Category Archives: Blog

Fall Prevention: Risks & Tips in your home

September 14, 2022 contentadmin - Aging, Blog

While falls can happen anywhere, more than half of them happen in the home. One in every three adults 65 and older fall AT HOME each year in the U.S. One of the easiest ways to help prevent a fall is to make sure that certain tripping hazards are addressed and removed. We’ve compiled a short list below to help you get started.

COMMON WARNING SIGNS FOR FALLING ARE:

Feeling pain or stiffness when you walk
Needing to walk slower or to hold on to things for support
Feeling dizzy or unsteady when you get up from your bed or chair
Feeling weak in your legs
You take more than one medication
You have problems seeing
You have had at least one fall in the past year

RISKS TO CONSIDER WHEN FALL PROOFING YOUR HOME:

Lighting

Is the lighting adequate, especially at night?
Are stairwells well lit?
Is there a working flashlight in case of power failure?
Can lights easily be turned on even before entering
a dark room?

Surfaces

Are there any wet surfaces that are frequently wet?
Are steps and stairs in good repair and the
appropriate rise?
Do steps have handrails in good repair?

Trip Hazards

Are there throw rugs in the walking path?
Does the family pet often sleep in walking paths?
Is the carpet in good repair without tears or fraying?
Are there extension cords or raised door sills in the walking paths?
Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?

If you feel that you are at risk for falls, talk to your physical therapy provider. Most physical therapy clinics offer fall risk assessments that can help determine any areas of risk. By participating in a fall prevention program, you can reduce the likelihood of a fall and increase the ability to live independently. Fall prevention programs mainly focus on core strength, flexibility, and patient education.

For more information about balance and fall prevention click the links below:

Backpack Ergonomics

September 7, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog

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Children and adults alike use backpacks to carry their books, laptops, gear, and supplies throughout the day. Unfortunately, when used improperly, long-term side effects of using heavy bags continuously can result in poor posture and pain. Here are some tips to help practice proper backpack ergonomics to keep your body pain-free and feeling good.

Personalize Your Backpack Fit

Each of our bodies are unique! This means the fit of your backpack should be too. Listed below are some tips and tricks towards having better backpack ergonomics.

Size:

The size of your backpack should not extend beyond your shoulders.
Your backpack should sit evenly and comfortably on your back; it shouldn’t sag to your buttocks.

Fit:

Padded straps help relieve pressure on your shoulders for much-needed comfort.
Shoulder Straps should rest comfortably; make sure you adjust the straps for the right fit for your body.
Adjust the straps so that the bottom of the pack rests in the curve of your lower back.
If the backpack has a waist or chest strap, use it. Waist straps help to distribute the weight load to the hips, relieving shoulder pressure. A chest strap helps keep the shoulder straps in place and reduces the swaying of the pack.

Weight:

Your backpack should never exceed 15% of your overall body weight. Following this will curb the early onset of back, neck, and shoulder pain and poor posture. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t carry a loaded backpack heavier than 15 pounds.

In a study investigating school children’s perception of backpack loads: 79% of surveyed individuals said their backpacks were heavy, 66% felt their backpacks caused fatigue, and 46% said they had back pain due to a heavy load. So, if you or a loved one leans forward to carry a backpack…it’s too heavy!

Your backpack is too heavy if:

It’s difficult to put on or take off.
You have pain from wearing it.
You feel tingling or numbness in your limbs.
Strap marks show on your shoulders.
Your posture changes while wearing it.

Tips to reduce weight and help posture:

Every few weeks, go through your pack and remove any unnecessary items. All the little things that pile on weight impact the overall weight of your backpack.
Load the heaviest items closest to your back.
Arrange books and other supplies so they won’t slide around in the backpack.
Consider using a book bag on wheels.

Lifting Your Backpack:

Properly picking up a backpack may not seem important, but because we use them so often, it can take a toll on your body. By using safe lifting techniques, you can avoid injuries and pain. Proper lifting safety includes:

Lift with your legs
Don’t bend your body to the side
Keep your back straight
Use both hands (If lifting with only one, keep your wrist straight)

Tip: Do NOT one-strap when picking it up or carrying your backpack. Distribute the weight evenly across your body by using both straps.

