Along with Holiday cheer, the end of the year can bring cold, snow, and arthritis flare ups. This season often affects our bodies the most as the cold weather stiffens our joints and leads to more inactivity. Our spines and low back are also more susceptible to injury when shoveling snow, moving the Christmas tree, or slipping on that terrible black ice. At Access Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you through this season with the healthiest back possible. We have also teamed up with Southern Chiropractic to offer the best continuum of care possible!

Our spines are at the most risk for injury while bending, lifting, and twisting. Some of the most common injuries include lumbar strain/sprain, disc herniation, and throwing the back out of its natural alignment. Chiropractic work is essential for our spines to correct the natural alignment that gets thrown out of whack with life’s everyday stresses. Chiropractic adjustments help to realign the spine through manipulations and restore the back’s biomechanical normal alignment. Physical therapy also includes manipulation, as well as stretching, strengthening, and balancing the body’s pain-free activity.

As the weather gets colder, chronic back issues such as arthritis can flare up. There are two types of arthritis that affect the back: degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease. Both of these back issues result from the normal “wear and tear” our spines endure over a lifetime. Arthritis can be treated with PT and chiropractic work as well. Both treatments may include massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cupping, stretching, strengthening, and adjustments. If your arthritis tends to flare in the colder months, think proactively and schedule your treatment today!

December is the perfect month to visit both your Chiropractor and Physical Therapist – many patients have met their deductibles and insurance coverage will be restarting in the new year. Both services are covered by most health insurance plans and only require a small copay for appointments. Access PT and Southern Chiropractic are both accepting new patients and are excited to help you restore your body to enjoy life’s blessings. Access Physical Therapists have over 15 years of experience, and Dr. Jen of Southern Chiropractic has over 20 years of experience. We are here and ready to help you heal from back pain and return to life’s enjoyable moments pain-free.