Tag Archives: Workout

PT News

January 24, 2017 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Simple Steps to Starting a Weight-Training Program
Written by the Therapy Team at The Jackson Clinics – Middleburg, VA

One of the challenges of weight training is determining how much effort to put in for the most benefits. Read more

2. Sit Up Straight! Avoid Sitting with Bad Posture
Written by Megan Russo, PTA at The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – CPR – Grand Rapids, MI

Do you ever find yourself sitting in a slumped position while at work or driving in the car? Read more

3. Minimizing the Risk of Ski Injury
Written by the Therapy Team at The Jackson Clinics – Middleburg, VA

If winter weather has you prepared to hit the slopes, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself injury-free this season. Read more

Exercising Do’s and Don’ts

January 12, 2017 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the last post of our 5 part series on exercising do’s and don’ts, we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your primary care provider.

UPRIGHT ROWS

START POSITION
• Standing with feet shoulder width apart
• Palms facing back when holding onto barbell.
• Hands spread apart a bit wider than shoulder width.
• Maintain proper posture throughout exercise.

ENDING POSITION
• Barbell lifted up to chest height with elbows flexed pointing outward.
• Forearm should be aligned with upper arm horizontally.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Lift feet off ground.
• Allow elbows to point upward.
• Raise past shoulder height.

OVERHEAD TRICEP EXTENSION

START POSITION
• Seated with feet flat on the ground.
• Hold dumbbell vertically behind head with shoulders slightly out and 90 degree elbow flexion.
• Maintain head upright throughout exercise.

ENDING POSITION
• Dumbbell held above and slightly behind head.
• Elbows fully extended.

DON’T
• Lift feet off ground.
• Lift up from bench.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Let your head lean forward.
• Bring your elbows inwards towards the ears.

This information was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

A Healthy Start in 2017

January 5, 2017 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

It’s time to get a healthy start in 2017! We provided some general health and wellness tips to get you on your way to an amazing year! We call it the Pearls of Longevity!

PROTEIN
Eat 25 grams of protein each meal especially breakfast to prevent being hungry from carb cravings and crashes, help maintain and build muscle, and improve your immune system.

DID YOU KNOW?
For every 100 calories of protein you eat, it takes 25 calories to digest meaning you really only ate 75 calories! This is a 25% discount! For carbs and fat, you get less than a 10% discount.

EXERCISE
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to burn calories and decrease stress. Lift weights or use body weight strengthening exercises to increase lean muscle and boost your metabolism.

DID YOU KNOW?
Exercise relieves symptoms of depression as well or even better than medication. Losing 10 lbs. decreases your risk of knee arthritis by 50%, while losing 10% of your body weight decreases joint pain by 50%!

ANTI INFLAMMATORY & ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS
Fill half your plate at every meal to ensure you eat enough of these power foods.

DID YOU KNOW?
Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, beans, salmon, spices, and even dark chocolate helps reduce inflammation and stress, decreases joint and muscle pain, and reduces your risk heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and stroke.

RELAXATION & STRESS REDUCTION
Practice inhaling slowly through your nose until you feel your belly button move out and then slowly exhale through your mouth feeling your belly button move in. Practice at least 5 minutes a day while driving, at your computer, while watching TV or when in bed. Smile, laugh and hug someone once a day.

DID YOU KNOW?
Deep breathing reduces stress, muscle pain, and blood pressure, while improving memory, concentration and performance. Happiness and affection are considered by many experts to be the fountain of youth as it lowers stress and releases hormones that help fight aging.

LIQUIDS
Drink 2 cups of water or tea when you wake up and drink 1-2 cups in between meals. Coffee does not count as it can lead to dehydration.

DID YOU KNOW?
Water reduces hunger, improves metabolism, brings nutrients, and hydrates your muscles and connective tissue. This can reduce inflammation and scar tissue which can lead to decreased muscle and joint pain.

SLEEP
Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night consistently going to bed and waking up the same time even on weekends.

DID YOU KNOW?
Sleep releases growth hormone which helps keep you young, increase lean muscle and decrease body fat!

A healthy start can lead to great endings. Best of luck to you and yours and Happy New Year!

Exercising Do’s and Don’ts

December 13, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the fourth installment of our “At The Gym” series we examine how to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your physician or therapist at your next therapy session.

MILITARY SHOULDER PRESS
* How to exercise at the gym top tip: It is generally not recommended to do this exercise due to undo stress and strain at the shoulder joint.
If you do choose to do a military press, avoid bringing the bar behind the head and make sure that the elbows don’t pass 90⁰ at the bottom of the repetition.

START POSITION
• Seated with back against the seat (if available), with feet flat on the ground.
• Barbell held above head with elbows fully extended and wide grip to facilitate 90⁰ bend at the elbows at the bottom of the rep.

ENDING POSITION
• Bring barbell down until your elbows are bent at 90⁰ with the barbell in front of your face.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Lift off the seat.
• Arch your back.
• Bring barbell down to chest.

