Can physical therapy help with pelvic floor weakness?
If you’ve recently given birth, are pregnant, or have had a hysterectomy, you’re likely familiar with the symptoms of pelvic floor weakness. The pelvic floor, a group of muscles that serve as a kind of foundation for internal organs, can become weaker following labor and delivery, because of...
Anatomy of the Core: More Than Just a Six Pack
Anatomy of the Core: More Than Just a Six Pack
As we age, strength training becomes more about flexibility and mobility and less about aesthetics. For example, the phrase “core strength” may conjure an image of finely sculpted abdominal muscles, the proverbial “six pack.”
The fact is your core is more than just those surface muscles. It’s a complex...
Growing pains or something more serious?
Kids’ aches and pains: Is it serious or just growing pains?
“Growing pains” might seem like an old-fashioned, catch-all phrase used to describe any aches and pains in childhood. But they do happen—though they don’t necessarily account for every ache or pain, and they have little to do with growing.
So what are growing pains?
Growing pains are cramping...
Best practices at the gym
Things you should never do at the gym… and what you should do instead
Weight training – also known as strength or resistance training – offers significant benefits regardless of age. For example, weight training can improve or maintain balance and mobility for seniors, help athletes improve performance, and even enhance joint stability and bone density....
The Truth About Scoliosis
While scoliosis – a “C” or “S” shaped curvature of the spine – is most often associated with adolescents, based on the assumption that scoliosis stops progressing when growth stops in late adolescence, many adults also experience scoliosis as a result of spinal changes as ligaments weaken or vertebrae deteriorate with age. In fact, at least 60% of...
Avoid Orthopaedic Aches and Pains by Making Smart Adjustments
WFH Woes? Avoid Orthopaedic Aches and Pains by Making Smart Adjustments
Working from home has been a bit of a mixed blessing for many of us. Despite the challenge of establishing work-life balance all in one location, studies show we’ve become more productive and more satisfied with our work. But there is at least one downside: We may be taking...
Cracking joints
Knuckle Cracking: Dangerous or Just Annoying?
Cracking knuckles or other joints – from your fingers to your neck and back – can become a habit that’s hard to break. If it’s your habit, you’ve probably heard at least once that this habit can cause arthritis, a neck injury, or worse. But is any of that actually true?
Let’s take a look at a few of...
Piriformis Syndrome vs. Sciatica
Pain in the Butt: Piriformis Syndrome vs. Sciatica
You may have heard the assertion that “sitting is the new smoking.” While the long-term impact of extended sitting is most certainly negative, sitting for too long can also cause frequent or constant pain in the hips, back, or backside. To further complicate matters, this same pain may be caused...
Optimal time for knee replacement surgery
When Is the Optimal Time for Knee Surgery
According to a study by Northwestern Medicine, 90 percent of patients who would benefit from a knee replacement surgery are waiting too long. The same study also found that about 25 percent of patients have the procedure too soon.
So how do you find the sweet spot? When the timing is just right for you?
There’s...
Hiking Injuries to Watch Out For
Hiking is one of those autumn activities that can be fun and engaging for people of any age or ability. With trails designed to accommodate the newest novice or the most experienced trekker, it’s relatively easy to select a trail that’s the right distance and difficulty to match your skills and experience.
But no matter how well you choose your trail,...