How to Reduce Back and Muscular Pain With Therapies that Focus on the Core (Abdominals)
by Sunday Homitz, L.P.T., B.F.A.

Many common back problems are associated with a weak core (abdominal area). Most exercises and movements do not provide enough support for the entire abdominal area. Many aerobic, step aerobic, and jazzercise classes may cause more harm than actual conditioning. A weak core puts extra stress on the back and especially the lower back. Simple movements such as sitting, turning, driving, getting up from a chair can put extra stress on the back, if the wrong muscle usage occurs. Remember: muscles that are out tone and weak hold a history of strain; excessive tension will be very painful. Many times, this can be easily corrected.

Therapies that I use in my practice that focus on the core in many planes of motion and include emphasis on the breath include: the work of J.H. Pilates (certified), GYROTONICS® EXPANSION SYSTEM (White Cloud Yoga Mat-certified), and Mind Body Centering, Each system uses a mind and body approach and includes movements that help stretch the body, lengthen the spine, and help isolate the deep abdominals and the surrounding area in a more efficient and safe manner.

GYROTONICS® uses all planes of motion that includes the constant flow of the breath to enhance the movement and help the patient focus on their core center, the key to movement, and keeping the body strong to help prevent injuries and to help speed up the efficiency of rehabilitation. These movements can be taught with the use of equipment or on a mat for practice at home.
The results have been phenomenal, as far as the physical therapy aspect of my practice is concerned. Insurance companies have recognized the efficiency of the treatments we provide. Approximately 99% of all patients have been receiving 70-100% reimbursement from insurance. 10-20-30 year chronically painful people from post accident victims, car accident cases, emotional trauma, and "drop outs" who have not found success with medication or other innovative methods have returned to full activities, different careers, changed their lifestyles and have learned to incorporate breathwork into their everyday existence, be it 5 minutes or an hour of every working day.

Helping Prevent Injuries By Learning from the Professional Dancer
by Sunday Homitz, L.P.T., B.F.A.

Many common injuries weekend athletes or even inactive people encounter can be prevented or lessened by knowing techniques that are used with dancers. Foot and ankle, some of the most common problems faced by the dancer include: blisters at at the heal and toe, bunion enlargement, and ligament or tendon tear (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree). The early treatment should be designed to decrease bleeding and inflammation. RICE is the standard treatment which consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bone spurs are another problem due to working on hard stages and floors because of the increased impact of landing from jumps. The dancer is encouraged to use contrast baths and to ice continually as progress is monitored. Proprioception (to help sense balance) boards are available for warm ups outside the studio.

The most common knee injuries consist of patellofemoral problems, sprains, strains, and meniscal problems, ligamentous tears or defects. Frequently swelling can be detected in any area of the peripatellar region of the knee. General therapeutic treatments that can be used are manual therapies, ultrasound to biofeedback and different forms of electrical stim to assist with increasing circulation and decreasing pain and swelling. Cross training is also beneficial including swimming, and slide board work, closed kinetic chain exercises, and proprioceptive neuromuscular feedback (PNF). Other special therapies include such bodywork disciplines as: Feldenkrais Technique, Alexander Technique, Structural Integration or Rolfing, and one of the most commonly used effective techniques in the clinic setting, is based on the work of Joseph H. Pilates for rehab and conditioning. Also, GYROTONICS® EXPANSION SYSTEM work has proven highly advantageous due to the movement done in the traverse and horizontal planes.

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