Nerve Damage & Physical therapy

The nervous system comprises of numerous nerves that transports chemicals and impulses from the brain to all the other parts of the body and back again to the brain. The nervous system is important in protecting us from injury and it is also important in our representation as a social individual. It is a very important and highly complex system.

Injury to nerves can be a result of an abrupt accident or can be because of repeated assaults over a period of time. In general, nerves are well protected and resistant to injury but there are limits. Since nerves are not elastic, free movement of nerves in our spines, arms and legs are essential to avoid injuries.

When a nerve gets caught, pinched or tethered an injury occurs. We can very often restore the normal movement of the injured nerves, which is fundamental to healing. We use a variety of Physical therapy techniques to establish normal movement of injured nerves, from eliminating the source of the movement restriction to mobilization of the nerve itself.

Under certain circumstances surgery is required to establish normal nerve movement or to remove obstructions such as disc material, bony growth, or thickened ligaments. But it is always best to exhaust all other non-surgical options. Furthermore, it is important to understand that most nerve injuries develop slowly over time and this process can be stopped or reversed by doing a course of appropriate physical therapy in the early stages of the condition.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy helps people get back full strength and movement in key parts of the body after an illness or injury. Physical therapy doesn't just help a person rebuild strength and range of motion, though — it also can help someone manage pain, whether that pain is caused by bad posture, an injury, or a disease like arthritis. When done properly and consistently, physical therapy can help prevent permanent damage and recurring problems.

Most physical therapy uses a combination of techniques to relieve pain and boost coordination, strength, endurance, flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapists (PTs) often ask patients to use exercise equipment like treadmills.

In addition to exercising the affected area, a Physical Therapist also may treat it with heat or cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, and water or whirlpool baths. In many cases, PTs massage injured areas and oversee the patient during stretching routines.

Physical therapists usually give their patients exercises to do at home. These at-home exercises work with the treatments and exercises done in the PT's office to help a person heal better, faster, and safely.

What to Look for in a Physical Therapist

You'll want to be sure a physical therapist is qualified to treat you. All PTs must have an advanced degree in physical therapy and be licensed by the state to practice. The entry-level degree for a physical therapist is a doctoral degree (DPT).

Make sure that you

1.  Stick to the plan. 
2. Know your body. 
3. Talk to your PT if you have problems. 
4.  Celebrate your successes

At Optimum Rehab, we offer all kinds of Physical Therapy treatments in New York City

Great postures for sleeping, tips for a better sleep

Everyone knows that good posture is important, but good posture doesn't apply just to sitting and standing. The muscles and ligaments of your back relax and heal themselves while you sleep. In order to protect your back, good posture is important while sleeping.

Here are some tips to help you sleep better:

• Choosing the right mattress: The mattress that's right for you lets you wake up feeling rested and free of pain or soreness. The best mattress is one that allows you to sleep soundly and without pain.
• If you sleep with a partner, you should have enough space to move into a comfortable sleeping position. If you have a back problem, ask your health care provider or physical therapist to recommend the type of mattress that would be best for you.
• The right pillow: Pillows are not just for your head and neck. Depending on your sleeping position, additional pillows can help keep your spine in proper alignment. 
• Alignment: Regardless of your sleeping position, try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned.
• If you sleep on your back, a small pillow under the back of your knees will decrease stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your low back. 
• The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders.
• Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of alignment. Placing a flat pillow under the stomach/pelvis area can help to keep the spine in better alignment.
• If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should be flat, or sleep without a pillow.
• If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow between your knees will prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment and decrease stress on your hips and low back. Pull your knees up slightly toward your chest. The pillow for your head should keep your spine straight. A rolled towel or small pillow under your waist may also help support your spine.
• Insert pillows into gaps between your body and the mattress.
• Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned when turning as well as when sleeping.