In people over the age of 50, one of the most common health problems is joint pain and stiffness due to arthritis. An estimated 70 million Americans currently suffer with arthritis- that’s one in three adults. Arthritis is a chronic condition that persists for a long time, often for a lifetime. At present, there is no cure. That may seem discouraging, but fortunately, there is much reason for optimism. Walker PT & Pain Center works with medical doctors and we have developed an effective program to provide fast results. Whether your arthritic pain is recent or you have been dealing with the pain for years, we have solutions that will provide pain relief for you.

Our Effective Physical Therapy Pain Relief Program for Arthritis

• Hands on pressure point releases
• Core strengthening
• 830 ML laser for pain and inflammation
• Do’s and Don’ts for comprehensive home exercise program
• Muscle and joint stability exercises
• Specific strengthening and stretching of key muscles
• Follow doctor’s recommendations for anti-inflammatory medications

Success Story: “I cannot believe the excellent results I achieved while being treated at Walker Physical Therapy. I walked into the practice in pain, and after several weeks I could walk without the assistance of a cane! Using the techniques I was taught at Walker Physical therapy I continue to progress in comfort, and with a minimum amount of pain. They treated me as an individual and genuinely cared about my progress and well-being. I was able to cancel my scheduled total knee replacement surgery! I do not hesitate to recommend Walker Physical Therapy to family and friends.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -Shirley Moretti

We provide effective solutions for Arthritis pain. Treatment is fast & affordable. Please call (714) 997-5518 for more information on our Arthritis program, and other treatment programs.

Here at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center we offer a FLEX-N-MOVE program that helps our patients keep a healthy weight. The higher the number on the scale, the   more pressure you put on your joints.

2. Aerobic Exercise

Before starting any exercise program, consult a physical therapist who specializes in exercise for thorough evaluation. Research suggests that aerobic exercise can reduce joint swelling.

3. Laser for Painful Joints

The 830ML Laser treatment reduces pain, reduces inflammation, and increases tissue healing.

4. Build Muscles to Support Joints

Our FLEX-N-MOVE programs help build muscles and keep your joints strong. Here at Walker Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can show you the proper techniques and exercises that will strengthen the neck, back, knee, and shoulder joints.

5. Core Strengthening

Strong abdominal muscles help you keep all of your joints healthy and even improve balance.

Be Free From Headaches Program

• Strengthening of the scapular muscles to support the head and neck.
• Soft tissue and joint mobilization.
• Pressure Point Release to occipital, sub occipital, upper trapezei, and levator scapulae muscles.
• Modalities for pain relief including the 830ML Laser and ice.
• A comprehensive home exercise program.

Success Story: Since I was only 6 years old I have suffered almost daily from headaches. About a year ago I began to have severe headaches that were so horrible, I often doubted I would survive the excruciating pain. My doctor recommended that I go to Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center because you are physical therapy experts in providing pain relief from headaches. After one month of visits my pain was gone. Thank you for giving me my life back!                   -Cassandra Wiley

HELPING MAKE OUR PATIENTS’ CARE AFFORDABLE

Why We OFFER This Plan

Healthcare is getting more and more expensive everyday. Patient copays are higher than they have ever been in the history of our country and deductibles are often in the triple digits.  However, many people are in need of treatment for recovery from injuries and for pain relief. Some patients are postponing their therapy due to high copays and financial restrictions. It is important that we find a way to provide affordable care for our patients in a timely manner.

Affordable Options for Our Patients

• We offer 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month simple payment plans.
• Every patient will have the option to apply for the payment plan program.
• We will work with the patients to format a plan that works for them.
• Our GOAL will be to ensure the affordability of treatment for our patients.

Please call 714.997.5518 for more information on our patient payment plan program.

Usually, the first thing most individuals try is nonprescription

medications (like Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve) for pain

relief. If this doesn’t work, the pain may increase to the point

that surgery becomes a possibility (joint repair or

replacement).

