Are Your Tight Hamstrings Actually a Sign of Nerve Tension?https://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1.jpg19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
When experiencing tightness in the back of your legs, it’s common to assume it’s due to tight hamstrings. However, nerve tension, particularly involving the sciatic nerve, is often mistaken for muscle tightness. Understanding the distinction between nerve and muscle issues is crucial for effective treatment.
The Difference Between Nerves and Muscles
Muscles are elastic tissues responsible for movement and maintaining posture, while nerves are part of the nervous system, transmitting signals between the brain and the body. When muscles are tight, they limit flexibility and strength, requiring prolonged stretching to lengthen them. Nerves, however, are non-elastic, and prolonged stretching can irritate them, leading to increased tension. This is why it’s crucial to determine whether your tightness is due to muscle or nerve tension.
Sciatic Nerve vs. Hamstring Tightness
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can mimic hamstring tightness. Key differences include:
Hamstring tightness: Typically involves a restricted range of motion when stretching the back of the leg, with a deep pulling sensation in the location of the muscle (behind the thigh).
Sciatic nerve tension: May involve a sharper, burning pain, numbness, tingling, or tight sensation that can extend beyond the hamstring, often down the leg and into the foot.
Symptoms of Excess Nerve Tension
Signs that you might be dealing with nerve tension include:
Persistent muscle tightness in the hips and lower legs, unrelieved by stretching.
Pain that comes and goes, often sharp or burning in nature.
Numbness or tingling sensations in the legs or feet.
Causes of Nerve Tension
Several factors can contribute to nerve tension, including:
Decreased Spinal Mobility: Limited movement in the spine can compress nerves.
Poor Sitting Posture: Slouching or sitting for prolonged periods can strain the sciatic nerve.
Poor Walking Posture: Standing and walking with an incorrect spinal curve can irritate the sciatic nerve over time.
Tight Back Muscles: Muscle imbalances or tension in the lower back can put pressure on the nerves.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Since the treatment for nerve tension and muscle tightness differs significantly, identifying the correct issue is essential. Stretching exercises that benefit tight hamstrings might aggravate nerve tension. Conversely, nerve glides designed to alleviate nerve tension won’t effectively address muscle tightness. Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the appropriate interventions for relief and recovery.
Broader Implications of Nerve Tension
This concept isn’t limited to the lower body; it also applies to other areas, including the upper extremities. Nerve tension in the arms or hands can mimic muscle tightness or strain. A physical therapist can assess these areas to determine whether nerve tension is contributing to your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
When to See a Physical Therapist
If you suspect nerve tension, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide a precise diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. Addressing nerve tension early can prevent discomfort from becoming a more significant issue. A physical therapist can help you understand the underlying causes and guide you through effective strategies to alleviate your symptoms and improve overall mobility.
Understanding the difference between nerve tension and muscle tightness is key to effective treatment and recovery. If you’re unsure about the source of your discomfort, seeking professional advice can help you find the right path to relief.
Unlocking Health: Understanding Insulin Resistance and the Power of Continuous Glucose Monitorshttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Insulin resistance is a growing health condition that affects millions of people, yet it often goes undiagnosed until more serious issues arise. Despite its prevalence, many are unaware of what insulin resistance truly is, how it develops, or the long-term consequences it can have on overall health. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what insulin resistance is, how it affects the body, and how Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can be used to help people manage their health.
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood sugar levels when we eat. Its function is to remove glucose from the blood and send it to the cells to use as energy or for storage. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells—primarily in muscle, fat, and the liver—become less sensitive to insulin and no longer respond to it. This causes blood sugar to remain high (since it is not being converted to energy as easily) and your body will produce more insulin to try and compensate for this. Over time, this can lead to high levels of insulin in the blood, which can contribute to weight gain, fat accumulation, and other metabolic issues. If left uncontrolled, insulin resistance can eventually progress to Type 2 diabetes.
The early signs of insulin resistance are often subtle and may not be obvious. Some of the common symptoms and risk factors include:
When insulin resistance develops, glucose builds up in the bloodstream because it can’t be efficiently moved into cells. This leads to a variety of potential health issues:
Chronic inflammation: Insulin resistance is often associated with chronic inflammation, which is a known contributor to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
Fatty liver disease: The liver becomes overwhelmed with excess glucose and insulin, which may lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Higher risk of heart disease: Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis, all of which contribute to cardiovascular disease.
As you can see, insulin resistance is a serious condition that can have wide-reaching effects on health. The good news is that there is a lot we can do to identify glucose dysregulation early on, like assessing various lab metrics, utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and leveraging personalized nutrition interventions.
What Is a CGM?
A CGM is a small, wearable device that provides real-time data on your blood glucose levels throughout the day. Unlike traditional blood glucose meters, which require a finger prick to test blood at specific intervals, a CGM continuously measures glucose in the interstitial fluid via a small sensor inserted under the skin, typically worn on the arm. The sensor is connected to a transmitter that sends the data to an app on your phone or other device, providing users with continuous feedback on their blood sugar levels.
The primary advantage of CGMs is that they offer real-time insights into how diet, exercise, stress, and sleep affect glucose levels. This can be really helpful when making decisions about dietary and lifestyle choices to optimize metabolic health.
How CGMs Help with Insulin Resistance
For people with insulin resistance or those at risk of developing it, CGMs can be a game-changer. Here’s how they can help:
Tracking Blood Sugar Trends: A CGM provides continuous, real-time data on your blood sugar levels, allowing you to see trends over time. This is especially useful because insulin resistance can cause blood sugar to fluctuate, and subtle changes may be missed with periodic testing. By tracking these fluctuations, individuals can adjust their diet and lifestyle to stabilize their blood sugar.
