Can PT Solve My Chronic Back Pain?
Posted on by Tony Matoska PT, DPT, CMPT
Chronic low back pain is extremely prevalent and the leading cause of disability in industrialized countries. Chronic low back pain is defined as pain lasting more than three months. 10-20% of those who experience low back pain develop chronic low back pain, and there are numerous reasons for this. Many commonly prescribed treatments such as supportive back braces, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, injections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications only provide short-term relief. They have no evidence to support their use for long-term management.
(more…)
4 Exercises to Strengthen the Rotator Cuff
Posted on by Brandon Bowers, PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
The rotator cuff is a hot topic when it comes to shoulder injuries. A rotator cuff is an important group of four muscles that help move the shoulder to perform activities of daily living. Damage to one or more of the rotator cuff muscles can become a source of pain, reduced range of motion, reduced strength, or overall function. It is important to keep this muscle group strong to minimize injury and recover from a shoulder injury. Let’s look at some exercises that you can do at home to strengthen the rotator cuff.
(more…)
Team USA Olympians to Watch in Beijing Winter Olympics
Posted on by Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTP
It’s Olympics time again! Due to COVID, the Summer 2020 Olympics were postponed to 2021, and it is already time for the winter 2022 Olympic Games held in Beijing. Olympic athletes train year-round for their chance to compete on this world stage. Due to this intense training schedule, injuries do occur. Let’s look at some Team USA athletes to keep an eye on when you watch the winter games this year!
(more…)
The Connection Between Fitness and Mental Health
Posted on by Tanner Neuberger, PT, DPT, TDN Level 1
Taking care of yourself and your mental health continues to be at the forefront of many of our priorities, especially with the increase in mental health symptoms noted since the start of the pandemic1. Exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent symptoms from forming2. It also has a strong correlation to preventing cognitive decline3. Exercise can reduce inflammation through various mechanisms/pathways and positively affect mental health and well-being4, among many other positive benefits. Now more than ever, it is important to take care of your mental health and prioritize it. Our bodies are designed to move, and as shown previously, it has a direct correlation to mental well-being. A relatively “easy” way to do that is through exercise.
(more…)
5 Ways to Succeed in Physical or Occupational Therapy
Posted on by Rebecca Pudvah PT, DPT, CSCS, OCS
Your time is exceedingly valuable. When you are hurt, injured, or sick, you do not want to be sidelined for longer than necessary. Here at Athletico Physical Therapy, we are here to coach you to a better you. Check out the list below on how to make the most out of your physical therapy visits. This list can help you get strong, happy, and healthy during your time in physical therapy.
(more…)
Active Recovery Tips for Gymnasts
Posted on by Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTP
Gymnasts participate in their sport all year round and multiple days per week. A gymnast performs multiple repetitions of skills and their routines on equipment such as uneven or high bar, beam, floor, vault, pommel horse, or rings within each training session. Due to the nature of their training schedule, gymnasts may not have time for full recovery between events or between training sessions. We know the benefits of rest days, but what about the benefits of active recovery? Active recovery can include recovery between events during one practice as well as recovery between practices.
(more…)
3 Reasons Why You Should Stay Active While Injured
Posted on by Brian Chapman DPT, OCS, CSCS, CF-L1
We all understand that sometimes injuries can happen. Most people have experienced pain or an injury at some point in their lives. Although injuries can happen to anyone, how we choose to manage them determines our outcomes. Injuries are often underestimated in severity, and people feel they can “give it time” and wait to see if it will get better. This may work for some injuries, but often people are searching the internet or coming into our clinics looking for more guidance on how to get better, quicker.
(more…)
How Does Exercise Affect Your Gut Health?
Posted on by Caitlin Carroll, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
Have you ever heard the phrase “you are what you eat?” I never thought anything of it until recently when I began to experience gut issues and after years of doctor’s visits, was never able to come up with a diagnosis. I started working with a holistic nutritionist and learned how exercise and movement could help keep my gut healthy.
(more…)