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5 Pain Management Tips from a Local Tampa Physical Therapy Expert

5 Pain Management Tips from a Local Tampa Physical Therapy Expert

Have you been involved in a car accident that left you injured and in pain?

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, then you know just how complex and hard to deal with it can be. Since pain is experienced differently by each person, treatment and relief can be difficult to find.

Luckily, you don’t have to live in constant pain. Many patients choose to visit our Tampa physical therapy center, but there are also many ways you can manage your pain at home on your own. Here, I’m going to share the top pain management tips so that you can get your life back. Just keep on reading to find out what they are!

1. Hot and Cold Therapy

If pain is aggravating an area of your body, try using hot and cold therapy for relief.

Heat will help to relax the muscles and dilate the blood vessels, soothing any tightness, soreness, or inflammation. Simply place a heating pad (gel or electric) on the painful area to feel the relief.

Any applied cold therapy will reduce blood flow and decrease pain-causing inflammation. Try using an ice pack!

2. Massage

Manipulation of the body’s tissues is also another way to cope with chronic pain. This comes in the form of a massage!

Massage therapy can help locate and relieve pain by kneading, patting, and rubbing the affected areas. The benefits, besides pain relief, include improved circulation, stress relief, reduced inflammation, and increased mobility.

3. Natural Painkillers

You can also turn to nature for help when it comes to pain relief!

Humans have been using natural painkillers for thousands of years. Try using willow bark, turmeric, and even cloves to reduce your pain symptoms.

Essential oils have also been known to help improve chronic pain naturally. Lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils are all good places to start!

4. Soak in a Bath

A long, relaxing hot bath does wonders for your mental health, but it can also help you manage pain, too.

The heat from the water relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and loosens stiff joints. It also provides comfort and a sense of well-being; adding your favorite scented bubble bath gels or mineral soaks will make your bath experience that more enjoyable.

5. Visit Our Tampa Physical Therapy Center

Although the aforementioned tips might work well for you, the best way to treat your chronic pain is to see a professional.

Our physical therapy programs in Tampa offer a variety of top-rated, high-quality services designed to fit our patients’ specific pain-relief needs. From ultrasound therapy to paraffin baths, we promise that we’ll find a way to treat your pain.

Don’t Let Chronic Pain Control Your Life

Chronic pain can be debilitating. If you don’t find ways to treat or manage it, then it could control your life. But now that you’re aware of these pain management tips, you’re on your way to a better, pain-free you!

Have any questions regarding our physical therapy clinic in Tampa? Don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment so that we can help you feel better.

Paraffin Bath Therapy: What It Is and How it Helps Pain & Mobility

Paraffin Bath Therapy: What It Is and How it Helps Pain & Mobility

Did you know that 3 million people are injured in car accidents every year in the United States?

Car accidents can induce pain that can be anywhere from minor to completely debilitating. If you or a loved one has suffered from a car-related injury, then you know this all too well.

However, there are treatment options out there that can both reduce pain and increase mobility, and one of these options is paraffin bath therapy. Here, we’re going to explain everything there is to this type of pain therapy. Just keep on reading to learn more!

What Is Paraffin Bath Therapy

A paraffin bath involves covering the hands or feet with warm wax to relieve pain in the joints and tissues. The heat from the wax promotes circulation, relaxes tight and stiff muscles, and relieves any aches or pains from the submerged area.

You can purchase wax baths online, but the best way to get the most effective paraffin bath is to schedule an appointment at a physical therapy practice.

The Uses and Safety

Paraffin wax baths are used to treat all kinds of pain in the hands and feet. From aching arthritis joints to stiff muscles, the molten wax will be able to provide patients with much-needed relaxation and relief.

Additionally, some patients are skeptical of the safety of wax baths. The reality is that, as long as you aren’t getting paraffin bath therapy with any open cuts or allergies, this type of pain relief is completely safe.