How do you manage arthritis?There is no one best way to manage arthritis pain, and no

single technique that is guaranteed to give you complete

pain relief. In fact, a combination of methods work best. Think of arthritis pain management as a

continuing journey. And this is your travel guide – you can pick your itinerary based on how your

symptoms are.

Step 1: Learn about your arthritis painPatient education is probably the most important step in pain management, according to the

American Pain

Step 2: Restore your muscle balance

Regain posture.

of compensating for a sore/painful knee or hip can result in

pain in the hip, knee, or even the ankle. Sitting slouched for

hours, jutting the abdomen out when standing can lead to

low back pain. Our therapists can observe how you sit,

stand, and walk and teach you how to adjust your posture to

decrease the stress on your joints, and help you move with

less pain.

Exercise.

muscles and improves flexibility. Our physical

therapists specialize in arthritis treatment and can suggest

appropriate movements that provide a full range of motion. Physical activity also helps blood

circulation through the body and around the joints, which help bring oxygen and nutrients to

help with the healing process. Also, did you know that losing 10 pounds of excess body

weight takes roughly 30 to 60 pounds of pressure off the knee? So talk to one of our

therapists to get you moving in the right direction!

Protect your joints.

dressing, writing and driving. We help you find alternative ways to perform your activities by

strategically integrating ‘rest periods’ and avoiding tasks that trigger joint pain and discomfort

Step 3: Do-it-yourself pain relief

In addition to doing your exercises (that we prescribe), here are a few things you can do in the

comfort of your own home:

Heat.

can help relax tight muscles, eliminate waste products like lactic acid that cause stiffness

and soreness. Here’s what you can do to increase temperature to affected joints:

Hot bath or Jacuzzi

Caution

bodies do not regulate heat as efficiently) check with your doctor first.

Heating pads

Caution: Although moist heat tends to be

more effective than dry heat, you can use

an electric heating pad. But be careful – it

is estimated that 100,000 people burn

themselves on it every year, so make sure

you DON’T fall asleep with it on! Read the

instructions before use. We can teach you exactly how to use a heating pad for

best results.

Contrast bath

Use warm water (110 deg F) and cold water (65 deg F) for areas like hands and

feet. Put your hands/feet in warm water for 5 minutes, then in cold water for 1-2

minutes. Repeat this process up to 3 times to help decrease pain and swelling

in the joint.

Cold therapy.

decreasing the blood flow to the area to decrease swelling, and reducing the pain signals to

the brain (making it less painful). After an acute flare-up, for the first 48-72 hours, use ice for

up to 15-20 minutes to decrease pain and swelling.

Rest.

Working in such a way that targets the muscle bellies, percussors beat at a rate upwards of 3000 beats per minute. Acting as a “tenderizer” of sorts, the instrument has the ability to decrease muscle repair time, increase oxygen to the muscle, increase range of motion, and decrease the need for medications typically used to treat the pain associated with everyday pain. Athletes are particular fond of this type of treatment as it can increase athletic performance and helps to speed up the recovery time of muscles before and after a game or training.

Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center utilizes the PMR 1000; an instrument designed to beat up at 3000 strokes per minute (more than any other percussor on the market). Call us at 1-800-916-6210 to set up an appointment with one of our therapist trained in the use of this amazing new tool!

Watch the video below for proof and an explanation on how the percussor works:

Causes of chronic pain:

• Sprained back
• Serious infection
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Past injury or evidence of body damage

 Common chronic pain complaints include:

• Headaches- 45 million people suffer from headaches every year
• Low back pain- 65 to 85 percent of all people have back pain at some time in their life. Degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and sciatica are the leading cause for back pain. 
• Cancer pain- 11 million people each year suffer chronic pain because of cancer 

• Arthritis pain- affects more than 40 million Americans each year
• Sciatic or other radiating pain into the legs or arms 

The most common mistake people make is assuming they “just have to live with it.” They may not know physical therapy treatments are available to lessen most types of pain. Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center specializes in relieving chronic pain. If you or someone you know is living in pain contact us at 800-916-6210 to see how we can help. All of our treatments are fast and effective in providing results for pain relief.