MACHINE CHEST PRESS

START POSITION
• Seated with back against the seat and feet flat on the ground.
• Arms out to your side and elbows flexed at 90⁰ but not coming back past your body (This picture shows the arms back a little too far with the angle at the elbows being a little too deep. Most chest press machines are built so that you have to start in this position which can compromise the shoulder if lifting heavy. If adjustable start in a position a little more forward than this).

ENDING POSITION
• Back against the seat.
• Elbows fully extended.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Lift off the seat.
• Bring bent elbows past your body.

CHEST PRESS

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with feet flat on the ground.
• Arms out to your side at 90⁰ with elbows flexed at 90⁰.
• Palms facing lower extremities.

ENDING POSITION
• Elbows fully extended.

DON’T
• Allow elbows to come down past bench height or 90⁰ bend.
• Left feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.

CHEST FLY

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with feet flat on the ground.
• Dumbbells touching each other with palms facing each other with elbows slightly bent.

ENDING POSITION
• Arms out at your side at 90⁰ with elbows flexed at about 120⁰.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.
• Allow elbows to come down past bench height.

Knowing how to exercise at the gym, can build confidence and reduce the likelihood of injury. View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

December 2016 Events

November 22, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

Check out our Physical Therapy Monthly Events Calendar! Focusing on events from PTandMe.com participating physical and occupational therapy clinics. Read more to find out what’s happening in your community in December 2016!

GEORGIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

ROME, GA
DATE: November 23rd – December 16th 2016
Advance Rehabilitation Canned Food Drive
CLINIC: Advance Rehabilitation – Rome
Help Feed the Hungry This Holiday Season.
Advance Rehabilitation is accepting food donations at all locations through December 16th
Pantry Program Needed Items are:
• Canned Vegetables (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Fruit (in its own juice or 100% juice)
• Canned Tomato Products (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Tuna/Chicken (low sodium)
• Boxed Potatoes
• Boxed/Bagged Stuffing
• Whole Grains
• Brown Rice
All South Georgia locations are accepting donations along with Columbus, GA.
For more information about Advance Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.advancerehab.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
DATE: December 6th 2016, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
CPR Downtown Yoga Classes Begin!
CLINIC: The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Downtown Grand Rapids
Join the Academy at CPR’s Downtown location for an “All Levels Yoga Class”. Whether you are new to the mat, or an experienced student, this class is designed for everyone to work at their own ability and comfort level. New students will be exposed to basic poses and body positioning, while more experienced student will be challenging their body through variations in poses they have mastered.
For more information about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.pt-cpr.com.

SALINE, MI
DATE: December 10th 2016, 10:00AM – 1:30PM
Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa
CLINIC: Physical Therapy In Motion – Saline
The event is the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa at the Saline Shopping Center. Children will go on a treasure trail starting at Physical Therapy in Motion, stopping at all of the businesses for a treat, and end at Busch’s to see Santa. Carriage rides, photo booth, and a petting farm will be available. For more information about Physical Therapy In Motion, visit them online at http://www.physicaltherapyinmotion.com/.

NEW JERSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

NEW MILFORD, NJ
DATE: November 23rd – December 23rd 2016
Spread the Warmth Blanket & Jacket Drive
CLINIC: Madison Spine & Physical Therapy – New Milford
Please support the Madison Spine & Physical Therapy charity campaign by donating today! On December 23rd They will drive into NYC with the Donations & Hand Them Out to Those Who Could Use a Little Warmth!
Items needed are:
• JACKETS
• BLANKETS
• BOOTS
• GLOVES
• HATS
• SCARVES
YOU DONATE, MADISON SPINE DELIVERS! Let’s all come together and make a difference! All locations are accepting donations now. For more information about Madison Spine & Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://madisonspinept.com/physicaltherapy.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

PULASKI, TN
DATE: December 8th 2016, 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Pulaski
Giles County Workforce Employer Outreach Committee invites you to join us for an informative lunch and learn. Lunch Provided by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: First National Bank Building, 206 South 1st Street, Pulaski, TN
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 6th online: https://goo.gl/forms/0ckSzRdplrMv89m13
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

MURFREESBORO, TN
DATE: December 14th 2016, 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Murfreesboro
The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and to promote our services. Lunch Sponsored by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, 3050 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 12th online: https://goo.gl/forms/qWqCr8LJoPdSk6Ex1
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

Exercising Do’s and Dont’s

November 15, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the third installment of our gym series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

SCAPULAR RETRACTION / ROW

START POSITION
• Standing or seated with back in neutral with feet shoulder width apart.
• Squeeze shoulder blades together.
• Elbows slightly bent and forearms parallel to the floor.

ENDING POSITION
• Elbows at 90⁰ flexion.
• Shoulders pulled back.
• Hands at your sides at shoulder width and forearms parallel to the floor.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Let the weight pull you forward between repetitions (keep the shoulders back).
• Shrug.

ANTERIOR DELTOID – FRONTAL RAISE

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Palms facing down.

ENDING POSITION
• Arm raised to 90⁰ directly in front of you.
• Elbow in full extension.

DON’T
• Raise arm past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Rotate wrist.
• Shrug shoulders.

LATERAL DELTOID – LATERAL RAISES

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Elbows bent at 90 degrees.

