Category Archives: Blog

Exercises that Help Improve Posture

January 23, 2024 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

How Do I know I need to Improve My Posture?

Great Question. Here’s a quick test you can do at home. If you have a full-length mirror, stand in front so your full-body profile is visible. If not, ask someone to snap a photo on your phone. Take a look. If you have good posture, you should be able to draw a straight line down from your ears to the floor that intersects your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. If the lines connecting your joints look more like a connect-the-dots, than a straight line, that’s a good indicator that posture is something you should work on.

Exercises that Help Improve Posture:

Being aware that you need to improve your posture is the first step. We recommend starting with a few general exercises (below). If you don’t see the results you’ve intended or are having trouble sticking with it, the next step would be to ask for help. Physical therapists can provide you with a guided rehabilitation plan to improve posture and reduce long-term symptoms.

3 Exercises Recommended by Physical Therapists, that Improve Posture:

1. Supine Neck Retraction:

Lie on your back with your head on a pillow and your knees bent with your feet flat on the floor. Bring your chin straight back down, gently pressing the back of your head down on the pillow, lengthening the back of your neck. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. There should be no pain felt while doing this exercise. Repeat several times to strengthen the muscles at the front of your neck.

2. Shoulder Retraction:

You can do this while sitting or standing. You’re going to ease your shoulder blades back, hold, and relax. The goal is to squeeze your shoulder blades together as far back as you comfortably can. Hold this position for a few seconds before releasing. There should be no pain felt while performing this exercise. Repeat several times to strengthen the muscles in your upper back, which can help pull your shoulders back and improve posture.

3. Standing Wall Posture:

While standing, bring your shoulders back against a wall with your hips, with your feet slightly away from the wall. Bring your next up against the wall as well. Gently hold your body in that position, feeling the muscles along your spine, squeezing back in as you maintain an upright posture. Hold for about 30 seconds, let it relax, and do another round. This exercise helps you become more aware of your posture and strengthens the muscles that support your spine.

Special Thanks to Green Oaks Physical Therapy for filming.

Why is Good Posture Important?

Poor posture can significantly affect the body, leading to various health issues and discomfort. When the body is consistently slouching or hunched over, it puts a strain on our muscles and joints. This strain can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances, causing pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. Over time, poor posture can contribute to chronic conditions like headaches, back pain, and even digestive issues.

Before starting any exercise routine it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Some patients will have limitations regarding range of motion, strength, and ability. If you know you need help, consult a physical therapist or a qualified fitness professional who can assess your posture and create a personalized exercise plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

January 16, 2024 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

Did you know that you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, by making a few lifestyle changes?

Preventing high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Try practicing these healthy living habits!

Keep Yourself at a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, providers often calculate your body mass index (BMI). We can review your BMI during your next visit, and If your BMI isn’t where you would like it, we can go over ways to reach a healthy weight, including choosing healthy foods and getting regular physical activity, and if necessary, connect you with a care provider we know and trust.

Be Physically Active

If you need help staying active – let us know. We can work with you to develop an aerobic and strengthening plan that works for you. In the meantime, we have some easy ways to be more active to help you get started. Why are we so adamant about this? Because physical activity can help keep you at a healthy weight AND lower your blood pressure. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking or bicycling, every week. That’s about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is not only important to your overall health, but it’s a vital part of keeping your heart healthy and for recovery during rehabilitation. Not getting enough sleep regularly is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If pain is inhibiting your sleep, let us know. We can work with you to identify the best sleeping positions for your injury.

We love working with members of our communities and helping them live full, meaningful lives. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information about our services, follow up on a plan of care, or stop by to say hello!

Cold Weather Exercise Tips: Running Safety

January 10, 2024 Kevin - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Cold temperatures and decreasing daylight hours do not mean that your outdoor running routine has to go into hibernation for the winter. Running through the cold weather can ease the winter doldrums, improve your energy level and help you to be in better shape for the spring/summer. However, it is important to follow our PTandMe cold-weather exercise tips to run safely and comfortably through wintry weather.

