Happy National Scoliosis Awareness Month!
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine measuring greater than 10 degrees, which occurs in 2-3% of the population, with a higher prevalence in females. Screening for scoliosis is so important as the earlier we can intervene, the better chance we have of slowing progression, avoiding bracing, and preventing surgery. Spinal curvature has the most chance of progressing during adolescence when growth spurts occur.
Types of Scoliosis
Monitoring Guidelines
Each patient is different, please consult your child’s physician with questions or concerns.
Symptoms
Uneven shoulders, uneven hips or unevenness in the back when bent over.
Best practice would be to have your pediatrician, school nurse, or local physical therapist start screening for scoliosis around the age of 10. If scoliosis runs in your family, screening earlier and more often can be recommended.
Screening Your Child for Scoliosis is EASY!
First, have them stand on a flat surface with their arms to their side. You will be looking for differences from left to right, such as uneven shoulder heights, shoulder blade protrusion, an uneven waistline, or a general appearance that leans to one side.
Second, ask them to tuck their chin to their chest and reach forward toward their toes. You will be looking for a rotation through the rib cage, causing one side to look higher than the other, pelvis/waist being shifted to one side, or any other asymmetry that catches your eye.
Early screening and intervention can help slow the progression, leading to a reduction in physical pain, improvements in appearance and posture, reduced psychosocial stress, and overall improvements in quality of life.
If you notice any of these signs, we would recommend following up with your pediatrician or physical therapist to confirm a diagnosis.
Tips to Alleviate Your Pain and Improve Your Spine Health
June Newsletter
Are you tired of that nagging back pain that keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest? You’re in luck because we are here to guide you to a healthier spine! With a few little steps and our expert guidance, you will soon be on your way to a life where back pain is a thing of the past.
Your journey to a healthier spine is a collaborative effort. At Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, we believe in working closely with you, listening to your concerns, and understanding your goals. After all, who knows your body better than you do? Together, we can work to ensure a future free of back pain.
Sometimes, the discomfort in your back may seem like a constant companion, refusing to part ways with you. Fortunately, with the right guidance and effort, you can find a way to alleviate your pain. So, let’s take the first step on this promising journey together!
Understanding the Root Causes of Back Pain
The first step to saying goodbye to back pain is understanding what causes it. It might be due to a sedentary lifestyle, an old injury, or even just daily wear and tear. No matter the reason, understanding the root causes is your key to finding the solution.
The most common causes of back pain that our physical therapists frequently treat include the following:
- Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Repeated heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles and spinal ligaments. If you’re in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
- Bulging or Ruptured Discs: Discs, the cushioning between your bones, can bulge or herniate and press on a nerve.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate, which can cause pain, especially if one disc is worn down significantly.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition results from the narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves and causing back pain.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes muscle stiffness and fatigue, including back pain.
Remember, it is always advised to consult with our physical therapist for personalized advice. We’ll work with you to identify the exact cause of your back pain and suggest appropriate treatments to ensure you get the results you deserve!
Simple Yet Effective Strategies: Your Road to a Healthy Spine
At the beginning of your healing journey, you’ll meet with one of our physical therapists who are like detectives for your body. They’ll chat with you, learn about your pain, and do a thorough physical examination to determine what’s causing your back troubles.
Once they’ve gathered all the clues, they craft a personalized treatment plan just for you! This isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal; it’s tailored to suit your unique needs, helping you bounce back quicker and stronger and includes the following:
- Manual Therapy: Your therapist uses their hands to gently massage and mobilize your back, easing those tight muscles and helping you relax.
- Mobility Work: Your therapist will guide you through movements that help increase the mobility of your back.
- Targeted Stretches: Your therapist will show you the right ways to stretch, helping you loosen up those stiff areas and feel great.
- Strengthening Exercises: With a series of strengthening exercises, your therapist will teach you how to build a strong, resilient back to handle the stresses of your day-to-day life.
Remember, your Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine therapists are there with you at every step, cheering you on, answering your questions, and tweaking your plan to ensure you get the best results.
So, are you ready to wave goodbye to back pain and usher in a life of comfort and joy? Give us a call!
Take the First Step Towards Back Pain Relief — Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Don’t let back pain dictate your life’s story. Reach out to Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine to learn how physical therapy can be the first step towards a back pain-free life!
