Resolutions or Realizations in 2017

"2017 is about committing to your health & getting back to the activities you love. You know it needs to be done...let's get after it!"

Last week, I was working with a 42-year old male who had intense low back pain. He presented with 8/10 pain (10/10 being the worst) and literally hobbled into my physical therapy clinic. While we quickly started managing his symptoms, we also identified several long-term reasons he kept experiencing low back pain.

Most importantly, he told me that his pain was not allowing him to pick up his young child from the ground, golf more than 7-8 holes, and enjoy his family trips to the mountains (he really loved cross country and downhill skiing).

Read more about pain

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THERE IS A REASON 80% OF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM LOW BACK PAIN & OVER 33% HAVE A SECOND EPISODE OF PAIN. HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE CAUSE OF OUR CLIENT'S PROBLEMS.

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The reason he was experiencing low back pain was because he spent the majority of his day in a flexed low back posture. He rode his bike to work, would inevitably sit in a slouched posture at work, and found himself working late night in bed on his computer. All of these activities biased his low back into a flexed position. When he needed to pick something up off the ground, his body performed the same flexed pattern, which eventually became painful. Through good communication identifying which activities increased his symptoms, within minutes we were able to decrease his pain by 50%.

"The reason he was experiencing low back symptoms was because he spent the majority of his day in a flexed low back posture. He rode his bike to work, would inevitably sit in a slouched posture at work, and found himself working late night in bed on his computer. All of these activities biased his low back into a flexed position."

He is experiencing minimal pain throughout the work day after our the first 3 sessions. We are finally addressing the cause of his pain, and getting him back to enjoying his normal activities.  Through targeted hip strengthening, we are addressing the issue preventing him from skiing. Additionally, he has begun using a small pillow under his low back while at work to avoid the chronic flexed position. These modifications and exercises are enabling him to return to his activities. 

​Pain management is only one aspect of physical therapy. The bigger and more creative goals therapists create revolve around returning people back to their normal life.

Read more about back pain management

If you are experiencing pain that prevents you from performing the activities you love,  visit Heafner Health Physical Therapy and Movement Specialists.  Stop managing your symptoms, and address the problem. 

All treatment is 100% one-on-one. We specialize in the treatment of Orthopedic injuries including joint sprains and strains, low back pain, knee pain, shoulder and neck issues, and more. 

Through a combination of hands on techniques (mobilizations and manipulations similar to what chiropractors perform) & patient education, we will correct the problem & give you solutions to prevent reoccurrence in the long term. 

Reach out via email: jim@heafnerhealth.com  OR set-up an appointment directly.
In either case, mention this post and receive $50 off your initial evaluation. 

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Let's start moving in 2017

Movement & proper education are the cure! 

Heafner Health is a Physical Therapy and wellness practice located in Boulder, CO. Heafner Health specializes in Physical Therapy, manual and manipulative treatment, and pain management. We continually strive to improve your overall health. Heafner Health's mission is to optimize the way you move to promote health and longevity. We look forward to helping you reach your health and fitness goals!

-Jim Heafner PT, DPT, OCS