Working In The Yard Can Cause Back or Knee Pain

Spring has sprung and it’s time for yard work! Working on getting your yard ready for the growing season can mean hours of bending over flowerbeds, or resting on your knees for weeding. Almost all yard work involves using muscles and joints that you haven’t used for months. Yard work takes a toll and trying to avoid back and knee pain from gardening involves some effort.

At Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa, our Physical Therapists are experts at preparing your body for strenuous garden maintenance. Our therapists help prepare gardeners in Totowa, Passaic County NJ and surrounding locations, for the hard work ahead. Repetitive movement, or being in the same position for hours can strain the muscles, joints and ligaments. Doing yard work is actually exercise and involves repetitive movement. Most people don’t think of preparing their body for garden work. They train for competitive sports, and though gardening isn’t competitive it does work the muscles like sports do.

Ways To Avoid Pain During Yard Work

Some tips for avoiding back and knee pain during gardening are:

1. As with any sport, stretching before you start, during and after gardening will help to keep your muscles and joints limber.

2. Avoid staying in the same position for too long. Take breaks or change the activity.

3. Remember to keep good posture in mind. Don’t hunch over or cross your legs. These may seem like a comfortable position in which to do certain tasks, but you’ll feel it later.

4. Use knee pads when the task requires kneeling. This keeps your knees clean and provides relief from pain.

Let Us Prepare Your Body With Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa have experience and knowledge that can be valuable in preparing your body for gardening. You may not think of preparing your body for yard work, but you might find that you’d like our help after working in the garden. Our therapists are here to help by addressing the areas of pain and relieve them. We want you to successfully return to doing the things you enjoy, pain free. To prepare your body for yard work, give Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa a call at (862) 239-1768 and set up an appointment to talk with a Physical Therapist.

PRE-OPERATIVE CONDITIONING

Conditioning exercises can be beneficial before having surgery. Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa provides pre-operative conditioning to patients in Passaic County and surrounding locations. The type of conditioning recommended to patients about to have surgery depends upon the patient and the type of surgery. For a successful surgery and a rapid healing process, specialized physical therapy exercise to help minimize side effects and possibly shorten recovery time is recommended. This type of treatment can get a patient back on their feet more quickly. A patient’s condition before surgery is assessed by a trained Physical Therapist who will then create a plan to improve muscle strength pre-surgery. This is beneficial in prepping for an operation and can help speed recovery and healing. Conditioning before and after surgery is provided by certified and highly qualified therapists in Totowa NJ.

POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION

Post-Operative care is essential in the healing process and is an important test of the effectiveness of the surgery. Physical Therapists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa are aware that surgeries vary and will adjust their post-op rehabilitation to the condition of the patient. A customized plan is drawn up to help a patient recover as fully and as soon as possible. After surgery such as knee or hip replacement, or other physically disabling procedures, an active plan for rehabilitation is required. It is necessary to get moving to regain strength, balance and mobility. Our therapists also treat sports injuries, orthopedic and neurologic disorders as well as general chronic pain. 

Qualified Pre and Post Surgery Care

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa believes that good health and performance can be achieved by enabling correct body function through mobility of joints and muscles. A good balance of nutrition, exercise and care for our patients ensures improvement in their condition after surgery. If you are heading for surgery, give us a call at (862) 239-1768 for a consultation about our outstanding Pre and Post Operative Conditioning and Rehabilitation. With conditioning before and after surgery our goal is always to get you back on your feet and able to enjoy life without pain or discomfort.

Physical Therapy To Promote Healing

Physical Therapy is generally used to build strength, mobility and balance. This becomes necessary after a serious injury or after surgery. A doctor usually recommends Physical Therapy to help you through the task of rehabilitation and a return to pain-free movement. At Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa, our outstanding Physical Therapists evaluate an injury and create a plan of exercises, stretching, heart rate monitoring, and sometimes will use manual therapy to aid in recovery.  Elite Spine offers rehabilitation through Physical Therapy to patients in Passaic County NJ as well as nearby surrounding NJ counties. 

Occupational Therapy

Another type of Physical Therapy offered by Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa is Occupational Therapy. This is rehabilitation that focuses on optimizing engagement in your daily life after suffering a traumatic injury or illness. Our certified Occupational Therapists work with patients to promote healing, mobility and balance, helping them regain the ability to perform the basic tasks needed for daily and independent functioning.

Getting Back To Normal

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa provides excellent Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy with certified therapists. Personal and individual treatment is offered by experienced practitioners. If your doctor has recommended Physical Therapy after an injury, illness or surgery, call us at (862) 239-1768 for professional treatment. Our goal is to get you on the road to recovery and to have a full and active life with rehabilitation through Physical Therapy.

Occupational Therapy | Hand Therapy Services Totowa Passaic County NJ

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa offers Occupational Therapy as part of our excellent Physical Therapy service for our Passaic County, NJ clientele.  Our Occupational Therapy services, which can include Hand Therapy, are based on the functional model and dynamic use of manual medicine in physical therapy and rehabilitation.  We are delighted to introduce Certified Hand Therapy in Passaic County NJ.  