Personalized Insights for Dietary Choices: Certain foods, such as refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. A CGM allows users to see the immediate impact of what they’re eating on their glucose levels, helping them identify which foods are problematic and which ones help maintain stable blood sugar.
Exercise and Stress Monitoring: Physical activity and stress levels both affect blood sugar. With a CGM, you can observe how different types of exercise or moments of high stress influence your glucose levels. This can guide you to modify your workout routine or stress management techniques for better control of your blood sugar.
Early Warning of Blood Sugar Spikes: Since insulin resistance can cause subtle changes in glucose regulation before full-blown diabetes sets in, CGMs provide an early warning system. By detecting hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) events early, a CGM can help individuals take action to prevent major issues, such as insulin overload or a crash in blood sugar.
Improved Monitoring of Progress: For those working to reverse insulin resistance, a CGM can be an invaluable tool to track progress. As individuals make lifestyle changes—such as eating a lower-glycemic diet or increasing physical activity—they can see how their glucose levels respond, helping them gauge the effectiveness of their efforts.
Who Should Use a CGM?
CGM’s are increasingly being used by individuals looking to optimize their metabolic health, by using them as a prevention tool and a way to better understand the impact of their diet and lifestyle on their health. Using a CGM can be an excellent way to monitor your glucose levels and make proactive changes to your lifestyle.
CGMs can be especially beneficial for:
People with insulin resistance or prediabetes: Catching early signs of blood sugar imbalance can prevent further progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Those with metabolic syndrome: A group of conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Fitness enthusiasts and athletes: Individuals looking to optimize their nutrition and exercise regimens by understanding how their body responds to various foods and workouts.
Right now, CGM’s are only accessible with a prescription. However, there are several companies, like Levels, that make it easier for people to access these devices.
Decoding Abnormal Periods: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Solutionshttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Are you puzzled by irregularities in your menstrual cycle? Or maybe you’re not sure what exactly constitutes an abnormal period? Media depicts periods as being painful, moody, and so taxing that they lay us out completely – so it’s common that we think that this is what periods are meant to be like.
Let’s do a quick calculation so we can let the implications of that settle in..
The average person gets their period around 12 years old, and the average age of menopause is 51. That’s 39 years of painful periods. With the average cycle length of 5 days per month, with 12 months in the year.. that equals a whopping 2,340 days of suffering. That’s 6 years of suffering!
This is something we take very seriously. The good news is, there are many ways to address it beyond the often-prescribed birth control pill (which, contrary to popular belief, isn’t a cure-all!). In fact, various lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.
Let’s break down what constitutes an abnormal period, how to recognize the signs, and the factors that can influence your menstrual health. Here’s a detailed exploration to help you gain clarity on abnormal periods and take control of your reproductive well-being.
1. Changes in Cycle Length: Irregular cycle lengths, such as cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
2. Unpredictable Bleeding: Unusual or unpredictable bleeding patterns, including spotting between periods or heavy bleeding, may signify irregularities.
3. Missed Periods: Prolonged absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) or skipped cycles without pregnancy can be indicative of irregular menstruation.
4. Unusual Flow: Abnormally light or heavy menstrual flow compared to your typical pattern may suggest irregular periods
5. Severe Pain: Experiencing intense menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic pain beyond normal discomfort levels could be a sign of abnormal periods.
6. Heavy period: bleeding more than 80 mL (which is the equivalent of 8-9 fully soaked regular tampons–for the whole cycle, yes it is alot less than we normalize, but note that you may use more tampons than this that aren’t fully soaked).
7. Painful period: if you are having more than slight cramping on your first day, this is considered abnormal
8. Constipation: unable to poop, or having irregular poops (or straining or pain with pooping)
Identifying Abnormal Periods:
Keeping a menstrual diary or using a period tracking app can assist in monitoring your cycle and identifying any irregular patterns. Look out for recurring symptoms such as unusually heavy or light bleeding, severe cramps, prolonged periods, or erratic cycle lengths as potential indicators of abnormal menstruation. This is crucial to know what is normal or not for yourself.
Role of Cortisol & Estrogen Dominance:
Cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can impact menstrual regularity by influencing hormone levels and disrupting the bodies ability to make progesterone, leading to estrogen dominance. When the body is stressed, instead of making enough progesterone, it makes cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to an impaired progesterone to estrogen ratio due to chronic stress. This can interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation, contributing to irregular periods.
Pelvic Heaviness and Low Back Pain:
Pelvic heaviness, often associated with conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic organ prolapse, can lead to discomfort in the lower back. The strain on the uterosacral ligament from pelvic heaviness can radiate to the lower back, causing pain and stiffness in the lumbar region.
Understanding Insulin Resistance:
Insulin resistance, a metabolic condition characterized by decreased sensitivity to insulin, can disrupt hormonal balance and impact menstrual health. Elevated insulin levels can trigger an excess (or reduction) of androgen production (ie testosterone), disrupting ovulation and leading to irregular periods, lack of ovulation, or fertility issues.
Vitamins:
One study showed that that many people who have painful periods may be low in zinc, B 12 and vitamin D
Impact on Menstrual Cycle:
Insulin resistance-induced hormonal imbalances can manifest as irregular periods, cycle disturbances, or fertility challenges. The dysregulation of ovarian function and hormone levels can affect ovulation, leading to menstrual irregularities and cycle disruptions.
Common culprits:
Oftentimes painful or irregular periods can be caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, perimenopausal changes, all of which the information here can help with.
3 Practical Tips for Menstrual Health:
1. Realistic Stress Management:
While it can be challenging in a world filled with stress, try to take a moment to observe your daily interactions. Reflect on your relationships—whether at work, with friends, or in romantic settings—and notice situations or environments where you may feel constrained or judged.
