5 Myths about Back Pain
60-80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point. Back pain is linked to increased health care costs and missed work. There is a lot of information out there about the causes of and best ways to treat back pain. It may not be easy to distinguish what is myth and reality amongst this abundance of information. Here are five myths about low back pain and more information about what is true.
Why New Moms Need Physical Therapy
The wait is finally over; after nine months of doctor appointments and nursery decorating, your baby has arrived! Keep in mind, that it’s still an ongoing process after giving birth, and along the journey of pregnancy, your body has encountered many changes. You may find it difficult to return to your prior activity levels or experience new problems related to your pelvic floor. This blog will discuss how new moms can benefit from physical therapy to address any concerns after having their baby.
5 Misconceptions About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy originated in the late 1800s/early 1900s and has grown over the decades. There are various misconceptions about present-day physical therapy and what it is versus what it isn’t. Let’s take a look at five common misconceptions about physical therapy and reveal the truth about this valuable medical profession.
Can Dry Needling Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Taut bands can exist within your body that disrupt blood flow to your muscles. The affected area can become an acidic environment and begin to radiate pain elsewhere in the body. Trigger points are when those taut bands start to refer pain elsewhere. A technique called dry needling can help with this referred or local pain. Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and release underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues. It can help manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. Dry needling is used for a variety of diagnoses, from headaches and migraines to low back pain. This helpful technique is also a treatment option for plantar fasciitis. This condition often affects endurance athletes.
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.
Celebrating 30 Years at Athletico Physical Therapy
On August 24th, 2021 we proudly celebrate a significant milestone – our 30th anniversary! We can’t help but look back and reflect on our humble beginnings. It all started in 1991 when Mark Kaufman founded Athletico as a one-clinic organization that offered athletic training services to a local Chicago high school and rugby club.
What is Work Conditioning and What Are the Benefits?
Work conditioning is a somewhat misunderstood program. Some think it is for injured workers who have failed acute therapy, some believe it is the last chance before a patient reaches the end of care, and some assume it is acute physical therapy but with more lifting involved.
5 Celebrities You May Not Know Used Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is something that we all can benefit from. From major accidents to minor injuries, a stint in physical therapy may do wonders in relieving that nagging pain and resuming normal function. But physical therapy isn’t just for athletes. Some actors and entertainers will utilize physical therapy to perform at their best. Some celebrities will even keep a physical therapist on staff. Here are just some examples:
