Why “Resting” Away Your Pain Won’t Work And Can Actually Keep Things From Healing…

Many people with stiffness, aches or pains have been told, “Hey, just rest for a couple of weeks, see how it feels and then get back to things.” Unfortunately, this is one of the worst things to do… and actually slows healing. Watch below or keep reading…

While some form of rest might be needed if things are really hot n’ bothered- the concept of resting does not work for most people in pain.

So here’s the truth about what’s happening when you rest. So if you’ve had an injury, and you’ve been laying off things for a couple of weeks, and tried to go back to running and it just didn’t work… you’re likely thinking, what’s wrong? I got to go get an image… I’ve got to go see this doctor or that doctor. And you start looking around for answers as to what could be going on and why your pain keeps coming back (even after you’ve rested)

It doesn’t mean you’re broken and that you can’t heal and that you need fixing via surgery or something like that. You just need to understand what’s actually happening. So here’s what’s happening when you rest…

Get that there is a certain amount of strength or horsepower needed to do specific activities in life. Sleeping requires little to no effort or horsepower, whereas sprinting or jumping might require a lot of horsepower. And of course, there are activities in between. At the time the ache or pain started you had a certain amount of strength… but, as we rest- we lose strength, function, and horsepower. In other words, when we rest, we trade in our Ferrari for a Toyota.. and naturally we have less ability to go, jump, move, run- LIVE LIFE! Make sense?

So, what happens is you hurt yourself, you rest- things calm down, and your strength starts to reduce.

This is where most people mess up. A few weeks later they’re feeling pretty good and try to go for a run again or get back to the thing which hurt them to begin with. But your horsepower, your strength, your conditioning has reduced well below what’s needed for that activity. So then you go back to that activity and boom, it hurts again. And you just keep hurting. You just keep hurting yourself. Frustration sets in and you begin to wonder what the heck is going on here? Why am I not healed? And, what most fail to realize is that they are healed… but they need to build the strength of the tissue back up again or they risk overloading the area (doing too much too soon) and re-injuring.

Have you gone through this before?

Now is when most people go down the path of MRI’s, injections, whatever, a bunch of useless stuff- when the problem is that you tried to jump the gap… rather than bridge it with progressive strength training needed to get back up to speed.

So the point is this… As you’re resting, your strength and conditioning starts to go down a little bit. A few days- no biggie, but if you take two, three, four, six weeks, two months, or longer… and then you try to go back to that same activity that bothered you- you’re likely to have serious problems. The takehome is that rest doesn’t work because you’re deconditioning as you rest, and then certain activities in life require certain amount of horsepower or energy to do. And as you’re resting, if you’re deconditioning, and fail to build that back up- this is why you keep re-injuring yourself.

A better way is “relative rest.”

Part of the problem as to why you probably hurt yourself in the beginning is that you didn’t have enough horsepower or capacity to do the activity that hurt you to begin with. So you were underpowered to begin with and now you’ve rested, so you’re really underpowered and then you wonder why you can’t get back to running. So this is where physical therapy comes in… you’ve got to take your Ferrari back!

Start by modifying, tweaking or temporarily avoiding things to calm the fire. If squatting hurts, it’s not that squatting is bad… just don’t go quite as low- or as with as much weight. If running hurts, try power walking, limit the speed, reduce the miles. Begin physical therapy and strength training to gradually build it back up.

This whole post could be summed up with this… “Calm Things Down, Build Them Back Up.”

For anyone in the Collegeville, Royersford, Phoenixville, King of Prussia, or Main Line area who’s serious about getting better naturally- call 484 552 3767 to speak with me directly.​

Avoid These Positions To Relieve Back Pain, Hip Pain, & Piriformis Syndrome

The Cause Of Dull, Achy, Annoying Pain In The Buttock, Hamstring, or Calf

There are two types of leg pain… REFERRED and RADIATING. leg pain… OR BOTH. One is Sciatica- the other is not… but they can feel similar and be felt in the same places- in the back, buttock, hamstring, or calf area.

Referred pain is just as it sounds… pain referred or signals sent from one place to another. So, in the spine- the structures like the joints and discs in the back can send pain signals to parts of the body (other than just the back) into the buttock and down the leg. Depending on which structure is irritated will determine where you feel your symptoms… Referred pain is “non specific” and LARGER in coverage than radiating pain. It is often described as deep and achy and hard to pin point exactly…

On the other hand- Radiating pain often involves irritation or compression of the nerve in the back… often termed as sciatica. Radiating pain takes a more specific path- and is often described as electric, shooting, or burning… you might even feel numbness or tingling.

