In the United States, the demand for physical therapy services is substantial. As of 2023, there are approximately 575,000 physical therapists in the U.S. Physical therapists (PTs) are often associated with treating sports injuries or aiding post-surgical recovery, but there are many lesser-known reasons someone might need to see a physical therapist. Here are a few:

Reasons to for Physical Therapy

Chronic Pain Management: Beyond common conditions like back pain, PTs can help with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome by developing personalized exercise programs and pain management strategies.

Headaches and Migraines: PTs can address musculoskeletal issues in the neck and upper back that contribute to chronic headaches and migraines through manual therapy, posture education, and exercises. A systematic review indicated that interventions like massage therapy, physiotherapy, relaxation training, and chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy could be as effective as medications such as propranolol and topiramate for migraine prevention​.

Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like vertigo and dizziness can be managed with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which involves specific exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorders): Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty eating. PTs can use manual therapy and exercises to alleviate these symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Both men and women can experience pelvic floor issues, which may lead to incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles and improve function.

Respiratory Issues: PTs can assist individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis by providing breathing exercises and techniques to improve lung function and overall endurance.

Neurological Conditions: For conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or after a stroke, physical therapy can help maintain mobility, improve balance, and enhance overall physical function.

Cancer Rehabilitation: Cancer and its treatments can lead to significant physical impairments. PTs can help with fatigue, pain, weakness, and lymphedema management.

Lymphedema Management: Swelling often occurs after lymph node removal or damage. PTs trained in lymphedema management can provide manual lymphatic drainage and teach compression techniques.

Pediatric Development Issues: Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or other congenital conditions can benefit from physical therapy to improve motor skills, strength, and coordination.

Work-Related Injuries: PTs can help with ergonomics and body mechanics to prevent and treat injuries caused by repetitive strain or poor workplace setup.

Women’s Health Issues: Conditions like prenatal and postnatal pain, osteoporosis, and recovery after mastectomy can be managed with the help of a physical therapist.

Sleep Disorders: Surprisingly, physical therapy can aid in managing conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea, by improving posture and reducing neck tension.

Burn Recovery: Physical therapy can aid in the recovery process for burn victims by improving range of motion, strength, and function of affected areas.

These examples highlight the broad scope of physical therapy beyond the common perception, showcasing how PTs can play a vital role in managing a wide array of health conditions.

Everett, Washington Physical Therapy Center

At our physical therapy, chiropractic and massage center, we are dedicated to helping you overcome any issues you may be facing. Whether you are dealing with common conditions like sports injuries and post-surgical recovery or lesser-known challenges such as TMJ disorders, migraines, chronic pain, or vestibular issues, our team of skilled physical therapists is here to provide personalized, effective care. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcomes. Don’t let physical discomfort hold you back—contact us today to start your journey toward better health and well-being. Book an appointment today.

Sources:

Ibisworld.com
physio-pedia.com
saatva.com
healthpartners.com
cancer.wvumedicine.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
openai.com

Car accidents can result in various hidden health issues that may not be immediately apparent but can be quite detrimental in the long run. Some common ones include:

Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, straining the neck’s muscles and ligaments. Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive issues may not manifest immediately but can become chronic if left untreated.

Concussion: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is jolted or struck during a car accident. Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and headaches may not show up right away, and their severity can vary.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The psychological impact of a car accident can lead to PTSD, which may not become apparent until days or weeks later. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often referred to as soft tissue injuries, can develop over time. These injuries may initially present as minor discomfort but can worsen without proper treatment.

Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Delayed Pain: Pain from injuries to the back, shoulders, or hips may not be felt immediately due to the body’s adrenaline response after an accident. However, this pain can emerge days or even weeks later and may require medical attention.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression can develop gradually after an accident, impacting one’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Nerve Damage: Nerve damage may not be immediately evident but can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in affected areas, requiring medical evaluation and treatment.

Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding may not manifest externally but can lead to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or swelling in the abdomen. It is a serious medical concern that needs immediate attention.

Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord may not be immediately apparent, but they can result in paralysis or long-term mobility issues if not treated promptly.

Car Accident Rehabilitation in Everett, Wa

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is of paramount importance to prioritize your health and well-being. Seeking immediate medical evaluation by a doctor is essential, as they can accurately assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to specialists like chiropractors or physical therapists to address specific issues and aid in your recovery. Remember that your health is your most valuable asset, and seeking professional care is the first step towards a full and speedy recovery. If you live in Snohomish County, please consider calling Everett Spine and Rehab – we are a one-stop center for car and work injurie rehabilitation with chiropractic, massage and physical therapy services.

