This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in January of 2021 . For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh-7GFmdPIM&t=34s Bob: Today, we're going to go over seven, your favorite number. Seven tips to stop shoulder pain while lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects. In other words we're trying to cover everything you're going to run into it while you're in life, basically. Brad: Yes, your daily needs of the shoulder. Bob: Yep. So let's go ahead and get started here, Brad. Number one, you want to avoid really awkward and also end-it range positions with a painful shoulder. So the most common one is like reaching into a back seat. Brad: So you're going up, back, and over or back and over. That is even more painful. Bob: Right? I think about... Like let's say, if you have a painful shoulder, you probably shouldn't be throwing a ball. Brad: No. Bob: Especially throwing a football. You bring the arm back and you're really back in end range there. And the shoulder does not like that. That puts a lot of stress on the rotator cuff, so. Brad: That's why pitchers can only pitch not even a full game. And then they pitch one game or whatever and then they have to wait a few days. Bob: Perfect example on that. And these are young people. Brad: Yeah, they're young and they train for it. Bob: Right? Right. So number two, avoid overhead lifting and repetitive or prolonged position. So when your shoulder’s hurting, you really want to avoid having that arm above level, unless your occupation requires it. Especially things like painting or pruning a tree. Brad: Right. Right. Exactly. Washing windows. Bob: There we go. I bet you do that a lot. Don't you Brad? Brad: I was going to wash my car window yesterday but then I said, nah. Bob: I don't think that'd be over your head. Brad: Well, it was on the van, it was a tall one. I have to get on the ladder for that one. Bob: Number three, avoid forceful pulling. So this is going to be the worst one by far, the lawnmower or a something with a pull cord. Brad: Lawnmower, chainsaw, something where you've got to give it a good forceful pull. Bob: Chainsaw, jeez. I had a chainsaw that just wouldn't start and I tell ya... Brad: Was it electric? Bob: No, it wasn't electric. What's that sound. But I pulled and pulled on that thing and I never did get started. Brad: They can be ornery. Bob: Yeah. So especially when it hasn't been used in a couple of years. A suitcase, picking up a suitcase, especially a heaving one. You know, nowadays they have so many of those suitcases that have wheels on them. So you really don't need to lift them very often. Brad: Yeah, that is a real benefit for your back and your shoulder. But you know, opening and closing a heavy door where you anticipate it and you give it a jerk to open it for whatever reason, if it's sticky or heavy. What about walking a dog? Bob: Oh that's a good point. Brad: I’ve had more patients that come in that either injured their shoulder when their black lab gave him a jerk or they had an injured shoulder and even their little Chihuahua re-injured their sore shoulder because they're jerking on them. Bob: And I guess, if you have one good shoulder, you really want to have the leash in that hand. Brad: Right. It's kind of one of those habit things. Bob: No it is. Brad: You use your right hand without thinking about it, so you know. Bob: Some of those dogs will pull you right off your feet. Brad: Right. Yeah. Maybe someone else can walk the dog and you can walk with them. Bob: So the last one, is pulling weeds. Brad: Oh. Crab grass. Bob: Yeah. Brad: Oh my goodness. It's that time of year right now. Bob: So we use a blow torch, now to blow these things. Brad: Yeah. I like that idea a lot. Bob: Natural and just kills them that way. Number four, this is one that a lot of people don't think about. You really want to make sure you have good posture when you're working at a desk or let's say even your arm is just level. You want to make sure that you have good posture. Because if I'm hunched over my arm just doesn't go up as high. It's just, this is as far as it goes. Brad: You see slouched forward at the mid back, head forward, posture, rounded shoulder. Bob: And you'll find this if you try this at home. If you lean forward like this and bend and lift the arm as far as can, you feel it's run up against a barrier or a wall. Straighten out my posture, now I can lift my arm all the way up. So what that is doing in effect is if you're working at, let's say a white board or smart board, or you're painting, or driving a car even with the arms level. You're getting a little bit of impingement, if have bad posture, that is. Brad: Right. Yep. Bob: So as therapists we're really happy when we can try to correct your posture. Because that's what we do for a living, right Brad. Brad: Oh, right. Well, it covers so many things. Yes. Bob: Number five, keep your elbows at your side. This is what I tell a lot of my patients, your... These muscles of the shoulder, the rotator cuff are really small, short muscles. And they've got to lift your big, long arm, and this is basic physics, right Brad. Brad: Right. Bob: Long lever arm. And so they have to generate a lot of force. The farther your hand is away from the body, the more stress is going to be on your shoulder. Brad: Right. Bob: So just simple. Brad: So if you're at a desk, get the mouse in, get your phone in, get everything in close. You do not have to reach out if you're at a work bench, make sure you can reach things. I call it the work box, right in front of your belly button basically so your reaching at that level. Bob: Right. At that level. In that level between your belt and your shoulders. Brad: Yeah. I don't even like to go that high. I like that nipple level to the belt and keep it there, if you can. Arrange things so that you're not reaching if possible. Bob: I used to know this older therapist that he used to give presentations and he was a wonderful speaker but he’d always say this joke, "Oh, I know you're going to have two problem areas when you're trying to do that, wet babies and garbage." You know, trying to keep them close, it's a little difficult. Brad: Yeah. Bob: So number six, avoid any movement or activity or position that causes pain. Now this is like, if your hand hurts when you hammer it, stop hammering it. Brad: Right. Bob: This is just common sense though. If your shoulders hurting, we're trying to get it to calm down and to get it to calm down you don't keep working something thinking the pain is going to eventually go away. Brad: Yeah. Some people have the old school, you know, no pain, no gain. I'm going to work through the pain. It's going to get better. It's probably not, it's only going to get worse. Bob: Yeah and a lot of times what happens is your nerves start to get kind of hyper-sensitive. So they fire off, your pain nerves. They fire off with just very little provocation, you know. So it doesn't take much. But you get them calmed down once. Then it takes a lot more to fire them up. Brad: The hypersensitivity. Bob: Yeah, exactly. And number seven, if you are forced to do any of the previous six things, we say stop every few minutes and you want to stretch your arm back. If you picture your right arm behind your back and the left hand grabbing the right wrist. And just pull it back behind you, give it a stretch. It's going to kind of rebalance out the shoulder and then you can go back to doing the task again. Brad: Yeah. It's a gentle stretch and you don't have to hold it for 30 seconds. You just make pressure on pressure off a few times. If your shoulder happens to be so sore, that that hurts. Well, then you may want to go to the pendulum and just leave your arm relaxed and bend over. You bend over like your arm is an elephant trunk. I tell patients and just the weight of the arm creates traction completely relaxed. Bob: Yeah, This just happened to me recently, I had to do some drilling above head. And it's just like you said, I shook the arm out a little bit, every 30 seconds or so. And then I'd go back. Brad: When muscles get fatigued and tightened up and they don't get the blood supply because they're so tightened up and knotted up. You need to get those muscles to relax. So you get an inrush of fresh blood and get the old blood out of there, and that lactic acid and what not. Bob: Now, if you want to remember this list or have actually a copy of it. You just go to our website, bobandbrad.com, go to the program section under the programs we have an entire series of videos on shoulder pain. And that's what this one is part of. And under it, you'll look for this title. Seven tips to stop shoulder pain, while lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying objects. When you find it, below it there'll be a PDF that you can print out. Brad: Print it out and it's a great reminder. Put it on your mirror in the bathroom so you can read it every day. You'll have it memorized and next thing you know, life is good. Bob: Yup. Alright, thanks everybody for watching and listening. Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad SteemIt: https://steemit.com/@bobandbrad Peakd: https://peakd.com/@bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY Check out our shirts, mugs, bags and more in our Bob and Brad merchandise shop here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/bob-brad​ Check out The Bob & Brad Crew on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebobbradcrew Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