Although identifying stress triggers can be challenging initially, the first step is to simply pay attention to how your body responds in various settings. The more aware you become, the easier it is to make changes that lower your cortisol and daily stress levels. Setting boundaries and being mindful of the people you spend time with can significantly help. Over time, this approach allows you to experience greater joy in your life and naturally reduces the body’s stress response, offering a more sustainable way to manage stress.
Other suggestions include:
Limiting social media usage (especially before bed and first thing in the morning)
Walking in nature
Breathwork: inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds for a couple minutes throughout the day can help to reduce stress and anxiety
Reduce preventable stressors ahead of time, so that your body is able to react with more resilience during unpredictable times.
For example, leaving earlier (what you can control) for an appointment in case there is traffic (unpredictable)
Pay attention to your inner dialogue—do you often criticize or judge yourself? Try to show yourself some compassion; remember, you’re human, doing your best in a challenging world.
2. Intentional Nutrition:
Choose a diet rich in nutrients, including whole foods, fiber, and protein, to enhance insulin sensitivity and support hormonal health. Adding a protein to a carbohydrate is a great way to start stabilizing your blood sugar (e.g. having an egg with toast). It’s important to have a balance and remember that occasional enjoyment of your favorite foods are part of a healthy living.
Consistency in your everyday dietary choices is important, but be kind to yourself and try to avoid shaming yourself for occasional deviations from your routine. Life is full of special occasions like birthdays, travel, and celebrations, and it’s essential to enjoy these moments without guilt. Rather than using dietary guidelines as a means of self-judgment, view them as a helpful framework to guide your choices and nourish your body without unnecessary pressure or negativity.
3. Regular Exercise:
Strength training plays a pivotal role in the body’s glucose metabolism as muscles require glucose for optimal function. By engaging in strength training exercises, the muscles utilize glucose effectively, leading to lower sugar levels in the bloodstream and subsequently reducing symptoms of insulin resistance. Additionally, walking serves as a beneficial activity for stabilizing blood sugar levels. As the body utilizes glucose for energy during walking, it helps maintain stable blood sugar without exerting excessive strain on the body. Incorporating both strength training and walking into your routine can support glucose regulation and overall metabolic health.
By understanding the nuances of abnormal periods, addressing cortisol levels, pelvic heaviness, insulin resistance, and implementing lifestyle adjustments, you can empower yourself to optimize menstrual health and overall well-being.
Don’t settle for losing six years of your life to pain just because society has normalized it—we won’t accept that!.
References:
Guntupalli, S. K., & Setji, T. L. (2023). The impact of insulin resistance on hormonal regulation and reproductive health. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, 12(3), Article 10244367.
Naraoka, Y., Hosokawa, M., Minato-Inokawa, S, & Sato, Y. (2023). The effects of lifestyle factors on menstrual pain severity: A population-based study. Journal of Women’s Health Research, 11(2), Article 10178419.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief: Understanding the Causes, Compensations, and Solutionshttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Untitled-design-2.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Are you experiencing discomfort around your SI joint?
One of the first things to note about the SI joint is that it’s a very common area of referral. This means that when we experience pain in the SI joint, it may not be that actual damage or inflammation is occurring there, rather an area elsewhere could be the issue and it is referring pain into the SI joint.
True SI joint pain can occur, but it’s much more rare. Because of this, we frequently see people who come to us after having been previously treated for their pain, with the focus being targeted directly at the region of the SI joint, only to get temporary relief and the subsequent return of symptoms, because the source of the pain hasn’t been addressed.
Let’s discuss what the SI joint is:
Situated at the junction of the sacrum and the ilium, the SI joint plays a pivotal role in biomechanics by connecting the spine and pelvis. It supports weight transmission, absorbs shock, and facilitates the transfer of forces and movements between the upper and lower body during various activities like walking, running, and lifting.
Importance of the SI Joint:
The SI joint’s stability and mobility are crucial for efficient movement and power generation. Because of its role in holding together the posterior aspect of the bones which make up the ring of the pelvis, stability is its main role. By creating a strong foundation at the back of our body, our spine is able to securely stack atop it. The pelvis is the base upon which our entire trunk rests, afterall! However despite its main role of creating stability, it does offer some subtle mobility which aids in shock absorption of forces traveling up the legs from impact with the ground, to reduce the transmission to the spine. The mobility in the SI joint also contributes to pelvic mobility, including the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Why the SI Joint Moves:
The mobility of the SI joint is vital for adapting to posture changes, gait variations, and movement patterns. These adjustments help maintain pelvic alignment and function, ensuring effective movement in different planes while reducing the risk of injury and strain.
Role in Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, the SI joint experiences increased mobility due to elevated levels of relaxin hormone. This flexibility enables the pelvis to accommodate the growing uterus and changes in the body’s center of gravity. Though this is a positive and necessary change, in those individuals who are already hypermobile, oftentimes this increased pelvic mobility can lead to challenges such as low back pain, hip pain, or pelvic floor pain.
The Stability of the SI Joint:
While the SI joint is one of the body’s strongest and most stable joints, issues can arise when other areas of the body lack optimal function. Stiffness in the thoracic spine, restricted arm swing, and trunk rigidity can lead to compensatory patterns and strain on the SI joint.
Compensations and Referral Patterns:
SI joint pain may sometimes be a referral from the T12/L1 vertebrae or from the hip joint, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. Addressing mobility issues in adjacent regions like the thoracic and lumbar spine, hips, knees, and feet can help alleviate SI joint dysfunction and discomfort by reducing compensatory patterns and excessive strain on the SI joint.