    Kristina Murphy’s Experience at Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center

Flash forward to 6 years later when the pain had became so bad I was paying a neighbor to brush my daughter’s hair at night, kneeling on the kitchen floor to cook dinner, and I could no longer drive more than 15 minutes at a time. I went back to the doctor and was finally referred to a specialist who diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. We began a holistic approach to treatment that included physical therapy.

Beginning treatment at Walker PT and Pain Center, I was initially seen by Dr. Grace Walker, Physical Therapist, whose bedside manner was calming, positive, and truly made me feel like I could conquer the diagnosis and resume a normal life. For almost 3 months I have been working with Teri on strengthening my core, learning exercises to help ease the pain in my neck and shoulders, developing strength in my hips, and releasing stiff and tight muscles. Adding physical therapy into my weekly regime of meditation and prayer, healthy diet, exercise, counseling, and medication has truly been the turning point in becoming a better and stronger woman. Teri has not only taught me how to strengthen my body but has worked “miracles” and relinquished almost all of my pain.

I cannot thank the staff at Walker PT enough for the lifetime healing they have blessed and bestowed me with.”

˜Kristina Murphy

    Pregnancy and Lower Back Pain

It is often said that pregnancy and lower back pain go hand in hand.

Many expecting mothers experience lower back pain to a certain degree. It typically starts during the second half of pregnancy and is usually not a cause of concern, but it CAN be very painful and annoying. Things leading to back pain include:

• Weight gain.
• Changes in posture or your center of gravity – as the baby grows, the center of gravity of the body shifts. This can impinge on nerves that trigger lower back pain.
• Hormonal fluctuations – some hormones cause significant stretching of the joints and ligaments. This flexibility comes at a cost, and can be associated with a decrease in strength. As a result, simple activities like walking, standing, sitting for a long time, getting out of bed, or bending over to lift something can feel painful and uncomfortable.

Did you know that carrying twins (or more) increases your chance of having low back pain during pregnancy?

All of these factors can result in pain that ranges from slight discomfort to severe, disabling pain. The good news is that the pain gradually eases in most women as the due date approaches, but this does not mean that you have to tolerate the pain until your baby arrives.

There are many ways to relieve back pain. It is crucial to choose the right method since some treatments are more effective and appropriate than others. As your physical therapists, we can help you find the right exercises to reduce stress on your back and decrease your pain.

    A Pain-Free Pregnancy

To help you deal with lower back pain during pregnancy, we evaluate the cause(s) of your pain. There are combinations of different factors which vary greatly from one woman to another. Therefore, the key to a successful treatment plan for lower back pain during pregnancy depends on the identification of the cause of pain and the choice of the most appropriate treatment method for that situation.

As an expecting mother, it can be very difficult for you to determine why you have back pain, much less decide which treatment will work best for you.

The best thing you can do to deal with that dull, persisting ache in your lower back is to have your back evaluated by a one of our skilled therapists.

We will help you find the treatment options that will work best for you and more importantly, are safe for your baby too!

    Physical Therapy Helps Relieve Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

If your back hurts during pregnancy, you may want to do nothing but rest. Be advised that prolonged bed rest is generally counterproductive in the long run.

Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you are pregnant. Then, consider physical therapy for:

• Strengthening exercises to help support the back and legs.
• Stretching exercises to help the back and leg muscles become more flexible to prepare your body for the baby’s arrival.
• Swimming exercises to relieve tension in muscles since the buoyancy of the water supports the joints.
• Walking to improve blood circulation.
• Hot pack (or cold pack if you prefer) for 10-15 minutes to provide some temporary pain relief.
• Therapeutic massage (as advised by your physical therapist) can help ease muscle tension and relieve pain.

