Keeping our Nurses Healthy: Preventing Back Sprains and Strains
Nursing is a tough, physically demanding job and the data proves it. There were over 33,000 soft tissue injuries sustained by nursing professionals in 2013. The average number of days lost was 8. For those counting, that’s a total of 264,000 days of lost time, valuable time, spent inactive and unable to perform.
Runner’s Cramps: Why You Get Them and How You Can Prevent Them
Most runners have experienced it: your run is going smoothly and you’re feeling great, then all of a sudden you succumb to the dreaded side stitch, calf cramp or that feeling of “having to go.” Muscle and stomach issues can stop a runner dead in their tracks. With varying spring temperatures, muscle cramps are more common, as there is little opportunity to adjust to the change in weather.
Stretch of the Week: Self-Massage Technique
Five Weeks in March Means a Bonus Self-Massage Technique
For this self-massage technique we will focus on releasing the tight fascia and muscles of the low back.
You will need a tennis ball for this technique. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to find out what is best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic Tilts: Therapeutic Stretches for the Lower Back
Welcome to the weekly stretch for March!
This month we have been focusing on more therapeutic stretches for the low back. If you have ever been in therapy for low back pain you may have recognized one or two of these. Let’s continue this with Pelvic Tilts for week 4!
Stretch of the Week: Crossed Legged Low Back Reclined Twist
Crossed Legged Low Back Reclined Twist
The third week of March brings us to the gentle Crossed Legged Low Back Reclined Twist stretch. It is simple despite its long name. This stretch will help you to gain flexibility in those stiff lumbar muscles that can cause muscle imbalances and contribute to low back pain. You will not need any equipment for this stretch.
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.
Fitness Level and Injuries – Lower Back
With a new year comes a new you! Many people are working towards their fitness goals at this point in the year, whether it be training for their first 5k or just trying to have a better feeling of self. Unfortunately this is not only when the mind can become a little weak but so can the body. (more…)
Do knee braces or sleeves work for knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (breakdown of articular cartilage along the joint surfaces) is rampant in the aging population. Some statistics show nearly 1 in 2 people may develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by age 85 years (1). These are odds are not good! (more…)
