Rapid Rehab LA Pilates Based Physical Therapy Brentwood California

Degenerative disc disease sounds a lot more threatening than it actually is. The word degenerative holds a stigma of health digression over time, making it seem like this particular condition will worsen with age.

When in the context of degenerative disc disease, the operative words “degenerative disc” is the explanation within itself. The degenerating discs within the spinal column that are affected by this condition, will progressively worsen however the symptoms (pain, immobilization, soreness) will most likely improve over time if properly addressed.

The causes of degenerative disc disease do have close ties to the natural aging process of our bodies. The discs that make up the spine are soft and easily compressible. The purpose of these discs within the vertebrae is to absorb shock. They are also the primary movers of the back, which allow it for its flexibility, bending capabilities and twisting proficiency.

What cannot be avoided is that as we age, fluid will be lost within the spine. Although no part of the spine is safe from degenerative disc disease, it is more common in the lower part of the back where it tends to be more prone to compression.

There are certain conditions within the body that happen before degenerative disc disease is developed. When the cartilage breaks down between the discs in the back a condition called Osteoarthritis occurs. The cartilage acts as protection to the spine, and when this “cushion’ of cartilage is compromised pain results and the spine is more vulnerable to disease. Herniated discs as well as Spinal stenosis (“the narrowing of the spinal canal”) are also common culprits in the development of degenerative disk disease.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease may reveal themselves as acute pains in the neck or back. But this is widely dependent on each person, since some people who suffer from the condition cite no pain at all. No matter how severe the damage it seems that each person’s body reacts differently. The pain is also more prevalent when someone is in a moving pattern, such as: sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and squatting.

It is recommended that when trying to treat degenerative disc disease ice or heat modalities have proven to be quite effective. Pilates based rehab is also an option for those seeking a gentle remedy to a potentially extremely painful condition. Since Pilates focuses on strengthening the core, it can take some of the pressure of the back by reeducating a client on postural patterns.

Once the back can be alleviated of some of the responsibility it carries, and the abdomen (when the core muscles are properly engaged), the compression and fatigue within the back can being to lift and can improve degenerative disc symptoms.

Some hydrotherapy, massage, and physical therapy can also be beneficial to a person suffering this condition, however treatment is widely dependent upon how sever the condition is. Once the aforementioned conditions are involved, Osteoarthritis, herniation of a disc, or spinal stenoisis, surgery is sometimes an option.

When it comes to signal health, a bulging disk is one of the biggest predators, not to mention one of the most common. Bulging disks usually develop overtime and are more common in the elderly. In the lower back a disk may shift out of its normal placement within the lumbar, and when this occurs a piece of the cushion that surrounds the vertebrae is compromised. The condition can even go unnoticed for periods of time, since it is usually only noticed when it pinches a nerve or becomes a herniated disk.

A bulging disk is therefore considered a secondary condition and is usually only identified through diagnostic image tests or routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Postural imbalances can add to the potential of a bulging disk, and since Pilates based rehab is exceptional in realigning the spine and heightening body awareness it is a great alleviator of the condition.

Rudimentary movements that are executed improperly over time cause injuries. Steps need to be taken to rectify faulty postures, and to lubricate joints through increase flexibility exercises, and Pilates is one of those most important steps.

One case study from Rehab Management Journal found that a client who suffered from a bulging disc greatly decreased the severity of her condition once she introduced Pilates based rehab into her rehabilitation regime. Her pain level on a scale of 1-10 was a 7 at the beginning of her treatments, after 12 sessions she had lowered that pain scale to 4.

Pain limited this client’s range of motion and she was charted at only having 15% of her flexibility at the beginning of treatment. After the twelve sessions her range of motion around the area had increased 35 degrees. For her rehabilitation it was found that soft tissue work and joint mobilization greatly improved her condition as well as alleviated pain.

By engaging the whole body in a quest to address a bulging disk, an entirely new rhythm of everyday activity is found. Pilates based rehab introduces an energy efficient methodology of movement that will change the way you pick up a box or run a mile. Its wellness proponents are easy on the joints and especially on the lower back where a bulging disk may be occurring. This makes it a perfect addition to any lower back or spinal abnormality rehabilitation program.

The advantage to participating in a low-impact recovery program, like a Pilates based rehabilitation program, is that for a bulging disk the area may be inflamed and even be painful. Yet it can be addressed without adding to the level of discomfort that one may feel during the exercises themselves. The exercises found in Pilates based rehab highlight gliding motions, incorporate purposeful and effective breathing patterns.

Since the low back is found within the trunk of the body, it is essential for long term recovery that the core muscles are used and strengthened. When the muscles within the trunk of the body are weak that is when an individual is at the greatest risk for developing harmful and improper postural alignment and muscular imbalances, which can result in a bulging disk.

There are two different forms of physical therapy that can be used to aide in the recovery of back pain. Passive Physical Therapy is one, which includes modalities that are done to the client by a therapist and Active Physical Therapy is when a client actively pursues relief through patterns of exercises.

