Determining The Origins of Your Pain
Are you tired of dealing with pain day in and day out? Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? For some people with pain, the simplest tasks are now major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide any relief.
Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. This is where Nestor Physical Therapy steps in.
At Nestor Physical Therapy, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible.
We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope!
Understanding Different Types of Pain
Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Here’s an explanation of these types:
- Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis.
- Central Pain: Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). Central pain starts inside the central nervous system itself. Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
- Neuropathic Pain: This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica).
- Psychosocial Pain: Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states.
- Movement System Pain: This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often work with this type of pain, prescribing targeted exercises to correct movement dysfunctions contributing to the discomfort.
Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief.
Finding Relief from Pain with Physical Therapy
When you come to a physical therapy session at Nestor Physical Therapy, you’re taking a significant step towards finding relief from pain and improving your overall well-being. Your first session will typically begin with questions about your medical history, the specific nature of your pain, its location, and any factors that make it better or worse.
After discussing your medical history, your therapists will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness. They’ll also assess your movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions.
Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your physical therapist will work to identify the underlying issue causing your pain. This may involve determining the type of pain (e.g., nociceptive, neuropathic, or movement system-related) and its primary sources.
Once your therapist has a clear understanding of your condition, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our treatments may include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve joint mobility. Exercise is another crucial component, tailored to your specific needs and designed to correct any movement dysfunctions. Education plays a vital role in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain effectively.
Patients are often fearful of making their condition worse. As a result, they often either do nothing or get so frustrated that they ignore clear warning signs and push through. In either case, the result is more suffering. The key is to find a balance in the middle, where you do just enough to improve but not enough to make it worse.
At Nestor Physical Therapy, our therapists will help you find that balance, guiding you through the steps you need to take to feel good again!
Get Started with PT Now!
Return to Nestor Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Conquer Your Back Pain and Enjoy a Pain-Free Spring
As the world awakens this spring, don’t let back pain keep you from enjoying the season’s beauty. At Nestor Physical Therapy, we’ll help you find the spirit of spring by resolving your back pain once and for all!
Our expert guidance will help you:
- Alleviate your pain and prevent future discomfort.
- Regain your mobility and strength so you can enjoy the warmer weather.
- Spend time with your friends and family without back pain standing in your way!
Our treatments are tailored to your unique needs to help you enjoy spring with confidence and vitality—reach out today and let us help you bloom pain-free!
Griddled and Grilled BLT
Here is my twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Of course my twist is to grill it. When I went to my parents’ house to help my dad with a project or help with some yardwork, my mother would make lunch. She made the best BLTs. It was a real treat when the lettuce and tomato came right out of the garden. She would toast the bread, and the bacon was perfectly crispy. Spending time with my parents made the BLT taste better.
Bacon can be cooked on the stove or in the oven, but I like to cook it on the grill. To cook the bacon, I placed a carbon steel griddle on the grates of my gas grill and heated the grill to medium heat. I placed strips of the thick cut bacon on the griddle, and they started to sizzle. I cooked the bacon until it was crispy on both sides.
While the grill and the griddle heated up, I prepared fresh lettuce and sliced the fresh tomato. For the bread I used fresh from the bakery sourdough.
Once the bacon slices finished cooking, I placed them on paper towels on a sheet pan to drain any excessive grease. Instead of buttering the pieces of bread before grilling, I dunked two pieces of bread into the bacon fat on the griddle and then grilled them. The bread was cooked quickly on the grill and was crusty with a boost of bacon flavor.
To assemble the BLT, I spread each slice of grilled bread with mayonnaise and then laid out the lettuce and topped it with slices of fresh tomato and the crispy bacon. I served the BLT with potato chips and a pickle spear.
I enjoyed the contrast of the texture between the crusty bread, crispy bacon, and the fresh tomato and lettuce. The bacon had a smoky aroma. The tomato and lettuce provided a freshness to the sandwich. The tomato was juicy and flavorful. I was able to get bacon, lettuce, and tomato in each bite right to the end, which is the key to making a great BLT. I think my mother would enjoy my twist on the BLT.
What We Treat at Nestor PT!
At Nestor Physical Therapy, we treat a wide range of conditions—from back, neck, and joint pain to balance disorders, chronic pain, vertigo, TMJ dysfunction, and more. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a neurological condition, dealing with arthritis or fibromyalgia, or healing from a sports, work, or car accident injury, our expert team is here to help. We also offer specialized care for headaches, poor posture, pelvic pain, and pre-surgical physical therapy to prepare your body for success.
Our Services:
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Hip Pain
- Foot Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Hand Pain
- Balance Disorders
- Chronic Pain
- Vertigo
- Headaches & Migraines
- Neurological Conditions
- Poor Posture
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Sciatica
- Shoulder Pain
- Knee Pain
- Ankle Pain
- Wrist Pain
- Arthritis
- Gait Disorders
- Dizziness
- Fibromyalgia
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
- Pelvic Pain
- Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy
- Sports Injuries
- Work Injuries
Thank You’s:
High Fives all around to all Nestor Physical Therapy patients and
friends who participated in our “Refer a Friend” program last month!
Jane Murphy, Muchael McCoy, and Josh Houle
Patient Success Spotlights
“My experience at Nestor Physical Therapy was wonderful! I had a pinched nerve in my shoulder that was giving me problems and the office was able to get me seen right away. At the time, I could barely function. Now the pain is completely gone, and I have full range of motion in my arm. All the staff were so kind, knowledgeable and respectful. I would recommend them to anyone.”
-Elizabeth M.
“My experience here has been nothing short of incredible! I have had a few issues that I have come to Nestor PT for, and all had an excellent outcome! I truly love the staff and will definitely come back if needed. Thank you!”
–Jane M.
Seasonal Tip!
Have you been putting off yard work? Consider this: It’s a great source of exercise and an excuse to get out in the fresh air. But it is essential for you to be mindful of injuries, particularly before diving into a strenuous outdoor project.
At Nestor Physical Therapy, we want to help you be safe and healthy as you work in your garden. Here are three of our physical therapists’ favorite tips for avoiding an injury as you take care of outdoor chores:
- Warm up before you get started: Just as you get your body ready to go on a run or lift heavy weights, warm up before diving into intense yard work. Dynamic stretches or light aerobic activities work perfectly. Our team can give you suggestions!
- Switch things up: Repetitive movements and staying in one position can both lead to strain and injury. If you’re performing a repetitive task, take breaks or alternate with different activities. For example, trim your rose bushes for 20 minutes, then take a break by sweeping your patio.
- Be mindful of your movement: Certain movements, such as bending or twisting, put you at a higher risk of injury. If you find yourself contorting into awkward positions to complete a task, stop and take a moment to think about proper biomechanics. Our therapists can give you more personalized guidance.
The last thing you want is to injure yourself while working out in the garden. A little mindfulness can go a long way in preventing pain and injury.
Have questions? Our physical therapists can help! Call us to schedule an appointment today.
Show Your Body Some Love This Spring!
Spring is the perfect time to show your body some love by coming back to Nestor Physical Therapy for an appointment. Whether you’re easing back into outdoor activities, managing lingering aches, or working toward new movement goals, our team is here to help you feel stronger, more mobile, and more confident so you can fully enjoy the season ahead.