When setting up a TENS unit, you will generally use either two electrode pads or four electrode pads. Most TENS units have two channels. Each channel controls two electrode pads, so you would need to use two channels to control four electrode pads. Some general rules or guidelines for placement of two or four pads: 1. We will be providing specific videos on how and where to place the pads for specific pain issues such as back pain, knee pain, or hip pain. Go to the program section at BobandBrad.com to see specific videos on pad placement. 2. Before each use of the pads, you should clean your skin with gentle soap and water. This helps remove any of the natural oils that may take away some of the stickiness on the electrode pads. 3. After each use the pads should be placed back on the plastic piece from which you originally got it. 4. Once the pads wear out you can purchase new ones separately. You can replace the old pads by simply detaching them from the leads (wires). If you find you are purchasing a lot of pads you may want to consider joining the iReliev Dollar Electrode Pad Club to help you save money. 5. If using the pads on an area that is hairy you may want to shave it first. The hair could interfere with conductivity of the pads. 6. If the area of pain is small (hand or wrist), you may want to use only two pads and one channel. 7. If the area of pain is large (back or quadricep), you may want to use four pads and two channels. One pad from channel one placed above the area of pain and one pad placed below the area. One pad from channel two placed in front of the area of pain and another pad from channel two placed behind the area of pain. This arrangement forms a cross pattern. Another option for four pads: One pad from channel one in the upper right corner of the area of pain and one pad from channel one in the lower left corner of the area of pain. One pad from channel two in upper left corner of the pain and one pad in lower right corner of the pain. This arrangement forms an X pattern. However, one can experiment with the placement of the pads if they are following all precautions and warnings. 8. If using just two pads you might try to place one pad directly on the pain and the remaining pad above or below it. Experiment and see what will work the best. You can also place pads on each side of the pain. 9. Another alternative is to try placing pads over the trigger points of a specific muscle. Charts with trigger point locations can be found online. 10.The pads may cause a contraction of the muscles around the painful area. This is fine but it should not increase your pain. TENS is supposed to be comfortable and to help you relieve your pain. For more information on the TENS programs visit: https://www.bobandbrad.com/tens-program If interested in purchasing the TENS/EMS unit by iReliev visit: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=15&oid=1&affid=10 DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician. Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in May of 2018. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU_gMhMkwy8&t=3s Bob: Today we are joined by Jody, who is going to share her knowledge which we so much appreciate, because she's been through it all. There’s nothing like having a real patient tell their story. The title of our program today is 7 foods you should never eat if you have arthritis/fibromyalgia. She actually has rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. This is a two-part series basically, in the first part Jody talked about some of the things, some of the trials and tribulations she went through in trying the normal medical route with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It really kind of did not go well and now we're going to go ahead and talk about some of the foods you shouldn't eat and maybe some of the foods you can eat which has really helped to manage her conditions. Brad: I think it's time to let Jody talk. Jody: So yes, I've had great success changing my diet. One of the things I forgot to say before but will fit here well is, when I went to a dietician for the first time I did get a little freaked out. She kind of overloaded me so if that happens to anybody it's okay take small steps. So, when I first went she said you have to cut out all these things, and all these things were things I ate a lot. Like number one is dairy. I'm from Wisconsin, I'm not cutting out cheese. I just can't do it. Brad: Before we go any further, so the primary goal with the change in diet was for pain management correct. Jody: I would say yes, at first because I was in such pain. But come to find out through a lot of research I've done it also will help to slow the progression of the RA, which is inflammation based. So if you get rid of the inflammation in your body it's obviously going to help the disease. When I first had RA and fibromyalgia, I started going to a massage therapist. I remember distinctively she said that she had a patient who managed his RA strictly through diet and exercise and I went “yeah right.” I just didn't think it was possible. And now that's, well I need to add exercise, so that's baby steps. I've managed it very successfully through diet and some of the other like the acupuncture and the massage those are things that help. But diet is the number one thing that has helped me. And I can tell you why, because when I have, I call it “deflaming my body” that's not a technical term, and please be aware I am NOT an expert I am NOT a nutritionist this is simply my history. I've done a lot of research. People in my life have given me advice and I followed it, and it has worked so this is strictly first-hand knowledge. But when I did “deflame my body” and get to the point of being pain-free, if I added something back in I could tell within 15 minutes. My hands would ache and I had trouble moving them. Bob: You were getting some good feedback. You know exactly what was working and what's not working because you get immediate feedback. Jody: Negative pain feedback is what it was. Bob: Believe me this is not the first time I've heard this. This is where, basically you can look at food as a drug, I mean, you can use it as a good drug or a bad drug so keep that in mind. Do you want to talk about some of the foods? Jody: I would say my number one thing that I have cut out is potatoes. Starchy things, but number one is potatoes. I can eat sweet potatoes but I haven't had potatoes for quite a while. Bob: That makes sense potatoes have very high glycemic level and sweet potatoes have a little bit less so potatoes are a culprit unfortunately because I love them too. Jody: Then you learn to do, as I talk about this, you learn to do like switching things or substituting. For me, I absolutely love pasta and when I was told I couldn't have pasta anymore, because it's not just white flour it's wheat flour it's not just white rice it's brown rice right, so it's yes grains its wheat its potatoes all of which I love. I love pasta, but then you learn to substitute things like black bean pasta or chickpea pasta. Bob: I'm going to have to try those because you know we've lowered the carbs in our lives and pasta is very high glycemic also. Jody: Well and it's the simple carbs you have to be very careful with the simple carbs. You can look up what that means. So what I did is I cut as much out as I could at first, I had a flair so to get the Flair down. Then you try adding things back in and when you have a reaction you know you have to stay away from that one. So one of the reactions I have is definitely to rice that's a big trigger, potatoes is a big trigger. I sometimes sneak a little pasta and you know it all depends on how much pain you can put up with I guess. So those are big ones. She did tell me no dairy and I think I started to cry. But, I use a lot of creamer in my coffee so she gave me ideas like coconut oil. So I put coconut oil in as well and actually a lot of people use coconut oil in their coffee. A caveat here is organic, so everything I try to buy as much as possible organic. I do organic coconut oil. I do organic like the pasta you know whatever I can do. Bob: Are you staying away from some fruits? Jody: I'm not a big fruit eater. Bob: So that wasn't a problem. Jody: Right, but from what I've read carbohydrates in natural form are fine. It's the more processed ones that aren’t. Sugar is a big one. Oh, I want to get back to dairy for a second. So I love my cheese and I don't think I could do without my cheese so she gave me some tips on that. Don't do the pre-shredded cheese because it's got a lot of processing. So anything that's got a lot of processing, flip stuff over read the label if you can't pronounce it don't eat it. I mean that's kind of a good rule. The other thing is like say taco chips, you can find organic tortilla chip that have three ingredients: it's got the corn, it's got the oil that it's cooked in, it's got salt. That's fine. Bob: Sure you find other bags it goes on and on. Jody: For instance, we do a lot of shopping now in the organic aisle or the health. They have gluten-free everything. You turn that over and it's filled with rice flour or this flour, I can't eat that either. So you have to start to educate, it takes a little time to educate yourself and to start reading labels. Bob: I think you made a good point, you know, don't try to toss everything out at first, do this kind of like a scientist go in and experiment. Brad: I’m just curious, you haven’t mentioned anything about meats or fats? Jody: So, I had been on a diet for like forever and I’d do a lot of low-fat, no-fat that actually is kind of harmful for you. The first thing she said to me is you need to add good fats back in, so cook with avocado oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil. Add the good fats in. The meat, organic is best. Nitrate free if you want to do like sandwich meat or whatever look for anything that's nitrate free. We buy nitrate free bacon and sandwich meat it's a little harder to find but you can do it. Brad: So you mean your diet prior to this specific diet you were cutting out at that? Jody: I was, I was trying to do a low-fat no-fat type diet prior to this. And what I've learned is that's a little more harmful because of what they replace the natural fats with is chemicals. So anything I can eat that is chemical free is the best. Brad: So if you had a steak with some fat in it, all organic, nitrate-free that would be okay? Jody: It doesn't even have to be organic steak but yes. You know what I'm saying. Absolutely. You can have your natural fats. Bob: Fats are not the culprit. I think most diets are discovering that now, that they went overboard in that direction and people were gaining weight despite the fact that they were low fat. Jody: Actually healthy, natural fats have a high satiation so it helps you feel fuller. If you're doing it right. That's why nuts, almonds those kind of things are really actually quite good because it's got the good oils Bob: Anything other group that you were avoiding? Jody: Yeah, sugar. Sugar you have to really limit, especially white refined sugar. Anything processed like your Hohos and that kind of stuff. So when you bake you now use honey or you use maple syrup. So my biggest thing that I found is, I'm very much a snacker, so I have to now just create some muffins to take along. I've got some great recipes