Break the Cycle of Low Back Pain

Back pain is, unfortunately, one of the most common injuries I treat as a performance physical therapist. All too often, I hear, “I have had this pain for months” or even “years.” Even worse than living with pain for years is not doing the activities you love because of the pain. I could go on for hours telling you about how many people have been told to “stop doing ________ because you have back pain.”

Sure, limiting or modifying activity when an injury occurs is sometimes necessary, but it is always my goal as a performance physical therapist to keep my patients in the gym and continuing to progress towards their goals. Pain associated with the low back can be a vicious cycle. Let’s talk about the pain cycle and how to break it.

Here’s what a typical pain cycle can look like with a low back injury:

1. Injury —>

2. Rest/medication —>

3. Fear and avoidance of exercise/activity —>

4. Resume activity without proper progressions —>

5. Repeat cycle.

How to break the cycle:

There are a few ways to break the cycle of pain and reinjury. The first option, which I have noticed is becoming more common, is to prevent injury in the first place. Preventing injury typically revolves around being involved in a strength and mobility program that is progressed appropriately over time. Our bodies crave and need change, so completing the same exercises for months on end does not necessarily prevent injury. Having progressive changes in your strength program is a must!

A second option is, when you are injured, to seek treatment from a physical therapist sooner rather than later. When we can address a new injury quickly, we can decrease pain, improve function, and get you on your way back to activities you enjoy sooner. When the pain cycle is not interrupted, muscle tissue can continue to become more painful, and our nervous systems become more sensitive as well, not in a good way.

Some ways to break the pain cycle with performance physical therapy:

By committing to see a performance physical therapist, we will help break your pain cycle. Some techniques we use to help with this include “manual therapy” aka the hands-on stuff. This may include sports massage, dry needling, active release technique, among others. Other aspects of treatment typically include strengthening and/or a mobility program. These programs absolutely need to be tailored to each individual. It is important to find a therapist who will listen to your unique needs and find what works best for you.

Are you ready to break your pain cycle? Schedule your free consultation call today to see how we can help you feel the best you can be! Click here.

Top 4 Fitness Locations in Northeast Ohio

Introduction:

Wherever you go, you're bound to encounter numerous individuals and groups claiming to be the best fitness professionals in the area. I'm here to share some of my top choices with you when it comes to selecting your next gym, wellness coach, or exercise community. In this post, I shine the spotlight on four of my favorite individuals in the area: Jason Leenaarts at Revolution Fitness and Therapy (Rev Fit), Stacy Rhea from Rolling with Rhea, Mike Caza at Premier Fitness and Performance, and Scott Malloy with Cuyahoga Valley CrossFit (CVCF).

1. Jason Leenaarts - Revolution Fitness and Therapy, Stow, Ohio:

Jason is the driving force behind all the madness (good type of madness) at Rev Fit. He is more than just a trainer and nutritionist; he is a coach with a mission to change the way people perceive their diets, exercise, and overall wellness. Jason and his team work hard to create a welcoming environment where you are guaranteed to have a laugh while lifting weights and leave with a smile on your face. Jason does more than just personal training, so look to him for all your nutrition and weight loss guidance needs. Click here for Rev Fit’s website

2. Stacy Rhea - Rolling with Rhea, Shaker Heights, Ohio (and virtual):

Stacy Rhea, the driving force behind Rolling with Rhea, brings a distinctive perspective to fitness fueled by her passion for triathlons and expertise in guiding women over 35. As an active lifestyle coach, and athlete herself, Stacy melds her triathlon and duathlon prowess with a dedication to empowering others to reach their fitness goals. Going beyond traditional approaches, her innovative training methods provide a dynamic and captivating fitness journey. Stacy is also dedicated to supporting fellow women-owned businesses, reflecting her commitment to community growth. Watch out for exciting developments from her company in the near future! Visit Rolling with Rhea's website here.

3. Mike Caza - Premier Fitness and Performance, Twinsburg, Ohio:

Mike Caza, the founder of Premier Fitness and Performance in Twinsburg, Ohio, is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance training with both athlete and adult clients. As a former Olympic level athlete and expert strength coach that has been influential in the development of over 20,000 athletes since 2004, Mike and his team of personal trainers tailor programs to meet the specific needs of their clients. Premier Fitness and Performance is a haven for those seeking a results-driven and scientifically backed approach to fitness and performance. If you are looking for an engaging, and motivating environment with credentialed programming to elevate your performance, Premier Fitness and Performance is your spot. Click here to learn more about their world class programs.

4. Scott Malloy - Cuyahoga Valley CrossFit, Twinsburg, Ohio:

Scott Malloy, one of the owners of Cuyahoga Valley CrossFit in Twinsburg, Ohio, embodies the spirit of community and functional fitness. Through CrossFit, Scott fosters a sense of camaraderie among his clients, creating an environment where individuals challenge themselves and support one another. Cuyahoga Valley CrossFit is not just a gym; it's a community that celebrates accomplishments and embraces the journey to better health. Scott also provides a scholarship for veterans at CVCF, along with hosting other CrossFit events such as the Festivus games and Stadium Summit games. Click here for CVCF Website.

Conclusion:

As we explore the diverse fitness offerings in Northeast Ohio, the passion and dedication of Jason Leenaarts, Stacy Rhea, Mike Caza, and Scott Malloy stand out. These fitness trailblazers are not just shaping bodies; they're transforming lives through personalized approaches, unique perspectives, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you're seeking personal training and nutrition, individualized triathlon training and fitness, performance optimization, or the community-driven spirit of CrossFit, Northeast Ohio has a fitness champion for every journey. Reach out to these individuals to help you become the best version of yourself.

Unveiling the Excellence at Gait Keeper PT

Are you on a personal journey to optimal wellness? Would you like to move well, be pain-free, and not have to second guess if you can do the activities you love? Look no further than Gait Keeper PT, conveniently located in Twinsburg, Ohio. Gait Keeper PT has been transforming the lives of patients for over a year now at their first office location.

A Personalized Approach to Wellness:

At Gait Keeper PT, Dr. Alina takes pride and is known for her tailored approach to rehab. She knows that each patient is unique, and no single treatment fits every individual. Whether you're aiming to get rid of chronic pain, improve athletic performance, or return to your favorite hobby, Dr. Alina is here to guide you every step of the way!

Giving Back to the Community:

At Gait Keeper PT, they believe wellness is for everyone. Dr. Alina is often out in the Twinsburg community, offering free services. These services are often in the form of wellness seminars, trial treatment sessions, and educational events. By sharing her expertise with the community, she aims to give people the education and advice they need to keep themselves well and engaged in the activities they love.

What's Different at Gait Keeper PT:

Not only does Dr. Alina personalize each client's therapy to their individual needs, but she also sees only one patient at a time. Each session lasts about one hour, and YOU are the only client she is seeing at that time. Dr. Alina believes each client deserves the time and attention of a one-on-one session. Not only does this produce faster results for her clients, but it also ensures each client gets the results they want and need.

In Need of a Provider?

Gait Keeper Physical Therapy is accepting new patients with direct access. What this means is there is no need for another doctor's referral to make an appointment. Skip the extra appointments, save your time and money, and get into the clinic today! We can't wait to help you feel your best.