September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It's an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease. The goal is to support those affected by prostate cancer and encourage health-promoting behaviors. All men are at risk for prostate cancer. According to the CDC, "Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime." 

Fortunately, with early detection, most men can expect to be cured. There are a number of treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Physical therapy for prostate cancer should also be part of the treatment plan since there are side effects from the surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. 

Radiation can irritate the bladder, leading to urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. It's a common but very embarrassing problem. The severity can range from occasionally leakage  (when you cough or sneeze) to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden you can't make it to the bathroom in time.  You may also experience pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction as a result of prostate treatment. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, "Nearly all men will experience erectile dysfunction for a few months after their surgery, with 40% to 50% returning to pre-treatment function after a year." 

Seeing a physical therapist can help if you are experiencing any of these side effects. We can help strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles, tackle incontinence issues, decrease sexual dysfunction, increase energy, and re-condition after treatment. The American Urological Association guidelines for Incontinence After Prostate recommend pelvic floor muscle exercises or pelvic floor muscle training in the immediate post-operative period. 
​
Physical activity and exercises are critical factors in prostate health for both fighting the disease and preventing recurrence. Those who lead an active lifestyle have better survival rates than those who do not. At Rainey Pain & Performance, we are here to assist you with improving your quality of life before and after prostate cancer treatment.

Over one hundred million Americas currently live with chronic pain, and all people experience pain during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, pain is not well understood, creating more frustration for so many people. 

September is Pain Awareness Month. The International Association for the Study of Pain works hard to raise public awareness around pain, pain management, and pain professionals' great work during the month and beyond. They are a great resource, and if you want more information about them, please check out their website. https://www.iasp-pain.org/advocacy/pain-awareness-month/

We recognize that pain brings with it fear and anxiety. These emotions often only exacerbate pain. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience."  Pain affects our bodies, our minds, and our social life. Conversely, our bodies, our minds, and our social life affect our pain. Pain is not simple. If it were, then it wouldn't be an epidemic in America. 

At Rainey Pain & Performance, we work with many people who are suffering from chronic pain. Our Physical Therapists and Functional Pain Managers take a holistic approach with each person suffering from ongoing chronic pain. We teach the science of pain, self-management strategies,  and identify activities that are safe and not safe to do.

When attending physical therapy for chronic pain, your first session will be an evaluation. You will be asked questions about your pain, how it affects your life, what makes it better or worse and what previous treatments you have received, and the outcome of those treatments. Our Therapists or Functional Pain Managers may perform various tests and measures to understand anything contributing to your pain. Exercise has been proven to be effective for chronic pain. Also, pain education can result in increased hope and motivation to improve. 

Managing your pain can be challenging. Let us help you start your healing! Give us a call at 520-459-1386 to set up an appointment to get your pain under control.  

As we age, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects like deteriorating vision, joint pain, and decreased strength. September is Healthy Aging Month, which encourages seniors to take charge of their well-being and to recognize the positives of aging, such as perspective, confidence, wisdom, and of course, grandkids. 
​
Healthy Aging Month encourages staying fit, staying adventurous, staying healthy, and staying connected. Making healthy choices now can improve longevity and provide a better life for you.

One of the keys to aging well is regular physical activity, but declines in strength and flexibility can make it challenging. That's where seeing a physical therapist comes in. We are movement experts. We can help you overcome your pain, increase your movement, prevent the need for surgery and decrease your dependence on long-term use of prescription drugs. 

There are many positives to aging. Your age number doesn't have to stop you have from activities you enjoy. Take charge of your health. Be proactive and if you need some help getting started, give us a call at 520-459-1386.  

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is an injury no athlete wants. The anterior cruciate ligament is a major band of tissues that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone at the knee joint. When you tear your ACL, you'll feel a sharp, intense pain or even hear a "pop." The knee will swell immediately, and you may not be able to walk on the injured leg. Women are more likely than men to experience an ACL tear. 

