Athletico Health Resources

Sleep is important, but it isn’t always easy to get. According to the CDC, almost 15% of people have trouble falling asleep most nights. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend adults sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night. Unfortunately, 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation. Poor sleep habits can cause numerous problems and can slow your body’s ability to heal, impact your ability to maintain or lose weight, negatively affect your mental health, and make you more prone to developing chronic pain. Data also shows that roughly 88% of people with chronic pain report consistent problems sleeping. Fortunately, there are numerous things we can do to improve our sleep, which can even help relieve your pain! If you consistently have problems sleeping and want more energy to help with your pain, these five helpful tips can help you catch Zzz’s and improve your sleep hygiene. (more…)

Do you ever stand up and ask yourself, “Why are my hips so tight?” There are many reasons, but one may be that, on average, we sit around for 10-14 hours per day, and those muscles are being overused. Today, we will review some restorative poses that could help you with the tightness in your hips. These restorative poses use props such as blankets, bolsters, yoga blocks, and more to help your body feel supported and relaxed. The goal is not to stretch the muscles but to relax the body and mind. (more…)

Gymnastics, the sport most watched in the Summer Olympics, engages viewers because of the extreme strength, balance, agility, accuracy, and endurance required to compete. Years of training tax the gymnast's body to the utmost because movement refinement through repetition exposes the gymnast to many repetitive stress and traumatic injuries. While gymnasts range from the 5-year-old tumbler to the elite Olympian, a unique factor for this sport, no matter the level, is the requirement of using arms for weight bearing. Such compressive and twisting forces affect the entire arm, especially the wrist. Approximately 88% of gymnasts reportedly experience wrist pain according to one study. (more…)

The idea of summer events may seem far away, but race day will be here before you know it. Now is the time to evaluate your fitness level and plan for the upcoming race season. Here are some ideas on how to determine your baseline fitness and how to build your spring training. (more…)

Life gets busy, and sometimes, making time for yourself can be difficult. Fitting in a quick workout can be challenging with limited time and energy. No need to fret, though, because you can build strength and endurance right from the comfort of your home with just a few basic movements. No fancy equipment or expensive gym membership required—just 20 minutes a few times a week, and you will be on your road to a better, healthier you. Let’s take a look at these great exercises. (more…)

Shoulder pain is the third most common pain complaint, following lower back and knee pain, with women being more likely to experience shoulder pain than men. Common causes of shoulder pain include tendon inflammation or tears, arthritis, fractures, and instability. Instability occurs when excessive shoulder mobility results in a lack of stability, often resulting in pain, popping sensation, feeling of the shoulder “giving out,” partial dislocations, weakness, and a “dead arm” feeling. Athletes who perform repeated overhead movements are at an increased risk of developing shoulder instability. (more…)

Ergonomics is about how your surroundings and personal habits affect your risk of muscle and joint injuries. These injuries can happen in different parts of the body and may be caused by repeating the same movements, working in uncomfortable temperatures, or using poorly placed equipment. Stress and personal beliefs can also play a role, especially because these injuries often develop over time. (more…)

Within the healthcare system, it can feel like there’s a lot of jargon out there, making it difficult to make sense of your symptoms and the available treatment options. Understanding what is going on when you are in pain is comforting and allows for a better understanding of treatment plans. The hip, specifically, is a very complicated joint with many abbreviations and terms that require further explanation. Below, you will find definitions and understanding of FAI, IFI, THA, acetabulum, labrum, and dysplasia – all common medical terms pertaining to the hip. (more…)