In today’s fast-paced world of demanding jobs, family and social obligations, side hustles and hobbies, it can seem like a chore to find a way to fit in time for health and fitness. While most people recognize the importance of exercise, it’s not always obvious what types of exercise we should prioritize. If you spend your days sedentary in an office chair,
Our backs are a central part of almost all our movement, and it can be easy to turn, twist, or bend in a way that causes pain. When this happens, it’s reasonable to think that maybe your back isn’t strong or flexible enough, but often the core is the real key. Building a strong core can help to protect your back,
Back pain and injuries are among the most common reasons for doctor and hospital visits. Back pain is also a common reason for missed work and lost wages. In short, it can be a real problem. Not all back pain is the same, however, and understanding the differences can play a role in how effectively you treat it.
Lower back pain is one of the most frustrating and debilitating types of pain a person can experience. It also turns out to be one of the most common, especially as modern lifestyles involve more sitting and less movement. This prolonged sitting, along with poor posture and general muscle weakness can contribute to stiffness and pain in the lower back.
If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff back or suddenly tweaked your back lifting something simple, you’re not alone. Back pain is more common than most people think. Most American adults report that they have experienced back in their lives. In fact, a national health survey revealed that 39% of adults aged 18 and over experienced back pain within the previous three months1.
Often on this blog we refer to personalized treatment or exercise programs developed by professional physical therapists. This personalized approach is often cited as one of the key benefits of physical therapy. How much of a benefit is it really, though? In a world awash in fitness apps, “30-day programs”, and thousands of hours of YouTube workout videos,
Most people don’t look forward to old age, though as the saying goes, it beats the alternative. Aging can bring with it a decline in many of our bodies’ most basic functions. Muscles can weaken. Joints can stiffen. Even our brains can lose the sharpness and acuity we enjoyed in younger years. Luckily, we know that staying physically active can help keep our muscles and joints healthy into our later years.
For many people, winter and the holiday season can mean less movement, more sweets, and a tendency to spend a little more time indoors and less time being physically active. If you find yourself nearing the end of a cold and sedentary winter, you may be looking forward to getting active out in the beautiful spring weather.
Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a day for couples in romantic relationships. For many people, it’s a day full of flowers and chocolates and candle-lit dinners, but it can be more than that. On a day dedicated to love, it can be a good opportunity to think about self-love and personal care. It can be a great reason to remind yourself how important it is to care for your health,
The word mobility may make you think of how well a person can walk or run. When you hear a football announcer talk about a quarterback’s “mobility”, they are talking about how well that quarterback can escape the pocket and make plays with his feet. When a physical therapist talks about mobility, though, they are more likely talking about your ability to move your joints and use your muscles easily and comfortably – not your ability to scramble for a first down.