Hospital sets two ‘aches and pains’ clinics

Sonoma Valley Hospital is offering two more sessions of its popular “Aches and Pains” clinics in March.

There is no charge for Sonoma Valley residents, but pre-registration is required.

The clinic will address the aches and pains most people develop over time. Each clinic will focus on one of the two most common forms of discomfort – pains located in the neck and shoulder area, and pains in the hip and lower back.

The clinic begins with a one-hour presentation by Hospital Physical Therapist Marek Grzybowski, who will explain common reasons why people experience pain and discuss the range of treatment options.

This will include simple things one can do on their own, such as learning how to better cope with stress, improve body mechanics so participants can exercise safely without injury, or deal effectively with mild arthritis. The presentation will include a question-and-answer period.

Immediately following the presentation, participants can obtain a free screening with a physical therapist who will help them assess the cause of their pain and identify treatment options.

The Neck and Shoulder Pains Clinic will be held on Thursday, March 5, while the Hip and Lower Back Pains Clinic will be held on Thursday, March 12.

Each clinic will start at 5 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Hospital Hand and Physical Therapy facility, 19312 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, (directly behind the Fitness Factory).

While there is no charge, attendees need to call the hospital’s Physical Therapy Department at 935-5345 to reserve a place or for more information. Specify which clinic you plan to attend.