BACK PAIN TREATMENT APPROACH FROM MARTVIC EXERCISE THERAPY CENTER

By;

Dr Martin Sisa Yauma (PHD) (Sports Medicine Consultant)

Mr. Joshua Waweru (Physical Therapist)

#Back Pains

#Physical/Exercise Therapy

What is back pain?

Low back pain or lumbago is a condition that refers to a pain that stems from the lower back region.

Main causes of low back pain

1. Muscle or ligaments strains- engaging in repetitive activities like lifting, bending and standing for long hours can cause micro-tears to the back muscles and ligaments which can manifest symptoms of back pains.
2. Herniated or bulging discs. Herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions, called disks, that sit between the bones that stack to make the spine.
3. Osteoarthritis and spinal arthritis (spondylosis)
4. Spinal stenosis- this is when the space around your spinal cord becomes narrow, this irritates your spinal cord and/or the nerves that branch off it.
5. Adaptive muscle shortening, tightness or lengthening- spending prolonged hours in activities such as sitting, standing or poor posture can make the muscles become adapted to this posture (shortening or lengthening) causing back pain.
6. Scoliosis- refers to the sideway curvature of the spine.
7. Malignant or benign spinal tumors.

Common Symptoms;

• Pain that’s located in the lumbar area of the spine is the primary symptom. Typically, this pain includes lower back stiffness, muscle tension and achiness. In the worst cases, mobility can be compromised.
• The pain is localized, meaning that it’s confined to a small area.
• Restricted movement of the spine can be a symptom, such as when you try to bend over or lean backwards.
• Another indication of low back pain can be pain felt in the lower portion of the back that can spread out into the buttock, the groin or to the back of the thigh.
• If the pain includes a numbness in the buttocks, back or leg, along with a tingling feeling that radiates down the leg to the foot, it is known as sciatica. This occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated.
• Swelling or inflammation of the back or leg can be a warning sign.
• Lower back pain when you sneeze or cough.

Visit Martvic and Say Goodbye to Backpain?

At Martvic Exercise Therapy Center we employ a holistic treatment approach for back pains that includes the following;

1. Exercise/physical therapy- this entails use of manual modalities and techniques that includes;
2. Manual Massage therapy- this helps relax the tensed soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons), promotes healing, alleviate pain and inflammation and improve blood circulation.
3. Gentle stretches- stretches targets the shortened muscles helping to restore back their length and improve overall back mobility.
4. Therapeutic conditioning exercises- strengthening of the back and core muscles is key in order to provide adequate support to the spinal column.

• Workplace ergonomics architecture – some occupation will put you in repetitive stress like prolonged hours of siting, standing or bending. In the long run the body adapts to this faulty posture which can affect the spinal column causing symptoms of back pains.

At Martvic we educate people on how to work and think ergonomically (designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them).

• Nutritional counseling – deficiency of some key elements like copper, vitamin B9 and B 12 can affect the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Supplementing with foods rich in copper can help improve circulation and it is ideal for natural pain relief.

This treatment approach not only provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation but it is a permanent fix as it focusses on targeting the root cause of the back pain.

This treatment which is affordable enables you to restore your overall back mobility and resume to your normal function without pain or discomfort.

Adopt this lifestyle with Martvic Exercise Therapy Center.

Visit Martvic Exercise therapy center to get best lifestyle care.

www.martvictherapy.com

info@martvictherapy.com

Facebook; Martvic exercise therapy center

Instagram @martvictherapy

Mobile no: 0715466620

STROKE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT APPROACH FROM MARTVIC EXERCISE THERAPY CENTRE.

WHAT EXERCISE THERAPY CAN DO

By;

Dr Martin Sisa Yauma (PHD) Sports Medicine Consultant)

Mr. Joshua Waweru (Physical Therapist)

#Physical/Exercise Therapy

#Metabolic Health

What is Stroke?

Strokes occur due to problems with the blood supply to the brain; either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures.

Causes

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives your brain of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause your brain cells to die.

Symptoms:

Trouble with speaking and understanding.

Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.

Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes.

Headache, accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.

Reverse it!

Combine medicine treatment and exercise therapy to achieve great results.

