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Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Blog

DON'T BREAK YOUR BACK!

Mar 12, 2019
Tips to decrease injury while lifting: Keep your eyes and head up. This will decrease the rounding of your back and encourage a more neutral spinal position. Keep the object closer to you. The further away, the more compressive forces on your spine. (see image below) Brace with your core. Your abdominals are your natural back brace. Pull your belly button towards your spine to engage. BREATHE! Holding your breath causes increased intraabdominal pressure. Pivot rather than twist. Turn wit… Read More

Foods That Reduce Inflammation

Mar 12, 2019
Why is reducing inflammation important?There are two types of inflammation in the body, Acute and Chronic. Acute inflammation is the body’s natural healing response to an injury. This inflammation is temporary and is an important part to the healing process. Chronic inflammation is when it doesn’t shut off and starts to break down joints and tissue, causing degeneration. Chronic inflammation contributes to many common western diseases. This is the type of inflammation we want to reduce.Here ar… Read More

How to screen for scoliosis

Mar 13, 2018
A frequent question that we receive here at the clinic is how to check a child for scoliosis. Defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, scoliosis affects 3-5% of children with varying severity. To screen, we start with the patient standing up straight facing away so that the back is visible. Starting from the feet upwards to the head, take a look at each joint line noting areas of discrepancy. First, take a look at the ankles and feet, note excessive rolling in at the ankle which tends to red… Read More

Cupping

Nov 02, 2016
Cupping in its most basic form is one of the oldest and most universally practiced medical treatments in the world. Cupping is used widely in the world for many different reasons and the origins of cupping can be dated back to at least 3,500 years ago. Typically when we think of cupping we think of the round marks on people that are often associated with cupping. Recently at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio many of the U.S. swimmers including Michael Phelps were seen with cupping marks on them… Read More

Shoulder Impingement

Mar 24, 2016
Shoulder Impingement and Shoulder Bursitis Shoulder Impingement is shoulder pain that involves compression (impingement) of the bursa (a lubricating sac) and/or rotator cuff tendons by the shoulder blade. Either the bursa can become irritated which is known as bursitis, and/or the rotator cuff tendons can become irritated or have degeneration known as tendonosis. If left untreated, degenerative tearing of the rotator cuff may occur. Shoulder impingement is very common- particularly in peopl… Read More

Finish Line Rehydration

Dec 22, 2015
Typically the first thing we look for after crossing the finish line or ending our workouts are the fluids. All too often we turn to the nearest Gatorade table to “replenish our electrolytes” in order to rehydrate. Due to the successful marketing campaigns of a variety of sport drink companies, we’ve fallen into this trap thinking that these colorful drinks are actually good for us. But you would be mistaken.If you take the time to look at the ingredients, don’t be surprised if you find upwards … Read More

Early Specialization

Dec 22, 2015
In a world with stories of the Russians and Chinese training their children for the Olympics starting at the age of 3-4, we often hear parents asking “When should my child specialize in just one sport?” The pressure to specialize is one that appears to be increasing- particularly with this year being an Olympic year. Coaches are asking parents for their children to participate in 2-3 hour practices 5-6 days week. If they don’t, their child may fall behind the pack.But the research supports wa… Read More

IT (Iliotibial) band and knee pain

Dec 02, 2015
Out of all of the common repetitive injuries out there, IT band pain ranks pretty high on the list. Your iliotibial band (better known as your IT band) is like your youngest sibling growing up, innocent and easy to blame for everything. Yes your IT band hurts when you run, but who is the real culprit here? I often explain to patients that the source of chronic pain is rarely where the actual problem lies. It takes a village to raise a child right? Well, similarly- it takes many muscles to … Read More

Breathe Like A Baby. Again.

Aug 06, 2015
Let me guess, you already know how to breathe and you've been succeeding at it since you came into this world? I'm willing to bet that you're wrong. Chances are good that at some point throughout your life you stopped breathing with your belly and morphed into the all-too-common chest breather. Quick, find a baby, any baby will do. Now watch how that little baby's belly moves high to the sky and back down with every breath. Does your belly move when you breathe- because it should. The diaphr… Read More

Here’s to a happy and healthy Running New Year in 2015!

Jan 07, 2015
Ladies, how much does your ponytail swing when you run? Men, do you have trouble hearing your music through your headphones through your feet pounding the pavement or treadmill so loudly? These are just a few observations that you may notice that indicate your running form and strength need a tune-up. For example, a “swinging ponytail” could be a sign that your hips are unstable as you land on one foot after another causing abnormal strain and force on the knee leading to knee pain. Alternat… Read More