using coconut flour. So you just learn other things in all my baking now I use almond flour or coconut flour and that's fine. You can use that and then you use your honey as your sweetener, and clarified butter. Bob: I don’t know if you are spreading your meals out but if you can keep your insulin levels consistent. We talked about rather than eating three big meals a day or two big meals, eat a lot of little meals you're keeping your insulin levels stable right and then you're not getting that spike which is which obviously can affect your RA I believe. Jody: Yes and then of course if you're hungry you're grabbing things that aren’t necessarily good for you. So sugars a big one and I do like my wine. So wine is not good for me so I have to cut that back. Bob: Sauvignon Blanc, it has less, it's a lower glycemic level. Jody: It’s a white though. Bob: Oh, you don't like white. There's red ones that are really good too, like a Merlot. The dryer wines are better. I know all this, Brad. Brad: I Know. Jody: But I guess the point too is, that you don't have to cut everything out. I was reading my notes from my nutritionist the first time I met with her and she said to cut back grains to half a cup a week or something. Well I cut them out completely just because I when I've tried to add them back in. But some people don't have to cut things out completely, it's all personal. Brad: So it is individual? You can put it this broad category but you may each person may be a little bit different in there. Jody: Absolutely. I think there's some big overreaching like the flours and grains are probably. You know there's some big things like sugar and processed foods are bad. Let's try to keep those to a very minimum take them out see how you feel. Start adding a few things back in and then you'll find your trigger foods. Brad: I just wanted to mention you have some particular books or some websites that you want to share so that people can refer to that as well. Jody: Yes. What I started doing was looking online and there's something called mindbodygreen.com and they have foods that fight inflammation. Really when you google, if you google anti-inflammation diet or Paleo diet is really kind of what we try to follow. Bob: I've been watching and reading on the Paleo diet. Jody: Right. So if you start googling those for recipes it just takes you everywhere and as a caution a lot of them will try to sell you something but who cares. Just use their information and put it into your lifestyle. Bob: What I like about this Jody is the fact, I mean even if people say you're nuts this is it going to help my RA, this is good for you. Jody: It changed my life. Bob: People are going to find out and I honestly believe it is going to help your RA and fibromyalgia without a doubt. I mean remember we had the one guy on here that actually talked about that his asthma went away when he decreased his inflammatory foods. Jody: It’s not just RA, autoimmune diseases themselves. There is a whole category of them that are based on inflammation in your body and so it's not just the fibromyalgia and the RA. I mean anybody who's got an autoimmune disease is going to be helped by taking better care of what goes in their body. Bob: Wonderful. Brad: It just seems like our culture, you just go to the store and if you took probably 75% of the stuff in there is highly processed. You just change your whole outlook when you go shopping I’m guessing. Jody: Even the organic aisle you have to be careful in. You know and it does take more time and effort but I said pain is a great motivator. I have an awesome husband who cooks for me so it really doesn't take that much off of me but. Bob: All right once again Jody, thank you very much for joining us. She did a wonderful job. Websites: https://www.dairyfree.com https://www.cleanfoodcrush.com https://www.whole30.com https://www.glutenfreesugarfreedairyfree.com https://www.mindbodygreen.com Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY Check out our shirts, mugs, bags and more in our Bob and Brad merchandise shop here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/bob-brad​ Check out The Bob & Brad Crew on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebobbradcrew Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in May of 2018. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j0yDwhY0V8 Bob: We are most graciously joined today by Jody who is going to be our real patient today. We're going to talk about dramatic pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Again we have a real patient’s story here. She’s going to talk about some of the things that worked for her and some of the things that didn't work. Brad: I think the most amazing thing here is she had some really good success after going through a regimen of things that weren't working that were supposed to. She does a much better job so I'm going to let her finish up with that. Jody: Thank you, so in about 2013 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and they did a rheumatoid arthritis test at the same time. Didn't think I had it and it came back with extremely high indicators. So, what happens usually when you're diagnosed with RA is they put you on two drugs usually to start. One actually is a cancer drug, a chemotherapy drug. One's called methotrexate and the other is Black Widow. Bob: You got kind of a double whammy here. You got two major diagnoses in one settings. That must have been a little bit of a shock or were you suspecting? Jody: No. My husband's an RN and he has some opinions about fibromyalgia, and so yeah, it was very shocking. And troublesome because it is a progressive non curable disease. You know I've had a lot of medical issues in my life and was very accustomed to having doctors tell me what to do following their instructions. So that was obviously what we were going to do. The trouble came after I was on methotrexate for about a year. I didn't know it but it can affect your liver functions and enzymes. So we had a test and I had to go off of it because my enzymes were up. So rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which basically means your immune system is attacking itself. So you can go along and be perfectly okay and then you'll have a flare or you can live in a state of flare, I guess. So, I had had a couple of flares. They put me on steroids that dropped the flares down because it helps to reduce the inflammation. Bob: Obviously you can’t stay on steroids very long at all. Jody: The other thing that people take a lot to help with the pain and the inflammation is NSAIDs. That's not good to be on long term either. So a lot of these things that help manage the disease is not good for your body. Bob: Right. Sometimes it can end up being worse. Jody: Oh wait until you hear, it gets worse. So, I had to go off the one drug and when we started this because certain drugs are advertised a lot out there and they're called biologics for this type of a disease. I was adamant I was not going to go on one because they have a lot of side effects, however after two years and not being able to take the one drug I had a really bad flare and basically was convinced by the doctor to go on a biologic. A biologic is an inject every two weeks. So I was on that for about nine months had several flares. Bob: Despite being on it, you were still having flares? Jody: The reason that we decided to go on it though was because of the concern about long-term joint damage. At the time I was diagnosed, they took x-rays and I had no joint damage so they wanted to stave that off. I would say in about late summer of 2016 I had a flare that wouldn't go away. They put me back on steroids for an extended amount of time. That's when my body rebelled and I developed yeast all over my torso. I developed psoriasis and had never had it in my life. I still had my flare. I went to a dermatologist and they said until you have this under control, well I went to my doctor first obviously. But the dermatologist said, until you have this under control we want you off the biologic. It took months, they put me on a steroid cream which then created boils and pustules. Bob: Oh my gosh things are just sliding the wrong way here. Brad: Was the fibromyalgia a factor or was that just on the back burner, or just an irritant along with it? Jody: Well that's a really good point, it seems they go hand in hand. It seems like when I have a flare of the RA, the fibromyalgia it's like a whole body thing. And my fibromyalgia manifests itself in different places than the RA. So at this point in time, I literally would limp out of bed limp to the kitchen, take my Advil and my prescription pain medicine daily and it would be hours before I could function. Move my fingers. I actually had a handicapped placard because I couldn't walk very well. It was awful and that was my future. Bob: I'm sure it was not only the future but you were expecting it to get worse because it’s progressive. So what did you begin trying? What changed you? Jody: Well that summer before, I had a really good friend who had some health issues and she went to a homeopathy. So, I went to a homeopathy to kind of talk about options and she informed me that the number one thing that causes inflammation in your body is your diet. So, she had me see one of her dieticians. I will tell you it scared me to death because I kind of like food. But she educated me on a lot of stuff and I had been you know really watching my weight for years and years and years and doing a lot of low-fat no-fat kind of thing. I found out that actually is very not good for a person. I had some dietary changes I needed to make, but in addition to that she does tinctures. These are drops that I put into water and one's an anti-inflammatory tincture and one's a pain relief. Brad: What is a tincture? Jody: A tincture is just basically something that's like in liquid, it's not even an oil. I'm not an expert here so you might want to google what it is but basically it's a way of distilling plant. Brad: So you're doing this with the diet? Jody: Right and this was like my first step was to go to her. In addition, I had during the previous two years started massage therapy and acupuncture which actually did help quite a bit. So I was using those in conjunction to going but when my body rebelled like that I was like, I've got to do something else. I made the decision that I would never be back on any RA drugs because of what happened. So I said