Foot Pressure and Movement Patterns:
Uneven pressure distribution in the feet can affect the SI joint, as the shifting of our weight alters the forces transmitted through the skeletal structure above, which can lead to compensatory patterns. Being mindful of foot alignment and weight distribution is essential for promoting healthier movement patterns and reducing stress on the SI joint.
Other factors:
Often overlooked, constipation can also play a role in pelvic pain and pressure. With the rectum located directly in front of the SI joint, increased pressure can also contribute to increased SI joint pain. Menstruation can also contribute in a similar way, with increased pressure during different times in the cycle. If you are menstruating and experiencing SI joint pain, it would be worthwhile to observe how your symptoms change through your cycle.
Main Takeaway:
When addressing SI joint pain it is crucial to understand interconnectedness of the body and look beyond the immediate area of discomfort. By focusing on mobility in surrounding regions, you can effectively manage SI joint dysfunction and improve your overall well-being. Professional guidance is helpful in identifying areas of the body which may be contributing to pain in the SI joint region.
Keep in mind, unless you are pregnant, have hypermobility, or have experienced physical trauma to the pelvic or lower extremities (legs), sacroiliac joint pain is less likely to be the primary cause. In this case, it is recommended to investigate areas above and below the site of pain to determine the more probable cause.
What you can do:
Assess if the pain increases with certain movements
If you are menstruating, notice if it correlates with any specific part of your cycle
Does it change based on your bowel movements?
See a physical therapist with training and experience in looking at the entire body, not only the source of pain. It is important to address the cause and the pain itself.
Stay tuned for more insights and tips on optimizing movement and enhancing your well-being. Your body will thank you for the care and attention you provide.
5 Common Myths About Physical Therapy – Debunked!https://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Physical therapy is an integral part of healthcare that helps millions of people recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life. However, misconceptions about physical therapy are surprisingly common. These misunderstandings can prevent people from seeking treatment that could significantly benefit their health and well-being.
In this article, we’ll address five common myths about physical therapy and provide the facts you need to make informed decisions about your health care.
Myth 1: Physical therapy is only for injuries or accidents
One of the most persistent myths about physical therapy is that it’s only necessary after an injury or accident. While it’s true that physical therapists often treat acute injuries, their expertise extends far beyond that.
Physical therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
Chronic pain management: Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain can be effectively managed with physical therapy techniques.
Neurological disorders: Patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or those recovering from strokes can benefit from specialized physical therapy programs.
Balance and fall prevention: Especially important for older adults, physical therapy can improve balance, coordination, and strength to prevent falls.
Prenatal and postpartum care: Physical therapists can help women prepare for childbirth and recover afterwards.
Sports performance: Athletes use physical therapy not just for injury recovery, but also to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you improve your physical function, whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply aiming to enhance your overall wellness.
Myth 2: Physical therapy is painful
“No pain, no gain” is not the motto of physical therapy. While it’s true that you might experience some discomfort during your recovery process, the goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, not cause it.
Physical therapists are trained to work within your pain tolerance. They will push you to make progress, but not at the expense of causing undue pain or discomfort. If an exercise or treatment is painful, your therapist will modify it or try a different approach.
Moreover, many physical therapy treatments are designed specifically to alleviate pain. Techniques such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and dry needling can provide immediate pain relief while other interventions like exercise work to address the root cause of the pain.
Myth 3: Surgery is always better than physical therapy
While surgery is sometimes necessary, it’s not always the best first-line treatment. In many cases, physical therapy can be just as effective as surgery, with the added benefits of being non-invasive and having fewer associated risks.
For example, studies have shown that physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain types of knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tears. It’s also been proven effective for low back pain, rotator cuff tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome, among other conditions. Check out our blog on meniscus recovery HERE.
Even when surgery is necessary, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Pre-surgical physical therapy (also referred to as “prehab”) can help you enter surgery stronger and better prepared, potentially improving your outcomes. Post-surgical therapy is often essential for regaining strength, mobility, and function.
Myth 4: You need a referral from a doctor to see a physical therapist
In many states, you can now see a physical therapist directly without a physician’s referral. This is known as direct access, and it allows patients to seek physical therapy treatment without the delay of waiting for a doctor’s appointment and referral.
Direct access to physical therapy can lead to:
Faster treatment and recovery
Lower overall healthcare costs
Reduced use of opioids and other pain medications
Fewer unnecessary diagnostic imaging tests
For those of us in Texas, patients can see a physical therapist for 10-15 consecutive business days without a referral. However, it’s important to note that some insurance plans may still require a physician’s referral for coverage. Always check with your insurance provider about their specific requirements.
Myth 5: Physical therapy is just exercise; I can do it on my own
Paging Dr. Google and Dr. Youtube! While the internet contains a wealth of potentially good resources, it can often provide you with conflicting, inaccurate, or downright false information at times. While exercise is indeed a component of many physical therapy treatment plans, it’s far from the whole picture. Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and the complexities of human movement.
A physical therapy session might include:
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues
Specialized equipment: From simple resistance bands to kettlebells, barbells, or machines – PTs may utilize a variety of tools to help retrain movement patterns, build strength, and alleviate pain.
Education: Teaching you about your condition and how to manage it. This is a HUGE component of PT and vital for optimal patient outcomes.
Functional training: Exercises and activities specifically designed to help you return to your daily activities, work, or sport
Moreover, the exercises prescribed by a physical therapist are tailored to your specific condition, abilities, and goals. Your physical therapist will also monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and ensure you’re performing exercises correctly to maximize benefits and minimize the risk of further injury.