Integrating physical therapy with medicinal treatment for stroke patients can significantly improve their recovery outcomes. This multidisciplinary approach leverages the strengths of both medical and rehabilitative strategies to address the diverse needs of stroke survivors. Here’s an overview of how these two forms of treatment can be effectively combined:

Medicinal Treatment

These treatment for stroke primarily focuses on:

1. Acute Management that’s encompasses;

• Thrombolytics: Medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve blood clots in ischemic stroke, if administered within a specific time window.
• Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants: Medications such as aspirin or warfarin to prevent further clot formation.
• Blood Pressure Management: Antihypertensives to control high blood pressure, reducing the risk of future strokes.
• Cholesterol Management: Statins to lower cholesterol levels and reduce atherosclerosis risk.
• Post-Stroke Management:

• Neuroprotective Agents: Medications that help protect brain cells from further damage.
• Antidepressants: To manage post-stroke depression, which can affect rehabilitation outcomes.
• Spasticity Management: Muscle relaxants or botulinum toxin injections to manage muscle spasticity.

Exercise Therapy

This aims to restore movement and function and improve quality of life through:

1. Motor Skills Rehabilitation:

• Strengthening Exercises: To improve muscle strength and endurance.
• Coordination and Balance Training: To enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls.
• Range of Motion Exercises: To maintain or improve joint flexibility.

• Functional Training:

• Gait Training: To improve walking ability and overall mobility.
• Task-Specific Training: To practice activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, and eating.
• Neuromuscular Reeducation:

• Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): Encouraging use of the affected limb by restricting the unaffected limb.
• Mirror Therapy: Using a mirror to create a visual feedback loop that can help improve motor function.
• Technological Aids:

• Robotic Therapy: Using robotic devices to assist with repetitive movement exercises.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy: Engaging patients in interactive, immersive exercises.

INTERGRATION BRINGS BETTER RESULTS

The integration of physical therapy and medicinal treatment involves a coordinated effort between healthcare providers, including neurologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, and primary care physicians.

Key strategies include:

1. Interdisciplinary Communication:

Regular meetings and consultations between medical and rehabilitation teams to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

• Personalized Treatment Plans:

• Developing individualized rehabilitation programs based on the patient’s specific medical history, stroke severity, and functional limitations.
• Adjusting medication dosages and types based on the patient’s response to physical therapy.
• Patient and Family Education:

• Educating patients and their families about the importance of adherence to both medicinal and physical therapy regimens.
• Providing resources and support for managing side effects of medications and encouraging active participation in therapy.
• Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Regular assessment of the patient’s progress through clinical evaluations and feedback from the patient and family.
• Adjusting therapeutic exercises and medications as needed to optimize recovery and address any emerging issues.

• Dietary recommendations.

In the majority of cases, cardiovascular pathology courtesy of chronic metabolic syndrome is a significant contributing factor underlying the occurrence of the stroke. Obesity is also a co-existing factor. Therefore, addressing the underlying root cause (chronic metabolic syndrome) is key in the management of stroke.

By combining the immediate benefits of medicinal treatment with the long-term improvements offered by physical therapy, stroke patients can achieve better functional outcomes and improve their overall quality of life. This holistic approach also helps to prevent complications, reduce the risk of recurrent strokes, and support the patient’s journey towards regaining independence.

This treatment which is affordable enables patients to manage and reverse this disease to its entire extinction without struggle.

Adopt this lifestyle with Martic Exercise Therapy Centre

Visit Martvic Exercise therapy center to get the best lifestyle care.

www.martvictherapy.com

info@martivtherapy.com

Facebook; Martvic Exercise Therapy Centre

Instagram @martvictherapy

Mobile No 0715466620

GOUT MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT APPROACH FROM MARTVIC EXERCISE THERAPY CENTRE.

By;

Dr Martin Sisa Yauma (PHD) Sports Medicine Consultant)

Mr Joshua  Waweru (Physical Therapist)

#Physical/Exercise Therapy

#Metabolic Health

#Gouty Arthritis > High Uric Acid and Insulin resistance connection.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, especially the base of the big toe. It occurs due to accumulation of urate crystals in the joints.