Sources:

Mayclinic.org
findlaw.com
healthcentral.com

Although no two back surgeries are alike, there are things you can do to prepare before and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you heal after back surgery.

Why Do You Need Back Surgery?

One common reason for back surgery is a herniated disc, also known as a “slipped disc.” Herniated discs occur when the disc’s jelly-like soft center bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, which inflames and irritates the nerves in your spine. Surgery like a microdiscectomy can remove the small fragments of disc, bone and ligament to free the nerve.

Another reason you may need back surgery is spinal stenosis, which is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, causing the bones to press on the nerves. Spinal stenosis can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness. Surgery can widen the spaces in your spine, relieving the pressure on the nerves.

Have realistic expectations about your healing process.

If you’re expecting to go back to doing your everyday routine right after receiving back surgery, you’ll be disappointed to learn recovery is far longer. Sometimes, a full recovery can be up to three months. During that time; your goal is to strengthen your back muscles again, which means lots of walking and building of the spine muscles.

You will likely need to take some time off from work to recover. Depending on which type of back surgery you receive will determine how long it takes. For example, if the back surgery is a fusion and laminectomy, the total recovery time could be up to a year.

Your doctor may also have you referred to a physical therapist to put you on a physical therapy regimen.

Most people feel better after a few weeks and can return to normal activities from a few weeks to a few months. However, it is essential to remember that everybody heals differently. Some people may take longer to recover than others, and recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery.

Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal properly.

You may also need to modify your activities and how you do things to avoid putting too much strain on your back. For example, you must take it easy after back surgery and not push yourself too hard. Instead, focus on gentle activities that will help you regain strength and flexibility. Post-back surgery exercises include walking, swimming, or doing yoga.

Your doctor may also want you to try the following:

• Riding on a stationary bike with a straight spine between 20 to 30 minutes
• ball exercises
• squats

If you start to feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest.

Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.

Your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on caring for your incision and what activities you should avoid in the first few weeks. You must follow these instructions. Additionally, you will need to take it easy for a few weeks and allow your body to heal, avoiding strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and bending over.

You will likely have a follow-up appointment a few weeks after your surgery. At this appointment, your doctor will check on your healing and give you any additional instructions. You must attend this appointment so your doctor can ensure that you are healing correctly.

Conclusion

Recovering from back surgery can be a long and challenging process. However, you can do certain things to help ensure a successful recovery:

1. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential.
2. Keep your back as mobile as possible, and do some gentle exercises to strengthen your back muscles.
3. Be patient and give yourself time to heal. Back surgery is a big deal.

Physical Therapy After Back Surgery in Everett, Wa

We offer physical therapy for back injury rehabilitation here in Everett. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about our therapy. We accept most insurance. Call 425-347-8614 for more information or to setup your appointment.

No matter your age, you should know your risk of falling and how you can prevent it. Snow and ice make winter a treacherous time, but if you’re careful, you can prevent falling and incurring an injury.

Why Do People Fall in Winter?

There are many reasons people fall, both young and old. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re immune to falling accidents over winter. Most people aren’t careful enough and experience accidents that are easily preventable.

Here are some of the most common reasons people fall during winter:

• Not wearing proper shoes
• Tense muscles
• Veering off cleared pathways
• Not keeping pathways/driveways clear
• Rushing
• Not being aware of snow/ice
• Muscle weakness because of inactivity
• Medications that cause issues with balance
• Vision trouble

How to Prevent Falls

You can take steps to prevent falls and injury this winter.

Foremost, slow down and allow for extra time. Many people fall over winter because they try to move too fast. With snow and ice, you can’t move at the same speed as you do during summer.

Make sure you’re wearing the proper gear. Shoes with good traction are essential, especially in icy weather. Warm clothing is just as important as cold weather can make your muscles tense. Tense muscles lessen your balance and make you more likely to fall.

Always be aware of your surroundings and know when there is snow or ice. Even if you can’t see ice, there may be black ice present. When getting out of your car, keep both feet on the ground, and hold on to the side of your car before standing. When walking, keep your eyes on the ground in front of you, especially in dark areas.

Be sure to keep pathways, sidewalks, and driveways clear. Many accidents happen because people don’t take the time to shovel, plow, or salt the areas outside their homes. When in public places, stick to clear pathways and don’t take shortcuts.