I've got to find something else that's going to help me. So I went to the homeopathy and started that regimen. At the same time, I was introduced to essential oils. My thinking was two-pronged I need to manage the pain so I could function because I literally I couldn't work, I couldn't walk. So I needed to manage the pain and then I needed to find out the underlining cause and handle that. So the oils absolutely helped my pain as did the tincture. Then the diet and the things underneath the inflammation, understanding what's going on in your body is the key obviously to solving the issue. I will tell you that biologics suppress the immune system and because an autoimmune disease is the immune system kind of going haywire. They suppress it so it doesn't do that. Brad: So biologics, you're saying the medication that the doctor prescribed. Jody: Right. One of the cautions with that is you know you can get sick very easily because your immune system is compromised. That also is a not a great thing. The analogy that I used earlier was it's like if you don't address the underlining causes which is inflammation in your body, it's systemic inflammation, then it's like stepping on a tack and taking an aspirin but not getting off the tack. You're not actually even treating anything, it's a Band-Aid. Brad: Then the diet, you started looking into that and making changes? Jody: Yes, and I will tell you, I remember the first week I said to somebody “I haven't taken a Vicodin for a week. I haven't taken an Advil for a week.” I mean, everything was what I hadn't taken and how I was increasing my mobility and my feeling. So when I started making changes to the diet I ended up being pain-free for over eight months. Brad: Without medication? Jody: Without medication or pain meds! But here's what makes me really sad and this is why I wanted to come on the show. I really want people to understand. When I went back to my rheumatologist because you have like six month appointments, I said to her I've been pain-free. I think this was about four months in. I was very excited I wanted to tell her what I was doing and all she said was I really want you to go back on a medication. Brad: So she did not acknowledge your success. She did ask how did you do it? Jody: Nothing and all I could think it was you have other patients this could help. And it made me very sad So I was talking to my chiropractor and she said start spreading the word yourself. Get it out there. Tell your story. Bob: This is no surprise to me at all. I've been reading a lot on diet lately and just the inflammatory process. The nature of a lot of foods. This does not surprise me at all. I'll tell you; we’re going to do another video where just going talking about diet. Is there anything else here that you want to mention that you're using? Jody: Well one of the things that I had started using was the Dr. Axe collagen or bone broth. When I first went to my dietitian, she said I could make my own homemade bone broth, but I do not do that. The bone broth helps, it helps with the inflammation. I would recommend absolutely finding a homeopath, a good massage therapist, a good chiropractor, a good acupuncturist. These are all tools that you can use in your arsenal to help manage the pain, but to also reduce the inflammation so that your joint damage is reduced. Brad: I'm still curious, the big picture of the diet. What did you do? Give me one sentence. Jody: I use coconut oil now. That's one thing. Bob: That’s just one thing. Did we talk about pretty much everything? Jody: Yeah, the other thing, very quickly; anything that you use that I mentioned, like the essential oils be very, very, very careful to make sure you get it from a professional. Big-box stores and even a co-op there is no regulations on what is in an essential oil. They have done independent testing and some of them have like nothing in them. Bob: I’ve heard the same thing. Jody: If you're going to go a natural route, which I totally recommend find a practitioner that can guide you. Bob: Someone that you can trust. Jody: Right, exactly. Bob: Alright well you're going to stay tuned for the next episode because that's where we get into the meat and potatoes of what you should eat. We want to thank Jody, our guests for coming and for sharing her knowledge and we'll see you next time. Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY Check out our shirts, mugs, bags and more in our Bob and Brad merchandise shop here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/bob-brad​ Check out The Bob & Brad Crew on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebobbradcrew Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. 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iReliev has the TENS Mini Pain Relief Patch. It is extremely easy to use, and it should give you a sense whether a TENS unit will help your pain. It is a mini wireless unit that is easily concealed under your clothes and very simple to use. It comes with two electrode pads and although it is small it’s quite powerful. It comes with two electrode pads that snap to the unit and it costs around $20. It has two buttons up/on and down/off. The electrode pad is 2.3” x 3”. For more information on the TENS programs visit: https://www.bobandbrad.com/tens-program If interested in purchasing the TENS/EMS unit by iReliev visit: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=15&oid=1&affid=10 DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician. Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in January of 2021. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6k0Pk-2hN4&t=297s Bob: Today we're going to talk about treadmill workouts, are they five star or do they do more harm than good? You must see this. Brad: Yeah, Bob and I have used treadmills extensively over the years and we both decided separately that we're going to stop using the treadmill this winter because there are some concerns we have about it. So we're going to give you the advantages and disadvantages so you can decide for yourself if you want to continue to use one. Bob: We'll give you the lowdown. Brad: That's right. Bob: All right, here we go. Brad: Let's go, Bob. So as I mentioned, we both use treadmills a lot and we decided not to this year. My biggest concern was, last year I really used it a lot and I started getting hamstring problems and strains. And to be honest with you, I don't know if it was from using the treadmill more and more or not, but it got me thinking about it. Then there were some other things after I started doing some research on it that I think it's going to be really a good thing for me to find some other options. Bob: And there are a lot of options and we'll go over some of those in future videos. Brad: Exactly, I've got one. I'm excited to give. So let's go through, first we're going to go through some advantages. And we'll share the list and then some disadvantages and they kind of counter each other in certain areas and some not. Obviously big advantage, no weather issues. And that's why if you live up North or Wisconsin, Minnesota, lot of people don't like running in the snow. Bob: I don't mind running in the cold, unless it gets really cold, but I don't like slippery roads. There's been years where it's been slippery almost all winter long. We've had a really good winter so far. I run outside every day now. Brad: People in Florida don't care about that. Bob: Yeah, they don't care about that. Brad: The next thing, they're adjustable inclines, so you can run up the hill if you want, you can run on the flat if you want. One thing I found out, I wasn't aware of and maybe treadmill people are, is you're running on the flat on a treadmill and the motorized belt is kind of helping you, so to compensate for that, you go up one percent in gradient. Bob: Yeah, we were just talking about it, on my treadmill I don't know if that's 1%, but I have always naturally gone up one level. Brad: To compensate for that. Bob: I don't know. It's just, I felt like I was almost falling forward when it was level, I had to get good grip. Brad: Okay. They're saying that you're going to do that 1%, slight increase to compensate for that more resistance that you would naturally have outdoors. Number three, less impact. Some treadmills are better than others but I think in my mind, all treadmills because they're suspended a little bit they're going to have a little give as opposed to running on concrete or blacktop. Bob: You know I broke three treadmills? I broke the deck on it. Brad: You have to be careful Bob. Bob: I know, but I weighed 200 some pounds and I'm pounding, and all of a sudden it would give way in the middle, and I broke the deck Brad: If the treadmill is accepting that kind of impact, just think what your joints are. It works both ways. But anyways, less impact on a treadmill versus hard concrete or blacktop, if you're a road runner. Number four, now this is a theory, I read about it in an article and I could see where it may be true, but I don't know for sure. They actually promote a 4' running, leaning forward running with a shorter stride length, which is all consistent with improved speed with your running and less impact on your joints. Bob: Less impact on the joint. Brad: So it's a good thing again, that's a theory. Bob: I'm not sure if I buy that one or not. Brad: When you were just saying you elevated yours a little bit because it made you feel like you were leaning forward. Bob: So maybe it does. Brad: Anyways, the next one, good objective information. I don't think anybody can disagree with this. Bob: Yeah, you know if you're improving and because you everything's the same. Brad: You look at your speed. I used to do interval work on it. I would run fast, run slow, run fast. And I could do that very specific distances and keep an accurate and consistent workout, which is really nice. I think there's a big advantage and I really did enjoy that, and plus it made it less boring for me. And nowadays, actually another point, is you can do whole programs with a TV screen and run through the Alps if you want. You see the pictures there and then have different speeds and have a whole program already interjected into the software that may last 10 or 12 weeks. And keeps you motivated to stay with it. And then of course cardio. They're going to get your heart rate up; you're going to get good cardio benefits just as you would outside. Now let's go to the disadvantages. Bob: I