pain in the kitchen? What about Thanksgiving preparation as it is so much more? There are strategies to reduce you neck and positions you can use to reduce the effect. Many of you will begin to prepare your foods or have been already starting today or even this past Monday. Remember that you need to take breaks. Think about 30 min at any one task and try to prepare your foods with built in position changes. Sit while cutting or peeling in order to break up standing tasks such as mixing Mix with electric utilizes to reduce the overuse of the shoulder Remember to keep your chin tuck and bend more at the waist to reduce the stress on the neck Take 30 min breaks between dishes to allow you to change positions and go rest maybe while the bread is rising or the potatoes are roasting. Plan your preparations out to several days as needed to reduce the stress on the body. Cooking is a wonderful way to engage and have family time. By bringing in more people to your food preparation as a group, you can reduce the stress solely on you and increase your joy with more discussion. Think of ways that you can have "cooking parties" to prepare and extend the joy of the family time together. If you are having more pain from your food preparation and are not finding relieve, please reach out to your practitioners for assistance or me to get started on reducing your pain and helping you to have strategies for your cooking tasks. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and may your day be filled with joy!

If you have TMJ pain and are working on resolving your face and neck pain, should you avoid Thanksgiving? Should you just eat it and suffer with the consequences? Are there steps you could do to eat but not hurt? This can be a bit difficult if your traditional foods are different than the American traditional foods. Let's talk about the common foods such as turkey, salad, green beans, carrots, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and more. Turkey depends on the moistness and toughness of the meat. I think if you were able to cut it small and perhaps use the gravy to moisten and soften it that you could enjoy some turkey. Vegetables need to be cooked more thoroughly such as boiled or heavily steamed to soften them for consumption with jaw pain and dysfunction. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato casseroles should be fine as they will be your softest choices. Salad may not be comfortable as the heavy fiber foods will require work and to reduce the stress from the whole meal may need to be avoided for this season until your jaw is ready to try these types of foods. Dessert can be okay such as pumpkin pie but perhaps the pecan pie may be too much with the hard nuts on top (pick off) to enjoy this delight. Stuffing may need gravy to ensure that it is soft enough to enjoy but does not have to be skipped. Casseroles need to abide by the rules above for the vegetables You don't have to miss out on all your favorites and with some good choices and softening ways you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving. If the act of chewing becomes tiring, break up the food with some good conversation and then return to the food slowly and deliberately between great talks with family and friends. You may have some pain afterward so use the pain relieving methods provided by your practitioners. If you don't have any or you don't have a practitioner, contact me and we can get started helping you have pain relieving strategies and resolving your pain.