Pain caused by poor backpack ergonomics will most likely start as short-lasting muscle pain. However, if you continue to lift or carry your backpack incorrectly it could lead to chronic pain issues that linger or worsen over time. We can work with you to eliminate your back, neck, and shoulder pain, improve posture, and work with you to make sure your backpack doesn’t cause any additional stress on the body. If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away on its own, please schedule an appointment and start feeling better today.

PT News August 2022

August 31, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Knee, PT News, Sports and Fitness

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This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout August 2022. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Osgood-Schlatters & Strickland Protocol

Written by Horizon Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine with 3 locations in South Carolina

Osgood-Schlatters is commonly found in children going through their middle school years. As the child goes through a “growth-spurt”, they may be experiencing pain just below the knee. Their bones are growing faster than their muscles can adapt so the tension on the muscle can often pull at the bone causing pain. Read more

2. Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Movement is Medicine!

Written by Life Fitness Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice with locations throughout greater Baltimore.

Okay, so you have OA- now what? The good news is that there are many interventions that can help you manage your OA so that you can live a healthy, pain-free, and active life. One of the most beneficial interventions for osteoarthritis is physical therapy! While we physical therapists cannot wave a magic wand and make your OA disappear (unfortunately!), there are still many different things that we can do to help manage your symptoms. Read more

3. How to Better Understand Concussions

Written by Sports Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with locations in Bellevue, Factoria, Kirkland, Everett, and Lake Stevens, WA.

Concussions can and do happen to anyone, so it is crucial to recognize the signs and take proper precautions. In a definition provided by the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move inside the skull. Even a ding, getting your bell rung, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head is serious. Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News August 2022 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Backpack Safety 101

August 24, 2022 contentadmin - Back, Blog, Pediatrics

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With summer coming to an end and the need for school supplies and backpacks returning, here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping with your child. Continue below for back pack safety tips to make sure your kids don’t have any unnecessary back pain this year.

Size

Should Not Extend Above Shoulders
Should Rest In Contour Of Low Back (Not Sag Down Toward Buttocks)
Should Sit Evenly In Middle Of Back

Fit

Shoulder Straps Should Rest Comfortably On Shoulders And Underarms, With Arms Free To Move – Tighten Shoulder Straps To Achieve This Fit
Tighten Hip And Waist Straps To Hold Pack Near Body
Padded Straps Help Even Pressure Over The Shoulders

Weight Of Pack

Should Never Exceed 15% Of The Child’s Weight To Avoid Excess Loads On The Spine

Lifting Of Pack

Proper Lifting Is Done By Bending The Knees, Squatting To Pack Level, And Keeping Pack Close To Body To Lift First To Waist Level And Then Up To Shoulders

Carrying The Pack

Keep Both Shoulder Straps In Place And Pack Centered
Spinal Forces Increase With Distance From The Body’s Center

Posture

Uneven Stresses On The Spine Can Cause Muscle Imbalances. This Can Lead To Pain And Possibly Functional Scoliosis.

If your child does start to complain of constant back pain, talk to your pediatrician and make sure that it isn’t a more serious issue such as scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the spine is curved either front to back or side to side and is often rotated to one side or the other. It can occur at birth (congenitally), develop over time having no obvious cause, but often seen related to posture and growth (idiopathically) or due to an injury or the other condition (secondarily), such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It usually develops between the ages of 10 and 15, during periods of rapid growth. There are two kinds of curves, single or “C” curves and double or “S” curves. “C” curves are slightly more common than “S” curves. The curve can occur in the upper back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar), or a combination of both.

Strength for necessary upright postures of daily life is essential. Sometimes it cannot be maintained due to a “growth spurt,” fatigue from daily postural demands or poor postural habits common among adolescents. A physical therapist can analyze a patient’s history, habits and activities which may be contributing to their curvature and symptoms. Common findings include tightness and decreased motion and strength in the hips and pelvis, causing the lumbar spine to compensate with side bending and rotation. Treatment will include muscular re-educating techniques and manual techniques to restore motion, posture training, specific strengthening and home exercises.