ENDING POSITION
• Arms raised to 90 degrees at your side.
• Palms facing down.

DON’T
• Raise arms past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.

BENCH PRESS

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with both feet flat on the ground.
• Place a rolled towed in the center of the chest.
• Arms extended with wide grip to facilitate 90 degree bend at the elbow at the bottom of repetition.

ENDING POSITION
• Lower slowly until the bar touches the towel
• Elbows should not pass the height of the bench bending to about 90 degrees.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.
• Bounce bar off your chest (barbell should only touch the towel lightly).

This information about exercise at the gym was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

McKenzie Method: Diagnosis & Treatment

November 1, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog, Manual Therapy

MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS PHASE:
This system is based on the symptomatic and mechanical responses of patients to various repeated movements or static loading forces(that is a mechanical evaluation). It allows the classification of patients into broad, rather than tissue-specific, categories and thus leads to the formulation of treatment. Rather than seeking to make a diagnosis, which is the identification of a disease by the means of its signs and symptoms, The McKenzie system concentrates on syndrome identification. A syndrome is a characteristic group of symptoms and pattern responses characteristic of a particular problem. The system is now widely used to classify and treat patients with mechanical disorders.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PHASE:
• Explanation of problem to patient and reason for required exercise program
• Time scale
• The appropriate loading strategy, or strategies needed to manage the condition demonstrated to and practiced by the patient.
• The repetitions and regularity of exercise program explained to patient
• The expected pain response explained to patient

ASSESMENT PHASE:
• Symptomatic diagnosis
• Mechanical Diagnosis

PATIENT MANAGEMENT PHASE:
• Patient education component of management
• Information about the problem itself
• What patients can do to help themselves
• Information about tests, diagnosis and interventions
• Active Mechanical Therapy component:
• The specific exercises should be demonstrated to the patients, they should practice these, the expected pain response should be explained, as well as any warnings against lasting aggravation of their condition and as necessary progressions and alterations should be given.

This information was written by Hamilton Physical Therapy Services, L.P., an outpatient physical therapy group with five locations in Mercer County, New Jersey since 1978. Their modern state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to offer patients an excellent opportunity to reach their optimal functional abilities. Managed and operated by physical therapists mandates that patient care is our number one priority. For more information click here.

PT News

October 25, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

2. Coping with a Mysterious Pain Syndrome
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics – Middleburg, VA

As its name suggests, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complicated and painful condition. Approximately 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with CRPS each year, usually in the arm, hand, leg or foot. Read more

3. Is Something Better than Nothing?
Written by Erin Clason at the Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Grand Rapids, MI

When it comes to strength training, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Most of us are aware of the benefits of strength training in areas like everyday physical function, bone rebuilding, self-confidence, fat reduction, and elevated metabolism. Read more

At the Gym: Exercising Do’s and Dont’s

October 13, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the second installment of our “At The Gym” exercise series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

PLUS PUSH-UP

START POSITION
• Get on elbows and knees.
• Knees bent
• Straight or neutral back done by drawing the stomach in and the buttocks down.

ENDING POSITION
Push elbows into mat while trying to increase the space between the shoulder blades (round out your back between the shoulders).DON’T

DON’T
• Drop the head.
• Raise the buttocks or let the low back excessively curve inward.

PLUS PUSH-UP: STAGE 2

START POSITION
Push-up position

ENDING POSITION
• Push hands into mat while trying to increase the space between shoulder blades.
• Rounded upper back appearance.

DON’T
• Drop the head.
• Raise the buttocks or let the low back excessively curve inward.

SCAPULAR DEPRESSION

START POSITION
• Seated with shoulder blades drawn downward (don’t shrug shoulders).
• Hands hold just outside of the curvature of the bar to comfort.
• Knees bent underneath knee pad and feet on the floor.
• Keep your back straight with a slight posterior lean from the hips.

ENDING POSITION
Bring bar to chest with elbows bent.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Rock at the waist.
• Elevate or let shoulders pull forward.
• Hyperextend the low back as you pull in.

EMPTY CAN

START POSITION
Standing with hands at your side and thumbs pointing downward with feet shoulder width apart.

ENDING POSITION
Arms raised to about 60⁰ with thumbs facing down and slightly to your side.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.
• Lift above 60⁰.

FULL CAN

START POSITION
Standing with hands in front of you with thumbs pointing upward and feet shoulder width apart.

ENDING POSITION
Arms raised to 90 – 120⁰ with thumbs facing up.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.
• Lift above 120⁰.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

PT News

September 27, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

2. Going in Reverse: When Your Back Impedes Driving
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics – Middleburg, VA

When backing up your car, do you find it difficult to turn around to see what’s behind? Loss of rotational ability in the back is one of the problems we develop as we age. Read more

3. 4 Ways To Improve Your Quality of Life Today
Written by the Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy – San Antonio, TX

How often do you get home tired from a long day, frustrated with work, traffic, or co-workers? Our blood pressure has increased, stress levels have caused emotional, behavioral, and physical changes in us that otherwise would not be part of our normal calm day. Read more