The Benefits

Paraffin bath therapy is more than just pain relief; there are so many incredible benefits that accompany a wax bath!

The most common benefit is pain relief. When a patient receives a wax bath, their affected area is covered or submerged in molten paraffin wax. The heat soothes the area, relieving aches and pains quickly.

Paraffin baths can also increase mobility. The heat from the wax helps relieve tight or sore joints and connective tissues, increasing the patient’s mobility. This type of heat therapy also increases blood flow and improves the patient’s circulation.

A wax bath is also great for the mind! As you sit and relax, let the warm feeling of the wax loosen your muscles as feelings of relaxation wash the stress away. Not to mention, paraffin wax is a natural emollient, meaning that it helps to soften the skin and keep it supple.

Do you think you would benefit from a paraffin wax bath? Don’t wait: you’ll be missing out on a pain-free life!

Enjoy Paraffin Bath Therapy Today

Whether you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a car accident or is battling arthritis, a wax bath might be the kind of relief you’re searching for. Now that you know what paraffin bath therapy is and the amazing benefits, you can make your wax bath appointment today.

Want to check out the other types of physical therapy services that we offer at AJ Therapy Center? If so, click right here!

The Best Physical Therapy For Auto Injuries in Tampa

The Best Physical Therapy For Auto Injuries in Tampa

Over 2 million Americans head to the emergency department for an automobile accident injury each year. Unfortunately, auto injuries in Tampa are just as common.

If you’ve recently been injured in a car wreck, you may be wondering about physical therapy in Tampa. Physical therapy uses non-invasive techniques to help you recover after your accident. 

Yet, when it comes to physical therapy techniques, you have quite a few to choose from. That’s why we created this guide to the best physical therapy for auto accident sufferers. 

Wondering which physical therapy techniques are a must-have? Then keep reading for everything you need to know. 

Physical Therapy for Pain

The first symptom you may experience after an accident is pain. Paraffin baths can help provide temporary pain relief. This type of physical therapy is also effective for increasing mobility.

If you’re experiencing lower back, neck, arm, or leg pain, mechanical traction may be for you. Mechanical traction works on the spine. Practitioners will stretch and separate the individual vertebrae, which reduces pressure on the spin and relieves pain.

A final physical therapy to try is ultrasound therapy. This technique uses audio waves to help with inflammation after an injury. Reducing inflammation can also help alleviate pain from an older injury. 

Circulation and movement therapy is another technique you could try. This type of physical therapy for an accident helps to improve blood flow in the injured region. This can help oxygenate the injury and speed up healing

Physical Therapy for Swelling

Swelling is another symptom you may experience directly after an accident. Vasopneumatic devices use water pumps and braces to cold-compress the swollen area. When applied during therapy, these devices decrease blood circulation and inflammation, which can reduce swelling.

Physical Therapy for Relaxation

Even if your pain and swelling are gone, you may still need physical therapy to help you relax. Car accidents can be stressful. Using techniques like manual therapy can help you feel calmer as well as improve flexibility and range of motion.

Manual therapy, also known as manipulative therapy, is a medical type of massage. Manual therapists use their hands to apply pressure. In addition to helping you relax and feel more flexible, manual therapy can reduce any lingering pain.

Physical Therapy for Strength

Once your injury is fully healed, your physical therapist may recommend therapeutic exercise. Therapeutic exercises can range from yoga to strength training. The goal is to improve your physical strength, balance, and stability.

For more significant injuries, you may require neuromuscular re-education. This therapeutic technique requires you to retrain your muscles and central nervous system to communicate normally. That way, you can return to life as normal. 

Find Relief After Auto Injuries in Tampa

Auto injuries in Tampa can be devastating but not if you see a physical therapist. A physical therapist uses techniques to help with pain and swelling, relaxation, and strength. 

Are you looking for physical therapy in Tampa to help you recover from an auto accident injury? Get in touch with us to request an appointment with Tampa’s AJ Therapy Center today!