And because a herniated DISC is the number one cause of SCIATICA many people have BOTH types of pain… which can be felt in the buttock, hamstring, or calf area.

The key to solving either of these is to understand the “TRIGGERS” or the activities, things, or positions that make your back, buttock, leg, or calf pain worse. Once you understand what makes it worse- you can often make it better.

Natural treatment involves using movement as medicine to move the spine and leg in ways that reduce pressure on painful structures allowing your body to heal.

I know- complicated right? Well, if you’re in the Royersford, Limerick, Collegeville, Phoenixville, or Trappe, PA area- and have questions about back pain treatment or need specialized physical therapy- call 484 552 3767 or email charliejohnsondpt@gmail.com

There’s A 90% Chance You Have Sciatica If You Have These 5 Things.

For People Who Sit For More Than 4 Hours A Day: Learn The Top 3 30 Second Mirco-stretches That Reduce Your Chances Of Missing Work Due To Back Pain By 70%

Back pain is the LEADING cause of missed work, disability claims, and workplace injury. Studies show that 80 percent of adults will suffer with back pain. Americans spend more money on back pain then they spend on cancer!! BUT… Back injuries almost always get better!! The most effective treatment is EDUCATION about how your back works, ages, and fails. For the office worker who's stuck behind a desk 8+ hours a day- these three simple stretches have been proven to reduce back pain throughout your work day. Do a round of these one time every 2 hours- or 3-5x daily.

1- Standing Back Bends​

Keep your discs healthy… Reduce forward bending, repeated bending, too much sitting, and low lifting. We spend way too much time sitting and bending… damaging discs. Reverse this by frequent 10-sec backward bending stretches. This restores water content in discs and reduces disc bulging. Frequent standing back bends during the day, then at end day lie on your belly propped up on-elbows one minute or full press-ups to stretch backward 3 seconds, 5 times.

2- Seated Knee Straightening (nerve and hamstring stretch)

Seated up tall- gently straighten one leg until stretch is felt behind leg... make sure that as you straighten your knee- your back DOES NOT round. If it wants to round/rock back- go to the point where you feel it wanting to round and no further. Hold the stretch at the top for 2 seconds. Perform 10 reps each leg.

3- Relaxation

Stress worsens Pain- and then Pain worsens Stress...

A simple RELAXATION EXERCISE can greatly reduce this process. Do this often through the day. Make fists and shrug shoulders as you inhale 3 seconds - tensing your muscles... then relax everything.

If you sit for most of the day- pressure increases in certain structures throughout the lower back (most commonly this can cause things like herniated discs, piriformis problems, hip pain, or sciatica).  This reduces the blood flow to the area (picture sitting on a sponge soaked with water... sitting on it for hours would squash all the water out and prevent any water from reabsorbing back on in... eventually, if you sit there long enough it would dry out.   In the body, the same concept happens- as we stay in one position (sitting) we decrease blood flow and oxygen to tissue.  Without fresh blood flow, waste within the tissue builds up- and can cause pain.  Doing the above exercises throughout the day keeps tissue healthy and moving- so that blood and oxygen never gets cut off for too long.  

If you live in the Royersford, Collegeville, Phoenixville, or King Of Prussia, PA area- and work has you stuck behind a desk- give these "microstretches" a try.

Any question? Email me directly at charliejohnsondpt@gmail.com​

How To Relieve Lower Back Pain And Sciatica While Sitting OR Driving In King Of Prussia, PA

Are You Overstretched? For Hip, Buttock, And Piriformis Pain- Stop Stretching And Start Strengthening

Creating Goals & Sticking To Them Like Glue In 2019

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year again- gyms are packed with “wannabe’s” who wanna lose weight, get stronger, relieve their back pain, improve their looks, and finally “get on track.”

Then February rolls around and everything returns to normal- the same people who were up early and grinding hard- are back to their old routines- hitting snooze, avoiding anything that makes them uncomfortable (like working out), and putting their lives on cruise control (again)... expecting a different result- or that tomorrow will be “the day.”

Unfortunately, this happens to so many people (including myself)... and it’s sad. I believe everyone has a purpose, but a lack of willpower, and inability to commit and stay disciplined stops people dead in their tracks- fearful to make the leap, put in the work, and change their life (for the better).

