Individuals dealing with symptoms like sudden pain, weakness, and tenderness in the back of the knee could have a hamstring injury. Can knowing the symptoms and performing self-care help bring relief? Hamstring Pain Behind The Knee The hamstrings consist of three long muscles that run down the back of the thigh, cross over the back of the knee, and connect… Read More
Individuals who sit in an office chair for a long period naturally tend to slouch over or slouch down into the chair. This posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments, strain the discs and surrounding structures in the spine, and contribute to or worsen back pain. Can the right office chair settings help relieve and prevent future injuries? Work Office Chair… Read More
Could stability running shoes help correct foot pronation for runners, athletes, and physically active individuals who tend to have foot pronation issues? Stability Running Shoes Stability is having firm, steady balance in the feet and ankles. Individuals with flat feet or feet that tend to pronate or turn inward can seriously compromise their running stability, potentially increasing their risk of… Read More
For individuals dealing with stress, back and neck pain, and wanting to improve overall health, can trying a Hatha yoga class help? Hatha Yoga Class A yoga class is great for moms, athletes, or anyone interested in low-impact exercise. Today, many practice yoga for its mind and body, health and wellness benefits. Research shows that hatha yoga helps to reduce… Read More
Individuals with inflammation, pain, and swelling on the tops of their feet or hands could be experiencing extensor tendonitis. What treatment options are available? Extensor Tendonitis These tendons attach to muscles that straighten the fingers and lift the toes and the top of the foot. Extensor tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the tops of… Read More
Individuals who are vegan, vegetarian, or allergic to fish may want to avoid fish sauce and foods made with it. What are fish-free sauce substitutes? Fish Sauce Substitutes Fish sauce is a liquid ingredient that adds a salty fish flavor to recipes. It is made by coating fish, like anchovies, in salt and letting them ferment in large barrels. The… Read More
Can incorporating explosive strength training help develop power for athletes and sports enthusiasts who need to generate maximum energy quickly? Explosive Training Explosive strength training exercises help develop power and athletic abilities by challenging the nervous and muscular systems. The focus is on the number of sets, repetitions, and rest periods to maximize gains. Explosive exercises typically use fewer repetitions… Read More
Can electrolyte chewing gum help physically active individuals, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes experiencing extreme heat and dehydration? Electrolyte Chewing Gum Electrolyte powder mix and drinks have been marketed as efficient and time-saving for fast-paced lives. Now, electrolytes are in chewing gum form. These gums work by activating salivary glands and making the mouth water. Manufacturers claim the gum's sour taste… Read More
For individuals looking to improve their gut health, can learning about the supportive digestive organs help with how digestion works and how it can be affected by inflammatory bowel disease/IBD? Supportive Digestive Organs Most people are familiar with food movement from the mouth through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. However, digestion begins in the mouth with the… Read More
Individuals who engage in sports and physical activities that involve lunging forward while running or jumping can sustain a plantaris muscle injury. Can understanding the anatomy of the back of the leg and the symptoms help diagnose and treat plantar muscle injuries? Plantaris Muscle The plantaris muscle is a long, narrow muscle in the calf that runs along the back… Read More
Individuals who have sustained trauma to the knee area from work, physical activity, or a motor vehicle collision can experience significant pain and mobility impairment. Can physical therapy help heal and strengthen the PLC to avoid reconstructive surgery? Posterolateral Corner Knee Injury The posterolateral corner, or PLC, comprises muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back of the knee that help… Read More
The levator scapulae muscles could be overstretched for individuals experiencing upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. Can physical therapies help relieve pain and retrain the muscles to function properly? Levator Scapulae Muscles The levator scapulae muscles stretch along the spine across the upper back and neck. They originate from the cervical vertebrae C1 to C4 and attach to the inside… Read More
For individuals experiencing piriformis syndrome. Can knowing the causes and what it feels like help in diagnosis and treatment? Managing Piriformis Syndrome Piriformis syndrome is where spasms occur in the piriformis muscle located in the buttocks. These muscle spasms can cause pain and numbness in the buttocks and the back of the leg. (Cedars Sinai, 2022) What Is It? Piriformis… Read More
An annular fissure is caused by age-related changes to the spine, which often do not cause symptoms but can cause back pain. Can understanding the causes help individuals manage lower back pain and help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment program? Annular Fissure An annular fissure is a discogenic condition that affects the spine and can cause lower back pain.… Read More
Can incorporating lemongrass into a diet help individuals manage anxiety, colds, fever, inflammation, and insomnia? Lemongrass Lemongrass, or lemongrass or citronella, is a tall grass-like herb commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. The lower stalks and bulbs of the plant have a fresh, clean, lemony scent that is sometimes added to marinades, teas, curries, and broths. In addition to its… Read More
Can neurological physical therapy help individuals diagnosed with a recently acquired or chronic neurological condition gain strength and functioning? Neurological Physical Therapy Neurological physical therapy can be extremely beneficial. It aims to restore functional mobility, strength, balance, and coordination in those with neurological conditions that affect their quality of life and ability to move around. It also helps recover from… Read More
Individuals with the autoimmune disease lupus may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Are there ways to help protect the skin? Lupus Sun Exposure Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the joints, muscles, and skin. Around 5 million individuals worldwide, and 1.5 million in the United States, have been diagnosed with lupus. The disease is… Read More
Can incorporating walking help accomplish health goals for individuals trying to burn fat? Walking To Burn Calories and Fat Walking has many wonderful benefits that include: Improving fitness Strengthening bones Easing joint pain Improving mental health What to know Taking it easy at first and steadily working on the basics can help individuals reach their health goals. Two keys to… Read More
For individuals who are feeling back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, can using postural techniques help decrease pain and develop strategies to maintain correct posture? Maintaining Correct Posture Exercise and postural correction are two of the most important strategies to manage pain. (Robin McKenzie, the great spine guru PT, (May S. and Donelson R. 2008) However, it is not… Read More