Addressing Sciatic Pain: Start Early for Best Results

Lower back pain is bad enough. Now imagine that pain radiating down through your buttocks and into your leg. Maybe your leg becomes numb. Maybe the pain is so bad that you can barely walk!

For people with sciatica, this nightmare scenario is a reality. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy (i.e., nerve pain) resulting from damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down the back of your leg. It affects between 1% – 5% of the population.

Sciatica can be debilitating. In addition to intense pain, it severely limits your mobility — some people may struggle to get around at all. And because it results from nerve damage, it can also cause numbness, tingling, and other sensations in the leg.

The good news is that physical therapy at Marketplace Physical Therapy is one of the best treatment options for addressing sciatic pain. Unlike pain medication, it doesn’t simply mask the symptoms — it seeks to resolve the underlying cause of your sciatic pain so that you have lasting relief.

Are you ready to say goodbye to sciatic pain for good? Call us to set up your initial evaluation today — and let us get to the root of your sciatica!

When Should I See a Physical Therapist About Sciatica?

As with most musculoskeletal pains, sooner is better! Many people try to ride out sciatic pain by taking pain medication and resting — which can actually be counterproductive and further worsen the underlying cause of your sciatica. By seeking out an early intervention, you can start feeling better faster.

You should also pay attention to changes in the severity of your pain or shifting sensations in your back and leg. Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, these changing symptoms can indicate something is happening to the nerve.

What are some of the specific symptoms of sciatica you should watch out for?

Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. (Sciatica usually only affects one leg at a time.) This pain might be dull, throbbing, aching, shooting, sharp, etc. Remember to pay attention to changes in sensation!
Numbness or tingling in the back, buttocks, or leg
Restricted range of motion in the back. You might struggle to twist, bend, or stand up straight.
Walking with a limp
Increased pain in the morning or after remaining in one position for an extended period

One symptom you absolutely shouldn’t ignore is any kind of incontinence when paired with sciatic pain. This indicates a serious medical emergency that may require surgical intervention — but our physical therapists will be here waiting to help you with rehabilitation!

Fortunately, such incidents are rare. In most cases, regular physical therapy is enough to resolve sciatic pain.

Physical Therapy: Frontline Treatment for Sciatica

One of the reasons physical therapy is so effective for sciatic pain is that it focuses on resolving the underlying cause. When you come in for your appointment, our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us determine what might be irritating, pinching, or compressing your sciatica nerve.

We’ll ask you to share details about your symptoms, such as when they started and the exact sensations you’re experiencing (i.e., dull pain, shooting pain, numbness). We’ll also perform several movement screens that give us a complete picture of your situation. We might check the following:

Overall mobility
Muscle weakness and activity
Nerve activity
Posture
Balance and gait

Once we understand what’s causing your sciatic pain, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan to address that cause. The most common cause of sciatica is a lumbar herniated disc.

Nestled between each vertebra in your spine is a vertebral disc, a soft cushion of cartilage that protects the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. If one of those discs becomes damaged — either because of a sudden injury or age-related degeneration — they can rupture or bulge, irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.

By addressing your herniated disc, you can resolve your sciatica. For most people, that means a targeted, progressive therapeutic exercise program paired with pain management techniques such as manual therapy.

Don’t Let That Sciatic Pain Linger: Make Your Appointment Today!

Sciatica can dramatically impact your overall quality of life. Early intervention with Marketplace Physical Therapy will ensure you say goodbye to sciatic pain for good.

If you’re experiencing any possible sciatica symptoms, call today to make your appointment!

Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!

Ready to feel your best again? Come back to Marketplace Physical Therapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!

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Patient Testimonial

Meet Robert and Manuel, two individuals whose lives intersected through the shared experience of overcoming serious motorcycle accidents that left them both in wheelchairs.

Their paths first crossed in the hospital, where they found themselves grappling with the aftermath of their accidents. However, fate had more in store for them. Robert and Manuel’s journey of recovery continued as they underwent intensive rehabilitation at Marketplace Physical Therapy.

Throughout their rehabilitation process, Robert and Manuel supported each other, sharing not only the physical challenges but also the emotional ups and downs of their recovery. Their determination and unwavering spirit were evident to everyone around them.

Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in their journey: Robert and Manuel are now walking again! Their progress is a testament to their resilience, the dedication of their healthcare team, and the power of friendship forged through adversity.

Their story reminds us of the strength that lies within each of us and the profound impact of human connection in times of struggle. As we share Robert and Manuel’s triumph, let us be inspired to face our own challenges with courage and hope.

Join us in celebrating Robert and Manuel’s incredible journey of perseverance and newfound mobility. Their story shines with resilience, friendship, and the unstoppable human spirit!