Our Patients Get Great Results
“My primary care physician in Ames suggested that I try the Schroth Method to resolve my scoliosis-related pain. I was seeking a Level-3-certified, Schroth Method physical therapist within driving distance and was fortunate to find Samantha Sullivan at Elevate PT in Johnston. During the course of 11 visits from August 2024 to January 2025, Samantha taught me basic Schroth exercises compatible with my recently-fused (L4-S1) spine and adapted them for my 70-year-old body. She has a very positive attitude, is fun to work with, is very knowledgeable, and showed a genuine interest in my wellbeing. We succeeded in reducing the pain in the left pelvis area to a level that I can tolerate, and reduced pain in my right lumbar region using dry needling. Samantha Sullivan is terrific. As a retired professor, I would assign her a grade of A+ for her efforts. Thank you, Samantha!”
— Bill S.
Tips for Strengthening Your Core
.
.
If you’ve been troubled by that nagging back pain, we’ve got some good news for you. Sometimes, the road to recovery is as simple as strengthening your core.
The term “core” refers to a group of muscles in your lower back and abdomen. These muscles are like the supporting pillars of your spine, helping you to maintain a good posture, balance, and function. Research has shown that a strong core may protect against back pain.
Some of the most effective core exercises our expert physical therapists often recommend are ones you can do right at home, including:
/sp
The Bird Dog
This exercise helps in improving stability and balance. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with a hands-and-knee position, keeping your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
- Extend one arm forward and the opposite leg backward at the same time, while keeping your spine straight.
- Hold the position 3-5 seconds before returning to the starting position and alternating to the other side.
- Repeat for 10 repetitions.
/sp
The Plank
This is a great all-round exercise that engages your whole core! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Extend one leg back then the other so you are in a push-up position, keeping your body straight from head to heels.
- Hold this position for 10-30 seconds without letting your hips drop.
- Repeat 3-5 times.
/sp
Bridges
Bridges are perfect for strengthening your lower back and glutes. Here’s how they’re done:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- Hold for 10-30 seconds before lowering your hips back down.
- Repeat 10-20 repetitions.
/sp
Not only do these exercises promise to strengthen your core, but they also can help lead to a pain-free back. Remember, consistency is the key, so make it a part of your daily routine.
Ready To Kick That Back Pain To the Curb?
Our friendly physical therapists at Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine are here to assist you with more personalized strategies and treatments that are just right for you.
Why wait? Give us a call now and start on your journey to a healthier, happier spine. Together, we can make back pain a thing of the past!
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Pain Treatment That Works
What Is It?
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy uses focused light to stimulate healing at the cellular level — a process called photobiomodulation. This increases cellular metabolism, reduces pain and inflammation, and speeds recovery.
What Does It Treat?
Laser therapy is effective for:
- Acute injuries – best when applied soon after injury
- Chronic pain – helps reduce ongoing pain and inflammation
- Post-activity recovery – trusted by over 250 pro and college sports teams worldwide
What to Expect
Treatments are quick (usually 4–7 minutes) and feel like a warm, soothing massage. Many patients report immediate pain relief, especially with high-powered LightForce® lasers.
Why Choose Laser Therapy?
- Non-Surgical – Helps delay or support surgery
- Drug-Free – Avoid side effects from medications
- Fast Relief – Get back to the activities you love, quicker
Most patients see results in just 3–5 sessions. Your therapist will tailor a plan based on your condition.
Ready to Feel Better, Faster?
Book your Deep Tissue Laser Therapy session today and take the first step toward lasting, drug-free pain relief.
.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Mango Lassi Smoothie!
Bursting with flavor and protein, this mango lassi-inspired smoothie is your go-to fuel for a busy day. Made with sweet frozen mango, rich Greek-style yogurt, and nourishing hemp seeds, it’s a creamy, energizing blend that keeps you satisfied. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a refreshing anytime snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pitted dried date
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1½ tablespoons hulled hemp seeds, divided
Place 1 date, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 cup frozen mango, ¼ teaspoon cardamom, and 1 tablespoon hemp seeds in a blender. Process until smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
Pour the smoothie into a glass; top with the remaining ½ tablespoon hemp seeds.
Meet Our Team
Joe Stangl
Clinic Director, Physical Therapist
Dyllan Frahm
Physical Therapist
Samantha Sullivan
Physical Therapist
Tamie Drees
Physical Therapist
Lauren Rowedder
Billing Specialist
Bekah Wetter
Physical Therapist
Amy Entrekin
Physical Therapist
Andrew Bartek
Owner and Physical Therapist
Grant Jacobson
Owner and Physical Therapist
Cindy Bartek
Owner, Director of Marketing and Public Relations