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The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

Whole Body Approach

Reclaim movement, function and life
For information, call: 847-541-7600
or email: info@themanualtouch.com
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Doctors Now Recommend Physical Therapy as an Option Over Opioids

April 17, 2017 By Denise Schwartz Leave a Comment

 

I’d like to share a story about a patient named Gail.

Gail had severe low back pain lasting a week that began after doing an intense core exercise class. She was evaluated and received manual therapy and extensive body mechanic instruction, as to prevent further injury to her back. This instruction included how to get in and out of a chair, bed, or toilet, as well as how to walk and take care of her dog properly. By the second visit, Gail’s pain had reduced and she received more manual therapy, reviewed body mechanics, and began some core stabilization exercises. Within three to four visits, Gail’s back pain was completely gone! She was taught additional core stabilization and other maintenance exercises to keep her pain-free.

Low back pain (LBP) is the number one reason that people seek medical care.  The American Medical Association has now put out guidelines for non-invasive treatments for low back pain including non-pharmacological options such as exercise, heat, yoga, massage, acupuncture, tai chi, as well as pharmacological options that are alternatives to heavy duty opiod painkillers. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has also started a movement called ‘Choose PT‘ for back pain and offers guidelines when to choose PT for pain management.

The AMA recommendations are differentiated depending on the duration of pain.

  • For pain lasting less than 4 weeks (acute phase), or pain lasting 4-12 weeks (subacute phase), non-pharmacological recommendations include heat, acupuncture, massage and spinal manipulation. If medicine is also indicated then an NSAID or muscle relaxant is recommended.
  • For pain lasting greater than 3 months (chronic back pain), exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation is recommended.
  • When chronic lower back pain has not responded to non-pharmacological approach, medications other than opioids are recommended first. This medication guideline is important as opioid prescriptions have quadrupled in the past few years and have significant side effects.

The APTA’s “Choose PT” campaign is used to educate the public what PT can do for pain management whether it be acute or chronic. In addition to pain-relieving manual therapy techniques and appropriate exercise, physical therapists educate their patients on how to move appropriately throughout their daily activities, as not to aggravate their situation.

ask-a-physical-therapist small

In my experience, patients who come in for physical therapy soon after their low back pain begins, the greater likelihood of success in resolving their symptoms.

In addition, patients get valuable instruction how to go about life so as not to make their back pain worse. Now that Gail is pain-free and understands how to move without hurting her back, she has returned to the activities she loves to do.

If you’re suffering with low back pain, get in touch to learn how physical therapy can help you become pain free and enjoy life once again.

Sources:

1) Got Back Pain? Try Yoga Or Massage Before Reaching For The Pills

2) Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians

3) Physical Therapy vs Opiods: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management

Filed Under: Health & Wellness Tagged With: alternatives to opioids, chronic back pain, Low back pain, non-pharmacological approach, pain-free without medication, Physical therapy over opioids

About Denise Schwartz

Denise Schwartz, PT, IMT, C is the owner of The Manual Touch Physical Therapy. For over 30 years, she has been helping patients reduce pain and improve quality of life using a whole body approach. Denise specializes in chronic pain, spinal conditions, running/triathlon injuries and prevention, balance/vestibular disorders, functional exercise, kinesiotaping, and various non-traditional and traditional & manual therapies. Contact Denise at denise@themanualtouch.com