Pay attention to temperature and wind chill: If the temperature drops below zero F or the wind chill is below -20F, you should hit the treadmill.
Protect your hands and feet: It is estimated that as much as 30% of your body heat escapes through your hands and feet.
Dress in layers: It is important to start with a thin layer of synthetic material such as polypropylene, which wicks sweat away from your body. stay away from cotton as a base layer as it holds moisture and will keep you wet. If it is really cold out, you will need a middle layer, such as polar fleece for added insulation.
Avoid overdressing: You should feel a slight chill off your body the first 5 minutes of winter running; after that, you should warm-up.
Protect your head: Wearing a hat that will help prevent heat loss is very important.
Do not stay in wet clothes: If you get wet from rain, snow or even from sweat in chilly temperatures, you are at risk for hypothermia. It is important that you change wet clothing immediately and get to warm shelter as quickly as possible.
Stay hydrated: Despite the cool weather, you will still heat up and loos fluids through sweat. The cool air also has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. Make sure you drink water or sports drinks before, during and after you run.
Remember sunscreen: Sunburn is still possible in the winter. It is also important to protect your lips with lip balm.
Take it easy when it is frigid: The colder the temperature becomes, the greater your risk for a pulled muscle when running in the cold, so warm up slowly and run easily on very cold days.
Run in the wind: If at all possible, head out into the wind, so that on your return run, the wind will be at your back when you are sweaty and could catch a chill.

Looking for help with a nagging injury? Find a physical therapist near you.

For more cold-weather exercise tips to keep you safe this winter check out the articles below!

Exercise Tips to Get You Moving

January 3, 2024 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Becoming physically active requires a conscious effort for most adults. Develop an exercise program to fit your individual goals. Be sure to consider ways to increase your activity levels throughout the day. Every little bit helps! If you find it too challenging to fit 30 minutes of activity into your day, break it up into 10 to 15-minute intervals and accumulate your activity throughout the day.

Exercise Tips to Activate Your Lifestyle.

Challenge yourself to move more! Find ways to become more active in your daily living. For example, you can:

Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Take a 10-minute stretch or walk break at work.
Turn on the music and vacuum.
Wash your own car – and your neighbor’s too.
Do strength-training exercises in front of the TV
Park in the furthest parking space and walk.

Make Fitness fun!

The secret to a successful fitness program is enjoyment! Choose physical activities that you enjoy doing. This could mean walking, playing tennis, biking or joining a team sport.

Consider trying something different, such as yoga, WallPilates or kickboxing.
Coach a youth sports team – your rewards will be many.
Enter a race – it will motivate you.
Plant a garden and share its beauty and bounty.
Make Sunday walks or hikes a weekly tradition.
Set up a morning walking or biking club; exercise buddies can help you be honest.

Anticipate the unexpected.

Lousy weather, travel (both business and pleasure) and the ups and downs of daily life can play havoc with your best-laid fitness plan. Always have a backup plan. If it is raining have an indoor activity to do, If you are taking a trip, throw in your walking shoes or a jump rope and fit in exercise when you can.

In addition to being stronger and more fit, aerobic exercise has so many health benefits. If you need help getting started or need some motivation to contact your physical therapist. They can work with you to create an exercise plan that works for you and your ability levels. You are never too old to be more active!

Jingled Nerves, Jingled Nerves, Jingled All The Way: Reducing Holiday Stress

December 13, 2023 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with to-do lists. This year find ways to enjoy yourself and get rid of the stress that’s keeping you up at night with our quick tips! Reducing holiday stress is the key to enjoying the holidays – so what are you waiting for? We have some great ideas!

Plan Ahead and Prioritize
Sit down with your family and come up with a list of ideas on how you would like to spend the holidays. Decide which ideas would be the most stressful in terms of cost, time, and energy and cross them off your list.

Choose the things that you enjoy and can accomplish realistically. Prioritize the events that matter most to you and your family, and set a budget.