Conclusion
Physical therapy is a dynamic and diverse field of healthcare that offers far more than many people realize. By debunking these common myths, we hope to encourage more people to explore how physical therapy might benefit their health and quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to move and feel better, consider consulting with a physical therapist. With their expertise in human movement and function, physical therapists can provide personalized care to help you achieve your health and fitness goals safely and effectively.
Remember, your journey to better health and improved physical function doesn’t have to be painful or automatically involve surgery. Physical therapy offers a path to wellness that’s accessible, effective, and tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you’re on your healing journey with new or old aches, pains, injuries or surgery, we’re here to help! Book with us today to help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life!
Trauma-Informed Physical Therapy: Fostering Healing and Empowermenthttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Untitled-design-12.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Physical therapy is often viewed as a means to recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and regain physical function. However, for individuals who have experienced trauma, the journey to physical well-being can be more complex than the physical ailments that they may be facing. Trauma can have far-reaching effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological state, making traditional physical therapy approaches potentially challenging or even re-traumatizing. This is where trauma-informed physical therapy comes into play, offering a compassionate and sensitive approach to healing.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed healthcare recognizes the prevalence of trauma and its potential impact on a patient’s ability to engage in therapy. Nearly 90% of individuals seeking healthcare services have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, with 20-30% going on to develop PTSD (Al Jowf GI, et al, 2022). These experiences can range from physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, combat exposure, or natural disasters, which can leave lasting imprints on the mind and body.
The core principles of trauma-informed care focus on creating a safe environment, emphasizing choice and collaboration, adapting treatment approaches, and promoting self-care and coping strategies. By understanding the signs and symptoms of trauma, such as hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, or emotional dysregulation, physical therapists and other providers, can tailor their interactions and treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. This is no easy task and takes time to develop individually as the provider and the relationship with the patient.
What Does Trauma-Informed Physical Therapy Look Like?
A positive example of trauma-informed physical therapy in action might look like this:
Sarah, a survivor of domestic violence, arrives for her first physical therapy session after sustaining a shoulder injury. The physical therapist greets her warmly and takes the time to explain the treatment process, emphasizing that Sarah has the choice to pause or stop at any time. The PT creates a comfortable space by allowing Sarah to choose where she would like to sit and provides a private treatment room as opposed to out in an open gym in front of other patients and staff.
Throughout the session, the physical therapist maintains open communication, frequently checking in with Sarah and allowing her to guide the pace and intensity of the exercises. If Sarah exhibits signs of distress or discomfort, the PT promptly adjusts the treatment approach or suggests a break. Fostering a sense of control and empowerment helps Sarah build trust and confidence in the therapeutic process.
In contrast, a less-than-ideal interaction might unfold like this:
John, a combat veteran struggling with PTSD, attends a physical therapy session for a back injury. The therapist, unaware of John’s trauma history, proceeds with a rigid treatment plan without considering potential triggers or emotional responses. The PT’s commanding tone and forceful adjustment of John’s body position could inadvertently trigger flashbacks or a heightened stress response, leaving John feeling overwhelmed and unsafe.
Without a trauma-informed approach, the physical therapist may miss critical cues or fail to create an environment that promotes trust and empowerment, potentially hindering John’s progress or even causing further distress.
Why Provide Trauma-Informed care?
Imagine 3 patients, each with a limp. One has a splinter in their foot, the second has sciatica, and the third had a knee replacement 4 weeks ago. They all may appear to have a similar gait, but treatment for each is wildly different because of their underlying root causes. The same is true for patients with trauma. We know that no two individuals are the same, so we must take the time to view them through a holistic lens, every single time.
Research has shown that trauma-informed care can significantly improve patient outcomes and engagement. A study by Reeves in 2015 found that individuals who received trauma-informed care reported a greater sense of safety, trust, and overall satisfaction with their treatment. Although trauma-informed care (specific to physical therapy) has been studied very little, a growing body of research supports the positive impact of trauma-informed approaches on reducing dropout rates and improving treatment adherence among trauma survivors.
Most physical therapists you’ll find are “people persons” and are empaths, so a good PT should naturally incorporate principles of trauma-informed care (Heywood, et al, 2024). However, integrating trauma-informed principles into physical therapy requires ongoing education and training for healthcare professionals. It involves developing a deep understanding of trauma’s impacts, recognizing potential triggers, and implementing strategies to create a safe and empowering environment for patients.
It Takes A Village
Collaboration with mental health professionals and other members of the interdisciplinary team is essential, and can further enhance the effectiveness of trauma-informed physical therapy, while addressing the physical and psychological aspects of healing. As healthcare providers, it is our responsibility to recognize the profound impact of trauma on an individual’s well-being and tailor our approaches accordingly. By embracing trauma-informed physical therapy, we can foster an environment of compassion, trust, and empowerment, enabling individuals to embark on their healing journey with dignity and resilience.
Al Jowf GI, Ahmed ZT, An N, Reijnders RA, Ambrosino E, Rutten BPF, de Nijs L, Eijssen LMT. A Public Health Perspective of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 26;19(11):6474. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116474. PMID: 35682057; PMCID: PMC9180718.
Reeves, E. (2015). A synthesis of the literature on trauma-informed care. Issues in mental health nursing, 36(9), 698-709.
Heywood, S., Bunzli, S., Dillon, M., Bicchi, N., Black, S., Hemus, P., … & Setchell, J. (2024). Trauma-informed physiotherapy and the principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1-16.
Empowerment in Recovery: Self-Efficacy Can Make A World of Differencehttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Untitled-design-8.png19201080ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Embarking on a journey of physical rehabilitation to overcome pain or injury is not just a matter of mending the body; it also involves cultivating a mindset that fosters resilience and belief in one’s abilities. In this blog, we delve into the realms of self-efficacy in rehabilitation, explore helpful strategies and the powerful connection between the mind – all of which could be a game changer!