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I can honestly say that Denise was the first physical therapist to listen to my story.   She has demonstrated more patience and compassion than any other therapist that I’ve ever met. For the past 8 years, I have been symptomatic with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic condition which affects the connective tissue throughout my body. As a result of this disorder I deal with ongoing severe acute and chronic pain and a variety of other rare overlapping conditions such as thoracic outl… Read more
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The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return to playing basketball.
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I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking and sitting, activities which previously caused me to be in pain for several days afterwards.  But today, I’m just a little sore.  I feel I’ve made very good progress in feeling better, stronger and feel less pain.
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I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situation. I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain.  After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months.  I… Read more
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Due to a stroke of good luck, I saw a class on Lower Back Pain offered by Denise from The Manual Touch Physical Therapy at Northbrook YMCA. I followed up with an assessment by Denise. Three years ago, I fell and broke my right arm and hip, followed by months of physical therapy. I still have “ issues” with my neck, back, hip and knee….which Denise has explained are all related. She is a “ new set of eyes” on an old problem, and has helped me immensely. I have learned new exercises for… Read more
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Denise has worked on areas of severe pain and has diminished them to a tolerable level.
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I had recurring back and knee issues and thought I wouldn’t be able to race triathlons again.  Denise gave me exercises and encouraged me to sign up to compete. I was able to complete the triathlon and had my fastest run split in years.”  
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My physician referred me to The Manual Touch and I’ve been going to see Denise there for 5 months now. Initially I went to help me heal from a torn meniscus surgery in my knee. I was also experiencing a great deal of pain in my lower back due to spinal stenosis and a couple herniated discs. I soon learned that all the tightness in my back was not helping my knee heal. Denise taught me exercises that began to loosen up the lower back and hips in general, the knee soon began to heal better and I a… Read more
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Just a note to thank you for the time you spent with me Saturday in evaluating my running technique and body alignment.  Your suggestions are already making sense and having an early impact.  After our meeting, I went out for a 5K run and found your suggestions “to shorten my stride” and “being conscious of not overlapping my steps” to be helpful. Thanks Denise  
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Denise Schwartz at Manual Touch is a marvelous diagnostician and therapist. During the past few years, I’ve sought out Denise’s care for various physical limitations. I am continually amazed by her ability to determine my discomfort’s cause as well as by the effectiveness of the exercises she recommends to ease my pain. She also knows how to best manipulate my aching joints to bring relief. I can whole-heartedly recommend Denise because she is a skilled, proficient, compassionate professional. … Read more
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Our Mission


We believe all body systems and mental/emotional health are connected. We take a whole body approach to discover why patients are not healing and what were the initial causes of their current symptoms. 

Our mission is to use this whole body approach to help patients heal and overcome pain and limitations, resulting in improved quality of life. We also aim to promote wellness in our communities through ongoing education. 
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Testimonials

I can honestly say that Denise was the first physical therapist to listen to my story.   She has demonstrated more patience and compassion than any other therapist that I’ve ever met. For the past 8 years, I have been symptomatic with Ehlers Danlo… Read more
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return… Read more
I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking an… Read more
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situ… Read more
Due to a stroke of good luck, I saw a class on Lower Back Pain offered by Denise from The Manual Touch Physical Therapy at Northbrook YMCA. I followed up with an assessment by Denise. Three years ago, I fell and broke my right arm and hip, followed … Read more
Denise has worked on areas of severe pain and has diminished them to a tolerable level.
I had recurring back and knee issues and thought I wouldn’t be able to race triathlons again.  Denise gave me exercises and encouraged me to sign up to compete. I was able to complete the triathlon and had my fastest run split in years.”  … Read more
My physician referred me to The Manual Touch and I’ve been going to see Denise there for 5 months now. Initially I went to help me heal from a torn meniscus surgery in my knee. I was also experiencing a great deal of pain in my lower back due to spin… Read more
Just a note to thank you for the time you spent with me Saturday in evaluating my running technique and body alignment.  Your suggestions are already making sense and having an early impact.  After our meeting, I went out for a 5K run and found you… Read more
Denise Schwartz at Manual Touch is a marvelous diagnostician and therapist. During the past few years, I’ve sought out Denise’s care for various physical limitations. I am continually amazed by her ability to determine my discomfort’s cause as well a… Read more
Read More

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The information provided on The Manual Touch Physical Therapy website is for personal and noncommercial use only. The resources and content provided should be used for educational purposes only and not as a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort please seek medical attention.