For Disabled & Older Adults

For older adults, falls are the primary cause of fatal and non-fatal injury.

Stay active and healthy over winter, especially if you’re older. It’s all too tempting to stay inside and curl up in front of the fireplace over winter. But you still need to exercise and maintain your muscles. Weakened muscles increase falls, especially in older adults. Check out our article on Winter Wellness and Healthy Habits for the Season.

Discuss your medications with your doctor. Some medications affect your balance and may leave you more susceptible to falls. Your doctor may adjust your medications over winter or discuss how to mitigate the risks. They may suggest that you use a walking stick or cane over winter to support your balance.

Have your vision checked. Falls are more likely if you have trouble seeing snow and ice.

Ask for help in keeping your home safe and clear of snow and ice. Many older adults fall by trying to keep their sidewalks clear themselves.

When you walk outside, keep your phone on you, and walk with a partner if possible. If you suffer a fall, it’s important that someone can find you as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The CDC says that millions of people 65 and older fall every year, and winter makes falls more common. Regardless of your age, snow and ice can cause falls, which leads to injuries like broken bones.

To prevent a fall this winter, slow down and be aware of your surroundings. With a little caution, you can stay safe.

Physical Therapy After a Fall Injury in Everett

However, if you do fall, go to your doctor to get treated. They may also refer you to a physical therapist like those at Everett Spine and Rehab. Physical therapy can help with injuries like those sustained from falling and aims to help you get back to normal!

Ideally, if you have the luxury of choosing your office set-up space, try to locate it in an area with good lighting, adequate power outlets, strong internet connections, and privacy. Having a reasonable distance to work and move around will be very useful for mapping out proper furniture and equipment placement for your work tasks.

Furniture

Desk heights should be between 25 and 30 inches. Guidelines for desk heights are pretty flexible, depending on your height. Also, you can raise or lower some motorized desks to accommodate standing or sitting while you work.

Depending on your height, size, and body shape, you can locate an office chair that is your perfect match. Office chair heights are usually between 16 and 20 inches, with a seat depth of 17 to 24 inches, but there is no limit to the type or size of available desk chairs. Allow your feet to rest flat on the floor with your hips and knees at a 90-degree angle.

The chair’s backrest must provide comfortable and adequate lumbar support, and accessories of a lumbar roll may be necessary to relieve low back strain.

You can adjust the armrests on your chair to support your forearms when you bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Armrests are essential to allow your arms, shoulders, and neck to rest while your work is in process.

Equipment

You may not have the option of choosing your computer and monitor type, but the keyboard and monitor placement is valuable.

With your head and neck straight and your shoulders relaxed, make sure the monitor is about an arm’s length away and your eye level is at or below the top of the monitor.

Keyboards that allow the most neutral position of your wrists and hands will do the most to reduce pain or fatigue. To avoid injuries like Carpal tunnel syndrome, pay attention to your keyboard type and placement.

If you are using a laptop with a touchpad or a standard mouse, the stress on the muscles in your fingers and wrists may cause severe discomfort. If you are feeling any kind of hand fatigue, experiment with a mouse that has a comfortable grip and maneuvers smoothly.

You must research and experiment with your office setup. Visit your local office equipment and furniture supply outlet and try different desks, chairs, keyboards, and mouse devices to find your body’s perfect match.

When you bring everything to your workspace, begin the set-up at the suggested heights and distances, then check how your body feels after an hour of use.

With a little bit of patience and persistence, you can fine-tune your workspace to be the perfect environment for you. That’s what ergonomics is about, and your body will thank you.

Chronic Back Pain? Come See Us in Everett

If you notice your back pain is chronic, then it might be time to visit a chiropractor. For those who are in the Snohomish County area, please visit us at Everett Spine & Rehab in Everett, Washington so we can take a closer look.

Chiropractors

The Chiropractic practice is a regulated health care profession. Chiropractors have graduated from accredited chiropractic colleges and are honored with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. After their college graduation, chiropractors must pass a difficult national board exam before applying for their state license. Chiropractors define their practice as a patient-centered approach, focusing on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Still, their goal is to evaluate the disorders’ effects on their patient’s general health. This goal helps people of any age live more active lives.