How to Treat an ACL Injury

August 17, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Knee

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As summer concludes, we can see the beginning of fall sports coming around the bend. Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, and Cross Country are fall sports enjoyed by many. If you participate in these sports throughout the fall, work with your athletic trainer and physical therapist to help prevent an ACL tear from occurring. If you do experience an injury, physical therapists are experts on how to treat an ACL injury and can effectively help you get back into your sport.

A tear to the ACL can be one of the most common forms of injury during fall sports. There are approximately 100,000 to 200,000 ACL injuries per year in the United States. This type of injury is common in both professional and recreational athletes across a variety of sports.

What is an ACL?

The ACL is formally known as your Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Ligaments, located throughout the body, are a type of durable, flexible tissue that connects bones and cartilage structures. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, located in the knee, is placed to connect the thigh bone to the shin, which keeps the knee stable as you walk, run, and absorb impact throughout the day. The ACL is at constant work, especially during athletic activities, which is why it is a common injury amongst many athletes.

How do ACL Injuries Happen?

The ACL can withstand and absorb large amounts of impact, and particular stretches and exercises can help the durability of the ACL. However, this does not fully protect you from injury as something can happen during gameplay that can impact the overall health of your ACL.

The ACL can tear from both contact and non-contact movements. Roughly 70% of ACL injuries result from a non-contact motion in which the athlete attempts to change direction, slow down, or land. However, contact injuries result in a direct blow which causes the knee to bend inward or hyperextend.

The following non-contact motions are amongst the most common resulting in ACL injury.

A sudden change of direction
Pivoting with a foot planted in the ground
An awkward landing from a jump
Sudden stops

Symptoms & Signs of an ACL Injury

Soreness in the knee after physical activity is not a good indicator and can be a symptom of an ACL injury. More specific points of pain to look out for would be indicators such as:

An audible pop sound or feeling in the knee
Decrease in range of motion
Inability to bear weight on the knee
Trouble walking
Severe swelling in the knee within a few hours of the initial injury
Instability in the knee

If any of these symptoms relate to a knee injury that you are dealing with, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment immediately

What to do if You’ve Suffered an ACL Injury

There are precautions and steps to take to ensure the injury doesn’t progress and that you start a road to recovery that gets you back to 100% so you can continue playing the sport that you love.

First things first, after the impact of the injury, take all bearing weight off the knee. Doing this will help take the tension and pressure off the torn ligament. Using an ace wrap, ice wrap, and a knee immobilizer will also help reduce the swelling and movement of the knee, limiting further damage. Following these steps will help keep you more comfortable until a specialist can reach a diagnosis.

Reminder: Only a medical professional can truly determine the source of your pain. Do not self-diagnose your injury without consulting with a specialist.

How Medical Professionals Determine if You Have an ACL Injury

One of the most common ways a medical professional can determine if you have suffered an injury to your ACL is through the Lachman test. This test induces stress on the ACL. It conducts movement of the shin bone, and the feel of the endpoint (How solid the ligament feels) offers additional information about the condition of the ACL. Knees with a damaged or torn ACL may demonstrate more movement and a less firm endpoint during the Lachman test.

How to Treat an ACL Injury

Treatment to repair a torn ACL is highly individualized. Some patients will have to have their torn ACL repaired through surgery, while others can use non-surgical methods such as physical therapy. Treating an ACL Injury depends on the severity of the injury, and the performance levels reached prior to the injury.

Post-Surgery Physical Therapy for a Repaired ACL

Rehabilitation to the knee through physical therapy is crucial in getting you back to 100%. Physical therapy typically starts a few days after surgery and can last up to 3-4 months. There are protocols in physical therapy that allow patients to increase their range of motion, decrease swelling, and regain the strength of the knee. There are fewer complications when the patient participates in the rehabilitation program during physical therapy rather than trying to complete the exercises alone. So, if you’re suffering from an ACL injury, talk to your physical therapist to develop a strategy that is right for you.

