Try Physical Therapy First
According to a scientific statement by the American Heart Association, doctors should refer patients with chronic pain who also are at risk of heart disease to try physical therapy before prescribing non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) except for aspirin. Read the full statement here. In addition to pain reduction, physical therapy may have other benefits, such as increased energy and improved heart and lung function, not available from prescription drugs.
Pneu-Back Program
Through cooperation with the Pneu-Back Institute, Sequoia is able to offer the Pneu-Back Program. We believe this is the best program in Orange County for treating back pain. If you have a very serious condition like sciatica or severe chronic back pain or something less serious like a sore, tired back, Sequoia can help. Patients have seen significant reductions in back pain, stiffness and rejuvenation. You may even feel your back is younger!
Services include:
- Relieves pressure on the spine
- Strengthens the muscles supporting the spine
- Gentle vibration to relax tight muscles and increase circulation in the back
Successful Aging
We offer a free Successful Aging program to patients over 65. This is an assessment and education program designed to insure patients stay healthy, strong, active and involved in their community.
Among the key elements of successful aging are:
- Physical health and energy
- Mental vitality
- Coping well with an optimistic outlook
- Sense of purpose and meaning
Research has shown that proper exercise and nutrition enhances the first three of these key elements. This program provides a free postural assessment, strength and motor function assessment and fall risk assessment. You will also receive some nutritional information. Therapists will also inform you of other resources and opportunities to be involved in the community for increased purpose and meaning.
Services include:
- Evaluation of posture, balance, diet and exercise habits
- Nutrition education – How to combat aging with nutrition
- Consistent monitoring of your strength and motor function
- Provide opportunities for community service to increase purpose and meaning
Pain Free Walking
Many people suffer unnecessary pain when walking. The pain may be in the ankle, knee, hip or spine and is often increased if jogging or going up or down stairs. Some people can point to a particular injury when the pain started. Other people experience an onset of pain without being able to identify any particular cause. Often this pain can be greatly alleviated by improving the biomechanics of walking.
Sequoia’s Pain Free Walking program has an amazing record of significant pain reduction in the very first visit. Over time it is possible to retrain your biomechanics and strengthen your core muscles, alleviating pain indefinitely. Do not suffer with painful walking unnecessarily. Come find out if this new program may help you.
Fall Prevention
Fall prevention among our senior citizens is an important issue.
Researchers have concluded:
Falls in old age are not random events, or "accidents" caused by poor attention or external hazards. Falls in the aged can be foreseen, because they are mostly the result of a postural decline associated with certain age-related and disease-related conditions. By an appropriate examination we can diagnose the fall-risk-status and prescribe and apply effective therapies. (Runge, J Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interact, 2000)
Maintaining a healthy posture is an important part of fall prevention. Fall risk also increases with loss of proprioception, declining strength and motor function and dizziness or imbalance. Sequoia’s therapists have the tools and training to help with all of these issues. If you are concerned that you or someone you love is at risk of a fall, please call for an appointment to have the fall risk assessed. Falls can be prevented.
Services include:
- Fall risk assessment
- Postural assessment and retraining
- Body balance retraining
- Vibration training for greater strength and motor function