Here’s What Our Case Management Services Offer

Here’s What Our Case Management Services Offer

Each year, about three million people suffer a non-fatal injury in an auto accident.  Some injuries are debilitating or life-changing even though they aren’t fatal. 

Navigating your way through the healthcare system is difficult at best. Are you in pain and dealing with a serious injury? You shouldn’t have to deal with problems accessing the services you need to get better. 

No matter how you’re injured or how bad the injury is, many people need an advocate who understands the healthcare system. 

That’s where case management services can help. Keep reading for more information about case management services and what we offer. 

Case Management

Case management is a specialty practice that’s cross-disciplinary. A case manager’s main function is advocating for clients and working with the client’s support systems. The goal is the promotion of wellness and improvement in the client’s health. 

A case manager facilitates services. She also educates, advocates, and helps with communication across the different health disciplines. Our clients receive support in many different aspects of daily living. 

A case manager takes a holistic approach. That means she takes into account the physical, medical, mental, emotional, financial, and other needs of the patient. 

Case Management Services

We treat every patient based on her individual case. We have a set of services that guide the path to wellness. These include the following.

Advocacy

Each patient has different needs depending on his injury or issue. Patients who don’t understand the healthcare system need someone advocating on their behalf. This includes defending your rights within the healthcare system.

Support and Monitoring 

We support your treatment plan and make sure you’re receiving all necessary services within that plan. We track the situation and ensure you’re happy with the services. 

Healthcare Decisions

Do you have trouble understanding medical language? Are you having problems making healthcare decisions for yourself? 

A case manager works with all providers helping you understand and make decisions. 

Financial Needs

Are you having financial difficulty and can’t meet your basic needs? A case manager can intervene and help with short-term crises. These may include issues such as eviction or unpaid utility bills. 

Transportation Help

Transportation to and from medical appointments can be a big obstacle. A case manager coordinates medical transport by ambulance if necessary. He also helps you get to your providers for treatment. 

Mental Health

A case manager can also help with mental health or substance abuse appointments. Some physical injuries lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues. The case manager coordinates the services best suited to your recovery needs.

Appointments

A case manager can come to your appointments with you. This ensures you understand everything the provider is doing for you. 

Case Management Services for Your Recovery 

Don’t navigate the healthcare system on your own. It’s hard in the best of times but with an injury or other healthcare concerns, case management services are a great option. 

A case manager helps you every step of the way, ensuring a holistic approach for each individual. The case manager adapts to each situation and finds the best options. 

Are you in need of case management services? Please contact us today

How Do I Know if Lipolaser Is Right for Me?

How Do I Know if Lipolaser Is Right for Me?

Have you been eating healthily and exercising regularly, but you still can’t get rid of that stubborn belly fat? Maybe you’re feeling self-conscious about certain areas of your body that you can’t seem to change by yourself. 

Lipolaser is a non-invasive fat removal procedure that may be the answer for you. Check out our guide to laser lipolysis and find out if it’s right for you.

What Is Laser Lipo?

Laser lipo is a non-surgical fat reduction using heat from lasers to liquefy your fat cells. The procedure works to reduce fat in specific parts of your body by breaking apart fat cells and therefore reducing the amount of fatty tissue.

It also works to smoothen and tighten the skin in those target areas.

The Benefits of Laser Lipolysis

Compared to other fat removal procedures and cosmetic surgeries, laser lipo is relatively non-invasive. The benefits, therefore, are many when compared to other procedures.

After traditional liposuction, you will need to rest for several days. However, with laser lipo, you can hit the ground running the very next day. 

It’s a pain-free procedure, which is another attractive benefit.

One small incision is made in each target area of the body, and a numbing agent is used. There may be some tenderness and bruising of the incisions afterward, but it should be manageable and heal quickly. You won’t need post-procedure physical therapy or treatment. 

