Our balance influences every aspect of our lives. Yes, that's right, you can't play golf, tennis, or even swim properly without balance, but more than that, walking correctly, stabilizing your body, or keeping your skeletal and muscular health in check without having the correct balance can be  … uh hum… a bit of a tightrope act. Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this post we talk all things balance, from why you need it, to what happens when you don't have it, all the way through to how you can improve it. So, let's get some stability on the subject, shall we? You might be thinking, “Well, hey, my balance is pretty good – I don't fall off of my bicycle and I can still stand on one leg if I concentrate hard enough”. And that's all pretty great, except that's not really the type of balance that matters. Of course, we encourage cycling and circus acts, but what we're really worried about is the overall balance of weight distribution as you go about your daily activities. Most falls and their ensuing back, hip, neck, and ankle problems are as a result of a misstep or an inability to balance weight and muscle function correctly. Balance is more than just a fleeting moment of stability on a bicycle: it's the continual stability of your body in its entirety so as to preserve health and wellbeing. Let's make that a little clearer: balance is part of absolutely everything we do whether we are conscious of it or not. The way we walk, listen, and move are all part-and-parcel of the way we are able to balance weight. Mobility depends on our ability to balance muscles correctly; spine health is dependent on an even weight distribution throughout the body during movement and periods of rest; joint health is keenly affected by how well we are able to balance during activity. If we do not have good balance, then we are likely to injure ourselves in the long run – having great balance is a bit like enjoying superior tires on your car: if one or two are low, your wheel alignment changes and your car's overall functionality suffers.    Here are just a few benefits of excellent balance: ·         Increased muscle strength. ·         Increased co-ordination and reaction time. ·         Strong, effective posture. ·         Increased skeletal strength. ·         Increased joint mobility. ·         Increased flexibility.   Ultimately, good balance is directly linked to health and quality of life. That's great news, right? Absolutely! If, that is, you maintain stability. What happens, then, if you don't keep an eye on your balance? As you age, your ability to balance decreases and, thus, your health follows suit in various ways. As balance ability declines, so too does the health of your muscles, bones, and general wellbeing. Falls, hip problems, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and even headaches are sure to follow. One of the leading causes of serious injury and/or death are falls… unfortunately, most of them are as a result of impaired balance. Luckily, flawed balance doesn't rear its ugly head overnight: there are warning signs you can look out for. Here they are: 1.      Vertigo Feeling as though the world is spinning – much like you did on the playground as a kid – is a sure sign that something may not be right with your balance. For some of you reading this, this feeling may be more severe than for others: many people become used to the spinning sensation and are unaware that they are off balance, thereby overcompensating on one side of the body and, as a result, increasing the problem and ensuring injury. 1.      Muscle Pains on One Side of the Body Because a destabilized body is in a state of unbalance, muscles and joints try to rectify the imbalance by overcompensating on one side. When this happens, muscles strain to one side thereby both increasing the unbalanced posture and, ultimately, increasing the chance of injury. Don't ignore a nagging pain on one side of the body, as it may very well be causing an imbalance in weight distribution. 1.      Blurred Vision Oftentimes imbalanced bodies give way to various other issues, from disorientation through to blurred vision. Prolonged periods of muscle overcompensation can cause fatigue and mental distress and can, in severe cases, lead to blurred vision.   If the above seems all too close to home, don't fear – we're here to help. Take a look at some tips for how to get back on – and stay on – your feet in order to be a more stable, healthier you: 1.      Yoga and Pilates Doing activities focused on core strength, muscle flexibility, and overall mobility is essential in maintaining a good balance. Yoga and Pilates offer incredible benefits, here. 1.      Daily Stretching Always stretch, as this gives your muscles flexibility and mobility and, essentially, helps correct overcompensation if done correctly. 1.      Physical Therapy Physical therapy is the single most effective way of correcting balance issues: from improving posture, to increasing strength and mobility, physical therapy does it all. A professional, hands-on physical therapist will not only diagnose and treat the root cause of your balance problem, but will provide you with the tools to maintain great balance and posture outside of the clinic. In effect, physical therapy offers you the opportunity to ensure excellent balance and to continually live a pain-free, injury-free life. Avoid life-threatening falls by calling one of our dedicated physical therapists, right now. Balancing is, well, a balancing act. With the help of physical therapy you'll be well on your way to being a stable, balanced, healthier person. A strong, balanced, body is essential this year: don't let poor balance stop you from heading out there. Give us a call today and find out how we can help you get back to being strong and stable on your feet. One of our dedicated, professional physical therapists can't wait to chat.  

