In this pandemic world, we have been turning more to our computers for family gatherings, meetings, work, and even social events. All this typing has, as a nation, increased our wrist pains. Because tendinitis, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pressure on the median nerve) develops over a period of time, we are doing a lot of damage to the wrist area with everyday activities.

What we end up with is lots of tendon inflammation, muscle strains and Carpal bones mis-aligned. The pain can be sharp, burning and constant. You literally feel “handcuffed” from the discomfort!  Fortunately at Monmouth Pain, we take a multi approach to fix your wrist problems and get you pain free! We use the latest technology with low level laser (cold laser) to remove the inflammation from the wrist joint. Sometimes just the swelling is more painful than the condition. We use Vibration therapy to get more blood circulation to the area to increase the rate of healing. Acupuncture to push out the stagnant buildup to help decrease pain, and increase movement. And chiropractic adjustments to make sure your Carpal Tunnel nerves are free of bone pressure.

This recipe will get you typing away with, of course, the proper seating bio mechanics we’ll show you. You’ll be so happy being pain free, you’ll want to shake our hand! (That is, when we’re allowed to!)

If you are experiencing wrist pain and are looking to find relief, don’t hesitate. Call for help now.

TO SCHEDULE AN IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENT:
Existing patients call 732-345-1377 or you can request an appointment by sending us an email at info@monmouthpain.com
If you are a new patient call 732-345-1377 or click below to schedule your appointment.

https://www.monmouthspine.com/schedule-now/

Monmouth Pain ★ Move ► Forward

At Monmouth Pain, we offer vibration therapy through the use of our Power Plates. The Power Plates can be used for anything from neuropathy to back pain to athletic rehabilitation.

Remember as a kid “playing” with your voice? The coolest medium to try changing your voice with was definitely vibration.  Little did you know, sitting, standing and lying on something that vibrates not only alters your voice, it actually has therapeutic benefits!

Power Plates were originally developed to fight muscle and bone density loss in zero gravity. Yes, I am talking about astronauts. While the mechanism is not completely understood, researchers have come up with a few valid explanations. Vibration increases blood flow to muscles and bones, allowing them to repair at a faster rate. Vibration may also stimulate nerves to release signals for stem cells found in bone marrow to become osteoblasts or bone building cells. Vibration can build a stronger, better you.

Speaking of building strength, vibration therapy has proven to be a fantastic ally for athletes. The rapid osculating motion of the Power Plate accelerates the physiological effects of exercise in a shorter time period. Not only does it strengthen muscles faster, the power plate can facilitate neurological training. Athletes can stand on the vibration plate and practice movements specific to their sport while the ground is unsteady. This proprioceptive training gives the athlete a competitive edge on solid ground since his or her brain will not have to work as hard to do the same movements.

Not only will it increase athletic performance, the power plate is a great recovery method. Studies have proven an athlete’s body will recover more efficiently due to the increase in blood flow which will increase the amount of oxygen traveling to the tissues. This will also improve the level of lactate oxidation. One study reported a decrease in lactic acid in athletes who use vibration therapy post workout of approximately 94%. (Kang) Because of the significant decrease in lactic acid, soreness is also diminished. This increase in blood flow can expedite the rehabilitation process post injury and with chronic injuries as well.

Moreover, vibration can be used for pain relief. Not only will it loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow, the power plate vibration can actually activate your central nervous system. The sensation distracts pain receptors by creating a buzz similar to radio static. While vibration inhibits nerves from communicating pain signals to the brain, it allows other nerves that had been inhibited by pain nerves to awaken and open a line of communication to the brain again. Thus, the power plate vibration is excellent for treating pain and neuropathy.

The benefits of the Power Plates are endless with more research being performed daily. If you are looking to build stronger bones and muscles, take your athletics to the next level or decrease symptoms of pain and numbness, look no further. Each of our expertly staffed clinics in Monmouth and Ocean counties have multiple Power Plates for patients to utilize and enjoy improvements in their health.

