Back & Neck Pain in Perimenopause
Two Types of Physical Therapy that
Keep You OUT of the Therapist's Office
Often, people find that going to physical therapy seems an endless series of trips to the office. However, here are two types of therapy that empower patients to become independent.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is similar to Myofascial release, a deep muscle massage, targeting “pressure points,” specific areas on the body, which are tight and can cause referred pain to the back and neck.
For me, personally, this has been an invaluable technique to relieve my severe shoulder pain. I discovered this therapy because I once saw a physical therapist who did press deeply into the pressure points, and I experienced a bit of relief. It was expensive, however, and I felt that there were many areas on my back that he missed! If I were only an octopus, I thought, I'd be able to reach around and find those places that were so “good” sore and press on them. I began researching the subject. Lo and behold, I stumbled onto a book that explained trigger point therapy, and most importantly, gave step-by-step instructions on how to self-treat.
The book is called “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief,” Second Edition by Clair Davies.
You can begin with the simple tools he suggests: a 50 cent hard bouncy ball and a sock. He explains how to press against a wall on just the points that can present referred pain. When I tried it, I was amazed to discover that pressing into a point on my back below my ribs could relieve my neck and shoulder pain!
Then, I bought a TheraCane, which is a device designed to press into these hard-to-reach mushcles. So instead of having to lean into my sock-ball, I use the rounded edges to press into the point. You press the Thercane into the muscles to increase circulation and relieve the pain. You can purchase a Theracane here.
Since practicing on myself, I have had much less shoulder pain and when it does recurs, I just use my TheraCane again. I've found relief for migraines as well.
McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method is a treatment used by certified physical therapists that can yield amazing results in many cases of back and neck pain. One of the most remarkable features of this method is that it is focused on teaching the patient to help him or herself, not spend endless sessions dependent on the therapist.
According to Gerry Stern, owner of the Center for Orthopedic & Spine Rehabilitation in Boca Raton, FL, and a McKenzie trained physical therapist: "Therapists certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the spine (Cert. MDT) from the McKenzie Institute are trained in classifying back and neck related disorders into very defined subgroups. This classification system allows the therapist to apply specific treatment that yields dramatic results. Most importantly, patients learn from day one what they can do to help themselves rid their pain and prevent recurrences."
To find out more about the McKenzie Method, check out the Other Resources page.
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