Because I believe so much in the power of exercise (and because so many people make new year's resolutions around “getting in shape”) I’ve created a video that outlines the my top 5 tips for smashing your new year’s health resolution and sticking to it like glue- so that you’re not one of “Those” people.

Watch the video below... or CLICK HERE​

If you’ve ever wondered why some people say they’ll do things (like exercise) but never follow through- then this video is for you. If you’re looking to create a plan and stick to it in 2019- so that you can get in shape and out of pain…

Here’s what the video covers:

• Why 95% (or more) of people never meet their New Year’s Resolution of getting healthy and in shape.

• The importance of a plan- how to reverse engineer your goals and make sure they’re met (NOT folded up and tossed in the trash)

• Why the KISS principle will make or break your success in 2019- and why fancy, complicated exercise routines (and treatments- for people in pain) guarantee you’ll fail.

• The Power Of Habit and the 3 things that must happen (in a very specific order) for you to break the cycle of failure and dropping the ball on your goals.

• The ultimate “fool-proof” backup plan that holds you accountable for every action- even when you’re feeling weak, broken, and wanting to give up.

• How to track yourself and turn yourself into a modern day Terminator- a “human machine” that puts you in driver seat towards understanding yourself and reaching your goals.

Below is a version of my very own “Health Tracking Sheet” that you can use to make 2019 your healthiest year yet… be sure to MAKE A COPY of the document first… then feel free to use/change/make it your own.

Click here to learn how you can make 2019 your best year yet.

DOWNLOAD MY HEALTH TRACKING SHEET HERE... you'll be instructed to make a copy...  here's an idea of what it looks like

To your success,

Dr. Charlie

PS- if pain is keeping you out of the gym or from exercise, comment below and let’s see how we can get you on track.

Pinched Nerve Self-Test: 4 Simple Tests To Tell If You Have A Pinched Nerve

Pinched Nerve Self-Test

Neck and arm pain is often the result of an irritated or compressed nerve (sometimes called a pinched nerve) somewhere in the spine or shoulder area. Neck or arm pain is any pain that begins in the neck and travels below the level of the shoulder into the arm. People with sensitive or pinched nerves in their neck may experience feeling of pain, numbness, or tingling throughout their shoulder blade area extending into their arm or even their hand.

Now, just a fair warning… while the link between a problem in your neck and the pain you feel in your arm can be super obvious… it may not be clear at all. In fact, many people I see only have shoulder, elbow, or wrist pain… and only have some mild neck pain or stiffness. So yes, it is possible that what you think is a problem only with your shoulder, or your elbow, may actually be a problem coming from your neck.

Healthy nerves can glide, compress, or tension. When a nerve can no longer do these things due to injury, prolonged postures, or overuse it can become temporarily unhealthy. Also, know that Healthy nerves also need a strong blood supply. Unhealthy nerves will often cause feelings of
weakness, burning, shooting, numbness or tingling. Simply put, there is a problem somewhere
along the highway.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is an unhealthy nerve due mainly to nerve compression or lack of blood supply. Most often this compression occurs at the level of the neck.  But as we know, each nerve is like a garden hose, that can be “kinked” or compressed anywhere along its path.  Take carpal tunnel for example, the compression of the nerve in this case is not at the neck, but at the wrist.

For the purpose of this post we will discuss pinched nerves that occur due to compression of
the nerves as they exit the neck. But be aware- sometimes nerves just become sensitive and are not actually pinched…

Just as an FYI- the fancy name for a pinched nerve is cervical radiculopathy- look it up and you’ll likely find all kinds of scary stuff…keep reading and I’ll try to ease your mind while explaining what a pinched nerve really is.

You should understand that nerves are like highways. I’ll repeat again. Say it with
me…Nerves are like HIGHWAYS!  Pinched nerves are like highways with traffic jams that cause
temporary closure of some or all the lanes. If we close one of these lanes we slow the sending
of information and we end up with feelings of pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling
(Keep reading to discover the two most common causes of pinched nerves). Just as you make
take certain highways to get from one destination to another, nerves do the same. Feeling and
movement to different parts of the body are controlled by certain nerves.

While there are 8 big nerves or highways that branch from the neck. We will focus on 3 of these big nerves that travel from the neck down your arm that allow you to feel and move your hand and fingers. These nerves are the sixth, seventh, and eight cervical nerves. Cervical meaning neck and the number referring to the specific nerve level.  Think of them as highway C6, C7, C8. Each of these nerves allows a certain area of the arm and hand the ability to feel and move.  When we talk about feeling, the C6 nerve (the 6th nerve in the neck) generally gives feeling to the thumb and pointer finger, the C7 nerve gives feeling to the pointer and middle finger, whereas C8 gives feeling to the ring and little (pinky) fingers. The most commonly pinched nerve is C7 followed by C6, with C8 rarely being pinched. Why are these nerves commonly pinched you might ask??