Give us a call today at 732-345-1377 or check us out online at MonmouthPain.com.

Monmouth Pain ★ Move ► Forward

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe it is forcing companies, employees, teachers, and students all over the world to work from home. Millions of people are working from home for the first time, causing prolonged periods of sitting. Prolonged sitting can cause postural deficits leading to new onsets of pain.

Here are 5 simple stretches to perform throughout your workday to counteract sitting. Another helpful tip is to set a timer for once an hour as a reminder!

Hip Flexor Stretch

Begin in a half kneeling position. To stretch your left hip, kneel on the left knee (perform on a soft surface to protect the knee). Before you shift your weight, tilt your pelvis posteriorly and squeeze your core inward. Make sure to keep your hips square and gently shift your weight forward like shown above. You should feel a pull at the front of your hip. Hold for 30-60 seconds each and perform 3-4 times.

Hamstring Stretch

Start by placing a strap around the foot of the leg you intend to stretch. Lay on your back bending the opposite knee so the foot is flat on the table. Begin lifting affected leg, keeping your knee straight. You should feel a pull at the back of the leg and knee. Hold for 30-60 seconds each and perform 3-4 times.

Doorway Stretch

Begin standing in a doorway. Bend your elbows about 90 degrees and raise your arms so that the forearms are on either side of the doorframe. Take a step forward with one foot while keeping forearms on the doorway. Slowly shift weight forward onto the front foot until you feel a stretch through your chest. Hold for 30-60 seconds each and perform 3-4 times.

Standing Lumbar Extension

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your low back with fingers downward. Bend your trunk backwards at the waist, keeping your knees straight as shown above. Hold for 2-3 seconds each and return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Seated Figure 4 Stretch

Begin sitting at the edge of a chair. Cross one leg over the over and rest your ankle on top of the other knee. Use your hands to press down the crossed leg at the knee, toward the floor. You should feel a stretch in the hip/buttock area. Hold for 30-60 seconds each and perform 3-4 times.

If you do experience increased pain while working from home, please call and schedule an appointment with us at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, where you will receive a full evaluation by one of our physical therapists!

Lindsay Peters, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation

TO SCHEDULE AN IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENT:

Existing Patients Call 732-345-1377 or You Can Request an Appointment By Sending Us an Email at info@monmouthpain.com

If You are a New Patient Call 732-345-1377 or Click Below To Schedule Your Appointment

https://www.monmouthspine.com/book-appointment/

With many people working from home these days, it’s very important to create a workspace that will help you avoid getting neck and back pain.  Most people don’t have a dedicated office in their home and may be working at a dining room or kitchen table.  Although this isn’t an ideal workspace, it can be managed if done properly.  Here are a few tips to help you avoid neck and back pain while working from home:

1. Maintain Proper Posture: Make sure that you’re sitting upright with your back fully supported by the backrest of the chair.  Maintaining proper posture will reduce unnecessary stress on your neck and back.
2. Avoid Neck Flexion:  Make sure that your computer monitor is at eye level to avoid looking downward.  If you are using a laptop, it may be necessary to invest in a laptop workstation that will allow the monitor to be elevated slightly to avoid neck flexion and unnecessary strain on the neck muscles.
3. Use Headsets or Speakerphone:  If you don’t have a headset at home, it is better to use speakerphone when speaking on the phone rather than trying to hold the phone between your ear and shoulder.
4. Take Breaks:  If you’re sitting too long at your workspace, you’re more likely to begin slouching.  This abnormal posture causing increased strain on your neck and back.  Taking frequent breaks can reduce this.
5. Vary Your Work Position:  Many people have opted for standing desks at their office, but don’t have the same setup at home.  Whenever possible, vary your work posture from sitting to standing.  This variation will reduce prolonged stress and strain on your neck and back.
6. Stay Hydrated:  Failure to keep yourself hydrated properly can cause muscles to tighten or cramp, resulting in muscle spasms and unnecessary muscle fatigue.  Coffee, tea, soda, soft drinks, and juices do not count as proper hydration.  It is recommended that you drink up to 8 glasses of filtered water per day.
7. Avoid Junk Food Snacks:  It’s much easier to reach for junk food snacks when working for home.  Junk food is typically filled with sugars and artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and provide little to no nutritional benefit.  Consuming these products can increase inflammatory processes throughout your body resulting in increased pain and spasm.  Instead, choose healthy, whole food snacks like berries, nuts or vegetables.