Hand Therapy

We offer the services of a professional Occupational Therapist, Tiffany Denaro, who is not only a licensed and certified OT, but she is also a NJ certified Hand Therapist.  A Hand Therapist is an OT who has advanced their education, clinical experience, and the integration of knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology.  Having Tiffany on our team, we are proficient in the treatment of hand conditions.

As a rule, many hand surgeons will only send their patients to an Occupational Therapist who has their Certified Hand Therapist qualification.  Due to the requirements and difficulty of this exam, not many OTs go on to get their certification.  And so, we are proud to have Tiffany, A Certified Hand Therapist, on the Elite team!

Professional Care For Our Patients

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa strives to provide professional and highly trained therapists to see to the care of the individuals who come to us for help. The goal of our Occupational Therapists is to offer evaluations that determine the ability of an individual to perform the basic tasks needed for independent daily functioning. We offer surgery-free interventions and rehabilitation for a variety of upper extremity disorders and discomforts. Our therapists use techniques and tools, including exercise programs, custom orthotic fabrication, pain and swelling management and wound and scar care. If your doctor has suggested a program of physical therapy for treating injuries to the upper extremities, including shoulders, arms, elbows, forearms, wrists and hands, call us at (862) 239-1768 for an appointment.

Understanding BPPV

BPPV is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – a condition where you have a feeling of spinning or dizziness. This is often the result of an inner ear issue or from changing the position of your head. Knowing the cause of this feeling is crucial in determining the type of treatment that is needed. BPPV can be treated with Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, or by Acupuncture. At Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa our knowledgeable therapists offer testing to discover the cause of BPPV and then proceeding to provide therapy options for treatment. We welcome the opportunity to educate patients about BPPV and talk about treatment. Elite Spine offers a way of understanding BPPV and seeking a mode of treating patients suffering with BPPV in Passaic County NJ and surrounding NJ counties.

How Is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treated?

BPPV may be caused by head and neck problems as well as by inner ear issues. The Dix-Hallpike Test is used to determine whether the problem is coming from the ear canal. This test helps determine the form of treatment necessary. Treatment may be Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care or Acupuncture. BPPV is rarely serious, but can be when it leads to losing one’s balance and falling.

When seeking treatment through Chiropractic Care, manipulation techniques may be used. The professional Chiropractors at Elite Spine are experienced in these techniques and have found they are helpful in addressing BPPV.

Exercise and Alignment offered by our Physical Therapy staff are another option for treating BPPV. The dizziness may affect you when lying down, sitting up or when standing. Physical Therapy treatment can bring relief to anyone suffering the discomfort of BPPV.

Acupuncture is another form of treatment for BPPV. Our certified Acupuncturists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa can stimulate the area surrounding the ear, providing relief through realignment.

Seek Treatment For Dizziness and Vertigo

To become educated about BPPV and the treatment options that are available, contact our team at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa. We can be reached at (862) 239-1768. We aim to relieve your discomfort and allow you to enjoy a life of active pursuits.

Prenatal and Postnatal Care

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa offers Prenatal and Postnatal Care and Corrective Exercise to pregnant women. This is an exercise program that improves posture, breathing patterns and functional movement in a woman pre and post childbirth. Our main focus at Elite Spine is to teach prenatal and postnatal women that a good exercise program is beneficial before and after giving birth.  At Elite Spine we offer care and corrective exercise before and after childbirth.

What Should Goals During and After Pregnancy Be?

Goals should include the following:

Decrease Pain Increase Functional Strength

Improve Posture and Body Awareness Improve Balance

Strengthen and Improve Breathing Patterns Improve Flexibility

Strengthen Core Muscles Decrease Muscle Spasm and Tenderness

What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of prenatal care, postnatal care and corrective exercise are to:

1. Improve overall mood

2. Increase blood flow

3. increase nutrient delivery to the baby and excrete toxin

4. Increase baby’s vitality

5. Improve endurance

6. Decrease pregnancy aches, pains, muscle spasms and cramping

7. Decrease shortness of breath

8. Maintain a healthy weight

9. Decrease stress

10. Decrease the likelihood of Postpartum Depression

11. Assist in an easier and less painful labor

Take Care of Yourself During and After Pregnancy

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa offers this program of Prenatal and Postnatal Care and Corrective Exercise to help pregnant women have a safe and healthy pregnancy. We provide care and corrective exercise before and after childbirth. Our therapists can evaluate a woman’s tolerance to this program and assure that she will benefit from it. We want all new mothers to be able to care for their babies in a stress-free and physically fit way. For an assessment and to start our program, call us at (862) 239-1768. We look forward to working with you.

