Bartlesville Magazine

Back Injury Recovery Time

Back PainQ: I’ve hurt my back, how long does it take to recover?
A: Seven out of ten people experience low back pain. It can last from a few days to a few weeks, but 80% of people with low back pain recover within 6 weeks. If pain worsens or extends longer than this time frame, you should see a doctor. They may recommend that you see a physical therapist. There are specialized exercises and manual therapy techniques that a therapist can provide to help you recover from your injury.

Can Runners Avoid Shin Splints?

Q: Can Runners Avoid Shin Splints?

A: Studies show backpacks worn
improperly or that are too heavy can
result in postural changes, muscle strains,
fatigue, and pain. These symptoms can be
greatly reduced by keeping the packs less
than 15% of the child’s bodyweight, using
both shoulder straps and keeping the pack
in the middle of the back. Students with the highest risk of
injury are pre-K through 9th grade, although all students
can be affected. Please contact me for a free evaluation if
you have any questions or concerns.

Have Foot or Heel Pain

Q: Have Foot or Heel Pain?
A: Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain
in the heel that typically occurs upon
awaking and after prolonged sitting or
standing. Plantar fasciitis involves pain
and inflammation of a thick band of tissue
that runs across the bottom of your foot,
connecting your heel to your toes. A
physical therapist can teach foot stabilization, stretching
and strengthening exercises to decrease the pain. Some
patients, when appropriate, receive “ASTYM” treatments,
which is a non-invasive manual therapy that works quickly
to rejuvenate damaged tissue. If you have foot or heel pain,
ask your doctor about Certified ASTYM treatments.

Common Cause of Dizziness

Q: Recently, I have been getting dizzy and
have almost fallen a few times. Should I
be concerned and what should I do?

A: A common cause of “dizziness” is Benign
Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and
symptoms may include the sudden sense
that you or your surroundings are spinning,
feeling unsteady, or experiencing nausea.
These symptoms usually occur when changing positions
such as looking up or down, sitting up from bed or reaching
down to tie your shoes, and commonly last less than one
minute. You should see your physician if you experience
these symptoms more than once to rule out more serious
illness, but is typically not serious and effective treatments
are available that can be performed by a physical therapist.