There has been a 60% increase in the estimated number of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) seen among young athletes in the past decade according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause lasting effects on brain tissue and change the chemical balance of the … Read more
In an era of specialization in sports involving athletes of all ages, physical therapists join most medical experts in agreeing that young athletes generally remain mentally and physically healthier, achieve greater success, and learn to enjoy a lifetime of physical fitness when they opt to play multiple sports. In contrast, allowing youths to specialize in … Read more
Exercise May Improve Your Memory & Mood Orthopedic professionals such as physicians and physical therapists often refer to the human body’s kinetic chain – the notion that all bones, joints and “links†are connected, and that movement in one area can affect function in all areas. While not officially part of the kinetic chain, it … Read more
Use Fitness Apps This Year, but Use Them with Caution As more people continue to turn to health apps on their smartphones to help achieve goals related to exercise and weight loss, it’s important to use such tools with an element of personal caution, say physical therapists and other medical professionals. According to a report by the … Read more
Taking a full body look at our posture can help minimize those aches and pains we have from our low back, to our neck and shoulders. Some of the heavy hitters are the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and upper trapezius (the large muscles that run from our neck to our shoulder blades). There are some common … Read more
While a relationship between the body and mind has long been theorized – 1st Century Roman poet Juvenal once suggested people should pray for “mens sana in corpore sano†(a sound mind in a sound body) over power and wealth – a physiological connection between physical exercise and improved memory has been well-documented scientifically. “There … Read more
Managed exercise, physical therapy can improve concussion symptoms With high school sports starting up soon, and NFL training camp in full swing, concussions are certain to ramp up within the mainstream consciousness. And while talk will often point to conventional wisdom which states that “time and rest†are the best and only options for recovery … Read more
Summer Pro Tip: Wear Your Flip-flops with caution Warmer weather means lighter clothing all around, and footwear is no exception. But before you grab the flip-flops for summer outings and activities, physical therapists join other medical professionals in offering a word of caution: long-term flip-flop use can be bad for the feet, as well as … Read more
Think prevention during Stroke Awareness Month While we start what’s been known since 1989 as National Stroke Awareness Month (May), physical therapists are eager to point out that stroke is a medical emergency that’s highly preventable, and that movement and exercise are keys to such prevention. As is true with so many conditions and ailments, … Read more
Don’t confuse soreness with pain There’s soreness, and then there’s pain. It’s important to not confuse the two, say physical therapists. To active people in general and athletes at all levels, the inability to recognize the differences between muscle soreness and pain can mean pushing your body – your muscles and joints – to the … Read more