Rotator Cuff Injury in Totowa NJ

Rotator Cuff Injury happens often, especially in today’s active lifestyle environment. It can be very painful when the tendons and muscles of your shoulder are injured. Rotator Cuff Injury occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket and the shoulder swells up and really hurts. At Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa, our Physical Therapy specialists treat this type of injury with the LightForce Deep Tissue Laser Therapy device. This is a very quick, non-invasive and very effective pain relief solution. It is a drug-free, surgery-free modality that is always available in our Totowa, Passaic County NJ facility. We urge anyone with shoulder pain to seek relief with Deep Tissue Laser Therapy.

What Symptoms Indicate Rotator Cuff Injury?

The symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury often include weakness and pain in the shoulder, trouble lifting your arm above your head and creaking sounds when you move the shoulder. Seek Deep Tissue Laser Therapy treatment for relief of the pain and discomfort of shoulder injury if you experience any of these symptoms.

What Treatment Is Used For Rotator Cuff Injury?

The Physical Therapy team at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa uses Deep Tissue Laser therapy for the treatment of Rotator Cuff Injuries. This treatment strengthens the arm muscles surrounding the Rotator Cuff and speeds recovery by getting blood flowing. Our therapists will also introduce exercises that can help prevent future Rotator Cuff Injury.

Deep Tissue Laser Therapy For Pain Relief

At Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa, Physical Therapy and Deep Tissue Laser Therapy treatment are always available to relieve pain. Our staff will analyze an injury and help you proceed toward the best treatment. Rotator Cuff Injury is not the only ailment treated with Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. An active lifestyle can produce painful injuries of all kinds, which our experienced Physical Therapy staff treat every day. Call Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa at (862) 239-1768 for a consultation and get back to participating in the physical activities that you love – pain-free.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, running from the forearm to the palm of the hand, becomes painful. This discomfort with numbness and tingling, is mostly the result of being pressed or squeezed. The Carpal Tunnel is made up of ligament and bones found at the base of the hand. This pathway houses nerves and tendons that allow fingers to bend. This is an area of the anatomy that is in constant use. The constant use of the hand in the same way, such as typing or clicking on a computer or phone, causes pain and discomfort which leads to Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Tennis players may also suffer from this condition after gripping a tennis raquet for long periods of time. At Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa, treating Carpal Tunnel opSyndrome is a specialty of our Physical Therapy Team.  We are experienced in the options for treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What Is Treatment Like?

Expert Physical Therapy Services are available to Passaic County and surrounding area patients who suffer the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Physical Therapy instruction by Elite Spine staff usually begins with learning the correct stretching techniques for treating Carpal Tunnel syndrome. These exercises treat the pain and can be practiced as you work. If these exercises don’t prove to relieve the pain our therapists may use Active Release Technique, or Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. These are both drug-free and surgery-free options.

Therapists Find The Treatment That Works Best For You

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the constant and strenuous use of the hands and wrists. Therapists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa have the expertise and experience to find the treatment that works best for your particular discomfort. If you suffer from pain due to continuous use of your hands and wrists, give us a call and make an appointment for therapy. We can be reached at (862) 239-1768.

Offering Healing, Mobility and Balance

Physical Therapy is generally recommended by a doctor after a serious injury or after surgery. When you are prevented from having free mobility, the expertise of a certified Physical Therapist can promote healing. The main focus of Physical Therapy is for a patient to build strength, mobility, and balance. Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa offers outstanding Physical Therapy in Passaic County NJ and surrounding areas when an injury or illness has left you unable to live a fully mobile and pain-free life.

Another aspect of our Physical Therapy Services is Occupational Therapy. This is a type of rehabilitation that focuses on optimizing engagement in your daily life after a traumatic injury or illness. Our certified Occupational Therapists may use manual therapy to induce healing, mobility and balance. This helps a patient regain the ability to perform the basic tasks needed for daily and independent functioning.

What Does Physical Therapy Consist Of?

Physical Therapy is a basic type of healthcare focusing on the mobility of a patient, suggested by a physician after an injury, it is also used after surgery, pregnancy, stroke and to manage chronic illnesses. Our licensed therapists will evaluate an injury and create a plan, including exercises, stretching, and heart rate monitoring. The main goal of Physical Therapy is for the patient to heal, regaining strength, mobility and balance.

Occupational Therapy provides the necessary rehabilitation routines that help an individual perform the basic daily taks needed to function at work, home, school, and more. After a traumatic injury, surgery or illness these every day movements may be painful and difficult to achieve. Our therapists provide patients in Totowa and all of Passaic County with both a hands-on approach and an educational treatment method to improve their overall quality of life.

To return to a high level of daily functioning, Hand Therapy is a common occupational therapy practice. Hand Therapy includes the science of evaluating and treating injuries and conditions that impact the upper extremities, including shoulders, arms, elbows, forearms, wrists and hands.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa offers outstanding Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy provided by certified therapists. If your doctor has ordered Physical Therapy after an injury, surgery or illness call us at (862) 239-1768 for professional treatment. Personal and individual treatment is provided by experienced therapists. Treatment at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa will help you on the road to recovery and to a full and active life.