It’s more affordable than liposuction, and you can even buy laser machines online to do it yourself at home. However, it’s recommended to spend that little bit extra and get it done at a treatment center with experts to perform the procedure.

The Side Effects of Lipolysis Fat Removal

You may feel numbness or irritation of the skin, sometimes developing into a rash on the targeted area. As mentioned previously, there will be some minor bruising, which may cause some discomfort for a few days.

You should properly care for the laser site post-procedure to avoid infection and scarring. In rare cases, a blood clot can occur.

As this is a relatively new procedure, the long-term effects are still being studied.

Who Is Lipolaser For?

As with most unnecessary medical procedures, it is advised to avoid lipo laser or consult a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18 years old, or have existing medical conditions.

The results from lipo laser are often very small, so this should be an accompanying procedure to diet and exercise.

If you have some stubborn fatty areas that aren’t going away, even with diet and exercise, lipo laser can help. However, it is not the solution to all your weight loss goals.

Maybe you’re unable to exercise because of an injury, and this has caused you to put on a bit of weight that you’re unable to lose. 

Is Lipolaser Right for You?

Now that you know all about lipolaser, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right procedure for you. Remember, always consult your doctor beforehand and discuss your medical history and concerns. 

If you’re in need of medical services, contact AJ Therapy Center today!

How Can Post-Operative Physical Therapy in Tampa Help You Recover?

How Can Post-Operative Physical Therapy in Tampa Help You Recover?

ar accidents can result in all sorts of trauma, from bruises and scars to head injuries. Fractures, lacerations, muscle sprains, and internal organ damage are just a few to mention.

Depending on the type of injury, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to get back on your feet. In severe cases, you may end up with long-term disabilities.

Florida residents can get physical therapy in Tampa to restore their mobility and recover faster after a car crash. Mechanical traction, massage, and other procedures can reduce joint and muscle pain while improving your range of motion.

Physical therapy may also include stretching and strengthening exercises. Their role is to help patients regain their flexibility. These movements can accelerate the recovery process and improve muscle function.

Interested to find out more? Here’s what you should know about physical therapy and how it can help after a car accident.

Identify and Address Invisible Injuries

Some injuries resulting from a car crash take weeks or months to manifest themselves. Even if you’re feeling fine immediately after the accident, you may experience numbness, headaches, and back pain later on.

Whiplash, for example, may cause headaches, neck pain, and weakness in your limbs. Sufferers may also experience vision problems and severe back pain. These symptoms often occur weeks after a car accident.

An experienced physiotherapist will conduct a full-body examination. This will allow him to identify “invisible” injuries and decide on the best course of action.

Depending on your needs, he may recommend therapeutic exercises, ultrasound therapy, paraffin baths, and other non-invasive treatments.

Restore Your Flexibility and Range of Motion

A broken bone can take several months to heal. Depending on its severity, you may or may not be able to return to work and resume your daily activities. That’s where physical therapy in Tampa can help.

This treatment method can restore your flexibility and range of motion, leading to faster recovery.

For example, some exercises can strengthen your joints and muscles, reduce pain, and help you bounce back from your injury in less time.

Physical therapy also prevents muscle atrophy following prolonged hospitalization. That’s why it plays a crucial role in post-surgery care.

Physical Therapy in Tampa May Help Patients Avoid Surgery

In some cases, physiotherapy can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery. A herniated disc, for instance, may be treated with physical therapy.

Certain exercises, especially those targeting the lower back, can strengthen the muscles in this area. With regular practice, they will help your spine heal faster.

Your physical therapist may also recommend at-home training programs. Moreover, he will show you what activities or exercises to avoid. 

Get Back on Your Feet and Prevent Further Damage

Post-operative physical therapy can be a powerful tool in your journey to recovery. It becomes even more beneficial after surgery, allowing you to recover faster and regain your mobility.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The sooner you get physical therapy in Tampa, the higher your chances of a successful recovery.

Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss your needs!