Chiropractors practice spinal and joint manipulation to restore mobility and tissue injuries. Tissue injuries result from lifting heavy objects improperly, poor spinal posture for an extended time, or trauma from automobile accidents. Injured tissues have physical and chemical changes that cause inflammation, pain, and limited function. By adjusting the affected joints and surrounding tissue, pain and muscle tightness are relieved, which allows the tissue to heal.

Orthopedists

An orthopedist has completed medical school and has a certification and license as a medical doctor, including five to six years of orthopedic residency at a hospital.

Orthopedists treat broken bones, osteoporosis, arthritic joints, and other musculoskeletal system ailments. These doctors also treat conditions that affect bones, muscles, and cartilage.

A patient in significant pain, experiencing swelling, or has a skeletal deformity may seek the care of an orthopedist. Treatments often focus on surgery and therapies after surgery, and non-surgical treatments may include medications and exercises.

Research

Beginning in the 1990s, evidence from clinical research has supported chiropractic treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. The studies concentrated on low back pain, and the conclusions were clear that chiropractic manipulation was an effective low back pain care option in several national and international guidelines.

Cooperation between medical and chiropractic professions has increased over recent years. Nearly all chiropractors report that they have referred patients to other health care providers and have also received referrals from medical physicians.

The cooperation between the two fields has also benefited the patients by the medical profession paying more attention to nutritional and dietary counseling as the chiropractic profession does. Chiropractors and orthopedists have both broadened their treatment options like heat, ice, ultrasound, taping, and bracing.

In Conclusion:

Chiropractors and orthopedists are both recognized professionals in their field. Deciding which specialist to go to depends on the patient’s comfort zone. If broken bones or torn muscles need repair, an orthopedist is probably the best choice.

If the patient feels they could benefit from a more natural treatment, a visit to the chiropractor may be a great place to begin the healing process. If you are in the Everett or Snohomish County area of Washington, we’re here to help! We service Lynnwood, Bothell, Marysville, Mill Creek, Everett, Lake Stevens and more.

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• Whiplash: When your body stops suddenly, the force can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the muscles and ligaments of your neck. While painful, these injuries are generally recoverable.
• Bruising: Many violent accidents and collisions produce bruises and contusions, which may take several days to heal.
• Neck and back injuries: Many times, neck injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. Any spinal injuries can be potentially dangerous if not treated immediately. Always seek a medical professional after a collision to make sure you don’t have any underlying injuries that you are not aware of.
• Internal bleeding: The same amount of force that creates fractures, broken bones, and concussions can affect and damage your internal organs, especially after a high-speed collision.
• Head injuries: This common car accident injury can include concussions and traumatic brain injuries. If you have hit your head in an accident, you should seek treatment right away to relieve any headaches or pain. Traumatic brain injuries are much more severe and can impact the rest of your life.
• Broken bones: Fractures and bone breaks are extremely common during car accidents and can be treated easily.

Preventing Injuries

The most important thing you and your passengers can do to prevent injuries is wearing a seatbelt. They have proven to be incredibly effective for reducing injuries during a car accident.

Following this, you should always practice defensive driving. You can’t always control other drivers, but you can control your own space. Do not drive distracted — don’t check your phone and always keep your eyes on the road!

If you have been in an accident, notify 911 right away and request an ambulance if you have any injuries. It may be a good idea to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel hurt. Some damages like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be apparent right away.

Why It’s Important to Seek Chiropractic And/or Physical Therapy

The aftermath of a car accident can be soreness, stiffness, and discomfort–a serious car accident can lead to much more harm.

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective method of spinal manipulation to relieve chronic lower back pain that can occur after a serious car accident. Studies show that chiropractic care helps reduce neck pain, back pain, and headaches, two common ailments after a collision. This drug- and surgery-free treatment can help treat your musculoskeletal and nervous system.

Physical therapy can be combined with chiropractic care or stand alone in helping you heal from injuries like whiplash. Stretching your muscles and strength training can help you manage your pain so you can function and move with ease and increase your quality of life. This is an excellent option if you do not want to turn to surgery.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, a combination of both forms of therapy along with massage can be instrumental in your healing process. People of almost all ages can benefit from gentle chiropractic and physical therapy.

Everett Chiropractor and Physical Therapist

Everett Spine & Rehab is here for you if you’ve suffered an accident from a car crash. We offer non-invasive and drug-free treatments to help you manage pain and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

If you were hurt on the job, here’s what you should know about using workers’ comp for chiropractic care.

