What Is A Herniated Disc?

A Herniated Disc describes an issue with the cartilage that rests between your vertebrae. This disc is named an Intervertebral Disc because it lies between every one of your vertebrae to absorb shock and to prevent your spine from rubbing together. Over time, due to age or excessive trauma, these discs may become damaged or cracked. Intervertebral Discs have a soft-cartilage center and hard cartilage outer ring. Damage to the outer ring can result in the leakage of the soft cartilage, or herniation to the outer edges of the disc. This can pinch nerves and cause severe pain that ranges from annoying to positively debilitating.

How Do You Know If Your Disc is Herniated?

Usually you know because you are in pain. The pain can be a slightly annoying ache for some, while others cannot partake in normal daily activities because of the pain. Numbness and tingling can also be common symptoms of a Herniated Disc. The nervous system is all connected, so pressure on a nerve in your spine may cause pain throughout your entire body. Often, a Herniated Disc putting pressure on the nerve is felt in the arms and legs and can interfere with basic movement. Medication and sometimes surgery are often called for to treat the pain, but Physical Therapy directed by the Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa Physical Therapy staff can help you get back to moving properly while improving the potential causes of Disc Herniation such as bad posture or lack of movement.

Can You Treat A Herniated Disc?

Fortunately non-surgical treatments are the most common solutions to Herniated Discs. Manual therapy, Therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stabilize the muscles surrounding the spine, deep tissue laser therapy, and therapeutic modalities can be of help in limiting and possibly eliminating the effects of a disc herniation.

The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa can help with exercises and posture to initially address the pain of a herniated disc. Preparing the muscles surrounding the spine to correct your posture is essential for relieving pain. Also, the ability to use pinpointed, deep laser therapy can get deep into the tissue and muscles and relieve your pain without the use of drugs or surgery.

Seek Professional Help

Finding out what techniques work for your situation, and how strength and posture correction can help prevent future issues related to herniated discs, can both alleviate current pain and prevent future injury. Our experienced Physical Therapists can provide you with the necessary tools to improve your quality of life. Physical Therapy offers non-surgical treatment for a herniated disc. Correct posture and muscle development are key to living a healthy and active, pain-free life. Talk to the Physical Therapy staff at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa to discover the best treatment for your pain. We can be reached at (862) 239-1768.

What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in your back, causing pressure on the spinal cord. This can occur in any part of the back, but most often it affects the lower back or lumbar area. The pressure caused by Spinal Stenosis results in pain and burning in the back and down into the legs, making it hard to walk or to stand up straight. At Elite Spine & Sport Care of Totowa, our therapists are experienced in treating the discomfort of Spinal Stenosis, sans drugs or surgery. We use therapeutic treatment for patients suffering the pain of Spinal Stenosis.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis is usually the result of gradual wear and tear to your joints over time. The condition generally develops in those over 50 and most often women. Spinal Stenosis can be caused by an injury to the spine, or possibly by spine surgery.

What Are Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis?

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis may be:

• Back Pain – mostly in the lower back or lumbar area
• Burning sensation down the back into the buttocks and down the legs
• Numbness, tingling or cramping of legs
• Loss of feeling in feet, causing a foot to slap when walking

If more serious symptoms develop you should definitely consult a doctor.

Treatment and Therapy

The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa use Flexion Distraction Therapy to treat Spinal Stenosis in patients from Passaic County NJ and surrounding locations. This is a Chiropractic technique performed on a table that gently moves, allowing the spine to flex. A Chiropractor applies manual manipulation to the patient while on the table to relieve pressure. This helps get the spine to move correctly without pain.

The Chiropractic and Physical Therapy staff at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa are experienced in the use of Flexion Distraction Therapy for Spinal Stenosis. If you have pain and burning in your legs, you could be starting to develop Spinal Stenosis. To discuss your symptoms and the treatment to relieve your discomfort, give us a call at (862) 239-1768.

Soft Tissue Manipulation

Massage Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa often use Soft Tissue Manipulation to relieve pain, stress, and muscle fatigue. It may also serve to increase circulation for patients who have been bedridden for long periods of time after injury or surgery. Our massage therapists use hands-on manipulation treatment to relieve pain.

Massage Is More Than Relaxation Therapy

We tend to think of massage as a way to relax and unwind, picturing a masseuse on a cruise ship or at a spa. Fact is that it is also effective for overused or injured muscles, and to help in rehabilitation after surgery. Athletes seek Massage Therapy to relax and strengthen muscles, also to increase flexibility. Athletes also enjoy massage because it releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Massage can be used to treat and prevent injuries, and to relieve inflammation and swelling after surgery.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Conditions that can benefit from the implementation of Massage are:

• Back Pain
• Range of Motion
• Atrophied Muscles
• Recovery from Strenuous Exertion
• Healing of Scar Tissue and Stretch Marks
• Soreness and Swelling after Surgery
• Migraine Headache

Massage For Recovery

Massage Therapy is often used by Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa as part of a recovery plan following injury or surgery. We focus on relieving your pain and to make you aware of ways to prevent injuries in the future. If you are suffering pain due to surgery or injury give us a call at (862) 239-1768 to schedule a massage session.