want to tell one more advantage Brad. This is just anecdotally, but patients that I had that would use a treadmill versus a bike, a stationary bike, they seemed like they stuck with the treadmill longer than the stationary bike. Brad: Oh really? Bob: Yeah. Again, it's anecdotally, but it was almost across the board, people got a treadmill, they'd use it. But they were walking. Brad: And I think there is, between the walker treadmill users and the non-walkers, but still most of these apply to both, less impact when you walk of course. And of course, the whole thing about the body running form when you walk, does not exist. So, for walkers maybe more advantages to treadmill. Disadvantages. Everyone probably agrees with this is they're boring. Everyone. They're just boring and you get a TV, it helps, but you're still, you can't pay attention to the TV too much because you have to pay attention where you are on the treadmill. Bob: Yeah you do and it's funny because I'm looking down, looking up, I'm looking down, looking up. Brad: Which leads me to point number two, and this is, I got some facts on this, they're dangerous, they can be very dangerous, people can fall. In 2015, I couldn't find anything from '18 or '19, and so I pulled this up from '15. I have a feeling it's similar, 24,400 doctor visits from treadmill falls. Bob: This the United States or what? Brad: Yeah, United States. That's a lot. Bob: I fell and this is why I fell, there's a key on there, a safety key. Brad: Oh sure. Bob: And you're supposed to clip it to you but I didn’t and it just came loose. So I'm running and all of a sudden it just stopped. And I remember, I just like, what happened? And all of a sudden I fell right down, then when I hit the floor, I was thinking it was going to scoot me back, but it didn't. I was like, why did it stop? Brad: You didn't get hurt? Bob: I didn't get hurt. Brad: You were one of the fatalities. Bob: I was 59 years old when that happened. Brad: Oh really? Quite a few years ago. Just kidding. Bob: Wait a minute. Brad: Anyways, yeah, so they are dangerous. If you go on YouTube and hit falls on treadmills, you're going to see all kinds of falls on them. They're not even funny, but I guess it's very dangerous. So anyways, kids go on them and play with them and they fall. But they bounce off usually pretty good but I'm sure sometimes they do not. So there is that part to think about. The next thing, the belt is motorized, we alluded to this before. So that changes your running form or changes the muscle, how do we call it? The muscle synergy, how things should work. This is different than running outside. So in some ways it could weaken your muscles so that when you change to outdoor running you don't get the maximum crossover that possible. Bob: I know there's always a big challenge going from the treadmill to outside again. Brad: In the spring. Bob: Yep, absolutely. Brad: So, you don't get that good crossover, the leg and the foot, particularly the foot and the ankle. Now this is something that I hadn't thought about before but once I thought about it and read it, it's like, it makes perfect sense. You're running on a very consistent flat surface. When you're running outside, it's not true. Especially if you're trail running, there's all kinds of variations on the surface. Bob: Or even just the camber of the road Bob: Camber of the road, you're running uphill, you're running downhill. Very much different. Bob: So even from a proprioception, in a sense, being able to tell where your foot is without looking at it. It's taxing it more. Brad: You're going to lose strength in muscles, in your ankle that deal with lateral motions versus that consistent treadmill motion. So there's that to think of. Number five, lack of outdoor stimulation. Bob: That's what I miss when I can't run outdoors. And I love that. Brad: And it's not just a psychological thing, there's other benefits. Bob: There are studies on it. Especially if you can run in nature, that's the biggest. Brad: You get away from all the hustle and bustle and the cars going by. Bob: You get your vitamin D from the sun, little harder in the winter but, it's just so much better. I even like to get out in the winter, we call a cryotherapy, my wife and I. We don't cry. It's cold therapy. Brad: Cold, yeah. Bob: And it's good you. Brad: In cooler weather you get out, I'll usually run with just shorts on, unless it gets below 20. If it's windy, I'll put pants on. My neighbors talk sometimes, but anyways, the outdoor, the visual stimulation, that sun, the air, all that, things to me is just so relaxed. Bob: I miss it so much when we don’t do it. Brad: And I like running up a hill is just a lot better than tilting the treadmill up I think. And of course, another big disadvantage, if you're thinking about buying one for your house. There's the CRS and it's not, can't remember, it's clothes rack syndrome. Liz and I were talking before this and we decided that at least 50% of the people probably a lot more end up after six months or a year, they hang their clothes on to dry more than they're using it. You could easily spend $500, $1,000, on a good treadmill and you don't want to have it for a clothes rack. So, go out and use one at a gym somewhere before you buy them. Bob: We had a running joke, among I and a bunch of friends, we had all bought dip bars. And so our joke was yeah, you're hanging your clothes on it now. Brad: I think there's other things you could use for that dip bar that would be really handy. So treadmills, they're fantastic, some disadvantages, some advantages. But hopefully this will get you thinking of different things you haven't thought of before that may help you out in making a decision to continue or to start or to buy one. So be aware on that purchase. Bob: Sounds good, thanks Brad. Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in December of 2020. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuvbGXyUr0U&t=45s Bob: Today, our title is "Is a loved one developing dementia?" So we have three tests you can do to find out. And these are pretty well tested tests. Brad: Yeah, they’ve been around for years. Years. Bob: So Brad and I, in our practice, always would also work in nursing homes. We were seeing outpatients, but we were also seeing patients that come into a nursing home and they're doing rehab hopefully to go home. Brad: Right. Bob: Some of the tests done by our occupational therapists was to determine whether or not they had the cognitive power to be at home. Brad: Right. Bob: You know, are they going to make right decisions. Brad: Can they figure their checkbook, can they answer the phone, and have effective conversations. Bob: Using the stove. Can they handle their medicine? Or can they organize their medicine, or do they need to have someone come in and do that for them? So all these things are very important. So I've been hearing these tests be done for years. Like you hear them in the background. And sometimes I think, "Boy, I don't know if I'd pass that test," but, there's three tests that are commonly used by our occupational therapists that actually are available for free. I got the website. It's www.myotspot.com, the links are below too. Brad: You'll see it down there. You can type it all in and get you there. Bob: Yeah, and they actually have five tests. And again, you can print it out. The one has instructions on how to use it. The reason I did this is because my mom, she's 90 years old, and she's doing pretty well. She's living in independent living yet, but a couple of my sisters were thinking, "Well, does she need to be in assisted living?" So, I did the test on her. I did the Short Blessed Test. I don't know where that comes, Blessed. Brad: Yeah, well, it's a good test by Bob, obviously. Bob: Yeah, it is a good test. Again, I've heard it being mentioned by OTs for years. And I did it to her. She passed with flying colors, Brad. Brad: Really? Bob: I was really happy. I didn't think she would. Brad: But you didn't do it to yourself. Bob: I did not do it to myself. LOL. My mom only has an eighth-grade education, both my mom and dad. But she's a smart lady. She is no dummy. Brad: Right. Well, you can self-educate quite well. Bob: Right, right, so we're going to mention the three tests and give just a few questions from there. So you can kind of get a sense of what it's like. So do you want to start with the Short Blessed? Brad: Sure. The first one, I think, they start out easier and get more difficult. It's, "What year is it now?" And the person responds. And you circle "correct" or "incorrect." Number two, what month is it now? So little more detailed. Now this one here. Bob: This is the tough one. This is the one my mom had trouble with. She got most of it, but at the end it was harder. Brad: You'll see. Please repeat this name and address after me, as you speak to the person being tested. John Brown, 42 Market Street, Chicago. Bob: And they're supposed to repeat it. And then you say it again, John Brown, 42 Market Street, Chicago. They repeat it again, and then you have them repeat it one more time, and now we tell them to remember that name and address for a few minutes. And again, We hear occupational therapists saying this all the time, and then at the end, you know, after you've been distracted, they ask you the name again. And my mom got most of it, but she she missed the 42, which is all right. All right. How about one last one? This is the one I was proud of my mom that she got. Say the months of the year in reverse order. So, December, November, October..... Yeah, you got to think a little bit on that one. All right, so that's the Short Blessed Test. I don't know where that name came from. And then this name, all these names, you get a kick out of them. Brad: The nice thing about these tests is they give you information through each question. And as the tester, if you have a question, maybe you don't understand it, it gives you a little explanation on how to do it. Bob: It does on the Short Blessed Test. It doesn't on these others, but I don't think you need it on these. Bob: So that's nice, and then for scoring. So it's very complete. So you don't have go to a class to take those. Just take your time with it, go through it, and you'll be able to do it with your loved one or whoever. Bob: Yeah, yeah. Check it out. See if they're they're safe at all. I mean, like on the Blessed, if you're... Let's see what the final results are here. If you have