Preventative Measures to Take to Keep Your ACL Healthy

There is not one or more given steps that can assure you won’t injure your ACL, but there are preventative measures that an individual can take to strengthen the ligament and help diminish the chance of it happening. These steps include things such as:

Get a pre-examination or screening done by a physical therapist or a specialist. Doing this will ensure that you don’t have a pre-existing injury.
Practice a good technique. Proper technique can help fend off injuries. Work with your trainer or physical therapist to identify any improper form and correct it.
Avoid overworking your body when fatigued. When tired, it is easy to throw proper form and techniques out the window. Stopping your workout before exhaustion sets in helps to prevent injury.
Create a balance between strength and flexibility. Core and extremity strength are important. Working on both in moderation is key to avoiding injury.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet that provides the proper nutrients to your body. Poor nutrition and dehydration lead to a decrease in strength, endurance, and attention. Keeping a balanced diet and staying hydrated will help improve focus, performance, and strength, reducing the risk of injury.

Physical therapists can help prevent injury but are also experts in how to treat an ACL Injury or tear. For more information about the services provided, please schedule an appointment or reach out to the location nearest you.

Post Concussion Recovery: Why Baseline Testing is Important

August 10, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Head, Pediatrics, Sports and Fitness

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Concussions are serious

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

Once an athlete has been suspected of having a concussion… when is it safe to go back to play? The answer is different for everyone, but there are few baseline tests that medical professionals can administer to make sure that a gradual return to play, work and activity is safe and won’t lead to further damage.

When an athlete has a concussion, it’s important to know how much their functional and cognitive abilities have been affected. With a baseline test you give medical professionals an accurate starting point to correctly evaluate the impact of the injury.

FAQs about Concussion Baseline Testing

Concussion baseline testing is a pre-season exam conducted by a trained health care professional. Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function (including learning and memory skills, ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly he or she thinks and solve problems), as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms. Results from baseline tests (or pre-injury tests) can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a health care professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion.

Baseline testing generally takes place during the pre-season—ideally prior to the first practice. It is important to note that some baseline and concussion assessment tools are only suggested for use among athletes ages 10 years and older.

How is baseline testing information used if an athlete has a suspected concussion?

Results from baseline testing can be used if an athlete has a suspected concussion. Comparing post-injury test results to baseline test results can assist health care professionals in identifying the effects of the injury and making more informed return to school and play decisions.

Education should always be provided to athletes and parents if an athlete has a suspected concussion. This should include information on safely returning to school and play, tips to aid in recovery (such as rest), danger signs and when to seek immediate care, and how to help reduce an athlete’s risk for a future concussion.

What should be included as part of baseline testing?

Baseline testing should include a check for concussion symptoms, as well as balance and cognitive (such as concentration and memory) assessments. Computerized or paper-pencil neuropsychological tests may be included as a piece of an overall baseline test to assess an athlete’s concentration, memory, and reaction time.

During the baseline pre-season test, health care professionals should also assess for a prior history of concussion (including symptoms experienced and length of recovery from the injury). It is also important to record other medical conditions that could impact recovery after concussion, such as a history of migraines, depression, mood disorders, or anxiety, as well as learning disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Baseline testing also provides an important opportunity to educate athletes and others about concussion and return to school and play protocol.

Who should administer baseline tests?

Baseline tests should only be conducted by a trained health care professional such as a physician, physical therapist or trained ATC.

Who should interpret baseline tests?

Only a trained health care professional with experience in concussion management should interpret the results of a baseline exam. When possible, ideally a neuropsychologist should interpret the computerized or paper-pencil neuropsychological test components of a baseline exam. Results of neuropsychological tests should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but should serve as one component used by health care professionals to make a return to school and play decisions.

How often should an athlete undergo concussion baseline testing?

If baseline testing is used, research suggests that most components of baseline testing be repeated annually to establish a valid test result for comparison. Baseline computerized or paper-pencil neuropsychological tests may be repeated every 2 years. However, more frequent neuropsychological testing may be needed if an athlete has sustained a concussion or if the athlete has a medical condition that could affect the results of the test.

Many physical therapy clinics have therapists that have been trained in baseline testing software and techniques. Physical therapists can also specialize in return to sports programs for athletes that have experienced concussions. The decision of when you go back to your sport can be a critical one… especially if you go back to soon. Prevent this by having an accurate baseline available for your healthcare professionals.

Need Physical Therapy? Find a PT Near You!

more information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/

Additional articles from PTandMe about concussions can be found here:

PT News July 2022

July 27, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information, Hand, PT News, Sports and Fitness

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This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout July 2022. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Pre-Workout Nutrition for Optimal Performance

Written by The Jackson Clinics with locations throughout Northern Virginia.

