Back pain that’s not from the back Written by: Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CKTP, CGFI A recent article on CNN.com outlined a problem that I’ve run into a few times with my patients. It’s the back pain that most surgeons will not find… They don’t find it because they’re not looking in the right …
Do you need an X-ray or MRI of your back?
Do you need an X-ray or MRI of your back? Written by: Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CKTP, CGFI Let’s talk about high-value, cost-conscious health care. I don’t want to get mired in controversy so we’ll keep it simple. Let’s narrow it down to radiological tests and back pain. The big question is: Do you …
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What’s the core?
What is the “Core”? Written by: Michelle Millner, PT, DPT, OCS Did you like to play with blocks when you were a kid? Do you remember how they needed to be balanced just right when you built a tower otherwise it would all come crashing down? Human vertebrae are kind of like those blocks. They …
How You Can Treat Your Own Low Back Pain
How You Can Treat Your Own Low Back Pain Written By: Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI This is how I think the story goes: Once upon a time, there was a patient in New Zealand (updated 10/23/13) who had back pain, so he went to go see his physiotherapist. He was in pain and couldn’t …
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My Favorite Exercise
My Favorite Exercise Written by: Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI Let me tell you about one of my favorite exercises. First of all, a good exercise should accomplish what it’s supposed to do, get a part of you stronger. Second, it should ideally include multiple joints at one time, thus creating even strengthening throughout …
Pelvic Floor Strengthening
Pelvic Floor Strengthening written by: Dr. Yuchin Chang PT, DPT, OCS Kegel exercises are well known as strengthening exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, rectum, and uterus, as well as maintain continence. Several factors such as aging, childbirth (tear, episiotomy), and surgery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. The importance of …
Gifts for people with back pain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30% of American adults currently suffer from back pain, and 80% of adults will experience back pain at some time in their lives. This holiday season, get a gift for that special someone – that “someone” with back pain. Feeling stiff? Got tight hamstrings? Tight …
Minimize Your Pain on Planes
This holiday season, when you’re travelling to spend time with your family, remember to take care of yourself. We all know there’s not a lot of leg room on planes and that can make for uncomfortable sitting, especially if the flight is over a couple hours long. This prolonged sitting can affect your circulation. It …
Save your back and your heart when the snow comes
When the snow hits the ground, you have to go out and shovel it. But be careful, no other chore carries with it more risk. People who are generally sedentary are at a higher risk of heart attack and back injury when shovelling snow than any other activity. Let’s try and shave down some of …
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When you go shopping, don’t buy a case of the low back blues
‘Tis the season… Or so they say, ‘tis the shopping season. When you’re hitting the malls this year, don’t let your packages weigh you down and hurt your back. Lifting a heavy gift or package can be that straw that breaks the camel’s back, so to speak. Don’t let this holiday season be a painful …
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