Over the last few weeks, we’ve been in-undated with people asking for help. And we’re so thankful for everyone who is reaching out!
Since being quarantined at home and off their routines – people are noticing more knee pain and back pain (these are the two biggies) because they are either sitting more – or because they are DOING more.
For the folks who have been sitting more – they’ve been complaining to me about more back pain and stiffness, tightness in their hip flexors and knees, and more tension in their necks.
For the people who have been doing more – they are noticing increased or NEW aches and pains in their knees, muscles, and joints – and are wondering if this is “normal” or if it’s something to be concerned about?
For some – the aches and pains are quite harmless – and easy enough to stretch out on your own at home. If you’ve been more active lately because you’ve been bored or suddenly have more time – these could be symptoms of “good” pain. It’s not unusual to have more soreness in your muscles and joints with increased activity or exercise.
But for others – these symptoms could be a sign of an underlying problem that was already there – and just now surfacing. And if that’s the case – simple home stretches that you look up online are not going to be enough – and could actually make you worse.
So how do you know?
One way is to look at how your pain behaves. Does it get worse? Does it get worse but not until later? Does your pain move around? Does it come and go? Does it get better and STAY better the more you stretch? Or does the stretch only provide temporary relief – like a band-aid – and your pain just keeps coming back?
Understanding how your pain behaves is how you know whether or not you’re doing the right thing or the wrong thing.
And how your pain behaves is not as simple as “getting better” or “getting worse”.
There is so much grey area when it comes to pain and it’s where people get really confused…
For example – pain might seem like it’s going away – but then it comes back again. Does that mean you’re better? Or is the problem still there? Sometimes pain will move – and you think it’s a sign of improvement. We see this all the time with back problems… Pain starts in your back and is really painful – but then it moves to your butt, hip, or thigh and is more achy and not as sharp. You think you’re getting better – but most of the time this means your back problem is getting worse!
The truth is – you’ve got a 50% chance of getting it right – and a 50% chance of getting it wrong. And if you fall on the side of getting it wrong – it can lead to more problems down the line that you won’t be able to fix on your own from home.
The BEST way to figure out if your pain is normal – or if it’s something more – is to talk to an expert.
That’s what I’ve been doing ALL week here. I have been getting on the phone – or hopping on Zoom – to help you figure out what’s going on in your back, knees, or somewhere else.
It’s totally free to talk to me – and I’ll let you know if what you’re experiencing is normal – and if what you’re doing is safe or not.
If you want to get on my schedule – and talk to me for free – reply back to this email or fill out this form.
You can talk to me in-person if you’re comfortable leaving your home – or virtually if you’re nervous about leaving. Both ways are equally as effective!
Whatever you do – don’t try to figure out your pain on your own – and don’t just throw pills, ice, or heat at it. This could lead to more problems down the line and if you let it get bad enough – you’ll be forced to have to go to Urgent Care or the ER – two places you DON’T want to be in right now.
Instead, get on top of your pain and learn how to treat it properly so that you can be healthy and pain-free for the rest of quarantine!
Let me help you!
Call us at 202-670-8874 or click the link below.
Trupti graduated with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from UNC- Chapel Hill in 2001. She has furthered her studies with numerous post-graduate courses focusing on the Neck, shoulder, knee, and back, with a strong emphasis in manual therapy. Recently completed courses in Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars (Levels 1- 5), has afforded her an excellent way to relieve pain and help people get moving, active and healthy quickly and effectively.
With 20+ years of experience in Physical Therapy, Trupti has practiced in various orthopedic and sports focused clinical settings, in both the Raleigh-Durham, NC and DC regions. She has been Director of multiple Physical therapy Clinics in DC and also worked with some renowned specialists at Georgetown University Hospital in DC. During her years of service, Trupti has had the privilege of caring for a wide variety of clients: from school-aged children to retirees; from homemakers to business professionals; from weekend warriors to professional athletes.
Trupti is an avid fan of the outdoors, art, traveling and of course the Tar Heels. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew.
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