Many believe that to repair an ACL tear they must undergo surgery. Before opting for surgery, work with a physical therapist. Physical therapists are trained to help with ACL tears. We can reduce pain, swelling, help you regain strength and movement. We will show you ways to modify your physical activities, so you put less stress on your knee. Treatment may include neuromuscular electrical stimulation, strengthening, and balance training. 

If surgery is still needed, we will help you prepare for a quicker recovery by decreasing swelling and increasing the range of movement of your knee. At Rainey Pain & Performance, we provide the most extensive and intensive return to sport testing after ACL reconstruction surgery in Cochise County. You don't want to guess if you're ready to return to sport. We provide the answer which is not based on time but based on passing specific criteria.  

One of our therapists, Dr. Osborne, an avid Crossfitter, loves working with athletes. He has comprehensive experience in treating people with ACL tears. Give us a call at 520-459-1386 to schedule an appointment. 

For some interesting reading, check out these articles. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130206103718.htm​

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2009/11/how-can-dejuan-blair-play-without-an-anterior-cruciate-ligament-in-either-knee.html

How would it feel to fall asleep when you wanted? Or stay asleep, allowing you to achieve deep rest needed for metabolic repair? We offer 4 strategies for sleep restoration that help decrease metabolic and brain activity restoring your ability to stay asleep and achieve deep sleep. 

1. Create an ideal sleep environment - make your bedroom an area of minimum stimulation. Eliminate clutter, take out the television or work desk to help create maximum relaxation. Your bedroom should only be used for sleeping. 
2. Cool down at night and warm up while waking - Take some time to wind down. Minimize stimulation. If you chose to read, avoid the newspaper or work-related articles. Journaling can be an excellent method to decompress. When you wake up in the morning, do so gradually. Take a few minutes to breathe and stretch. 
3. Exercise - Exercise helps restore sleep cycles. Exercise can increase sleep quality by reducing the amount of time you lie awake in bed before falling asleep. Physical activity can alleviate daytime sleepiness as well. 
4. Maintain consistent bed and wake times - Structured sleepers achieve deep sleep sooner and stay in a deep sleep longer. People with irregular bedtimes fight against the natural melatonin release. ​

The perfect night's sleep starts long before you crawl into bed. Pain and discomfort can disrupt sleep. Come talk to us if you have tried a variety of methods and still have interrupted sleep. We may have some additional solutions for you! Call 520-459-1386 

​No one wants to live in pain, and no one should put their health at risk to be pain-free. Opioids mimic the chemicals in your body, helping relieve pain, but they do not help your body heal.  Long-term consumption is not a good solution for managing pain. There are better options than opioids. 

Seeing a physical therapist can provide long-lasting pain relief without the risk of harmful opioids. Physical therapists work to get to the root of your problem, the source of your pain. As professionals trained in the science of movement, we help get your body moving, releasing natural endorphins. The side effects include improved mobility, strengthened muscles, and decreased pain. 

Opioids are a dangerous risk. Physical therapy is a safer way to manage your pain.  If you are ready to try a better option, give us a call today at 540-459-1386. We would be happy to share how we can help you live a pain-free, active life without the use of opioids.  

The chronic presence of stress hormones inhibits healing. Our thoughts and emotions can even exacerbate physical pain. Do you recognize when stress is adding to your physical pain? Being attentive to your body is essential for optimal wellbeing. We offer two suggestions to help reduce pain, tension, and stress. 

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is being aware. It's in the present moment. Autopilot is the opposite of mindfulness. To practice mindfulness, pay attention to your senses during a routine task like brushing your teeth, showering, or eating lunch. Notice what you see, hear, smell, and taste. Stop and do a body scan from head to toe. Do you need to relax your shoulders or unclench your jaw? Mindfulness can help reduce stress, leaving room for the body to focus more on healing. 
2. Breathe: Breathing can help you relax and is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down. The brain then messages the body. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Breathe out through pursed lips. Repeat 3-10 times and notice how you feel at the end of the exercise. 