1.Do You Really Need A Joint Replacement? Often times as we get older and our joints become stiffer, many people start to believe that someday in the future that they are going to need a joint replacement ( just like their mother or their brother or a close friend) and then finally they  go to the doctor and learn after an X-ray  that their hip or knee joint is ‘ bone on bone' with zero joint space! But, does that person REALLY need a joint replacement? The answer is – sometimes Yes and sometimes No! The decision should not be made based on an X-ray, but instead how that joint is impacting the person's life. That said, when a person is taking medication like candy for pain relief, they are starting to notably reduce their activity due to pain and other joints are starting to hurt as they try to compensate for that arthritic joint, the likelihood is, it's time to consider that joint replacement!   2.Who Should You Choose To Do Your Surgery? Often times, your family physician will have a surgeon that they recommend, while reading on-line reviews and speaking with friends who have had joint replacements can be helpful. The best person to ask however can actually be a Physical Therapist, as they see the RESULTS from many different surgeons and we can provide you with some very helpful guidance. So, don't hesitate to contact us!   3.Should You Have Physical Therapy Beforehand? It is often a good idea to have what is referred to as ‘ Prehab' prior to your surgery, however the decision to receive therapy beforehand is most often dependent upon the patient's insurance plan. If a person's insurance plan only allows a limited number of PT visits thru'out the year, then it is often a better idea to save their visits for AFTER their surgery.   4.What Is The Best Time Of The Year For You To Elect To Have Surgery? The number one thing to think about, is what life has in store for you the weeks that follow your surgery. So, if you are planning a trip to Florida in February, having your surgery just a few weeks prior would not be a good idea. Other things to think about include who will be available to help you after surgery and how you have used your insurance benefits thru'out the year.   5.How Long Will It Take Before I Am Back To Normal? Obviously there are a lot of factors that will influence a person's rate of recovery, while for a hip or knee replacement, ‘most' people will be back to doing 80% or more of their daily activities within 3 months and sometimes sooner than that.   6.How Long Will I Be In Hospital After My Surgery? Nowadays, sparing any type of complications, patients are now commonly discharged after a joint replacement the same day or within 24 hours   7.Is There Any Special Equipment I Will Need To Purchase? Yes, there is a number of things that should be purchased in advance of your surgery, while these items may include a walker, a cane, an elevated toilet seat, non- slip mats for the bathroom, ice packs and perhaps a wedge to elevate your legs after a knee of hip replacement   8.Will I Need To Go To A Rehab Center Or Will A Nurse Or Therapist Come To My Home? The decision to send someone to a rehab. center after a joint replacement is typically dependent upon their medical status and whether or not that person has someone to help them in their home after surgery or not, while accessible in and out of the home is also a factor. Often times, if a person does not go to a rehab. center, it will be arranged for the person to receive Physical Therapy and perhaps nursing assistance in their home for 1-2 weeks.   9.Will I Need To Take Pain Medication After My Surgery? Your surgeon will prescribe a specific medication regimen for you following your surgery, while you should endeavor to fill your prescriptions 1 or 2 days before your surgery. It is critically important that the person's pain is under control following surgery so they have less difficulty sleeping and also to boost their general level of activity and exercise tolerance   10.When Will I Be Allowed To Resume Driving You should consult with your surgeon regarding this question before deciding to drive. The effect of anesthesia can last up to 10 days following surgery, while taking some medications after surgery will impair a person's ability to drive. This a great question to ask, when you see the surgeon 1-2 weeks after your surgery.   11.How Soon Do I Get To Start Outpatient Physical Therapy? Baring any complications, most people should expect to start outpatient Physical Therapy within 2 weeks after surgery. If the person goes to a rehab. center 1st, then the timeframe is more likely to be 4-6 weeks.   12.Can I Choose Where To Attend For My Physical Therapy? YES. Many surgeons will have a preference for you to receive therapy within the hospital system where they work, but YOU CAN CHOOSE where you attend for your Physical Therapy, just as you choose your surgeon, while at Mid-Michigan PT Specialists, we have extensive experience helping people with partial and full joint replacements and revision surgeries including ankle, knee, hip and shoulder replacements.  