Clarify Your Values
Reflect on the way you spend the holidays. What is most important to you—spending more money on your loved ones or spending more time with them? Do you believe the idea that “love-equals-money”? Are you driven by perfectionism and competitive gift? Do you take the time to experience joy and the true meaning of the season? What other ways could you show your love? Do you enjoy shopping or is it a hassle each year? Is gift giving really meaningful or do you end up with lots of clutter and gifts that you do not really need? What, if anything, would you like to change about how you celebrate the holidays? Answering these and other questions can help to clarify your values for the holiday season, and result in a much more relaxed and meaningful time.

Simplify
Here are some tips to simplify your holiday challenges:
• If you dislike traffic jams, crowded shopping malls and parking lots, and waiting in long lines, try shopping online.
• Plan to finish all of your gift shopping well in advance of the holidays.
• Wrap your presents early.
• Cut back on your baking. Do not bake 10 different types of cookies. Make your goodies ahead of time and freeze them so you will have less to do during busy times. If you are looking for dessert variety, try organizing a cookie exchange with your family and friends.
• Take care of several errands in one trip, rather than making multiple trips.
• Consider drawing names rather than exchanging gifts with all your family members and friends.
• Limit the number of social events you host or attend.
• Delegate tasks to family members. Do not feel that you must be responsible for everything.

Take Care of Your Health
You will be at your best and more resistant to stress and possible infection if you take good care of your health. Here are some suggestions:
• Get plenty of sleep each night (at least 8 hours).
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. It is okay to have some goodies at a party, but a few extra calories here and there can add up to holiday weight gain—slowing you down.
• Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and can cause fatigue and sleep disturbances.
• Take time to unwind. Take a hot bath or find a quiet place to enjoy some time alone each day. Even a few minutes can make a difference.
• Stick to your healthy routine as much as possible.

Don’t Forget the Joy
Try to celebrate the holidays in new and creative ways. Remember that you are not a “human doing” but a human being! Enjoy the uniqueness of each special person in your life and enjoy the time you can spend just being together. Seek out the simple joys of the holiday season with your friends and family. Taking a walk around the neighborhood to look at holiday decorations, singing carols, playing games, or just talking are easy and healthy ways to positively experience the holidays.

Adjust Your Expectations
We get a lot of messages about how things should be at the holidays. We have been programmed to believe that the holidays are a time of great joy, love, and togetherness. The truth is that many people may be having a hard time during the holidays, whether they are grieving the loss of a loved one, having financial problems, or experiencing difficulty with their family relationships. Sadness is common during this time of year, which is often referred to as “holiday blues.”

One way to reduce stress and the “holiday blues” is to keep your expectations realistic. Things will likely not be perfect, no matter how hard you try. There may be disappointments, arguments, and frustrations, in addition to excitement and joy. Try to go with the flow, allowing for inevitable delays and setbacks. Do not have the expectation of perfection from yourself, as well as from others around you.

If you are grieving a loss or feeling sad and lonely, accept these feelings. Do not feel guilty about your sadness or try to force yourself to be happy just because it is the holiday season. If this is a difficult time for you, adopt a nurturing attitude toward yourself. Do not be afraid to seek support from family, friends, or a counselor. If the holidays are a lonely time for you, find ways to increase your social support or consider volunteering your services to those in need. Helping others in need is a wonderful way to celebrate the message of the holiday season, as well as an excellent way to help you feel better.

by Amy Scholten, MPH

RESOURCES:
The American Institute of Stress
http://www.stress.org/

American Psychological Association
http://www.psych.org/

How to Live with Anxiety
https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/how-to-live-with-anxiety

CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
http://www.anxietycanada.ca/

Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp

REFERENCES:
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension website. Available at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/. Accessed December 3, 2002.

Sleep, sleepiness, and alcohol use. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Available at: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-2/101-109.htm.

University of Maryland website. Available at: http://www.umm.edu. Accessed December 3, 2002.