Passive therapy includes the most common form of therapy: heat and cold therapies. Depending on the injury and the client’s response some find more relief with heat therapy (i.e.: heat packs), while others find release from cold therapy (i.e.: ice massages). Each compression usually last 20 minutes. However, cold and heat therapy is best implemented early on in an injury (the first 72 hours), where back pain is concerned. These modalities prevent muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.

Iontophoresis is another passive therapy option, which means that a steroid is topically given to the injured area and shortly thereafter followed by an electrical current. This is also an anti-inflammatory therapy, however it is most appropriately applied when the injury is acute in nature.

On the heels of electrotherapy options another popular form of passive physical therapy is TENS. TENS is an abbreviation for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. This “unit” releases electrical signals to the brain, which assist in the adaptation of the pain in the lower back. It “overrides” the pain signals and provides relief. TENS is usually only prescribed to clients who have gone through trial with the equipment and experienced success. If TENS does decrease the lower back pain, a home device can be found, and used for temporary relief and comfort in the home for however long the client may need it.

Another form of “deep heating” can be found in using an ultrasound. When an ultrasound is applied to the pain in the lower back, sound waves enter the soft tissues to alleviate the pain. If the back pain is acute, an ultrasound is a probable option for tissue repair enhancement.

Active Physical Therapy revolves around three necessary elements of rehabilitation. For generalized spine health it is imperative to incorporate deep stretching, elongating strength training, and low impact aerobic conditioning. Making time for these essential active recovery exercises should be a priority.

Deep stretching can be accomplished through Pilates based rehab as well as the more traditional styling of active physical therapy. For back pain, hamstrings need to be paid attention to. Even though the pain isn’t originating in the legs, a tightening of the hamstrings can cause pinching and spinal dysfunction. Timing of stretching should be scheduled out so that your body can begin to adjust to the exercises and so that you can chart personal progress on a consistent basis.

To strengthen weakened muscles in the back, which is the number on cause of back pain due to imbalanced muscles configuration. There needs to be at least 20 minutes a day of lumbar stabilization exercise. Gentle lifting and slow and controlled movements will begin to build up endurance in the back as well as create a graceful line of everyday activity within the body.

Low impact conditioning can be cardio-based Pilates routines, walking, swimming, and bicycling. Cardio needs to be used in conjunction with passive or active Physical therapy to maintain overall health of the body and to increase energy utilization.

Strengthening the back muscles and increasing the back’s flexibility is the best way to begin a rehabilitation program for a back injury. Pilates’ unique approach to muscle strengthening is perfect for those with injuries because its lengthening moves are easy on the body yet they require the utmost in muscle integration. Once the back can be reintroduced as a balanced component of the body’s musculoskeletal system, injuries are less likely to occur and will be much less painful if they do.

Pilate’s rehabilitation exercises focus on lumbar stabilization, which is achieved through a series of movements that incorporate The Core. The Core muscles include: Transverse Abdominis, The Pelvic Floor Muscles, and the Multifidus-, which is the deep muscles of the back. Some refer to the strengthening of The Core as tightening your body’s corset. This acts as a visual guide for those who don’t understand the concept of The Core. Once the corset around the spine is tightened it creates a safety cage for the muscles to move with ease and as a result remain protected from injury.

Pilates elongates the muscles in the back and engages them proactively with every pose. In other forms of strength training such as weight-bearing exercises, or weight machines, isolation of the muscles is encouraged. This however, increases the possibility of imbalance.

The goal of Pilates it to create a whole body approach to exercise, which can correct imbalances, realign bad postural habits, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Range of motion is also increased through Pilates, which allows for further flexibility in the body. Flexibility is key in keeping the joints limber and lubricated.

Postural education is one of the more unique factors implemented in Pilates based rehab programs. Pilates based rehabilitation instructors take the time to explain why certain movements change injury potential and work with you to master them. Pilates is not only a rehabilitation program, it is a great way for those with injuries to reestablish the quality of life they knew, pre-injury.

Instead of just trying to treat an abnormality in the body, Pilates physically recreates patterns of movement. If the back injury was a product of poor posture or spinal misalignment, or improper form in activity, Pilates aims to correct that.

Re-injuring oneself is of great concern in the rehabilitation world. Active recovery is one way to avoid that.  When you are actively using and strengthening the muscles that are involved in the injury, they have less capacity to be strained. The more a muscle goes un-used or un-trained, the higher the chances that their dormancy will lead to an injury again.

Whether a patient takes a Pilates Mat class, or a machine-based class both will challenge the back muscles. Machine Pilates based rehab pushes against spring-loaded resistance for an even glide of exercise. This enables people of all ages with back injuries to begin where they can, dependent upon physical ability. Pilates based rehabilitation is not only rehabilitation; it is a way to return to a whole life.