Neck pain can affect people of all ages, while according to a number of studies, approximately 35% of adults can expect to experience neck pain, whereby they seek medical advice at some point during their life.   There are multiple reasons that a person may experience neck pain or  related functional limitations which include cervical spondylosis (a.k.a. arthritis) a disc bulge with nerve impingement and often simply poor neck and shoulder posture.   When a person experiences neck pain, it can often lead to a downward spiral in their energy level and well-being, as well as feeling depressed. However, it doesn't have to be this way and being reliant on medication for relief is NOT the answer. Instead, discovering and treating the root cause of the problem is the answer, while Physical Therapy is a natural and often the best solution for successfully treating the majority of neck problems.   In our daily lives, we place tremendous strain and demand on our neck and if a person has poor neck posture this will cause added stress and strain on the muscles, joints and ligaments. In fact, it has been determined that if your head protrudes forward just one inch from neutral, the strain on your neck doubles from approximately 10 to 20 pounds!   The GOOD NEWS is when a person has neck pain, it can commonly be relieved by restoring normal neck motion and alignment, while here are 5 key areas that you can focus on to reduce your neck pain:   1.       Work on improving your posture – while sitting and standing 2.       Restore your flexibility to the neck muscles and joints 3.       Strengthen your upper back/ scapular muscles to help support your neck 4.       Sleeping: Ensure your neck is in a neutral position when sleeping 5.       Ask for help to relieve your neck aches and pains that last more than 1 week – while a Physical Therapist is the best health care professional to analyze your movement and posture AND to create an effective treatment program for your neck complaints.   If you have neck problems and you would like to learn more, then we encourage you to schedule a Free Consultation to see if we can help you. Simply call 517-545-3200.  

1. See your family physician and/or physical therapist   There are several reasons that a person may experience pain in the low back region, while pain due to a lumbar disc bulge (characterized by increased pain with movement, leg pain and possibly numbness, tingling and weakness) can be a serious problem, in some cases necessitating surgery. So step 1, if you suspect you have a lumbar disc bulge, don't wait for the pain to go away on its own because it probably will not resolve without some form of treatment! Instead, make an appointment to see your physician or a physical therapist so they can correctly evaluate your complaints and prescribe an appropriate management plan.    2. Take appropriate medication   NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin can help relieve pain and inflammation in the area surrounding the disc. Only take these as recommended by your physician.   3. Avoid the activities that are causing pain   Often, pain from a bulging disc increases with certain movements especially heavy lifting, bending forward or twisting your back, as well as prolonged sitting.  Avoid these movements to allow the disc to begin to heal! It can be compared to having a cut on your knuckle. The more you bend your finger and pull on the cut, the longer it will take to heal.    4. Sit with support   Sitting is often a position that increases pain from a disc bulge, however, sitting with a towel rolled up and placed at your belt line can be helpful in tolerating those times when you need to sit (especially at work or when riding in a car). This helps you sit up straight and keeps the natural curve in your low back which adds support to the injured disc.    5. Avoid low chairs    Sitting in a low chair or a soft piece of furniture will likely lead to "slouched" sitting. This places excessive stress on the bulging disc, will cause pain, and lengthen the recovery time.   6. Exercise   It is helpful to perform gentle stretches when healing from a bulging disc. Often it is helpful to lie on your stomach while propping your upper body up on your elbows. Rest here 5-10 seconds and return to lying flat. Repeat 10 times and if this is comfortable repeat every 2-3 hours. Working up to walking 20-30 minutes for cardiovascular exercise will be important when you can tolerate this. Your physical therapist can be very helpful in teaching you other effective exercises.   7. Wear a lumbar support brace   If you have a physically demanding job or cannot completely avoid more strenuous activity, a lumbar support brace may be helpful in unloading the injured disc while you continue what you need to do. These are relatively inexpensive and your physical therapist or physician may be able to assist in selecting the best one for you to wear.   8. Have patience   After beginning treatment, it's important to realize that a bulging disc will heal over several weeks or months before pain is no longer present. It will take time to heal, but most people will heal without requiring surgery and knowing this may provide peace of mind during the healing process.   