When we work out, our bodies require fuel to support energy production within the muscle tissues. Unsurprisingly, the food we eat directly supports these bioenergetic pathways! Proper pre-workout nutrition can greatly boost your performance while delaying fatigue and soreness. However, there are a few important considerations, including what, when, and how much to eat or drink, to get the most out of your pre-workout fueling. Read more

2. Did you Know Physical Therapy Can Alleviate Pain and Discomfort?

Written by Cornerstone Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice with locations throughout the Columbus, Ohio Area.

When you wake up in the morning, do you feel achy? While aches and pains are common from time to time, waking up every morning with them can indicate a more serious problem. We’ll get to the source of your issue to help you find relief, so you may wake up feeling refreshed in the mornings! Read more

3. Arthritis. Does Physical Therapy Help?

Written by Mission Physical Rehabilitation, an outpatient physical therapy group with locations throughout San Antonio, TX.

According to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, 20.7% of Bexar County residents have been diagnosed with Arthritis. With over 100 forms of arthritis, there is understandable confusion about the different forms of arthritis and the treatment options for each. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent, while Rheumatoid arthritis is the most disabling. Those with arthritis do not have to live in pain, as there are treatment options beyond medication and surgery available Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News July 2022 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

How to Sit on The Toilet to Relieve Constipation

July 20, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Women's Health

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Using your belly and pelvic floor muscles to help bring about a bowel movement is instinctive for most people. However, people sometimes have problems with these muscles and must relearn proper emptying techniques. If you discover weaknesses in your muscles, continuously ignore and fight the urge to go to the bathroom, or consume a diet low in fiber and water, you may be straining to conduct a bowel movement. You may be doing this if you:

Hold your breath or take in a gulp of air and hold it.
Keep your lips and jaw tensed and closed tightly.
Turn red in the face because of excessive pushing or forcing.
Develop hemorrhoids or have existing hemorrhoids worsen.
Get faint while pushing.
Aren’t emptying, resulting in many trips to the restroom to feel complete.

Straining makes it harder to conduct a bowel movement. In some cases, the anus can tighten instead of relaxing and opening, resulting in difficulty getting stool out. Here’s how to sit on the toilet to relieve constipation.

EVACUATION PLAN: Conducted in 4 Basic Steps

When conducting a bowel movement, it is essential to position yourself appropriately.

Lean forward enough for your elbows to rest on your knees. Keep your back straight and avoid slouching.
Support your feet on the floor or use a low stool if your feet don’t touch the ground.
Push out your belly as if you have swallowed a beach ball. You should feel a widening in your waist.
Exhale and keep your stomach out.

Proper Bowel Elimination

Your healthcare practitioner may make the following additional suggestions and adjustments:

Sit on the toilet.
- Make sure your feet are supported.
- Notice your hip angle and spine position – most people lean forward or raise their knees, which can help the muscles surrounding the anus to relax.
- when you lean forward, place your forearms on your thighs for support.
- With proper positioning, the pelvic floor muscles relax, and the bowel angle decreases, allowing ease of elimination.
Relax.
- The digestive tract starts at the mouth and ends at the anal opening, so be sure to relax both ends of the tube.
- Breathe deeply in through your nose and out slowly through your mouth.
- Keep your pelvic floor muscles relaxed; let your belly bulge out.
Empty.
- Inhale and stick your belly out as if you swallowed a beach ball.
- Exhale, keep your belly out and make it hard; this widens the anal opening.
Complete.
- After completing your bowel movement, you can consider performing one or two pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Consider these steps when you sit on the toilet to relieve constipation. If you don’t feel any progress after conducting these steps, consult a health practitioner about the next steps in the process. Visit our Pelvic Health Page for more information about how physical therapy can help.