Workers’ Comp and Chiropractor Treatment

If you have been injured while working, you retain the right to receive paid medical treatment via workers’ comp benefits. In all many states, your employer may offer workers comp benefits, but the terms may vary. Some States are more favorable for workers than others. If you are classified as an independent contractor, you may not receive workers’ comp. Or, your employer may be exempt from workers’ compensation in your state or have opted out of participating.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to seek financial compensation to aid in your recovery process. They may file a workers’ comp claim, a personal injury claim, or both. Your lawyer can determine which claims to file and recover compensation on your behalf.

If you are granted permission to seek medical treatment from your workplace, you may be entitled to a number of chiropractic visits.

Additional chiropractic care may still be covered if your injuries are severe or chronic. Your personal injury lawyer can help request authorization from your employer.

Before you start treatment, you must let your employer know that you have been injured on the job and open a claim.

Your personal injury lawyer can let you know what your options and your compensation.

Everett Chiropractic Services to Treat Your

Your chiropractor may offer the following services to help treat your pain, including:

• Chiropractic adjustments – Adjustments can help restore your spine’s alignment while strengthening to relieve back pain caused by a herniated disc, a fall, faulty ergonomics, and other common work-related injuries
• Spinal decompression – Spinal decompression can relieve any pressure to the spinal column and provide non-invasive alternatives for back surgery
• Massage therapy – Chiropractors can use massage to increase circulation in your tissues, warm up the body for treatment, and promote muscle recovery
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation – Electrical pulses can contract your muscles to provide pain relief and faster blood flow to aid healing
• Corrective exercises – Exercising your body can help strengthen your muscles so you can heal quickly and safely

Get Chiropractic Care to Relieve Your Pain and Suffering

During your initial assessment, we will perform a physical examination, take down your medical history, and order x-rays.

How much treatment your injury may need can vary. Your chiropractor can help determine the proper treatment to get you back on your feet. Here at Everett Spine & Rehab, our goal is to get you back on track and back to “normal.” Our Everett physical therapists, massage therapists and experienced chiropractors are here to make sure you get the relief you need and our services are non-invasive for those looking for a drug-free alternative.

If you have been injured while working, seek out a personal injury lawyer to find out about workers’ comp-related injuries and your rights.

If you’ve suffered from a fall at work, for example, the result may be a sprain, dislocated shoulder, broken bones, head injury, hip fracture, or spinal injury. Obviously, no two injuries are the same, and the same goes with their respective treatment plans. One thing for sure is that you’ll want to be able to move and work as freely as you did before your injury.

You’ve heard about “work conditioning” but what exactly is it? Work conditioning (sometimes referred to as “work hardening”) is a specific type of injury rehabilitation phase that helps you get ready to return to work. Of course, with physical therapy in general, the goal is to improve your mobility, strength, endurance and range of motion (as well as to prevent re-injury). During the work conditioning part of rehab, the therapist will create customized exercises for you that mimic your job duties so your body can become reaccustomed to those specific functions (so you safely transition back to work and perform your job as you did before). Consider it like you’re in a workplace simulation for your specific job.

Who can benefit from work conditioning?

• Police
• Firefighters
• Health care professionals
• Truck drivers
• Mechanics
• Construction workers

The amount of sessions and how long those session will be, will be determined by your physical therapist. First thing’s first, however—if you’ve suffered a work injury, seek immediate medical help! When your doctor thinks you’re ready for physical rehabilitation, please come see us! Everett Physical Therapy at 927 18^th St. SW Suite B in Everett.

This is a kind of spinal manipulation that chiropractors perform on patients in order to treat various spine-related ailments. A trained chiropractor will use their hands or a tool to physically apply controlled pressure to the spine to correct or adjust the vertebrae. People will seek adjustments for things such as: back pain, headaches, scoliosis, whiplash, neck pain or for preventative care. Chiropractic adjustments involve no drugs and can be a complementary treatment–certainly an alternative to patients seeking non-invasive treatments. Another bonus is it generally does not take very long to complete an adjustment session.

Does the patient see immediate results? Depending on the individual, multiple sessions may be required to see improvement and may even be spread out over weeks or months. Some people may see results the same day–it all really depends. Adjustments may not be suitable for everyone. If you are unsure, please give us a call and one of our staff members can assist you. You may also drop-in our Everett office (right on the border of Mill Creek and Lynnwood) located at 927 128th St SW Ste B, Everett, WA 98204. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6pm.