For two reasons- the hole where the nerve exits is smallest between the 6th and 7th neck bones- leaving less space for the nerve to exit…

AND- the C7 highway, or the 7th nerve in the neck, is the largest nerve. Put these two things together and the nerve has less room to travel and is easier to become pinched.

Depending upon the nerve(s) that are pinched will often determine where you feel your
feelings of pain, numbness and tingling.

What causes a pinched nerve?

There are two major causes (or accidents if you like my “nerves are like highways” idea) that
may result in a pinched nerve.

1. Herniated Disc- usually causes only one nerve to be compressed and is most common in people aged 35-55

2. Arthritis or bone spurs-may cause multiple nerve levels to be compressed and is most common in people over 40 years old.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to recall what caused your pinched nerve. And often, there
may seem to be no obvious reason at all for a pinched nerve to occur…

More obvious causes of a pinched nerve include heavy lifting, car accidents or falls, and prolonged postures that occur throughout our days at home and while at work.

What does a pinched nerve feel like?
The most common feelings are pain, numbness, and tingling.  Although everyone is unique and
may describe feelings from a pinched nerve as:
Electric
Burning
Weakness
Shocking
Coolness
Bee stings
Shooting

One lady even told me “It feels like ants are crawling on me…”

Point being, pinched nerves can create many unusual and scary feelings.

To determine if you have a pinched nerve- take this neck pain and pinched nerve self-test.

How’d it go?  Have questions or need help?  Call 484-552-3767 to learn about how you can naturally heal neck pain and pinched nerves or email me directly at 484-552-3767

The Secret Surgeons Hope You Never Find Out About

The Real Truth Behind Why You’re In Pain (It’s Not What You’ve Been Told)

Did You Know?

Pain is an experience and output created by the Brain.

Consider one person who goes to the doctor with back pain and is told by a surgeon that most back pain heals, and that the best treatment for back pain is actually not surgery- it’s exercise. Now, consider another person who sees a surgeon and is told that their MRI shows they’ve got the worst back he or she (surgeon) has ever seen. And are told that the only way they won’t be crippled is to have back surgery. Who do you think will be better in the long run? Who is more likely to be in pain 1 year from now? I can tell you from personal experience, and from what research tells us, that the person who’s been led to believe that they cannot heal- will not heal.

Everyone feels pain- but not everyone will stay in pain. Some people who injure themselves go on to recover nicely- and return to living life painfree. Others end up suffering- and limit their lives due to pain that just won’t go away. What’s the difference?

Consider that the amount of tissue damage has no correlation to the amount of pain you’ll feel.

Don’t believe me… here is the headline of an article recently published in the Journal Of Bone And Joint Surgery…

Even the surgeons admit it!

Take, for example, a time when you noticed a bruise but have no idea how it got there. Or the stories of people in extreme conditions who were shot, or impaled- and managed to survive these conditions. Or, what about the man who cut his arm off to escape being trapped between two boulders in the middle of the woods! OR, ever taken a warm shower after being in the sun all day- feels like it’s burning you- but as you know- IT”S NOT… it’s simply hypersensitive receptors on your skin… causing you to think that the warm water is actually very hot.

You see- pain is an experience. It is more than just tissue damage- infact, that has very little to do with it. Consider that being told you have a slipped disc, and being shown pictures of a slipped disc actually make you feel more back pain! Basically, your brain is always attempting to answer the question- “How dangerous is this input?” And, the answer is largely influenced by many factors- including actual tissue damage, stress, what we’re told, x-ray and MRI results, and sleep quality. We now know that someone who has an MRI and knows the results of those tests feels more pain than someone who knows nothing at all!

Watch this video below. It explains the complexity of pain- and answers the question- What is Pain?

So, the takehome… don’t let x-rays and MRI’s disable you. Understand that pain is a complex thing that doesn’t mean your broken- it’s simply your body’s alarm system telling you something isn’t quite right… And sometimes, your alarm system keeps going off even when your tissue is completely healed… making you feel pain when there is actually no damage or problem.

Keep your head up! There’s hope.

Call 484 552 3767 to speak to a specialist physical therapist who can help guide you on the road to recovery.