Written by Life Fitness Physical Therapy, with multiple locations throughout the Baltimore Area.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Traditional Medicare Patients

July 13, 2022 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

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What is Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) provides physical and occupational therapists with a platform to review and monitor musculoskeletal data when a patient is not in the clinic. Including:

Pain levels
Functional level
Therapy adherence
Response to treatment

With RTM, physical therapists continue to create and prescribe home programs as part of the treatment plan as they have always done. The difference with RTM however, is that now our teams can monitor a patient’s performance and response to the home exercise program between clinic visits. RMT provides physical therapists with musculoskeletal data and reports pain levels each time the patient engages with the platform. Additionally, if a patient can’t perform their exercises or follow the instructions correctly, the physical therapist will know and be able to make modifications immediately.

Why Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?

Improved patient compliance with the physical therapist’s instructions and adherence to home programs have long been correlated with better outcomes in physical therapy. Completing the home exercise program is a crucial part of the overall plan to get patients healthy, and RTM is making that easier for both patients and providers.

In 2018, it was estimated that only 35% of patients fully adhered to their plan of care.

We’re looking to change this by engaging patients with a new way to do their Home Exercise Programs!

RTM represents one of the first ways physical and occupational therapists, can utilize technology to improve communication and drive better outcomes with their patients. RTM platforms are secure and are easily accessible for any patient with access to a smart device or computer.

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) Steps

The therapist designs and prescribes HEP
The patient performs their personalized program at home
Clinical staff remotely monitors patients’ adherence to their home program and pain and function measures
The therapist makes any necessary adjustments to the at-home program if needed based on the statistics RTM sends to them

These Easy to Use Apps are Improving Patient Outcomes

How to Know if Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Physical Therapy is Right for You

RTM is currently available for patients

Carrying Traditional Medicare Insurance coverage
Diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition (surgical or non-surgical)
Who speak and read in English and own a smart device or computer

We have locations across the United States implementing RMT programs into their treatment plans. Find the one nearest you today for more information about the program they provide.

Additional Resources:

Hot Weather Exercise Tips

July 6, 2022 contentadmin - Blog, Sports and Fitness

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As the temperatures continue to rise, we have decided to put together a few hot weather exercise tips to consider while staying active and for staying hydrated through the summer.

Set your alarm: Sunrise is generally the coolest time of day, so get up and get out early. It may be more humid, but it is generally still hot at sunset because the ground radiates accumulated heat.

Hydrate: It is recommended to drink at least eight ounces of liquids prior to heading outside to exercise and 6-8 ounces of fluids every 15 minutes, switching between water and an electrolyte drink. Remember to drink plenty of fluids post-exercise to speed recovery.

Remember to drink water and other fluids throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you or grab a drink each time you pass a water fountain.
Drink 16oz of fluid 2-3 hours before exercise
Drink an additional 10oz of fluid 10-20 minutes before exercise
Consume 20-40oz of fluid for every hour of exercise
Always have water available. Take a bottle to work, the gym or wherever you are headed, and remember to use it.
Drink up any time you are in the sun. Just being outside can lead to dehydration
Children and the elderly are more susceptible to dehydration
Finally don’t rely on thirst as a signal to drink water. Thirst is actually a sign that the body is under stress and by the time you feel thirsty, dehydration has already begun to set in. Other symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Even mild dehydration can lead to diminished performance, the elevation of core body temperature, and increased cardiovascular strain.

Acclimatize: It is advisable to gradually build up your tolerance for exercising in warmer conditions

Wear Technical Fabrics: Technical fabrics wick sweat from your body to keep you cool. Also, wear a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes, not a hat, which traps the heat.

Slow Down: For every 5-degree rise in temperature above 60 degrees F, slow down your activity intensity by 5%

Protect: Use sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent sunburn.

Be realistic: Do not overestimate your level of physical fitness; set realistic exercise goals.

What happens if I feel pain after a workout?

Keep in mind that even when you follow these hot weather exercise tips, some discomfort and muscle soreness is to be expected. If your pain does not resolve within a few days, that is when it’s time to ask for help. Your body may be able to accommodate your pain for a short period, but if left alone, you may begin to experience weakness, a lack of flexibility, and even additional injury if your body moves to avoid the pain by overcompensating with other muscle groups. The sooner you ask for help the better. During your physical therapy first visit, we will evaluate your injury and from there we can:

Alleviate pain
Correct improper movement patterns
Correct muscle imbalances through flexibility and strength training
Modify training when possible
Educate you about faulty or improper posture or body mechanics with training