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.
What are HIIT Workouts and Are They Effective?
HIIT is the acronym for “High Intensity Interval Training.” Although HIIT has long been an important part of training for athletes, it’s becoming increasingly popular in mainstream fitness.
Shin Splints: Who is at Risk?
From basketball players in the NCAA tournament to middle age runners on the sidewalk, who is at risk and why? If you have lived an active lifestyle, participated in sports or even follow sports you’ve probably heard of or experienced ‘shin splints’ at some point. But what are shin splints?
In the physical therapy world, it is referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).
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I Run. Why do I need to strengthen, especially the legs?
As runners, we need to do more than just run. Without strength training, injuries are more likely to occur even when using good running form. Statistics vary but state anywhere from 20-80% of runners are injured annually1. Many of these are overuse injuries and often occur because runners are not listening to their bodies and continually doing prehab.
The “Secrets” to Being Happy
Wouldn’t it be great to always be happy? Do you know people who always seem to be joyful? Do you want to be like that too? Is there a secret or magic formula to being happy? (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Locust
Week two of January is another beginner level therapeutic back bend called Locust. Locust helps to strengthen the hamstrings, glutes and lumbar musculature, building on last week’s Cobra stretch. As a warm up, you can do a few Cobra stretches prior to performing the Locust. If you missed last week’s stretch, you can find instructions here.
5 Ways to Improve Your Home Exercise Program Compliance
The home exercise program is the elephant in the room at a lot of physical therapy sessions. A lot of people simply don’t like doing their exercises during their free time. Trust me. I understand the liberating feeling of just going to a clinic dedicated to physical therapy, mentally checking out and being told what to do to improve. While this will work, you won’t be getting the most out of your rehab with this mindset. (more…)
Stretch of the Week: Downward Dog
October is my favorite month. I might be biased because it’s my birthday month;) But all the leaves changing beautiful colors and fall festivities really lifts my heart! We have to be mindful though as the colder months approach because we end up being inside many more hours. This means that if you sit for your job, you may end up sitting even more when you get home! So this month will be all stretches you can do with a chair while you’re at work (or wherever you like). We have to take a break every now and then to stretch those muscles that are in a fixed position for hours. This month we will focus on the muscles that get shortened while we sit, mainly the hamstrings and the pectoral(chest) muscles. We will also target the muscles through the side body to counteract the slouching and poor posture that happens from sitting too long. Let’s get started!