Here are some common causes and risk factors for gout:

1. High Levels of Uric Acid: Gout typically develops when there’s too much uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods.
2. Dietary Factors: Consuming foods high in purines can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Such foods include red meat, organ meats (like liver and kidneys), certain types of seafood (like anchovies, sardines, and mussels), and sugary drinks. Alcohol, particularly beer and spirits, can also contribute to gout.
3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gout as it can lead to higher levels of uric acid in the blood.
4. Gout can run in families. Some people may inherit a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to developing the condition.
5. Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and kidney disease can increase the risk of gout.
6. Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) and low-dose aspirin, can interfere with the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, leading to increased levels in the blood and a higher risk of gout.
7. Age and Gender: Gout is more common in men, particularly those between the ages of 30 and 50. However, women’s risk of gout increases after menopause.
8. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to higher concentrations of uric acid in the blood, increasing the risk of gout attacks.

Uric acid is a Product of metabolism in the body, three things can be metabolized to produce Uric acid; (purines, fructose and alcohol)

But the main reason for elevated Uric acid levels is NOT excess production. It is accumulation as a result of Poor Clearance courtesy of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance reduces the ability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid leading to high levels of uric acid (Hyperuricemia).

Insulin resistance, happens when cells in your muscles, fat and liver don’t respond as they should to insulin, a hormone your pancreas makes that is essential for life and regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Treatment (How to reverse/correct insulin resistance):

At Martvic Exercise Therapy Centre we treat Gout by managing these risk factors through a implementation of a roboust  program that includes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, to complement medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, individuals can often reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

These are some of the measures prescribed by our professionals

1. Diet;

Eating complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbohydrates, the fiber content in complex carbohydrates foods helps reduce rate of intestinal carbohydrate absorption reducing insulin response.

They also Increases speed of transit of intestinal contents to ileum which induces satiety (fullness) therefore you eat less.

• Exercise/physical activity;

It improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, i.e. the more muscles you have the more sensitive you are to insulin.

It also makes TCA/KREBS cycle (energy making process) run faster and detoxifies fructose, improving hepatic (liver) insulin sensitivity.

• Intermittent fasting;

Eating frequently/snacking especially with simple carbohydrates foods which are quickly converted into blood glucose(sugar) overworks the pancreas to produce extra insulin in order to regulate blood glucose(sugar) levels. Overtime the cells (liver, fat, muscles) become resistant to the insulin. Therefore, reducing your meal frequency/snacking can help correct insulin resistance.

These treatment which is affordable enables patients to manage this disease to its entire extinction without struggle.

Adopt this lifestyle with Marticv Exercise Therap Centre

Visit Martvic Exercise therapy center to get the best lifestyle care.

www.martvictherapy.com

info@martivtherapy.com

Facebook; Martvic Exercise Therapy Centre

Instagram @martvictherapy

Mobile No 0715466620

PHYSICAL THERAPY THE WAY TO ACCELERATING NATURAL HEALING

How does physical therapy help?

By Martin Sisa Yauma.

A new and dynamic concept in Kenya.

Physical therapy (PT) can help manage movement and reduce pain in people with neurological diseases, those who have had a traumatic injury, and other conditions. Trained professionals evaluate and take measures to enhance a person’s physical function. A physical therapist helps take care of patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis to restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments. Some patients are referred to a physical therapist by a doctor, while others seek therapy themselves.

Competencies of a physical therapists

According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a physical therapist receives training that enables them to:

• conduct a physical exam and evaluation of a person’s movement, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and performance, including finding out about their health history.
• give a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care with short- and long-term goals
• perform physical therapy treatment and intervention
• give self-management recommendations, including exercises a person can do at home

Common conditions physical therapy may help with

Physical therapists can provide supplementary treatment to a wide variety of medical conditions, depending on their specialty.

Although physical therapists may not directly and independently treat the medical condition other than pure musculoskeletal conditions, they work to optimize recovery or educate a person on how to optimize their movement patterns.

Some conditions that could benefit from physical therapy are:

• cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
• conditions that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
• musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders
• neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries
• pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
• sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow
• female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema
• skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers

Benefits of physical therapy

Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy may include:

• pain management with reduced need for opioids
• avoiding surgery
• improved mobility and movement
• recovery from injury or trauma
• recovery from stroke or paralysis
• fall prevention
• improved balance
• management of age-related medical problems