​Most movement activities involve standing on your feet. And just like the foundation of a good building, a strong foundation for your body is needed to keep your structures stable and healthy. A poor foundation leads to early breakdown of all structures. If your feet tend to roll to the inside excessively, you are a pronator. If instead they tend to roll to the outside, you are a supinator. The easiest way to find this out is to walk barefoot with wet feet on concrete.

Do you constantly find yourself battling with neck pain?
​No matter how hard you try, it just keeps getting in the way of your daily routine. You may have tried several remedies, but you still haven't found the relief you need.
What if there were some secret stretches that medical professionals and professional athletes have been using for years to overcome neck pain, that they didn't want you to know?
These stretches are not widely known and could give you the solution you have been searching for a pain-free neck.
This blog contains all the secrets you need to unlock that relief you've been searching for.

It's almost that time again... the kids are going back to school! The school supplies are front and center in the stores, and included in the supply list is a backpack to carry them all.  Choosing the right backpack, adjusting for the right fit, and filling it appropriately are very important to the health of your child's back - at any age. I've included general principles to follow and specific guidelines below for each age range.

Pain in the shoulder can be caused by a variety of problems, including injury or overuse. Problems within the joint, such as an arthritic condition or a dislocated shoulder, may also lead to shoulder pain. Other common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendonitis, and impingement.

Symptoms of shoulder pain vary depending on the cause but may include a dull ache in the shoulder, sharp or burning pain, and difficulty when moving the arm or sleeping on the affected side. In cases of injury, swelling and redness may also occur around the area.

In some cases, shoulder pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a grinding sensation when you move the shoulder joint or weakness in the arm. It is important to consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms so that they can diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the underlying cause but may include rest and physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, or surgery if more conservative methods are not effective. It is important to take additional steps to prevent shoulder pain, such as avoiding activities that may cause an injury or overuse the joint, practicing good posture, and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you experience any persistent shoulder pain, it is important to seek medical advice and treatment. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you get back to your daily activities without pain and discomfort.

By following proper care tips, such as keeping your shoulder flexible with stretching exercises, strengthening muscles around the joint, and using proper technique when performing certain activities, you can improve your shoulder mobility and reduce the risk of developing further issues.

These 5 Things Could Make Your Shoulder Pain Worse

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. In order to reduce or eliminate shoulder pain, it’s important to understand what might make it worse. Here are five things that can aggravate shoulder pain:

Poor Posture
Poor posture can put stress on the shoulder muscles, tendons, and joints. Make sure you are sitting and standing in a neutral position with your ears over your shoulders and feet slightly apart. This will help keep pressure off the shoulder area.

Overuse
Doing too much repetitive motion can be bad for your shoulder. This is especially true of activities that involve lifting, pushing, or pulling. Make sure to take frequent breaks while engaging in any type of repetitive activity and pay attention to any signals from your body that you may be overdoing it. 

Uncontrolled Movements
Making sudden or uncontrolled movements with the arms can cause shoulder pain. It’s important to be aware of the force you’re using when lifting, pushing, or pulling any object. Be sure to use good form and body mechanics so that your shoulder is in a neutral position during these activities.

Lack of Exercise
Not exercising can lead to tight or weak shoulder muscles which can cause pain. A regular exercise routine that includes stretching and strengthening exercises for the shoulder muscles can help improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Make sure to consult with a physical therapist or physician before beginning any type of workout program.

Injury
Injury is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Traumatic injuries such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can cause shoulder pain. If you have had an injury, make sure to get it evaluated by a medical professional and follow their advice on how to proceed with treatment.

By understanding what makes your shoulder pain worse, you can take steps to help reduce or eliminate it. Avoiding poor posture, overuse, uncontrolled movements, lack of exercise, and injury can all help to keep your shoulder feeling strong and healthy.

Are You Experiencing Shoulder Pain That Just Won't Go Away?

If you're struggling with shoulder pain and you want a plan to help alleviate it - our team is here to help!
If you are feeling pain or want more examples of ways to stay active to avoid or prevent pain in the future, make sure to contact our team. 

We also offer a free discovery visit to get the conversation going and help you find the right treatment to help you reduce or eliminate pain.

We are also offering a $27 Shoulder Pain Assessment that will help give you an idea as to what is causing you to experience back pain and the next steps in treating it.

Reach out to one of our physical therapists at 208-237-2080 for more details on how we can help you manage your pain.

Other Free Resources
Download our Free Back Pain Report, Free Knee Pain Report,  or Free Neck And Shoulder Pain Report  
Read Our Blog - Enjoying Gardening While Protecting Your Back
Follow Us On Social Media - Highland Physical Therapy Facebook and Highland PT Instagram

Back pain is a common medical issue, and individuals of all ages can experience it. Back pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause of the discomfort.

Common causes of back pain include poor posture, muscle strains, arthritis, fractures or disc degeneration.

Treatment for back pain depends on its cause and severity. Mild cases may require rest and physical therapy, while more severe cases may require medications or surgery.