What is Self-Efficacy?
Self-efficacy is one’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a particular task [1]. It is having confidence in yourself and your skills. Imagine you’re attempting to learn a new sport, such as rock climbing. If you believe in your ability to master the techniques (by practicing and getting coached) despite initial struggles, that reflects higher self-efficacy. However, if you doubt your capability to improve and feel overwhelmed by the challenge, harboring thoughts like “I’ll never be able to do this,” that indicates lower self-efficacy. This belief in your potential directly impacts how you approach the goals of scaling tougher routes, navigating roadblocks like fear or fatigue, and persevering when plateaus arise in your skill development. Persistent pain or an injury is very similar. They require nurturing self-efficacy – having courage to try, make mistakes, learn and grow despite uncertainties.
Mindset & Its Role in Healing
A positive mindset and fostering self-efficacy can play a pivotal role in the healing process. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the powerful influence our mental state and beliefs can have on physical outcomes. In a study published in The Journal of Pain, researchers found that patients with higher levels of self-efficacy experienced less pain and disability after undergoing surgery compared to those with lower self-efficacy [2]. This suggests that believing in one’s abilities to manage pain and recovery can positively impact healing trajectories.
Another study in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain examined the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aimed at boosting self-efficacy beliefs in individuals with persistent (aka chronic) pain [3]. The results showed patients who received CBT reported significantly less pain, disability and depression compared to control groups. Cultivating a mindset focused on coping capabilities rather than perceived limitations facilitated better quality of life.
The mind-body connection is strong. Mental practices like positive self-talk, imagery, and relaxation techniques can modulate pain pathways in the brain and reduce physical tension [4,5]. By learning to reframe negative thought patterns through mindset work, patients become better equipped to manage pain sensations during rehabilitation.
Ultimately, patients who adopt an optimistic, determined outlook and maintain beliefs in their potential for recovery tend to adhere better to treatment regimens, persist through challenges, and experience better long-term outcomes [6]. One important point is that this does not replace or deemphasize hard work and consistency on the physical level, but rather serves as an enhancement to the entire process.
Set Realistic Goals With SMART Criteria
Goal-setting is crucial for rehabilitation. Physical therapy is a very goal-oriented process. One strategy to enhance self-efficacy and stay motivated is to establish realistic, achievable goals using SMART goals:
Specific: Define the goal clearly, e.g. “Run an 8 minute mile pace around Lady Bird Lake without knee pain.”
Measurable: Establish tracking criteria to measure progress e.g. “distance, pace, and pain levels are all objective, measurable and easily tracked.”
Achievable: Ensure goals are realistic based on your capabilities, e.g. “you’ve done this before and have a passion & experience with running.”
Relevant: Align goals with overall priorities and well-being, e.g. “running is your outlet and you understand all the positive physical & mental health benefits of it.”
Time-bound: Set a timeframe for added focus and accountability, e.g. “by the end of this year.”
Celebrate Small Wins To Build Big Confidence
Achieving incremental success cultivates a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the process [7]. Celebrating the mini victories boosts confidence and self-efficacy and each small step forward provides evidence that improvement is possible. Acknowledging this is a highly motivating tool [8]. When we acknowledge even the small milestones along the way, it triggers feelings of pride and intrinsic motivation, which helps sustain effort. Savoring the small wins also helps combat unhelpful thought patterns that can hinder self-efficacy. Simply noticing or internalizing successes, no matter how small, makes it harder for self-doubt to take root [9]. Positive reinforcement deepens the belief of “I can do this,” and even takes it further to “I will do this.”
Overcome Challenges With Support
Healing and recovery are unfortunately rarely linear. Ups & downs and even setbacks are very common, but they don’t have to define your journey. Building resilience and maintaining perspective allows overcoming challenges without losing sight of goals. In addition to the strategies listed above, having a supportive network through friends, family, and your physical therapist (or other healthcare provider) is immensely powerful. The therapeutic alliance forged between patient & therapist significantly impacts treatment outcomes [10]. And no matter what your circumstances are, chances are you are not alone. There are people out there dealing with very similar issues that may be worth connecting with through avenues like the internet, social media, or local support groups.
The Big Picture
Cultivating self-efficacy acts as an empowering force throughout the rehab process. By setting realistic goals, celebrating small wins, maintaining a positive mindset, and leaning on a supportive network, individuals can nurture an unwavering belief in their ability to heal and overcome adversity. This sense of self-efficacy becomes an invaluable tool for persisting through challenges, adherence to treatment, and ultimately achieving meaningful recovery. With patience, resilience, and an empowered perspective, the path to optimal healing is wide open!
Whether you’re on your healing journey with new or old aches, pains, or injuries, we’re here to help! Book with us today to help you reach your goals and improve your quality of life!
References:
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Oyefeso, O.O., et al. (2017). Effects of preoperative self-efficacy among patients undergoing total knee replacement. The Journal of Pain, 18(7), 844-853.
Helminen, E.E., et al. (2015). Cognitive impairment, maladaptive coping styles and recovery over one year in first-ever stroke patients. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 9(1), 144-152.
Elkins, G., et al. (2007). Mind-body therapies in integrative oncology. Society of Integrative Oncology, 71(2), 167-173.
Hassett, A.L., & Finan, P.H. (2016). The role of resilience in the clinical management of chronic pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 20(6), 1-9.
Nicholas, M.K., et al. (2012). Self‐efficacy and chronic pain. Pain management: A practical guide for clinicians, 141-159.
Amiot, C. E., et al. (2004). Integrating the self and identity: Processes of self-validation and the cognitive structural model of the self. Self and Identity, 3(1), 57-75.