What Is BPPV?

BPPV is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This is a condition where you feel like you’re spinning, or dizziness. This dizziness may be the result of an inner ear issue or from changing the position of your head. Knowing the cause of this feeling is key in determining the type of treatment needed. BPPV can be treated with Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, or by Acupuncture. The therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa offer testing to find the cause of BPPV and then proceed to provide therapy options for treatment. We always welcome the opportunity to make patients aware of BPPV and discuss treatment. We recommend seeking treatment if you suffer from dizziness and we offer care to individuals in Passaic County NJ and surrounding NJ locations.

What Treatment Is Recommended For BPPV?

BPPV may be the result of head and neck problems as well as by inner ear issues. The Dix-Hallpike Test is used to determine whether the condition is coming from the ear canal. This test helps to figure out the type of treatment necessary. Treatment could involve Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care or Acupuncture. BPPV is rarely serious, but can become a serious problem when the dizziness leads to losing your balance and falling.

Be Pro-Active And Seek Treatment for Dizziness and Vertigo

To be educated about BPPV and the treatment options available, speak to one of our knowledgeable therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa. We can be reached at (862) 239-1768. Our focus is always to relieve your discomfort and to help you enjoy a healthy active life.

Preparing Before Surgery

Pre-surgery conditioning exercises may be beneficial. Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa provides a pre-operative conditioning regimen for patients in Totowa and all of Passaic County as well as surrounding nearby locations. The kind of conditioning recommended to patients before surgery depends upon the patient and the type of surgery they are about to undergo. To ensure a successful surgery and hasten healing, specialized physical therapy exercise to minimize side effects and hopefully shorten recovery time is recommended. The patient’s pre-surgery physical condition is assessed by a trained Physical Therapist. The therapist will then create a plan to improve muscle strength before a surgical procedure. This is beneficial in preparing for an operation and can help speed recovery and healing after surgery. The regimen of pre-surgery exercise is provided by certified and qualified therapists.

Rehabilitation After Surgery

Post-operative care is important in the healing process and is a good test of the effectiveness of the surgery. The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa know that surgeries vary and adjust their post-op rehabilitation to the condition of the patient. A customized plan is drawn up to aid in a patient’s full and quick recovery. After surgery such as knee or hip replacement, or other physically disabling procedures, a plan for active rehabilitation is required. It’s necessary to get moving to regain strength, balance and mobility.

Highly Qualified Pre and Post-Surgery Therapy

It is the philosophy at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa that good health and performance can be achieved by enabling correct body function through mobility of joints and muscles. A balance of good nutrition, exercise and care for our patients ensures improvement in their condition following surgical procedures. If you are scheduled for surgery, call Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa at (862) 239-1768 for a consultation regarding our outstanding Pre and Post-Operative Conditioning and Rehabilitation. With exercise and conditioning before and after surgery, it is always our goal to have you back on your feet with the ability to enjoy a healthy life without pain or discomfort.

Occupational Therapy After Traumatic Medical Problem or Severe Injury

Chances are that at some time in your life you may need Occupational Therapy services. Occupational Therapy is a form of health care that helps patients with physical, sensory, or cognitive issues. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to aid in regaining independence in all areas of your life after suffering a severe injury or traumatic medical issue. This means being able to take care of yourself, to work, and to leave home and socialize.  Our focus is on helping you regain daily routine with Occupational Therapy.

Recovering from a severe injury or traumatic medical issue is difficult. After having a stroke or being injured in an accident, specialized treatment will be required to return to your everyday routines. The professional therapists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa can offer detailed evaluations that will help to determine your ability to perform daily tasks for independent functioning at home, work, or school. A program of rehabilitation is provided to promote healing, mobility, and balance. Hands-on as well as educational support is offered to improve your overall quality of life.

Occupational Therapy Is Also Offered For Less Severe Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Tendonitis or other chronic conditions may cause pain and discomfort. Occupational Therapy is a way to treat these issues. Hand Therapy, another form of Occupational Therapy, is a way of treating injuries and conditions that impact the upper extremities, including shoulders, elbows, arms, forearms, wrists and hands. We have a certified Hand Therapist on staff.

Our fully licensed and certified therapists use a number of techniques and tools including exercise programs, custom orthotic fabrication, pain and swelling management, and wound and scar care in the implementation of Occupational Therapy.

Severe Conditions and Chronic Issues Are Treated With Occupational Therapy

Whether you have suffered a severe injury, a traumatic medical issue, or have chronic pain caused by any number of problems, Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa offers a way to treat you. We focus on treating patients with professional care that results in their return to normal functioning in their daily lives. If any of the above-described circumstances have put you in pain or discomfort, give Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa a call at (862) 239-1768 for an appointment. Our Occupational Therapists will be happy to provide a program of treatment for you.