Common treatments for back pain include anti-inflammatory medications, heat therapy and cold therapy. Physical therapists can help develop an exercise program to strengthen muscles in the back and abdomen which helps reduce strain on the spine.

If left untreated, back pain can worsen over time and become a chronic condition. This leads to long-term pain and disability, which can affect overall quality of life. In addition, complications such as nerve damage or disc herniation may occur.

If back pain is persistent or severe, it is important to seek medical attention in order to get a proper diagnosis and receive the most effective treatment.
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Early diagnosis and treatment of back pain gives individuals the best chance of a full recovery. Treatments such as physical therapy, medications and lifestyle modifications help alleviate pain and discomfort while preventing further injury or complications.

To reduce the risk of back pain, it is important to practice good posture when sitting, standing or performing any type of activity that requires lifting or bending.

​Exercises such as yoga or pilates can also help strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen and core. With proper prevention and care, individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic back pain. 

Myths About Back Pain And Treatment
Back pain is a common issue that many people suffer from. However, there are many myths surrounding back pain that can be detrimental to your health if you follow them. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about back pain and why it’s important to get the facts before making decisions about your care:

1. Resting for extended periods of time is the best way to treat back pain: Resting can be beneficial for a day or two when you are having severe pain, but it’s important to stay active as much as possible. Too much rest can lead to weakening of the muscles that support your spine and make your pain worse in the long run.
2. Back pain is always caused by an injury: While injuries can definitely cause back pain, there are also many other factors that can contribute to it. Common causes of back pain include poor posture, carrying excessive weight, and even stress or depression.
3. Surgery is always the best option for treating chronic back pain: This isn’t always true. Many times, conservative treatments like physical therapy, stretching, and lifestyle changes can be just as effective as surgery. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding what is best for you.
4. All back pain needs prescription medication: While medications can be helpful in some cases, they should never be the first line of treatment for back pain. Many times, over-the-counter medications or natural remedies can be just as effective in relieving pain. It is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor before deciding on a course of treatment.

When it comes to treating back pain, it’s important to get accurate information and make sure you are aware of the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option. Consulting with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support is the best way to make sure you are making informed decisions about your care.

Additionally, exercising regularly, practicing good posture, and staying active can all help reduce back pain in the long run. Working with a physical therapist or other healthcare professional to develop an exercise program tailored to your needs can also be beneficial in managing symptoms. Overall, it is important to take an informed, proactive approach when it comes to treating your back pain. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Back Pain
Physical therapy is a great way to treat back pain. It can help reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, making them well-equipped to diagnose the root cause of your back pain and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

​This may include stretching and strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques such as massage and manipulations, dry needling, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and more.

Physical therapy can help reduce the intensity of back pain without the need for medication or surgery. It can also improve mobility and help you become more independent with activities such as walking, sitting up and bending down.

Physical therapists are trained to develop individualized treatment plans that take into account your individual needs and goals. They can provide education about anatomy, mechanics and posture to help you better understand your back pain and how to prevent it from returning in the future.

Common misconceptions about treating back pain is that rest is the best approach or that surgery may be required. In fact, physical activity can be beneficial for people with chronic low back pain, as it can alleviate pain, reduce stiffness and improve flexibility. Physical therapists will advise patients on the type of activities that are best suited to their individual needs. 

How We Can Help You At Highland Physical Therapy
If you are feeling pain or want more examples of ways to stay active to avoid or prevent pain in the future, make sure to contact our team. You can also discover the root cause of the problem, which will mean that you can stop it once and for all, and avoid it coming back in the future.

We also offer a free discovery visit to get the conversation going and help you find the right treatment to help you reduce or eliminate pain.
​
We are also offering a $27 Back Pain Assessment that will help give you an idea as to what is causing you to experience back pain and the next steps in treating it. 
​Reach out to one of our physical therapists at 208-237-2080 for more details on how we can help you manage your pain.

Other Free Resources
Download our Free Back Pain Report, Free Knee Pain Report,  or Free Neck And Shoulder Pain Report  
Read Our Blog - Enjoying Gardening While Protecting Your Back
Follow Us On Social Media - Highland Physical Therapy Facebook and Highland PT Instagram

​Knee pain can put a damper on your running and other active hobbies. Not only does it hurt to run when you have knee pain, but there’s also the fear of doing more damage if you persist in pushing through the pain. If knee pain keeps you from running, this can cause frustration and disappointment as well as physical discomfort.

It can be very frustrating to have back pain interfere with your garden plan. You end up watching plant starts or seed just sitting on the counter while weeds continue to grow in the garden beds. And you may not know when you will feel well enough to get back at it. I've hurt my back twice while gardening. The first was after clearing the garden bed to get it ready for planting. The second - and more severe - injury was at harvest time. I was trying to get ALL the tomatoes and veggies in before the first frost. It never pays to hurry in the garden! That's why I've written about ways that you can enjoy gardening while protecting your back.