Weil Cornell psychiatrist offers advice for reducing holiday stress. Cornell University website. Available at: http://www.med.cornell.edu/. Accessed June 10, 2007

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

Ladder Safety

December 6, 2023 Kevin - Blog, General Information

As we start to put up our holiday decorations, it’s important to remember that safety comes first.
We’ve collected a few tips on proper ladder safety usage to help you stay safe this holiday season!

If you feel tired or dizzy or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not ideal for ladder use as they are not considered sufficiently slip-resistant.
When the ladder is set-up for use, it should be placed on firm level ground and without any type of slippery condition present at either the base or top support points.
Ladders should not be placed in front of closed doors that can open toward the ladder. The door should be blocked open, locked, or guarded.
Before using a ladder, inspect it to confirm it is in good working condition.
Ladders with loose or missing parts should not be used.
Rickety ladders that sway or lean to the side should not be used.
Make sure you’re using the right size ladder for the job.
The length of the ladder should be sufficient so that the climber does not have to stand on the top rung or step.
Only one person at a time should be on a ladder unless the ladder is specifically designed for more than one climber (such as a Trestle Ladder).
Never jump or slide down from a ladder or climb more than one rung/step at a time.

Ladders can be extremely hazardous when they aren’t used properly, so please take advantage of the safety precautions above. If you find yourself in pain, please come see us. We can help get rid of your pain and back to the holiday traditions and events that you look forward to. It’s our job to make sure you feel great and ready to celebrate!

Looking for a physical therapist to help you recover from a ladder injury?

More information about ladder safety can be found in our Newsletter

Looking for more holiday survival tips? We have them here for you!

PT News November 2023

November 29, 2023 Teresa Stockton - Balance & Vestibular Rehab, Blog, PT News, Women's Health

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout November 2023. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Let’s Talk Bladder Leakage:

Written by Mission Physical Rehabilitation with locations in San Antonio.

In the US, nearly 40% of women are affected by urinary incontinence- otherwise known as involuntary bladder leakage, or overactive bladder (OAB). Even though so many women suffer with this issue, few admit to dealing with it and believe nothing can be done. Multiple factors are linked to incontinence. Pregnancy & delivery- with risk increasing with each child. Aging- women after menopause are more likely to develop urinary incontinence… Read more

2. What is a DPT

Written by Carolina Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice with clinics in Columbia, Charleston, Sumter, and Rock Hill, SC.

Have you ever wondered what the letters after your physical therapist’s name mean? You might have come across an earlier blog post of ours about Physical Therapy credentials, detailing what DPT, PT, or PTA stand for and explaining the significance of a physical therapist’s credentials. This post serves as a continuation because the field of physical therapy is continually evolving! … Read more

3. Fall Prevention Tips

Written by Sport & Spine Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy group with locations in Wausau & Wittenberg

EVER WONDER WHY FALL PREVENTION IS SUCH A BIG DEAL?
Fall prevention becomes increasingly crucial as we age, especially for those 65 and above. According to the CDC, an alarming average of 36 million falls occur each year among this age group, affecting a staggering 1 in 4 people… Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News November 2023 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Avoid Back Pain with These 8 Back Safety Tips

November 22, 2023 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog

During the holidays, back injuries become more prevalent as people maneuver themselves up and down ladders and stairways while carrying or lifting heavy objects. A little bit of lifting safety can go a long way to keeping your holiday season bright.

1. SIZE UP THE LOAD

Check to ensure the load is stable and balanced.

2. PLAN THE JOB

Consider all possibilities. Is the path clear? What is the weight of the load? How much stress will be placed on your back? Is there traffic, a tripping hazard, a doorway to go through, or a stairway to go up or down? Avoid carrying an object that requires two hands to hold, either up or especially down, a flight of stairs.

3. ESTABLISH A BASE OF SUPPORT

Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot in front of the other. Make sure you have firm footing and that your feet are a shoulder-width apart. This staggered stance gives you the stability of not falling over and being able to secure the load.

4. BEND YOUR KNEES, KEEP YOUR HEELS OFF OF THE FLOOR AND GET AS CLOSE TO THE OBJECT AS POSSIBLE.

Always lift with your legs and not your back.