Healthy Recipe:

JACKFRUIT PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil, or high heat oil of choice
1 small onion, sliced into strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (20 ounce or 567 gram) cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 cups vegan barbecue sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

6 sandwich rolls
Vegan coleslaw, or toppings of choice

Directions

Coat the bottom of a medium skillet with oil and place it over medium-high heat.
Give the oil a minute to heat up, and then add the onion.
Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to brown.
Add the garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, until it becomes very fragrant.
Add the jackfruit, soy sauce and liquid smoke.
Cook everything for about 5 minutes, until most of the liquid cooks off. While the jackfruit cooks, use a spoon to being breaking up the large chunks.
Sprinkle the jackfruit with the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Stir a few times and continue cooking the jackfruit with the spices for about 1 minute.
Stir in the barbecue sauce.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, lower the heat and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick while cooking.
While the jackfruit simmers, take a couple of forks and pull the pieces apart to create a stringy texture.
The jackfruit is finished cooking when it is tender and stringy, resembling pulled pork, and the sauce is thick.
Stuff the pulled jackfruit into buns and top with toppings of choice.
Serve.

Do You Know About The Benefits of Laser Therapy?

If you are looking for a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to relieve your pain and recover from a condition, you may be an ideal candidate for laser therapy.

We receive many questions about laser therapy treatments from first-time patients – “Does laser therapy hurt? Is it safe?”

It is normal to be a bit apprehensive about a new course of treatment, especially if it is something that you don’t know a lot about. However, at Marketplace Physical Therapy, we are here to put your mind at ease by letting you know that laser therapy does not hurt, and is totally safe.

In fact, laser treatments have been supported by several scientific studies as a non-invasive, and effective treatment method for acute and chronic pain. It is a great method of treatment that has demonstrated the ability to significantly decrease pain levels and change patients’ lives for the better!

If you have been searching for relief and recovery options, contact Marketplace Physical Therapy today. We’ll help you schedule a consultation so you can discuss how our laser therapy services may benefit you!

Laser therapy is nothing to be scared of

Laser therapy is used to treat inflammation, as well as muscle weakness and pain. Even though the use of the laser in treatment is extremely effective, it only marks the beginning of your successful therapy journey!

Because of decreased inflammation and increased comfort levels, a therapist can move the joint around with manual therapy more easily and comfortably than if the patient had not had the laser treatment first. People may be turned off by the prospect of using a laser as part of their therapy, but there is no need to be concerned.

Laser therapy uses low-power lasers that work to stimulate cells. The low-level laser therapy option can be one of the most simple things you’ve ever done; all you have to do is sit back and relax while your therapist’s equipment does the hard work!

It can be a little scary to try a new treatment before if you don’t know anything about it, or what conditions it can treat. There are a large variety of conditions that laser therapy can treat, including but not limited to:

Sports injuries
Fibromyalgia
TMJ
Plantar fasciitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Migraines
Soft tissue damage

Back pain and sciatica
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Arthritis
Bursitis
Disc injuries

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy has even earned a reputation as being one of the safest, non-invasive treatment options on the market. Medical lasers are approved by the FDA and they adhere to strict ISO standards. Laser treatments are administered directly to the skin, to avoid contact with the eyes and pupils.

When conducting a laser treatment, photons will be released into the tissues surrounding the affected area to facilitate healing. These photons help in relieving pain, energizing cells, and increasing circulation to the injured area.

Laser treatments are completely painless, despite some uninformed criticism. Depending on the type of laser used, many patients experience little to no sensation at all when receiving laser therapy sessions.

The laser causes some patients to feel a warm sensation, which is often regarded as calming and pleasant. Laser treatments usually run between 2 and 10 minutes, and the majority of patients get improvements after just a few sessions!

Request an appointment today

Each patient’s treatment plan at Marketplace Physical Therapy is personalized to their specific needs. Treatments will be tailored to your specific condition in order to solve it and return your physical function to its previous state.

Do you have a physical problem or an injury that keeps you from living the life you want? Don’t hesitate to contact Marketplace Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation if you’ve been suffering from acute or chronic pain and believe laser therapy treatments could help!

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3 Simple Ways To Make Hydration A Habit

Do you drink enough water each day? Proper hydration is always important, but in preparation for the upcoming hot summer months, we should all take a few extra precautions to ensure we are drinking enough water.

Drinking enough water each day is crucial for a variety of reasons. Drinking water helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keeps organs functioning properly. Hydration also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

Experts recommend that women should drink roughly 11 cups of water per day and men should aim for 16. If these numbers are higher than you’re used to, check out these 3 tips on ways to make hydration a habit.

1. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.

Before eating breakfast or having your morning coffee, try to drink at least one glass of water. Just a few sips of water in the morning can help to re-energize you and leave you feeling refreshed.

To make things easier on yourself, try placing a glass of water on your nightstand the night before, so you can start drinking immediately in the morning!

2. Add fruits or vegetables to your water.

If you’re the type to complain that water tastes too plain, know that there are many natural additives that can change this! Adding a zest of lemon or a handful of sliced cucumbers to your water can make this drink more fun.

3. Set reminders on your phone to hydrate.

Are you exceptionally busy during the day? Between work, taking care of children, running errands, and getting outside, summer can be a busy season.

If you always have your phone handy, why not put it to a productive use? Try setting reminders every couple of hours to hydrate, so you don’t forget amongst all the summer fun.