Amabile, T., & Kramer, S. (2011). The power of small wins. Harvard Business Review, 89(5), 70-80.
Peen, C., & Wong, P. T. P. (2021). Self-Efficacy as a Positive Youth Development Construct: A Conceptual Review. The Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, 5(2), 194-221.
Ferreira, P. H., et al. (2013). The therapeutic alliance between clinicians and patients predicts outcome in chronic low back pain. Physical Therapy, 93(4), 470-478.
Why You Might Be Tired All the Time, and What to Do About Ithttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mom.jpg19201280ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Why am I exhausted and in pain all of the time??
US culture puts a ton of stress on moms and women in general.
There is a constant underlying shame and/or guilt that you are not doing enough. And to top it off, the narrative that “doing something for yourself is selfish” is perpetuating these thoughts.
This causes moms to lose their own identities. You are not only a mom, you may be a runner, singer, pianist, artist, dancer etc.
However, along the way we lose touch with ourselves, regardless of if you are a parent or not.
I am here to tell you that you ARE doing the best that you can with the resources and information that you have at this moment.
And many other people feel the same exact way as you.
How our bodies perceive danger
But first, I want you to imagine what the chronic ongoing stress can be doing and how it can be affecting your body.
I want you to imagine how you would feel if you saw a tiger chasing you.
Tense.
Frozen to the spot.
In times of stress – whether it’s running for our lives or running late for work – our bodies don’t know the difference and process the panic in the same way.
There’s a perceived danger, and our body’s sole responsibility is to keep us alive.
If you’re always in this mode – up against deadlines, worries about money, dealing with ongoing family drama – you don’t have the time to rest and digest.
How Stress Is Impacting Your Body
This constant tension can also lead to chronic bloating and heightened cortisol – a hormone created by the adrenal glands that can up your blood sugar levels, increase belly fat and decrease your body’s response to insulin – which could eventually lead to prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This essentially is leading our bodies to being burnt out.
Signs you are in this “fight or flight” response include:
As we come to the end of the month of January, coming out of the fog of New Year’s resolutions, bombarded with ads for new exercise routines or diets – I want you to think about your stress levels.
Exercising is only one form of health.
For our bodies to be in optimal health, focusing on ourselves is vital.
I understand time, finances, work, kids, etc can be time-consuming, but just connecting with yourself can make a world of difference.
How this applies to physical therapy
You might be thinking… How does this apply to physical therapy?
There is a direct correlation with chronic pain and chronic stress on our bodies.
If I just treated someone’s low back without asking about the stress they are under, I am missing a huge piece of their recovery process. It doesn’t matter how many times that person is massaged or if they do their exercises, the muscles are going to go back to a tense state unless the root cause is addressed.
So what can I do to support myself and my stress levels when I don’t have much time?
Here are a few questions to help you re-align yourself back to YOUR needs.
Do I need to go to _______ today? (insert optional event here)
Does ________ serve me or am I doing it to please someone else?
Am I taking time for myself today? (even if it is 5 min in the car)
What hobbies have I engaged in outside of work and the kids?
Have I laughed recently?
Do I sit and enjoy the food I am eating?
I know these things may sound insane, but after surviving cancer, I cannot relay this message enough.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2019. I remember sitting in the chair getting chemo and thinking….
“Why did I care so much about what people thought of me”
“Why wasn’t I more present with the people I love”
“Why was I so worried if everything wasn’t perfect”
Nothing was scarier than not having my health. Thankfully my 3 year scans were clear.
The point is life is meant to be enjoyed. Leave the dishes in the sink, wait to reply to that email tomorrow, leave the laundry for another day… and just BE.
The Benefits of Dry Needlinghttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dry-Needling-back-scaled.jpg25601707ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Have you ever had a deep tissue knot in your shoulder or back? Or perhaps you’ve had a muscle strain or even a herniated disc that was causing you significant pain. Others may even experience nerve pain in parts of their body that physical therapy and exercise don’t seem to relieve. Rather than using different exercises or manual therapy to treat these problems alone, many PTs are turning to dry needling to help their patients recover faster and restore mobility to the body.
Dry needling can mitigate pain caused by a number of issues – arthritis, nerve pain, trigger points, ligament strains, headaches, muscle spasms, and more. Before we dive into the benefits of dry needling, though, let’s start with the basics of what dry needling actually is.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling can be used as a part of a comprehensive plan to help restore movement and function in the body. It’s a skilled practice that uses filiform needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate trigger points. A trigger point is a place of muscular dysfunction, causing pain and impacting mobility. They can be tender to the touch and difficult to eliminate as these tight bands of skeletal muscle can cause pain to permeate into other parts of the body.
How do trigger points form? Inflammation builds up in muscles that are injured or overused, causing tension and depriving the muscles of oxygen which occurs from the impaired blood flow. This causes the muscle to be taut, limiting normal movement of the muscle.
How Dry Needling Works
To perform dry needling, a PT will insert super-thin needles into the skin. The needles stimulate the myofascial trigger points, creating twitches and muscle reflexes. These reflexes decrease muscle tension, reducing irritation and pain while improving flexibility. This increases blood flow to the area to promote healing.
By using dry needling, a Doctor of Physical Therapy can target these areas and stimulate them in a way they can’t do with regular physical therapy techniques. It can be painless but most people say the cramping is more of the sensation which can be slightly painful for some. Some patients also report some soreness around the needle sites for around 24-48 hours, while others don’t feel any soreness.
Benefits of Dry Needling
By inserting needles into trigger points on the body, the muscles relax, boosting blood flow, diminishing inflammation, and triggering an immune system response. There are four specific benefits to dry needling:
Relief of pain
Looking for immediate pain relief? Pain improves as blood flow is restored, moving acidic wastes away from the muscle and providing those areas with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Many people report immediate relief after one session, but some do require additional sessions.
