- Neck Pain
If you have injured your neck, see your doctor. He may want to get some Physical Therapy started as soon as possible. - Stressful activities
Remember, activities which are stressful to the lower back are almost always bad for the neck too.
Your Health
Prevention is often the best medicine when it comes to your health. Surprisingly, there are many things that we can squeeze into our everyday lives to help prevent many common injuries. Use this section of our web site for general information designed to get you started in the right direction.
Please note, this information is for educational and informational purposes only.
Health Tips
We all could benefit from simple reminders every day to keep us focused on our health. Inspired by that very idea, this section helps to keep you on the right track when it comes to your health.
Click on a heading below to learn more
Neck Health Tips
Back Health Tips
- Back and Neck Strain
Evaluate your home and work to see to it you are not adding additional strain to your neck or upper back. - Back Exercises
Exercise for the neck and back should not cause arm or leg pain - Body mechanics
Body mechanics are important to remember when lifting any object. Keep the head upright and the back in an arched position. Keep weight close to the body. - Sleeping position
One should sleep in a balanced position. This means a firm support that is soft enough on the surface to accomodate the normal curvatures of the body.
Shoulder Health Tips
- Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or other activities that could strain shoulder muscles and tendons. - Avoid needless reaching
Use a stool or stepladder when needed to prevent awkward reaching. Keep your work within easy reach. - Ice for pain
A cold or ice pack can limit pain and swelling. Try icing your shoulder for a few minutes after you do your exercises. - Rest your shoulders
Give your shoulder enough time to rest and recover from stressful tasks. - Shoulder restrictions
If possible, avoid prolonged work with your arms above shoulder level. - Shoulder tightness
Mild and moist heat can help loosen your shoulder. Try taking a warm shower or bath just before exercising your shoulder.
Elbow Health Tips
- Elbow pain
If you have elbow pain or swelling, see your physical or occupational therapist. Your treatment may include rest, exercises, or changing the way you use your elbow. - Repetitive injuries to the elbow
Poor technique in repetitive actions, such as tennis or golf swings, can cause elbow pain. Your therapist can guide and direct you to improve your function with these activities and speed your recovery.
Hand/Wrist Health Tips
- Elevate injuries
Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling and pain following an injury or surgery. - Restoring function
Early and proper treatment of hand, wrist and elbow injuries by a physical or occupational therapist will speed healing and restore function. - When to call your doctor
If you have injured your hand or wrist, call your doctor if you have increased pain, a tingling feeling, or a change in color of your hand or fingers.
Knee Health Tips
- Strong Knees
Building strong, balanced leg muscles protects your patella (kneecap) and improves your knee's function by helping it absorb shock. Your therapist will help you with a functional strengthening program to get you over your pain and back to recovery.
Foot/Ankle Health Tips
- Foot and Leg Pain
If you have foot or leg pain while exercising, stop. Your therapist can direct proper activities for you. - Pick the correct shoe
Whether walking or running, protect your feet by wearing the proper athletic shoes for the activity. - Stretch your legs
Make sure to stretch out your feet and leg muscles before and after each activity to avoid injury.
Miscellaneous Health Tips
- Choose the right tool for the job
Find the best tools to assist you with each activity. It is important to make sure the tools you pick do not cause pain to your body. There are many new ergonomically correct tools available. - Exercise
Exercise should be done regularly. Always start out mildly and increase gradually. - Gentle Exercise
Careful movement and gentle exercise is initiated as you begin to improve after an injury. This is followed by flexibility and strengthening prescribed by your therapist. - Head Safety
Bicycle helmets can prevent 85% of cyclists' head injuries. A parent's positive attitude regarding helmet use is the strongest predictor of a child using a helmet. - Healthy Body
Nutrition plays an important part in our general health and affects the way our body heals when injured. Your diet is another important factor to consider if you want to have a healthy body. - Ice is helpful
Ice is helpful in reducing internal swelling, pain, and muscle guarding. - Injury Prevention
To prevent injury, always do stretching after your strengthening exercises. Discuss any pain you are having with your therapist. - Relaxation
Relaxation exercises are important, especially if you have to spend a lot of time in one position. - Rest
When you have had an injury, begin by resting the injured area.
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Health Tips
Exercise
Exercise should be done regularly. Always start out mildly and increase gradually.
Ice for pain
A cold or ice pack can limit pain and swelling. Try icing your shoulder for a few minutes after you do your exercises.