A Variety of Ways to Position Your Pillows to Reduce Pain
Patients often report difficulty sleeping as a result of having pain when they lay down in bed. In response, therapists will commonly ask the patient what position they sleep in, how they position their pillow(s), and how many pillows they like to use. Pillow positioning is a strategy that can be different for each individual. Below are a few of the many examples of ways to position your pillows to reduce and prevent pain and improve your body alignment for a better night’s sleep!
Healthy Super Bowl Watching Experience
Here we are: the NFL Super Bowl is here. This usually means that my couch game is in full swing, with me parked on the couch watching other people being active. However, this year will be different. I’ve developed a five-pronged approach to a healthy Super Bowl watching experience, based on increased activity, healthier snacking options and better football watching mechanics (seriously). As always, consult with your physician before trying any new exercise or eating routine. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Hamstring Stretches
Welcome to the stretch of the week blog! This weekly blog is intended to expose you to different stretches that will help make the body more functional and to help reduce pain, which will hopefully help you live a happier healthier life! These stretches will have a yoga origin. (more…)
How Physical Therapy Can Help Back Pain
The back is designed to protect the spinal cord. However, it is also like a set of stackable blocks with bones that connect and run from the base of the head, to the bottom of our tailbone. Those stackable blocks keep us erect/upright, maintain posture, absorb shock and provide a stable base for our arms and legs to attach to for everyday movement. There are three sections of the spine: (more…)
Sitting vs. Standing: The Benefits of Standing
As soon as I identify myself as an “ergonomist,” I’m confronted with the same questions regarding ergonomics. No, this question isn’t related to the repetitive nature of assembly line work or the awkward postures assumed by building engineers, but it’s in reference to the continuing debate: Is Standing really better than sitting?
Ergonomics for the Students’ World
In 2008, 49.3 million students were enrolled in schools from grades one through twelve. These students are potentially sitting incorrectly at their school desks, computer workstations, or at home for more than eight hours each day. Due to the fact that repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, medial & lateral epicondylitis, & herniated discs are related to cumulative trauma, it’s imperative that we teach & adhere to sound ergonomic principles from a young age. The following guidelines can help mitigate stress on the body & contribute to a pain-free, healthy body: (more…)
Is My Computer Causing Neck Pain?
Millions of individuals sit at a computer for prolonged periods of time for their job or for recreation. One of the most common complaints of individuals who work at a computer for many hours a day is neck and upper back pain. Improper computer setup could be the main factor in why these symptoms are occurring. It is essential to have a proper ergonomic setup to decrease risk of overuse injury in the muscles and joints. Below are a few main areas of your workstation to be mindful of to ensure a proper ergonomic setup. (more…)