Improving mobility
When you have tight knotted muscles, the tendency is to stop moving and limit your mobility and movement to avoid pain. By combining dry needling with physical therapy, strength and mobility are restored and future trigger points can be avoided.
Quicker Recovery
Regardless of the injury or pain, restoring movement is the best way to heal and recover. While physical therapy can be the main component of treatment, adding dry needling to the treatment plan can help speed up your recovery time.
Assists with Chronic pain
Dry needling specifically helps with chronic conditions such as back or neck pain. This can result in trigger points and tenderness. Patients with chronic pain who have had dry needling report significant pain improvement. It helps to increase blood flow to these areas that are impaired and help improve mobility
Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture
While both dry needling and acupuncture use the same filiform needles, they are vastly different practices. Acupuncture is based on eastern medicine principles, and it’s focused on different points and meridians throughout the body. Needles are used superficially to assist with the flow of energy. Based on western medicine, dry needling inserts needles into a specific part of the muscle that is causing dysfunction and pain.
Is Pain Holding You Back?
Are you limited in mobility and function because of pain impacting daily activities? We can evaluate your movement, strength, and function to form a plan of care, whether that’s dry needling, PT, or home exercises, that can get you back to doing the things you love. If you are struggling with pain or an injury, our physical therapists can help! Start moving again with help from ResilientRx. Book a consultation online today!
How Stress and Anxiety Affect Painhttps://resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Laying-down-sore-scaled.jpg25601707ResilientRxResilientRx//resilient-rx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ResilientRx.png
Anxiety disorders, commonly associated with chronic stress, are the most common mental illnesses in the United States. In fact, anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million adults each year. People suffering from anxiety are three to five times more likely to visit the doctor than those without anxiety disorders.
The reason?
Stress and anxiety do not just have an impact on the mind. Together, they cause or enhance chronic pain. Many of us forget that anxiety or worry can cause several painful physical symptoms — chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, muscle aches and weaknesses, headaches, and more.
Here’s a deeper look into the impact chronic stress and anxiety have on the body.
How can stress and anxiety impact pain response?
Have you ever noticed that your muscles hurt more when you’re worried about work or family? Do you get headaches more as you think about something too much? These are all small signs of how anxiety and stress can impact our body’s pain levels.
Research has also proven that stress and anxiety can influence pain perception (how we perceive pain). Some people, when their cortisol levels spike, experience stress-induced analgesia — which suppresses our sensation of pain.
Stress-induced hyperalgesia, on the other hand, occurs when stress, anxiety, or even fear, are already present, elevating pain and increasing intensity and duration.
The fight or flight response affects pain
We all know the “flight or fight” response our bodies experience when we undergo stress. When our bodies activate this response, it dumps higher levels of cortisol into the bloodstream which spikes our blood sugar. Your body also experiences an increased heart rate and adrenaline output. Over a period of time, this influx of cortisol can harm your body and cause you to be more susceptible to injury and pain.
In the fallout of this response, people tend to feel exhausted, which can heighten mental and physical ailments and decrease their immune system response.
The nervous system and stress
Stress is very closely aligned to the nervous system. Your body’s reaction to stress can tip off pain perception in the body and, because the nervous system extends into the brain, can impact the way your body responds to pain. Over time, your body may develop a more sensitive nervous system reaction to stress and anxiety, which could be the cause of chronic pain.
Common physical symptoms of stress and anxiety
The longer a person experiences chronic stress and anxiety the more intense the symptoms may be. You could equate it to heart health — the longer you eat fatty, high-sugar, and highly processed foods, the greater your chances are for heart disease. So, the more often you’re stressed, the more vulnerable your body becomes because of the wear and tear that results.
Symptoms of stress and anxiety often go unnoticed or are mistaken for something minor. However, consistently experiencing the following systems can wear out your body.
Fatigue
This is the most common symptom associated with stress and anxiety. Because the mind is in a constant state of alertness, it tires out much faster than the mind of someone who may not often experience stress and anxiety. Even after healthy sleep, people can still feel exhausted because of mental fatigue or the physical symptoms that come along with prolonged high-cortisol levels in the body.
Heart palpitations
Having heart palpitations can be distressing, which may cause a continued increase in cortisol levels and can increase heart rate. Heart palpitations feel as though your heart is pounding too fast and skipping beats.
Muscle aches and weakness
Tension is usually to blame for muscle and joint pain caused by stress and anxiety. Prolonged periods of these emotions cause muscles to tense up and leave you feeling stiff. A high level of stress consistently can impact immune system functions, making it more difficult for your body to fight off inflammation.
Muscles also tend to become weak, especially in the legs and arms. During a fight or flight response, blood flow is increased to the limbs to make it easier to take action against a perceived threat. After the adrenaline response has ended, muscles can become sore and painful.
Headaches
Headaches and migraines are other common results of chronic pain and anxiety. Because other systems, such as teeth grinding, tension in the face, and poor posture often accompany stress and anxiety, prevalent headaches and migraines that are extremely painful are likely. Sharp pain or dull aches accompanied by pressure in the head and eyes are usually the headaches caused by stress and anxiety.
Find relief for your pain
Stress and anxiety are common ailments in the U.S., but if you’re experiencing pain that you believe is associated with stress, it’s time to get help — for both your brain and your body. The key is to manage daily habits to ensure this type of pain does not get out of hand.
If you are experiencing pain that is impacting your daily life, our team can help. With extensive training in treating patients with chronic stress and anxiety disorders, we can get you back on track to feeling calm, relaxed, and healthy in no time.
