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5/5
Over the years I have experienced various spinal pain, from Spinal Stenosis to Sciatic pain. My initial visit with Susan Schehr I was convinced that I was in good hands. With each therapy treatment, I had more movement of my arms and legs with less pain. … in the future, I can depend on Susan’s expertise in her physical therapy treatments.
Diane B.
Diane B.
WHAT IS A PINCHED NERVE?
A pinched nerve refers to inflammation or “compression” (pressure) on a nerve in any part of your body.
HOW DOES IT DEVELOP?
- Nerves which exit from your brain and spinal cord can get stirred up if there is inflammation due to irritation or pressure anywhere along its path.
- If you have a pinched nerve, your body may send you warning signals such as pain. It is so important to pay attention to these warning signals.
- Irritation or pressure may be the result of repetitive motions.
- Or it may happen from holding your body in one position for long periods, such as sitting on your buttocks or keeping your elbows bent while sleeping.
HOW CAN I CAN MANAGE MY PINCHED NERVE?
- Eliminating pressure at the source of the problem it the primary goal.
- Self-managing can be difficult as it may be hard to pinpoint the source of the problem
- Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe. It may cause temporary or long-lasting problems.
WHAT IF I CANNOT MANAGE MY PINCHED NERVE?
- A pinched nerve can become serious, causing chronic pain, or even lead to permanent nerve damage with pain and/or weakness.
- Fluid and swelling can do irreversible damage to the nerves.
- Be sure to contact Baltimore Holistic Physical Therapy if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after several days.
- The earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment for your pinched nerve (nerve compression), the more quickly you’ll find relief.
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS I COULD EXPERIENCE IF I HAVE A PINCHED NERVE?
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
- Paresthesia (tingling, pins and needles sensations)
- Pain (sharp, burning or a dull ache, radiating)
- Muscle weakness
- Sensation that your hand or foot has fallen asleep
WHERE DO MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A PINCHED NERVE OCCUR IN THE BODY?
- Nerves are the most vulnerable at places in your body where they travel close to the surface of your body.
- They are also vulnerable in areas including tight muscles or ligaments or areas of scar tissue which has bound down.
- Where nerves exit the spine is highly vulnerable.
- A pinched nerve in the neck may result in
- Cervicogenic headache
- Cervical radiculopathy – sending symptoms into the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand
- A pinched nerve at the elbow may result in symptoms in the hand, including ulnar neuropathy
- A pinched nerve in the lumbosacral (lower back) region may result in
- Lumbar radiculopathy – sending symptoms into the hip, leg, knee and foot
- Sciatica – affecting the back of the thigh, the calf and bottom of the foot
HOW CAN BALTIMORE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?
Gentle treatment helps ease the radiating pain.
After identifying the source of the problem, your pinched nerve can be managed correctly. Pinched nerves may be a response to restrictions in another area of the body. If necessary, these restrictions will also be identified and released so that long term effects will be maintained. Effective treatment and best practices will include an integrated approach using manual therapies including positional release, visceral manipulation, muscle energy, neural mobilization, and joint mobilization.
Treatment is ultimately geared towards freeing up the nerves to help reduce symptoms such as pain and numbness, and tingling as well as weakness.
“Fixing” the problem is only one aspect of the treatment. You will also be taught how to avoid future problems. Instruction will be very specific to your needs and will be addressed accordingly. This holistic approach is designed for you to minimize your time spent in the physical therapy office and maximize your quality of life as quickly as possible.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: Firstly, I don’t believe in doing what didn’t work before. Many physical therapy practices approach a problem by going to the painful region. Oftentimes, this is a very temporary fix. By taking a holistic, hands-on approach, I understand that your pain may be coming from another part of the body, or even have multiple sources, including posture. By individualizing your treatment, I concentrate on healing and re-balancing the body, to manage your pain and lessen the chance of it returning. Then, I teach you how to manage your posture and movement.
A: Treatments for headaches or other pain from a recent problem will generally benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week. Older conditions will benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first week and then 1 session per week. Wellness sessions to rebalance and optimize the body for healthy aging range from a single session every month to once every six months and will be recommended on an individual basis.
A: An initial evaluation will take 1 hour. (Scar adhesion or sinus treatments only require 45 minutes.) Most follow-up treatments will be done in 30 minute sessions; multiple body areas may require 45 minutes
A: Any heavy exercise or recreational program should be done prior to the physical therapy or wellness session and then not for 24 hours after, in order for the body to adjust itself to the changes in muscle balance.
A: I will teach you techniques to perform on yourself if there is a flare-up and instruct you on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.
A: It is a facial aesthetics program of wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation using hands-on physical therapy and osteopathic techniques which may reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck. A FREE HEALTHY AGING CONSULTATION is available. See Refacée®
A: Wellness programs for healthy aging are not covered by most insurances, but may be reimbursable through a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). A written bill and receipt will be provided upon your request. Although I do not participate in or bill insurance directly, I will provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request. As there are many types of insurance plans with each provider, it is your responsibility to understand the terms of your insurance. *Those with Medicare Part B insurance from CMS will only be allowed to be part of the Healthy Aging program, NOT for physical therapy treatment. Please see Payment Terms and Policies.
A: Appointments may be made in the following ways: Please call 410-665-3223 Email: Dr.Susan@baltimoreholisticpt.com