normal cognition, you're zero to four. My mom was right on that four. If you have questionable impairment, you're five to nine. And so you still might be able to be at home. Brad: Yep. Bob: And if you have 10 or more, then it's consistent with dementia. Brad: I did this with my mother with some balance testing. Take this, put the date on it and file it. Have some copies, so maybe in a year you can retest the person and see if there's changes. Bob: Also, if they do test fairly high, meaning possible for dementia, then you would go to the doctor and have it assessed, too. Brad: Yeah, have a professional do it. Bob: Next one's called the SLUMS Examination. Brad: Must be an acronym. Yeah. It's all capital letters. Bob: You want to give a couple of questions from there, Brad? Brad: Sure. Again, the first ones start out easy. "What day of the week is it?" Number two, "What is the year?" Number three, "What state are we in?" Do you want to go to the more difficult ones? Bob: Number four, I think that's a fairly tough one. It says, "Please remember these five objects: Apple, pen, tie, house, car." I'd have to visualize them and put them together, otherwise... You know, that's a tough one. The other one I thought was kind of tough is "Please name as many animals as you can in a minute." I mean, I don't know. I'm just not good on the spot like that. Brad: Yeah, especially if the person's a little nervous, they know being tested, that changes things. Bob: Yeah, it does. Brad: I like this part of the test. There's a round circle and then you're supposed to draw the face of a clock on there. And so that's some cognitive things as well as some spacial things, right to left side, which as a therapist, you understand neurologically that can tell you some problems, particularly if they're possibly had a stroke, a mini stroke, and you can talk just fine. But when you draw the clock on there and they only do half the clock, and it's really amazing that the person seems normal talking, but they can't do the clock test. Bob: Right, it's been interesting seeing some of those results. And I have seen some of those, but they ask you to put an actual time on there, 10minutes to 11. Brad: Oh, sure. Bob: And then they have a story they tell you, and you have to remember details of that. I thought that's pretty hard, too, Brad. They do score this, if you have a high school education They have a different set of scores for if you have less than a high school education, so you do have a little more leeway there. Brad: So that one has a total of 11 questions. You know, the whole thing is going to take you, I would imagine 10 or 15 minutes if you take your time. Bob: Yeah, the Blessed took about 10 minutes. Brad: Yeah, I would suggest that, you know, go through these, maybe go through it with a family member so you feel comfortable with it. So you don't fumble around, because that can make someone nervous as well. Bob: Yeah. The final one is called the Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE. I looked at that one, for some reason I didn't like it. Brad: Well that one, I know the social workers that I've worked with use this one. Bob: Oh, do they? Brad: It's quicker. Bob: Yeah, and it's not just occupational therapists on this one, you're right. Brad: I think it's more general. The other ones get a little more detailed on memory and maybe some other neurological aspects. Bob: You're supposed to count backwards from 100 by 7s. I thought my mom would really have trouble with that one, but again, it might be the one that you think you could use, and it might be appropriate for your person. Maybe the person was an accountant, and that'd be a good question for them. Brad: Sure, sure. And the recall language aspect is on there. Bob: Yep. So check them out. They're all free, and you can give them a try, and we don't think you need any training to provide them. Maybe people are going to be mad at us, the OTs, for saying that. But I was able to do it, and I'm not that smart. So there we go. Remember Brad and I can fix just about anything... Brad: Except for... Bob: A broken heart. Brad: That's right. Bob: But we'll work on it. Dementia Test Website Link: www.myotspot.com/cognitive-assessments-for-occupational-therapists Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad Steem It: https://steemit.com/@bobandbrad Peakd: https://peakd.com/@bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY Check out our shirts, mugs, bags and more in our Bob and Brad merchandise shop here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/bob-brad​ Check out The Bob & Brad Crew on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebobbradcrew Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Step by Step: How to Use a Simple TENS Unit for Pain Control. The iReliev 8080. The Pros for buying the iReliev 8080 TENS unit: Reasonable Expense It is a TENS and EMS unit combined - See our video in the series entitled: What is the Difference between TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)? Effective Powerful Compact Comes with Hard Carrying Case Comes with Belt Clip Holster Comes with four smaller self-adhesive electrode pads and two larger self-adhesive electrode pads Has two channels so it can run four smaller pads and two larger pads at once It is rechargeable It has an extra-large digital display Display is back-lit Excellent instructions Two-year Warranty Get a sizeable Bob and Brad discount if you use this link below The Cons for buying the iReliev 8080 TENS unit: More expensive than iReliev 1313 It is wired (not wireless) We are going to provide a step-by-step demonstration of how to use the 8080 TENS unit. If you purchase the 8080 TENS unit, the instructional book included with the purchase will provide the written instructions. For more information on the TENS programs visit: https://www.bobandbrad.com/tens-program If interested in purchasing the TENS/EMS unit by iReliev visit: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=15&oid=1&affid=10 DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician. Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in April of 2021. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dytNLM47l78&t=175s. Bob: Today we are going to talk about the best motivation to lose weight. I think a lot of us are in that realm. We want to lose weight. Brad: Right. Bob: And keep it off too. These are some of the best motivations we've found, and then we're going to give you some hints too. So, today, this is based on a paper. It was a systemic review on motivations to lose weight. So, they looked at a lot of different studies on what it was that people said motivated them to lose weight. Brad: So, they kind of culminated to a list of the most common and most successful. Bob: And obviously it would vary a lot, depending on if you're male or female and if you're old versus young. Which is funny; I always used to ask staff this as a fun question, "If you could be 10% something better, what would you be?" Would you want to be 10% smarter, 10% healthier? All the older people said 10% healthier. I mean and I was young at the time, like, what? Don't you want to be 10% smarter? So, these are some of the common reasons: Number one ,especially for women, their appearance. They want to be able to fit into clothes again. Or, fit into clothes they haven't for a while. Number two, and this was bigger for men, was health and fitness. They were more concerned about their health, especially if they had something like diabetes or high BMI, which we all do, I think. Or, if you're older, but also along with this, a lot of people wanted to reduce their medications. Brad: Oh, sure, right. Blood pressure medication. Bob: Blood pressure and diabetes sometimes you can get to get off the Metformin. Brad: The medication. Bob: Okay, number three, they had an important event coming up. Like a social event. A wedding. Brad: A wedding, that's a big one. You've got two months before this wedding and it's time to hit the diet or whatever. Bob: Yeah, isn't that the truth? I mean, I don't want to mention anyone in my life but there's many times it was a great motivator. Brad: Or, if you're up north and it's like here, January, and you're going to go to the Bahama's or something like that and then in a couple of months, you got to get ready for the beach. Bob: You said that wrong, by the way. It's up Nort. Brad: Up Nort, yeah, lol. Bob: That's how we say it. Alright, number four was the ability to play with children or grandchildren. That's a big motivator. Your grandchild's going, Dad, or grandpa, I want to go and play, come with me! Brad: Yeah, maybe grandma wants to do that. Bob: ha-ha. Then number five, which I think is the worst reason, is if there's pressure from friends or family. Brad: Oh sure. Bob: You've got to have your own motivation or it's not going to work for you. Brad: Yeah, that's going to be one of those double negatives, it's going to come back to bite you. Bob: Yeah, it'll blow up on you. So, this is our advice and we're not nutritionists or we're not dieticians, but this is things that have worked for us and we've seen work for other people. I think the number one tip is really good advice, start with diet and don't worry about exercise at first. You're trying to change enough things all ready and you're going to lose more weight through the diet than you will through the exercise. Despite what people say. Brad: I've experienced that myself and I’ve seen people who do iron man triathlons, literally, I mean they are exercising all the time. And they're not skinny. They actually have a belly. They're not obese by any means but they’re not thin like you think they would be and I know it's because of their diet. That's why some people exercise a lot, because they think if they exercise a lot then they have the green light to eat anything they want. You can get away with that when you're younger, I think. But once you get into your 40's and especially over 50's, it doesn't work that way. Bob: Yeah, absolutely. Number two, write down what motivates you and look at it every day. So, if it's one of those things we just talked about, let's say it's your grandchildren. Have a picture of your grandchildren on your mirror and every morning you go, "This is why I'm eating the way I am." Brad: Yup. So you can take them to the park and then run around. You have to watch out for those swings and stuff. Those things you have to climb into, you're just too