These helpful tips can also be used when working at your office.  If you do develop any increased from pain while working from home or at your office, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Frank Fuscaldo, Jr., M.S., D.C., D.C.B.C.N., C.N.S., C.K.N.S.
Chiropractic Physician
Clinical Nutritionist

TO SCHEDULE AN IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENT:
Existing Patients Call 732-345-1377 or You Can Request an Appointment By Sending Us an Email at info@monmouthpain.com

If You are a New Patient Call 732-345-1377 or Click Below To Schedule Your Appointment
https://www.monmouthspine.com/book-appointment/

Monmouth Pain ★ Move ► Forward

So you’re indefinitely in quarantine.  You have more time on your hands than you ever had in your life.  Funny how so much time can cause so much aggravation and stress.  This is due to not knowing how to fill that time.  Your thoughts go to the worst of the situation, increasing that stress.  Well, this is the chance to do those things that were put on the back burner.  It’s also a chance to try something different and challenging, expanding our know-how and wheelhouse.  Here are a few ideas to jump into headfirst!

TEACH YOURSELF HOW TO COOK:  If PB and J sandwiches is the high point of your cooking knowledge, you owe it to yourself to become the chef of your own home.  When the isolation is over, throw a party and impress your friends with your kitchen prowess.  There are lots of apps on cooking instruction and YouTube has a library of videos.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE ONLINE:  Generally learning a new language takes a lot of time.  Well, guess what!  We have lots of that!  There are app programs like Babel or Rosetta Stone designed to immerse you into the language and culture.  Learning a second language will open new horizons to you and is valuable in the business world.

BINGE ON NETFLIX:  Catch up on those shows that are hard to watch because work and obligations get in the way.  Take a few hours, make some popcorn and jump into the lounge chair.  Don’t overdo it till you become a couch potato, but enjoy yourself.  On this note, avoid watching constant news on the Corona Virus.  That will increase your stress levels.  If you need info on COVID 19, just go to the CDC website.  See what you have to see and get out.

ORGANIZE CLUTTER.  You know those shelves in the garage that’s stuffed with god knows what. That pantry whose door can’t close.  Now is the time to clean it up  Throw away what you don’t need.  What you SERIOUSLY don’t need!  Studies show the less mess there is, the less stress we have. 

PLAY GAMES:  Board games that is.  Or computer ones.  This is something the whole family can enjoy and gives quality time together.  If your family is big, make teams.  Competition (in a fun way) decreases our anxiety and stress.  And laughter, which these games bring on, increases our “happy hormones”.  So sharpen your Pictionary skills and have fun!

EXERCISE:  We talked about this before, but it’s worth repeating.  Get on a bike or take a walk.  Not only does it increase our cardio health, but getting out reduces our stress by being in the fresh air.  And don’t forget that good Vitamin D from the sun.  If you’re inside, get on YouTube and teach yourself Yoga or Pilates.

READ:  (and Write).  Now is the time to do some pleasure reading.  When was the last time you could spend lots of time reading something that isn’t required for work, or whatever.  Read a series, like Lord of the Rings.  This is also a good time to write.  Anything,  Letters to friends, a journal or even a short story.  Try to write a song. Expand your mind.

We may never get another chance to do these things.  So let’s take advantage of the time during this quarantine and make it worthwhile. 

And don’t forget.  If you’re achy and sore, we at Monmouth Pain and Rehab are open and ready to help you.  Just give us a call.

Dr. Michael Failla, DC