Back pain is one of the most common injuries cited by physical therapy patients. Pain can develop from bad posture, incorrect office stature, improper body mechanics, around-the-house- duties, or even through more serious chronic muscle damage. Even though it is the most commonplace medical issue it is also the most difficult to treat. This makes it not only frustrating for those dealing with back pain, but it also makes a diagnosis elusive and more often that not, a series of trial and error.

Identifying the instigator of back pain is essential to recovery. Once the cause of the pain is correctly identified, then the road to healing can begin to be paved. Without an understanding of what’s wrong, “doing” recovery will not be enough, and can even worsen the condition.

An official diagnosis can only be given by a medical professional, but there are a few common back pain conditions that can be identified by their symptoms. Lumbar muscle strains happen frequently and develop into either acute or chronic pain. Most people, who suffer from back strain can’t pinpoint the reason why they suffer.

Muscle spasms, which are an after effect of an acute muscle strain, can develop into knots within the muscle. These “trigger points” within the strained muscle can be surrounded by excess connective tissue or involve abnormal protein deposits. Most people only go to a physician on the account of a “knot” because they tend to be more painful than muscle spasms. However, spasms in the back shouldn’t be ignored, because they are usually acting as the call center informing the body that something is wrong.

Another potential back-pain culprit is a ruptured disc. How to treat this condition is solely dependent upon the nature of the problem. Herniated discs have different levels of intensity based upon the incurrence of the injury and the longevity of its presence. The spinal discs in the back need to have a safety space, or “cushion” between each spinal vertebrae to protect the health of the spine. When a spinal disc is forced outside of its normal placement, the nerves within the spine can become pinched or impinged causing extreme pain.

Another common cause is discogenic back pain. This happens when damage has happened to the intervertabral disc itself. No disc herniation is involved in discogenic back pain, which sometimes takes the use a discogram for appropriate diagnosis.

Spinal stenosis and lumbar spine arthritis are causes found particularly in the aging population, and are caused by fusing of the joints, or constriction of the spinal column. Spondylolisthesis is a degenerative spine condition, where vertebrae might “slip”. Osteoporosis is a result of compounded vertebrae, making the back very susceptible to pain and fracture.

While the symptom of back pain can be as nominal as a spasm here and there, it can potentially be as debilitating as paralysis if not treated or assuaged.  When looking for treatment for back pain, Pilates based rehabilitation may be the perfect supplemental exercise for healing.

Pilates based-rehab is excellent for those that suffer from, but is not limited to post-surgery pain, muscle strain, sciatica, impingements, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, hip or knee replacement surgery, chronic neck and back pain, performance or sports injuries, shoulder girdle pain, hip and knee pain or strain, as well as foot and ankle issues. Pilates has also yielded excellent results for soft-tissue injuries.

In recent years Pilates based rehab has incorporated meditation, Yoga, medicine and Swiss balls into its circuit. Because of this, a wider range of creative movements has been added, making the benefits of Pilates ever more so reaching into meditative responsiveness and mind-body balance. The stretching and lengthening movements that one can achieve, through the series of postures developed in Pilates, rely on the use of pulleys, straps, and arm and leg cuffs. Long and short box accessories can be added to the regime for variety, but the exercises will still remain easy to do and easy on the body.

This layering of endless positions and options give any Pilates based rehabilitation instructor the ability to create a personalized system of appropriate movement for each client. An instructor’s attention to detail coupled with their extensive knowledge of biomechanics should make anyone who suffers from a nagging injury feel optimistic about their recovery.

Pilates is also versatile in “who” it can help. Elite athletes can be training next to the elderly, and body builders can be in the same class as ballerinas. The skill level of an accomplished Pilates participant can be developed from the ground up. When a student is beginning with an injury, the goal of Pilates-based rehab is that over time not only with the injury be corrected but that they will be inducted into the world of regular, healthy individuals.

While the scientific data to support Pilates based rehab is scarce, the claims of its participants cannot go ignored as evidence. There have been motor learning studies compiled in support of the case of Pilates and its achievements. Numerous testimonials and patient reports from doctors can act as proof in and of itself.

The healing proponents of Pilates in the lifestyle of athletes, for example, have been personally noted in their rehab reports. (rehabpub.com) Specifically there have been testimonies claiming that their body awareness has increased, that they feel as if their coordination is more acute, and because of increased flexibility they expect a rapid return to their chosen sport. Brent Anderson, (PT, OCS) has been quoted saying that, “The system is yoga-based with Germanic overtones of fitness; by today’s standards it matches with rehabilitation very well.” From a physical therapist standpoint, Pilates is given the credit where it is due.

The beneficiary results of Pilates are indisputable. It seems that Pilates based rehab is quickly becoming a very common addition to manual rehab. This is because the search has been on for discovering a system in which a rehabilitated individual will not only heal, but also excel in the aftermath of an injury.  rapidrehabla.com/services.html