physically tall to get in there. You'd really have a tough time. Bob: Yeah, yeah, I would have a time. I also don't like the spinny rides. Brad: Oh, certainly not. But, have a picture of it, write it down, and see other people. Bob: Yep. Number three: I don't think you should use deprivation diet. If you're starving or hungry every day, it's just not going to last. There's nobody that can put up with that. If you're going to become vegan, which is fine, they're going to allow you to eat almost as many vegetables, healthy ones, as you want. Till you're stuffed. You go on keto, you're going to be allowed to eat almost anything, as long as it's not carbs. Or a certain amount of carbs. Brad: I was doing that once. I was on a diet, I don't know the name of it, but anyways, I was getting hungry. I kept reading the book and they said you're not going to lose weight if you're getting hungry. You have to eat because your body senses that hunger and puts you in starvation mode, so it actually could put some fat on you instead of burning it. It's not like you go eat a donut, but you have to eat specific things. Bob: Yeah, it works against you. Brad: Right, keep that appetite at bay, and things will continue to burn. Especially, you're not eating carbs. There are some more details we won't get into that now. Bob: Number four, I think no matter what, you're going to change your diet. When I say diet, again, I don't mean deprivation. I just mean you're changing the way you're eating. I would start to eliminate processed foods, especially sugar. You can get some natural sugars, so fruits and things like that but really avoid the sugars. That's going to help you lose weight right away. I mean, the sugary sodas. Brad: What about the sugary juices? There really aren’t many juices that you can get that aren't saturated. Bob: No. Even orange juice is so concentrated. It's fine to eat oranges, but if you drink orange juice, there is so much sugar in there. Brad: And this makes shopping at the grocery store easier because you're not going to use the center isles hardly at all. Bob: Right you go right around the ends. Brad: Yeah, the meat, the vegetables. Seriously, it makes shopping much easier. I don't eat the bun if I go out to eat or french fries and I used to love french fries. Now, I can easily say no, and it doesn't bother me at all. I much rather have veggies. Give me the steam veggies and I'm really happy with it. Bob: I love steamed veggies. Brad: If someone else is there and they offer me some fries, because they give you such a big pile of them, they taste okay, they're not terrible but I don't salivate for them anymore. Bob: Fries really are terrible for you though. Brad: Oh, yeah. I used to love them. Bob: Oh, me too! Brad: They were my favorite. One of my favorite things to go for but now I don't crave it. I think it was just a matter of changing foods. Bob: Yeah, your taste buds by changing your foods. The last thing we are going to say, and I don't want any flack from this, number five, you may want to consider the keto diet. The reason I say that is we had Dr. Eric Westman on, who is an absolute expert on the keto diet. In fact, his book, "End Your Carb Confusion," is a great place to start if you're thinking about the keto diet. I don't care if you want to consider the vegan diet, the paleo diet, those are all fine too. But the thing about the keto diet that struck me when he was talking about it, one, you're not going to starve. You can eat as much non carbs as you want. Even the carbs, you can eat a certain amount for a while, and you might be able to bump that up even. The big thing is though, you can do it on any budget too. He was recommending, even if you like to go to McDonald's. Go to McDonald's but don't eat the bun. You can't eat the fries either. Brad: Or you can't drink the soda. So, just order a burger. Bob: You can drink a diet soda under his diet. Brad: Really? Bob: Yep. He's like, you can eat artificial sugars and sweeteners. If I understand it right, he's looking at the two evils. If you're a diabetic, is it better to be off diabetic and eating some food that's maybe not a great thing for you. Brad: So, you don't have to medicate yourself further? Bob: Right, and diabetes leads to so many problems eventually down the road so you really want to try to stifle if you can. Despite what a lot of medical practitioners say, he's got the studies that show that when you are diabetic type 2, you can actually get off the medication. Anyway, that's our two cents. that's exactly what it's worth. Brad: Yeah. I mean, I've read the keto stuff and I haven't done anything. I'm not a keto person, I'm not a vegan person. I've just cleaned up, taken the sugars out, take out the processed foods. I do like grass fed beef. I think there's some good research on that too. I mean, anytime you mention a specific diet, we're going to have people from all different sets saying whatever. Bob: I think that's great. Give your comments and we're trying to help everybody out there. Brad: Right, do what works for your body. Bob: Alright, remember Brad and I can fix just about anything, Brad: Except for ... Bob: Your diet. No, no, ha-ha A broken heart. But we'll work on it. Interested in learning about the products mentioned in today's video: 1) "End Your Carb Confusion: A Simple Guide to Customize Your Carb Intake for Optimal Health" by Eric Westman:https://amzn.to/3mTo1sK Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad Steem It: https://steemit.com/@bobandbrad Peakd: https://peakd.com/@bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY

This article is a transcribed edited summary of a video Bob and Brad recorded in October of 2019. For the original video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S613qj8XYbw&t=360s Bob: Shoulder pain? Never sleep in these three positions. Do this instead. Brad: Right, we’re going to show the appropriate way to do it, make yourself happy and more sleep. Bob: More sleep? Brad: More sleep if you do it the we say. Bob: More sleepy? Brad: Alright, now the shoulder joint is a shallow socket, and it’s sensitive when it does not stay in the joint and it’s pushed off to the side, so pressure on the joint, especially when it’s irritated, is really going to flare it up. Bob: You can also get impingement at night if you sleep wrong. Brad: Exactly right. One of the most common things that people do, and they don’t do it on purpose, including myself, is they’ll roll over on the sore shoulder. When that happens, the pressure goes on. Often times it puts it slightly out of position, pinches or cuts the circulation off. There’s a number of things that can happen to cause pain. Bob: You’re right, Brad, I am amazed how prevalent it is. People with sore shoulders, I’ll ask them if they sleep on that shoulder. They say, “yes,” Brad: “Does it hurt?” Bob: “Yeah, I wake up and it hurts.” It’s not healing then. Brad: Right. Bob: It needs time to heal. Brad: So, what is the option? There is an option so you can sleep on that side that you’ve been sleeping on your whole life and you can’t break your habit. Bob: Ok, here come the pillows: number one, two, three, four pillows. Thank you, Loni. Brad: Invest in some pillows. Actually, for sleeping on your side, you don’t need this many pillows. Bob: You do need a nice little throw pillow. Brad: Then use the pillow that you already have. Bob: You might use two because you’re on your side. I do, I sleep like this every night, on my side. I eat my own cooking, as they say. I create a canal here, and by creating a canal, now I’m taking the pressure more on my head on my thoracic area rather than the shoulder. Brad: Or kind of the ribcage. Bob: If you want to, you can even roll back a little bit, so you’re a little more onto your back. That’ll even take more pressure off the shoulder. This really makes a big difference. So, if you feel like you just cannot get off that side. Brad: This is what I tell my patients. It makes more sense to me. You can either roll back or think about pulling that shoulder forward, the one under you. It really does the same thing. That’s just two ways of looking at it. Good, so we got the pillow canal if you’re going to sleep on the sore side. Let’s lay down again, Bob, on same side. Let’s say that now the opposite shoulder is sore. So, this upper shoulder is sore, and what we’re going to do is say, this is not so good either, having it on top rested on my side. This is not so good either because, what happens? Bob: You don’t want to sleep like this, with your arm hanging down your body, because you’re starting to internally rotate your shoulder. This is how we actually test for impingement. You’re actually impinging the shoulder when it’s like this. A lot of people, when they have the shoulder that is sore, they actually rest their arm on their leg for support. A good alternative, Brad, would be what? Brad: Pillows! Bob: Right. Brad: You can use one, but two works better. Bob: Two works a lot better, yes. You can put one in front of you and the other one under the armpit and the arm itself. This is just a really comfortable thing. If you have one pillow, you are still getting the internal rotation, or you're kind of turned in yet, so you really need two. Brad: Because that puts the arm in a neutral position, and it makes a big difference on the stress. We are talking about you might not notice it when you first lay down with that sore shoulder up, but after an hour, when you’re sleeping, and you have that stress on there, you wake up, ohhhh! Bob: By the way, Brad and I invested in pillow companies right before the start of this program. Brad: LOL Bob: We wanted to spike it up. Alright, what’s next Brad? Brad: Oh, this is a big one, we don’t want you laying on your stomach and we’re not a big promoter of stomach sleeping, but if you do, then you put your arms overhead. This is probably pretty obvious for most people. This is really going to bother your shoulders. Or lay on your back and lay with your arms over your head. Bob: Surprisingly, a lot of people do this. They fall asleep with their hands underneath their head. Or with arms hanging overhead. Brad: Maybe one arm. I had one patient; she couldn’t get out of that habit. Always slept with her arms up like that. She didn’t have shoulder pain for quite a while, and it was only one shoulder. Bob: Reminds me of little babies. Little babies sleep that way. Brad: Yeah, they’re flexible as can be, aren’t they? Bob: Yeah. Brad: So, how do you correct this? We are saying no sleeping on your stomach. Sleep on your back but even when you’re sleeping on your back, once again, you’re going to have your pillows, if your right shoulder is the one that hurts, put a pillow under that arm. Bob: Generally, I only think one is needed for when you sleep on your back. You could do two, but you can experiment. If you get one under the arm, you’re fairly comfortable already. Brad: It kind of depends on your pillow, if it’s bigger or smaller. You’re going to know what’s right because it immediately going to feel very comfortable on that sore shoulder. Bob: Yes, this is not something that you’re going to be guessing at. Brad: Yes, you’ll know. It’s very clear whether it’s comfortable or not. Bob: The things is, when you’re trying to heal an area, sleep is so important. If you’re not getting your sleep, it’s not healing. So, let’s stop putting the pressure on that shoulder. Brad: Exactly. Visit us on our other social media platforms: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/physicaltherapyvideo Website: https://bobandbrad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobandBrad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbobandbrad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptfamous Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mostfamousPTs Wimkin: https://wimkin.com/BobandBrad Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/bobandbrad Minds: https://www.minds.com/bobandbrad/ Vero: vero.co/bobandbrad For this week’s Giveaway visit: https://bobandbrad.com/giveaways Bob and Brad’s Products Pain Management: C2 Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/36pMekg​ Q2 Mini Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/3oSMBu9​ Handheld Massager: https://amzn.to/2TxZBqU​ Knee Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fit Glide: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Fitness: Resistance Bands: https://amzn.to/36uqnbr​ Pull Up Bands: https://amzn.to/3qmI4Rv​ Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt: https://amzn.to/2G5mXkp​ Hanging Handles: https://amzn.to/2RXLVFF​ Grip and Forearm Strengthener: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Wall Anchor: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Exercise Ball: https://amzn.to/3cdMMMu​ Stretching: Booyah Stik: https://store.bobandbrad.com​ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/3muStbi Bob & Brad Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/2RTSLLh Check out other products Bob and Brad Love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/physicaltherapyvideo?listId=3581Z1XUVFAFY Check out our shirts, mugs, bags and more in our Bob and Brad merchandise shop here: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/bob-brad​ Check out The Bob & Brad Crew on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebobbradcrew Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Step by Step: How to Use a Simple, Inexpensive TENS Unit for Pain Control. The iReliev 1313. The Pros for buying the iReliev 1313 TENS unit: Inexpensive Effective Powerful Compact Comes with Hard Carrying Case Comes with Belt Clip Holster Comes with 8 self-adhesive electrode pads total Has two channels so it can run 4 pads at once Excellent instructions Two Year Warranty Get a sizeable Bob and Brad discount if you use this link The Cons for buying the iReliev 1313 TENS unit: Needs (3) AAA Batteries (not rechargeable) (included) It is a TENS unit only- not an EMS. See our video in the series entitled: What is the Difference between TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)? It is wired (not wireless) We are going to provide a step-by-step video demonstration of how to use the 1313 TENS unit. If you purchase the 1313 TENS unit, the instructional book included with the purchase provides the written instructions. For more information on the TENS programs visit: https://www.bobandbrad.com/tens-program If interested in purchasing the TENS/EMS unit by iReliev visit: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=15&oid=1&affid=10 DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician. Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Massage guns conveniently provide all the health benefits of traditional massages anywhere and at any time. Learning more about massage guns can help you become your own physical therapist! Which Massage Gun is the Best for Me? Massage guns are wonderful tools for anyone looking to do some at-home physical therapy. They’ve risen to fame rather quickly thanks partly to their widespread use by professional athletes and health & fitness influencers. We say ‘partly’ because promotion can only go so far. The true testament to why they’ve gained such popularity is thanks to their health benefits. These electric massagers help relieve muscle soreness, increase blood circulation, reduce stiffness, reduce recovery time after strenuous exercise, and the list of benefits goes on. It’s thanks to all the health benefits they provide that athletes, influencers, and even physical therapists themselves choose to keep one or more of these in their personal toolkit. Nevertheless, it’s not wise to purchase just any massage gun because increasing competition has created many subpar replicas. Learning a little more about massage guns and how to differentiate the good ones from the not-so-good ones can make the difference between a disappointing experience or one that leaves you thinking, “How did I ever get by without one of these?” What Exactly are Massage Guns (and How do They Work)? Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are these things? Well, these small gun-like machines are known as percussion massagers. Like an electric drill-sized jackhammer, percussion massagers deliver a vigorous massage through rapid “hammering.” These kinds of massages are known as percussive therapy or vibration therapy. The difference between percussion or vibration is simply a matter of amplitude. Amplitude is the distance the gun’s head extends out. The farther it extends, the deeper the massage, ergo ‘percussion.’ A shorter amplitude won’t go as deep and will therefore provide a more superficial ‘vibration’ massage. Aside from this, two other important factors to consider are RPM and torque. RPM, or revolutions per minute, is how fast the arm extends and retracts in a minute (how many times it hits!). The majority of guns will typically have an RPM range of anywhere from 2000 to 3200. Finally, torque or stall force is the weight you can exert on the gun before it stalls or stops moving. Naturally, the higher the torque, the deeper and more intense the massage. A gun with high amplitude and high stall force but lower RPM will still feel significantly more intense than a gun with high RPM and low amplitude and torque. Athletes will typically have a higher pain tolerance and will opt for the former: massage guns with more amplitude and torque that can supply deep-tissue massages. Other aspects you may wish to consider when purchasing a gun are the gun’s noise level, battery life, attachment heads, weight, design, and warranty. Luckily, once you know your desired amplitude, RPM, and torque, the rest is much easier to compare among the brands you’ve narrowed your search down to. Can I Benefit from Using a Massage Gun? In short, yes. The best part is you don’t have to be a professional athlete or health guru to reap the benefits of a personal massager! Increased blood flow to muscles, breaking down knots in uncomfortable areas, and massaging areas that feel tight are all things that an office worker might need just as much as any athlete. Working from a seated position all day can also create soreness that needs attention. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or budget to visit a physical therapist regularly and ensure muscles are getting the care they deserve. This is exactly why having a good quality massage gun can be an invaluable tool for our health and wellbeing. Which is the Best Massage Gun Brand? Though there are many brands that exist for massage guns, they all vary in their specifications. Some guns will feel significantly stronger, however, it might also be that much more expensive. One brand we’ve listed below is tried and proven: great quality at a very affordable price. We can personally recommend Bob and Brad as one of the better and more cost-effective options available on the market. Remember to always do your own research, though. Especially check before purchasing any other brands that are more expensive, as there are many ‘knock-offs’ out there. As with anything, it helps to read the reviews and see what others thought of it before pulling out your credit card. Bob & Brad Physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck have over 60 years of combined experience in the physical therapy field. Having helped numerous patients with their pain, they teamed up to form their own YouTube channel in 2011 with the aim to help as many people as possible worldwide. Today, their mission continues strongly as ever, to provide the tricks, tips, and tools for better personal care. Their expertise has helped them develop a wide array of high quality products to further help people around the globe looking to ease their pains and reach their personal physical goals. Remember, the Best Massage Gun is the One That’s Best for You Now that you’re well versed in “all things massage guns,” you’re ready to browse through the different options available and choose the one that’s best for you. You might prefer something light, with a lower amplitude and torque. Alternatively, you might have some experience in treating your own muscles already and want something with a little more power. Regardless of your personal preference in those smaller details, do make sure to take your time and have patience in your search. Those hidden gems come to those who are most patient and care to look through the different options. What’s most important is once you’ve made your choice and purchased one you like, find a system that works for you. Experiment with different intensities, different attachment heads, different muscle groups, and different lengths of time for massaging each individual muscle or muscle group. You’ll eventually be able to hone in on what works best for your body and will feel better than ever. Best of luck in your pursuit for a lifelong enjoyment of relaxed and healthy muscles!