5. BE CERTAIN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A HOLD ON THE OBJECT WITHOUT HAVING TO ADJUST YOUR GRIP LATER.

You can use gloves to help maintain an adequate grip, but don’t rely on gloves because they can de-sensitize the fingers making you unable to feel the object.

6. LIFT GRADUALLY

Lift gradually with your legs without using jerky motions.

7. KEEP THE LOAD CLOSE TO PREVENT ARCHING YOUR LOWER BACK.

As you begin the lift, tighten your stomach muscles, and keep your head and shoulders up. The closer the load is to your spine, the less force will be placed on your back.

8. PIVOT

Don’t twist. Move your feet in the direction of the lift. This will eliminate the need to twist at the waist.

Whether at home or at work safe lifting practices can keep your back healthy and safe. Before lifting heavy objects decide how you will lift carry & place the item before you pick it up. If you are experiencing persistent pain, please contact us. We want to help you to be at your best this holiday season.

What is Diastasis Recti?

November 15, 2023 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Women's Health

When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a LOT of changes. Some things, you’ve likely heard from your friends and family. You’ve prepared yourself as best you can and you’re ready for it. Other things may not have made it into the conversation and you’re left wondering if it’s normal. That’s where we come in. Diastasis Recti is a fancy term for Abdominal Separation. Your baby needs a place to grow and your body accommodates. Diastasis Recti affects about 60% of expecting/post-partum women and typically fixes itself within 8 weeks after delivery. For women still struggling with symptoms six months after childbirth, you’re not alone, and physical therapy can help.

What are Common Symptoms of Diastasis Recti:

A tell-tell sign of diastasis recti can be a bulge in the center of the stomach, which can be easier to see when your abdominal muscles are in use. This bulge can be worsened by activities that activate the abdominal muscles such as:

Sneezing
Coughing
Lifting objects

Another common symptom of diastasis recti is lower back pain, as this is because your abdominal muscles also support your lower back and as they become separated, they won’t perform as well as they should, causing your lower back muscles to be in pain.

Physical therapy for diastasis recti may include:

Core stabilization and postural strengthening.
An abdominal brace to provide support and reduce pain.
An exercise program designed to stretch overly tightened muscles.
Education and training on how to lift and carry your baby as your abdomen recovers.

If you are unsure whether you have diastasis recti, talk to your OB-GYN or physical therapist and ask them to evaluate your core muscles. If you do have an abdominal separation, a physical therapy program can give you all the tools necessary that you will need to bring your abdominal muscles back together.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

November 8, 2023 Teresa Stockton - Ankle, Blog, Foot

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump. Although the Achilles tendon can withstand great stresses from running and jumping, it is also prone to tendinitis, a condition associated with overuse and degeneration. Achilles Tendinitis causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. If you suffer from Achilles Tendinitis – try these pain relief methods.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

REST: Cut back your training by decreasing your mileage and intensity. Also, avoid hills and speedwork. You may substitute running with swimming, running in water, and biking to reduce the irritation.

ICE: Apply ice to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes with at least one hour between applications. Do not apply ice directly to your skin – a pillowcase or dish towel works well as a protective barrier. Frozen peas or reusable gel packs are flexible and conform well to the injured area.

PROPER FOOTWEAR/ORTHOTICS: This situation can be corrected with arch supports or custom orthotics. Orthotics allow your foot to maintain the correct position throughout the gait. Avoid walking barefoot and wearing flat shoes. If your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend a walking boot or to cast you for a short time. This gives the tendon a chance to rest before any therapy is begun.

NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION: Drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. They do not, however, reduce thickening.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Achilles tendinitis can be a painful, chronic condition if left untreated. Physical therapists may use stretching, massage, custom orthotics, strengthening, and/or balance activities to help your body relieve pain and heal.

CORTISONE INJECTIONS: Cortisone, a type of steroid, is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone injections into the Achilles tendon are rarely recommended because they can cause the tendon to rupture (tear).