We know that pain is real and frustrating, and the stresses of life compound that. If you are experiencing pain and need help finding ways to decrease it, contact us at 540-459-1386.

Did you know that when your body is off-balance, you are more prone to sickness and pain? Our daily choices and way of life significantly affect how we feel. Our bodies need balance.
​
Balance is the body's ability to maintain its center of mass even during movement. Balance is maintained by multiple systems in the body working together.  Our bodies are strongest and happiest when we drink enough water, keep our blood sugar steady, sleep consistently, get sunlight and use our muscles. 

Are you maintaining balance for your body? 

Are you drinking enough water? Water flushes toxins and lubricates joints. Drinking water can boosts energy and strengthens the immune system. 

Are you eating healthy foods that promote healing? Maybe consider limiting caffeine, as it can amplify the body's stress response. 

Are you sleeping? Sleep is a time of rest and repair. Setting a sleep time and wake time may be helpful as brains love routine. Consistent sleep helps set your biological clock. 

Are you getting outside and soaking up some vitamin D, which is critical for physical strength? Nature can be very healing and positively affect our mood, attention, and concentration. 

Are you moving your muscles?  It can be hard to move when you are in pain. Exercising even low impact can strengthen your body, lubricate your joints, improve your range of motion and flexibility, stimulate blood and flow and reduce stress. 

Your body has many ways of telling you that something is off-balance, and pain is one of them. Take time to rebalance. If you need more ideas and would like to talk with a professional, give us a call at 520-459-1386.

While the aging process is complicated, it is still possible to live life to the fullest. We may not stop the aging process, but we can help stave off many age-related problems through physical therapy. 

Here are 4 things that we want you to know about aging well:

1. You don't have to live with bladder leakage. Abdominal weakness, prostate problems, constipation, and other factors can cause incontinence. It can happen to anyone. It is often embarrassing and uncomfortable to discuss, so working with a trained professional can be beneficial. At our clinic, Dr. Chantel Doyon and Dr. Nick Rainey have advanced training in pelvic floor therapy which is the first-line treatment to improve urinary incontinence or any urinary leaking. Don't rely on pads; let us help you. 
2. You can get stronger when you're older. Improvements in strength are possible. We utilize resistance training. Dr. Osborne, Dr. Alex Feitz and Dr. Jessica Todd enjoy sharing their strength training and fitness expertise. 
3. Exercise can help you avoid falls. Dr. Mike Davis and physical therapist  assistant, Brian Kuhn, instruct weekly classes to help improve balance, muscle strength, and endurance. Falls are preventable, and working with a physical therapist can help assess your risk factors and address underlying medical conditions so you can remain active and independent. 
4. Chronic pain doesn't have to rule your life. Physical therapists can help! Our entire team is currently reading The Pain Management Workbook by Rachel Zoffness, MS, Ph.D. We are constantly educating ourselves on how to help you master your pain and reduce your reliance on pain medication. 

Seeing a physical therapist can improve your quality of life. Contact us today to set up an appointment. 520-459-1386. ​

While many headaches are harmless and resolve over time, more frequent and severe migraines can impact your quality of life. When headaches or migraines affect your ability to perform daily activities, it may be time to see a physical therapist who can provide several effective treatments. 

Physical therapists can decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines, making you less dependent on medication. In addition, after seeing a physical therapist, your function and mobility will improve and your quality of life. At Rainey Pain & Performance, we use a variety of treatment methods to ease headache pain. The most common treatment methods we use include: 

Neck manipulation- often, people associate this with chiropractors, but we too can perform manipulations as physical therapists with additional specialized training. 

Deep neck flexor training- there are small muscles just in front of the top of the cervical spine that often need help to function properly. So let us help you train those small muscles. 

Dry needling- small acupuncture needles are inserted in muscles around the head, neck, or face, drastically reducing tension and pain.

Let us help you reduce your headaches or migraines that are debilitating your life or maybe are just frustrating and annoying.  Schedule your appointment today! 520-459-1386