3 Ways to Use a Foam Roller
Foam rollers are one of the most widely used tools in the fitness industry. Everywhere you look, you seem to see either someone using one or touting the benefits of one of them, but does the evidence support the use of these therapeutic devices? A casual look into the research shows some positive benefits of using a foam roller, and I will give a few of my favorite ways to use one for your next workout.
4 Back-to-School Posture Tips for Students
When the school supplies take over store aisles and the daylight hours begin to shorten, one can sense that back-to-school time is here. Be sure your return is pain-free! Here are four tips for decreasing strain on your spine and improving the ergonomics of your school experience. (more…)
4 Ways to Treat Tight Muscles
A common question we get as physical therapists is, “What can I do to stretch this tight muscle?” While stretching may seem like the best method to treat a tight muscle, stretching may also not always be the answer. Muscle tightness can be caused by weakness or tightness of the muscle, and weakness in surrounding muscles. Most commonly, all of these things are involved on some level, which causes a muscle to tighten.
The Importance of Muscle Hydration
Water is one of the essential nutrients we can consume and vital to every cell in our body. The human body is made up of 60% water, with muscles up to 79% water. As you can see, hydration is essential for the human body, muscles included. As such, it is necessary to maintain proper hydration for increased muscle function and response.
6 Exercises to Help Minimize an Injury to the ACL
With ACL injuries on the rise in young athletes, it is as important as ever to improve the strength in the lower limbs as a means to prevent an ACL tear.1 The average time of recovery after an ACL tear and subsequent surgery is typically six to nine months, and can set back an athlete for a much longer period of time than that.2 Biomechanics and strength are just a few pieces of the puzzle that can help prevent an injury. Proper rest, recovery, sleep, and nutrition can also help minimize the risk of an ACL tear from happening. The following are a list of strengthening exercises that address important aspects of an ACL prevention program.
4 Foot Strengthening Exercises for Gymnasts
Foot injuries can occur when playing sports but a shoe or cleat can often protect the foot from injury. Some sports, like gymnastics, are performed barefoot. Gymnasts have extra demands placed on the small muscles of the foot as they are not getting the support of a shoe. When training barefoot, there is an increased demand of the muscles in the foot and lower leg. These muscles will help to stabilize the foot and ankle which may reduce the risk of ankle sprains or injuries higher up the leg such as in the knee or hip. How can gymnasts help prevent injury when training barefoot? Here are some ways gymnasts can strengthen their foot muscles to improve their performance.
5 Exercises to Help Low Back Pain in Golfers
Golf is like any other sport or physical activity, regardless of how often you play or skill level, there are injuries that pop up. Injury prevalence studies have shown that the most common injury among amateur or recreational golfers is low back pain, ranging from 15-34% of active players. So whether you are someone who just picked up the game, a scratch golfer, walk the course, or ride in a cart, here are some tips on how to stay healthy and continue enjoying your time on the course!
5 Tips to Prevent Common Running Injuries
Running has become an increasingly popular activity for exercise among people of all ages. In fact, 60 million people within the United States participate in some form of running activity each year. People participate in running activities for numerous reasons including: improving fitness, weight concerns, running a race/competition, staying healthy, and having fun. Running for 5 – 10 minutes per day has shown to decrease the risk of death and cardiovascular disease. Running less than 50 minutes per week has also shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease when compared to individuals who don’t participate in running at all. While running has many benefits, about 50% of people get injured each year from running. Running injuries can be caused by poor running technique, reduced strength and flexibility, improper footwear, as well as overuse.