Since lower back pain during pregnancy is not always caused by the same factors, its treatment requires an individual approach to determine the best possible treatment. This treatment should be safe for the mommy-to-be and her baby.

That’s why it is important not to take any chances with unproven methods which can be either ineffective or unsafe, or both.

Call us today for more information about safe and effective lower back pain treatments during pregnancy. We will give you all the necessary information about different options and help you choose the most effective treatment for you. You don’t need to put up with lower back pain any longer, so schedule an appointment with us right away.

Chances are you don’t think about the muscles surrounding your neck much. These muscles hold your head up and allow it to move in different directions. These muscles allow you to trace a bug flying across the room or to follow tennis ball as you get ready to swing back at it. Then one day, you wake up and suddenly can’t move your head, or you can only turn to one side. And you experience, literally… a pain in the neck.

That’s a scenario none of us want, but it’s more common than we realize/ The neck is made up of many small muscles and carries a lot of nerves, and can easily suffer from a disc injury or pinched nerves. Due to its mobility and flexibility, the neck has a high risk of injury.

What can go wrong?

A “pulled muscle” (or muscle strain), occurs when a muscle is stretched or exerted beyond its limits. In severe case, it can can lead to a muscle tear. A “slipped disc” (which van be a herniated or bulging disc) is a disc that has been pushed beyond its boundaries. It may even bulge out and spill into the surrounding areas, putting pressure on the ligaments, muscles, or even the nerve itself. 

Herniated discs often start with no symptoms, but may eventually lead to tingling, numbness, or even sharp pain. So, what are the common causes of a herniated disc?

• Poor body mechanics with daily activities (like frequently lifting or bending improperly)
• Poor posture (in sitting or standing, or too much time on the computer)
• Sports injuries that require a lot of running, jumping, or extreme flexibility (like gymnastics)

Common ways to injure your neck can be a fall or an accident, but sometimes neck pain appears out of nowhere. years of abuse, like poor posture or poor body mechanics – can trigger and incident. Read below to see what our therapists recommend to help you “take the load off your neck”.

The Consequences of Neck Inactivity

In one form or another, excessive stress on the neck is certainly the most familiar cause of injury to the neck muscles. However, a second cause is slightly less threatening, but more common – inactivity. Failure to use the neck muscles regularly through moderate activity leads to sudden overuse, poor posture and other stresses on the neck. As a result, the joints, muscles, and ligaments
stiffen, and suffer from poor blood flow.

Inactivity by itself can make the neck more susceptible to general joint degeneration! The effects of inactivity are magnified as we age. This can lead to degeneration in the bones and joints in the neck.
Regular exercise, like walking, swimming, or even playing golf, can help keep these problems at bay. Interestingly, the X-ray of an elderly person’s neck who is more active may look “younger” than the X-ray of the neck of an inactive person in his thirties. Don’t underestimate the importance of exercising those small, but important, muscles of your neck. Call us today to see how we can help get your neck to feel and function “younger”.

The Best Treatment For Your Neck

Some neck problems, like a mild sprain or strain, may get better simply with
rest and ice. Other injuries, like a pinched nerve or disc injury may need a more advanced physical therapy plan tailored to your particular type of injury, like specific exercises to strengthen the neck and improve range of motion.

Here are some tips to keep your neck moving and functioning pain-free:

1. If your job requires you to lift frequently (like in construction work or furniture moving) – be sure to keep good posture as you are lifting. Remember lift with your legs, not your arms or back!
2. If you have to stand for long hours (like working in an assembly-line) – try using a low footstool to prop up one foot, alternating feet from time to time.
3. If you are at a computer all day – keep your chair, desk, and monitor at the proper heights.

Be sure to call us to schedule a complete analysis of what your risk of neck injury is. Remember, help is only a phone call away.

Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center

1111 W. Town & Country Rd. Ste. 1

Orange, Orange County, CA 92868