What Is IASTM-Graston Technique?

The Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa offer various types of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Graston Technique is one of the methods of instrument-assisted pain relief and It is a surgery-free and medication-free way of treating pain. Utilizing special instruments, and combining it with Physical Therapy, Graston Technique makes healing quicker, and opens the range of motion that has been restricted. Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa are trained in the Graston Technique and focus on relieving pain for patients in Passaic County NJ and surrounding NJ locations.

Education and Certification in the use of the Graston Technique may be achieved in various ways, one of which is the support of grastontechnique.com. This is a training program that provides essential training and advanced training, which leads to GTS (Graston Technique Specialist) certification.

What Conditions Are Treated With Graston Technique?

Graston Technique can be used to relieve pain for patients suffering from Neck Pain, Wrist Pain, Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow, Back Pain, Knee Pain, and more. Patients in Totowa NJ with discomfort in any of these areas should seek treatment with the IASTM-Graston Technique for pain relief.

Always Seeking Ways To Relieve Pain

The therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa are always looking for ways to treat pain. If you suffer pain as the result of a build-up of scar tissue, or pain in your joints, call us a (862) 239-1768. Our staff can outline the various forms of pain relief available to patients. Graston Technique is an innovative form of treatment and would undoubtedly be included.

More Than Stress Relief

The qualified and experienced Massage Therapists working at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa provide hands-on manipulation treatment to relieve pain, stress and muscle fatigue. Massage can also be used to increase circulation for patients who have been bedridden for extended periods of time due to injury or surgery. Often athletes employ Massage Therapy to relax and strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Massage is useful for treatment and prevention of injuries and to relieve pain and swelling from surgery. In other words, the positive results of Massage Therapy are numerous.

What Are The Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Some conditions for which Massage Therapy is most beneficial are:

back pain

range of motion

atrophied muscles

recovery from strenuous exertion

healing scar tissue and stretch marks

soreness and swelling after surgery

migraine headaches

Pain Relief With Massage

Techniques used by Massage Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa may increase joint flexibility and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

Massage is often used by therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa as part of a recovery plan after injury or surgery. If you are suffering pain due to injury or surgery, call us at (862) 239-1768 to schedule a massage session. We focus on relieving your pain and educating you about injury prevention in the future.

Care During Pregnancy And After

Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa provides beneficial Prenatal and Postnatal Care and Corrective Exercise for pregnant women. This program helps to improve posture, breathing patterns and movement in a woman before and after giving birth. Our focus is to let women know that a good exercise routine during pregnancy and after giving birth offers physical fitness benefits.

Goals and Benefits

Goals for pregnant women should be to decrease pain and increase functional strength, improve posture, balance and body awareness, improve breathing patterns for strength and flexibility, stengthen core muscles and decrease muscle spasms and tenderness.

Benefits include an improvement in mood, increase in blood flow, raise nutrient delivery to the baby and excrete toxin, increase the baby’s vitality, decrease typical pregnancy aches, pains, muscle spasms and cramping, maintain a healthy weight, remove stress, make Postpartum Depression less likely, and to help you have an easier and less painful labor.

Self-Care During and After Pregnancy

At Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa, our program of Prenatal and Postnatal Care and Corrective Exercise is to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. Our therapists are able to evaluate a woman’s tolerance to this program and be sure she will benefit from it. We want new mothers to be able to take care of their babies in a physical fit and stress-free manner. Give us a call at (862) 239-1768 for an assessment and to begin our program. Our team at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa looks forward to working with you.

Chiropractic Care In Passaic County NJ

When a patient has suffered injury to their back, neck or joint, they generally will want the help of a Chiropractor. The treatment offered by the licensed Chiropractors at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa may be “spinal manipulation” or “chiropractic adjustment”. This hands-on treatment is provided by certified Chiropractors and our professional staff. Our Chiropractic staff can recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise programs together with helpful lifestyle adjustments. When seeking Chiropractic treatment in Passaic County NJ, call on Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa.

Professional Treatment For Inflammation and Pain

When tissue injuries occur, physical and chemical changes that cause pain and inflammation are often the result. These injuries may be the result of heaving lifting, being bent-over, engaging in physical activities that stress your body, or just aging. To help heal these injuries, a Chiropractor may use manipulation or adjustment to allow you to regain mobility and relieve pain. Chiropractic care can help in many ways, such as reducing joint restriction and restoring range of motion. We recommend posture improvement, work to improve muscle and joint flexibility, and restore spinal alignment.

Offering Professional Help

When you are aging, have injured your back, neck or a joint, or are involved in physical activities that continually stress your body, a Chiropractor may be needed. Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa provides the services of an excellent Chiropractic staff headed by Dr. Gabriel Hannawi, DC. Dr. Hannawi leads a knowledgeable and experienced team who are trained in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. If you are plagued by any of these problems or have persistent headaches, give us a call at (862) 239-1768 for an appointment. Our Chiropractic Staff is always focused on treating your discomfort and helping you return to having a pain-free and active life.