physical therapy Archives - Dr. Michael A. Castillo, MD

16 Jan 2019

Piriformis Muscle Stretches

Lifestyle Tips for Chronic Pain, Therapies & Treatmentschronic pain exercises, massage therapy, physical therapy, piriformis muscle

The piriformis muscle may not receive the same attention during workouts as glutes, abs, and biceps; but is one of the most important muscles for those with low back pain, including sciatica. stretching the piriformis muscle Its name means “pear shaped,” the piriformis is a band of muscle in the lower back, and the sciatic nerve runs all the way from the spine down through the legs and in some people runs through the piriformis. The piriformis has an important role in posture alignment. When it is tight or short, the piriformis can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, which…

Exercising with Lower Back Pain

Exercises to Help Pain, Lifestyle Tips for Chronic Painback pain, exercise, physical therapy

Should You Work through the Pain? If you suffer from a lower back condition—like a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis—your doctor will likely recommend exercise as part of your treatment program. But what should you do if your exercise regimen exacerbates your lower back condition? Should you work through the pain? Soreness vs. pain related to a lower back condition Before we talk about whether you should work through your lower back pain, let’s quickly look at the difference between soreness and pain related to a lower back condition. Minor soreness is a natural result of exercise, and it is especially prominent…

Pain Relief with Physical Therapy and Exercise

Chronic Pain Conditions, Therapies & Treatmentschronic pain, exercise, physical therapy

The use of some type of physical therapy or exercise is integral to almost all forms of back and neck pain treatment. Sometimes physical therapy and exercise are the first lines of treatment, other times it may help manage chronic pain, or provide rehabilitation after surgery. But did you know that both gentle back exercise and physical therapy play a vital role in relieving pain? Physical therapy and exercise are perhaps the most mainstream of all non-surgical treatments for back pain and neck pain. And unlike other conservative treatments (medication, injections, etc.), physical therapy can also help prevent and/or lessen future…

Tag: physical therapy