Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues. If the source of this stress is not identified and addressed, the result can be chronic pain.
Chronic pain is defined as prolonged physical pain that lasts longer than the natural healing process should allow. Chronic pain can debilitate one’s ability to move with ease, may hinder their normal functioning, and the search for relief can lead to pain medication addictions, which compound the problem. Chronic pain is also often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, depression and anxiety.
As many people have unfortunately discovered, emotional stress can lead to stomachaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches. One logical reason for this is that the more anxious and stressed people are, the more tense and constricted their muscles are, over time causing the muscles to become fatigued and inefficient.
As we age, our chances of experiencing back pain continue to increase. In addition to physical trauma, stress can exacerbate as the pain leads to the patient becoming timid and anxious about daily activities. A well thought out stretching program can help deal with the pain and reduce stress.
It is always best to discuss your stretching routine with your doctor before starting to prevent injury.
Keep the following in mind when starting a stretching routine:
- Wear comfortable clothes that won’t bind
- Stretching should be pain free; do not force the body into difficult position
- Move into the stretch slowly and avoid bouncing, which may actually tear muscles
- Stretch on a clean, flat surface that is large enough to move freely
- Hold stretches long enough (30-60 seconds) to allow muscles or joints to become loose
- Repeat the stretch, generally 5-10 times
About Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl.Ac.
Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.
Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.
Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.
Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.
Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!,” Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.
34876 US Highway 19
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Phone: 727-216-3972
Fax: 727-216-3982
Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3
Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3
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