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…)
AC Sprain and How to Recover
The shoulder is an important joint that is used throughout daily life. Once it becomes injured it can be very difficult to maintain a normal lifestyle. One joint effected by shoulder injury is the acromioclavicularjoint or more commonly referred to as the AC joint. (more…)
Anxiety and Depression Associated with Physical Pain
“Thats the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.”- John Green
Early on in college, I decided in addition to majoring in physical therapy, I would also major in psychology. Why? I felt that if I was going to treat and understand the physical aspect of a person, I better understand a little bit about the brain, thoughts and emotion of an individual. After all, each of us is not just a body or a brain. We have both. Why is it that it’s readily accepted as the “norm” if you mention you have knee arthritis or back pain, however, it becomes taboo to discuss the psychology or emotion that may be involved with that pain? I firmly believe that the psychology of what one is experiencing is extremely important to discuss and address. (more…)
Breast Cancer Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Care
If you have experienced breast cancer, some of the toughest battles you may face are the emotional anxiety caused by the diagnosis and the uncertainty about your future. What you may not know, however, is that physical therapy can help you overcome the physical challenges brought on by surgery. (more…)
Debut Marathoner Series: Adding Dynamic Stretching to Your Race Routine
You have been training for your next Marathon for months and are about to enter the final “stretch”. You are probably starting to think about race morning and your pre-race routine that day. If not, it is a good time to start. It is important not to forget one of the most crucial and often overlooked parts of your routine…STRETCHING! I highly recommend having a pre-race plan for stretching. Check out our latest Debut Marathoner Series Dynamic Stretching Race Routine. (more…)
Screening for Breast Cancer
When was the last time you performed a breast self-exam? When I asked a number of women recently, the typical response was “not very often, but I know I should do it monthly.” Screening for breast cancer can be a scary topic, but with regular self examinations it doesn’t have to be. (more…)
Exercises for an ACL Injury
Have you ever injured or torn your ACL ligament? We’ve got the exercises and stretches for you! Athletico’s Dave Heidloff ATC, NASM-PES, FMS, provides stretches for athletes or anyone suffering from an ACL injury. Stretches are provided for anyone dealing with an ACL injury, specifically for those preparing for surgery or returning from surgery. Watch Dave’s exercises for an ACL injury below: (more…)
Stress Fractures FAQ
A stress fracture can be one of the most irritating injuries to a runner. When one receives the diagnosis of a stress fracture, the injury will sideline a runner for an average of six weeks. This means no running at all, and most often runners must wear a boot or use crutches. Here are some frequently asked questions to about causes of stress fractures and the pain associated with the injury. (more…)
