Can spinal stenosis physical therapy improve quality of life and decrease pain symptoms for individuals dealing with the degenerative condition? Spinal Stenosis Physical Therapy Spinal stenosis causes narrowing of the openings of the vertebrae. The affected openings are either: The central spinal canal - where the spinal cord sits. Foramen - the small openings on the sides of each vertebra… Read More
Can individuals dealing with neck and back pain find the relief they need from the effects of spinal decompression therapy? Introduction Across the world, many individuals deal with neck or back pain from excessive sitting or standing, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects that cause their spine and muscles to ache constantly. Since the body is in constant movement, the… Read More
For a hearty side of potatoes, can oven roasting and paying attention to portion size make for a healthy meal? Oven Roasted Potatoes Potatoes are starchy, but that does not make them unhealthy. This is where individuals need to take portion size into consideration. Starchy foods like potatoes should take up around a quarter of the plate, with room for… Read More
Can individuals incorporate decompression to reduce spinal disc pressure on their lower backs to restore their quality of life? Introduction The spine has a wonderful relationship with the human body as it is part of the musculoskeletal system. The spine has many components allow the body to be mobile and help stabilize the different muscle groups around the upper and… Read More
For individuals looking to improve overall health and wellness, how can paying attention to non-exercise activities help burn more calories and improve metabolic rates? Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis - NEAT Non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, describes the calories burned by daily movements and activities. These physical movements are not planned or structured exercises, workouts, or sports. It is also referred to… Read More
Can individuals with herniated pain associated with low back pain find relief through spinal decompression to restore mobility? Introduction Many people worldwide have experienced pain in the back region and often complain that it affects their mobility when doing their normal routine. The musculoskeletal system has various muscles, soft tissues, joints, ligaments, and bones that help surround the spine and… Read More
For individuals trying to maintain a healthy spine, can understanding the causes and prevention of rotated vertebrae help protect the spine from harmful rotation of vertebrae? Spinal Rotation Healthy spine rotation is an important aspect of injury prevention, and rotated vertebrae or a twisted spine can result from spine, nerve, or muscle disease or certain movements. Normal Spine Twisting Capability… Read More
Individuals may not realize they have a cracked rib until symptoms like pain when taking in a deep breath begin to present. Can knowing the symptoms and causes of cracked or broken ribs help in diagnosis and treatment? Cracked Rib A broken/fractured rib describes any break in the bone. A cracked rib is a type of rib fracture and is… Read More
For individuals into sports, fitness enthusiasts, and those that engage in physical activities, musculoskeletal injuries are common. Can using ice tape help during the initial or acute phase of injury decrease inflammation and swelling to expedite recovery and return to activities sooner? Ice Tape After a musculoskeletal injury, individuals are recommended to follow the R.I.C.E. method to help reduce swelling… Read More
For individuals experiencing tightness in the lower back and hamstrings, can utilizing the sit and reach test help determine an individual's risk for future pain and injury? Sit and Reach Test Lower back and hamstring tightness and pain symptoms are usually brought on by muscle stiffness. The sit-and-reach test is one of the most common ways to measure lower back… Read More
For individuals switching to non-dairy and plant-based diets, can oat milk be a beneficial substitute for non-dairy milk drinkers? Oat Milk Oat milk is a dairy-free, lactose-free alternative nearly free of saturated fats, has more protein than most nut-based kinds of milk, adds fiber, and offers a healthy dose of B vitamins and minerals. It contains steel-cut or whole oats… Read More
Individuals experiencing pain symptoms like shooting, stabbing, or electrical sensations to the latissimus dorsi of the upper back could be caused by a nerve injury to the thoracodorsal nerve. Can knowing the anatomy and symptoms help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan? Thoracodorsal Nerve Also known as the middle subscapular nerve or the long subscapular nerve, it branches out from… Read More
A dislocated elbow is a common injury in adults and children and often happens in tandem with bone fractures and nerve and tissue damage. Can physical therapy help to support recovery and ensure range of motion? Dislocated Elbow Injury Elbow dislocations are generally caused by trauma when the elbow bones no longer connect. Individuals falling onto an outstretched hand is… Read More
Progress can be challenging for individuals in post total ankle replacement surgery. How can physical therapy help in recovery and restoring leg function? Total Ankle Replacement Post Surgery Physical Therapy Total ankle replacement surgery is a major procedure that takes time to recover. A total ankle replacement surgery or arthroplasty can benefit individuals with chronic ankle pain or disability. This… Read More
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a medical condition that causes lightheadedness and palpitations after standing. Can lifestyle adjustments and multidisciplinary strategies help reduce and manage symptoms? Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome - POTS Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a condition that varies in severity from relatively mild to incapacitating. With POTS: The heart rate increases dramatically with body position.… Read More
For athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals getting into regular exercise, can taking a workout break be beneficial if structured properly? Workout Break Giving oneself permission to take a break from exercising is necessary, especially to maintain a current fitness level. To stay fit at every level and injury-free, the body needs rest and recovery, especially to progress in performance levels.… Read More
For individuals looking for a quick healthy snack, can adding sunflower seeds to one's diet provide health benefits? Sunflower Seeds Sunflower seeds are the fruit of the sunflower plant. They have been found to contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help maintain immune system health, heart health, and more. Regularly grabbing a handful as a snack or adding to… Read More
For individuals affected by headaches that occur 15 or more days a month for more than three months, can knowing the signs and symptoms help healthcare providers help treat and prevent chronic tension headaches? Chronic Tension Headaches Most individuals have experienced a tension-type headache. The pain is usually described as a dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the… Read More
Individuals that have gone through a back injury may develop a synovial spinal cyst as a way to protect the spine that could cause pain symptoms and sensations. Can knowing the signs help healthcare providers develop a thorough treatment plan to relieve pain, prevent worsening of the condition and other spinal conditions? Spinal Synovial Cysts Spinal synovial cysts are benign… Read More