9. Stop Smoking   If you're a smoker, another reason to quit is that you're placing yourself at a higher risk for developing back pain including from a bulging disc. Smoking has been shown to weaken the lumbar discs over time by reducing the body's ability to deliver nutrients to the discs. Smoking may also lead to a higher sensitivity to pain.   10. Try heat or ice   Either heat or ice may be helpful in managing pain. They will not cure the problem, but applying them for 15-20 minutes several times per day may help to at least reduce symptoms as part of your overall treatment plan.   Aaron Treiber, DPT Orthopedic Spine Physical Therapist Mid-Michigan PT Clinical Team   #LumbarDiscBulgePain #RelieveLumbarDiscPain #BulgeinLumbarDisc #StepstoRelieveLumbarDiscPain  

As we age, degenerative disc disease (which is a deterioration of the discs of the spine) tends to progressively occur and can result in neck or back pain and other musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. Types of degenerative disc disease Cervical: affects the neck and is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease Lumbar: affects the lower back and is called lumbar degenerative disc disease Signs and Symptoms of DDD Most patients report one or more of the following symptoms. Pain is triggered by an activity Pain flares up periodically and then settles to a low-grade pain/discomfort Pain and /or stiffness upon awakening Pain with sitting or standing for long periods Pain alleviated by activities such as walking Pain relief upon changing body position Management of Degenerative Disc Disease When symptoms start to occur and continue to persist ( > 2-3 weeks) despite efforts to rest and avoid aggravating activities, early intervention could save you from further damage to the disc, muscles and ligaments. Treatment tends to fall into 3 categories 1.       Medical: Pain, anti-inflammatory and steroids are commonly prescribed to help relieve pain and improve mobility, however medication tends to only provide symptomatic relief and ideally this should not be viewed as a long term strategy 2.       Injections and Surgery (such as a Laminectomy or Fusion) These interventions can be effective, but are also associated with some medical risk and should only be considered for less 5% of DDD sufferers and only after conservative treatment has failed 3.       Conservative (Physical Therapy) ideally consisting of Manual (Hands on) Physical Therapy, an individualized exercise program, posture & ergonomic education, self-care strategies and sometimes traction have been shown to provide the BEST RESULTS!     Take Action If you believe that you are suffering from the effects of DDD, call our office without delay ( 517-545-3200) to inquire about scheduling a FREE Consultation to see if a program of Physical Therapy will help you and/or inquire about attending one of our free workshops!  

If уоu hаvе bееn in a ѕроrtѕ ассidеnt е.g. mоtоr vеhiсlе ассidеnt, you hаvе ассеѕѕ tо рhуѕiоthеrару thrоugh уоur саr inѕurаnсе роliсу. Yоu dо nоt nееd tо ѕее a рhуѕiсiаn firѕt, unlеѕѕ уоu ѕо сhооѕе. Yоu mау ѕее Physical Therapist in Brighton, MI dirесtlу, and аѕ ѕооn аѕ роѕѕiblе fоr sports rehab in Brighton, MI. Physical Therapist in Brighton, MI will аѕѕеѕѕ уоu аnd if further invеѕtigаtiоn iѕ rеԛuirеd bу a dосtоr, he/she will make thе appropriate rеfеrrаl оr ѕеnd a lеttеr tо your own рhуѕiсiаn. Rеѕеаrсh ѕhоwѕ thаt еvеn low imрасt ассidеntѕ аt ѕрееdѕ аѕ lоw аѕ 15 mрh саn саuѕе bоdilу injurу. If lеft untrеаtеd, thеѕе injuries соuld lеаd tо futurе рrоblеmѕ like headaches, tingling аnd numbnеѕѕ, muѕсlе wеаknеѕѕ, аnd еvеn diѕс рrоblеmѕ. Personal Training in Brighton, MI саn hеlр уоu idеntifу thе undеrlуing injuriеѕ fоr timely trеаtmеnt. Whiрlаѕh Whiрlаѕh оr оthеr musculoskeletal injuriеѕ аrе оftеn ѕuѕtаinеd in mоtоr vеhiсlе ассidеntѕ. If уоu hаvе ѕuffеrеd a whiрlаѕh injurу, ѕроrtѕ rеhаb in Hоwеll, MI iѕ a good choice tо rеduсе раin аnd rеturn proper mесhаniсѕ tо thе ѕрinе. Our gоаl iѕ tо optimize motion, rеduсе muѕсlе spasm аnd imрrоvе muѕсulаr ѕtrеngth. Hеаdасhеѕ Whеnеvеr a раtiеnt еntеrѕ sports rehab in Brighton, MI with the complaint оf frеԛuеnt hеаdасhеѕ; wе tаkе it very ѕеriоuѕlу tо mаkе ѕurе thе injuriеѕ аrе idеntifiеd timеlу. A fеw trеаtmеntѕ аnd wе ѕее аlmоѕt immеdiаtе improvement fоr hеаdасhеѕ thаt оriginаtе in thе nесk, and раtiеntѕ ѕignifiсаntlу hаd fеwеr ѕidе еffесtѕ аnd lоngеr-lаѕting rеliеf оf tеnѕiоn tуре hеаdасhеѕ thаn a соmmоnlу рrеѕсribеd medication. Lоw Bасk Pаin Fоr thе trеаtmеnt оf lоwеr bасk раin, ѕроrtѕ rehab in Hоwеll, MI iѕ thе ѕоlutiоn. Lаѕt уеаr 1 in 4 аdultѕ еxреriеnсеd lоw bасk раin; аnd it is one оf thе mоѕt соmmоn rеаѕоnѕ реорlе соmе tо оur оffiсе.