We are almost through February, and I have to say, this Wisconsin winter hasn’t been that bad. Anything compared to the snowmageddon of the northeast is better, and I know I’ve been thankful that it hasn’t been as bad as the past two years. Though I may be from Louisiana, this transplant knows we aren’t out of the woods yet, at least until June. Each year I see patients with snow shoveling and related injuries, typically of the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Many times these injuries could have been avoided Read the rest of this entry »
Archive for category Pre-therapy
Whether ’tis nobler to suffer the strains and pains of prolonged stretching, or to take arms through dynamic warm ups and replace them. This post will not end as a Shakespearean tragedy, for there is not a plague on either form (static or dynamic) of stretching. Recently, a group of therapists at our clinic got together to discuss evidence surrounding the topic of stretching.
Our meeting was inspired by questions from patients regarding our opinions on stretching regimens. Static stretching, holding a muscle in a lengthened position for at least 20 seconds for a low number of repetitions, has been widely touted in the past for improving flexibility and preventing injuries. Dynamic stretching, bringing muscles into lengthened positions without holding and performing several repetitions, which resembles more of a warm-up, has fallen into favor as the pre-sport regimen of choice to improve performance and prevent injuries. O Research, O Research, wherefore art thou Research? Read the rest of this entry »
Most of my patients come in to their first physical therapy appointment with their prescription- a scribbling of jargon they may or may not understand- and no idea what to expect. They may have known someone who has gone through physical therapy before, or perhaps heard about it as an option, but never really knew what it was all about. Experiences in physical therapy can vary based on the condition to be treated and each individual’s situation, though there are general similarities in the initial evaluation at the outpatient level of physical therapy, because physical therapists look at the “whole” person. For instance, I look at every person’s posture and gait, regardless of diagnosis. If it’s your first time seeing a physical therapist, here is some general information about what to expect and what to be prepared for at your initial outpatient physical therapy evaluation.
What you should bring to your first appointment: Read the rest of this entry »
“You want me to do how many repetitions?!” “How many times a day?!” “Will I have time to eat?” “I’m really busy at work.” “I completely forgot about that one.”
As someone who has had to rehab injuries in the past, I really understand how difficult staying vigilant and compliant with a home exercise program can be. Life is fast-paced and no one has time for rehab. Work demands, family, chores, kids, practices, school… the list of responsibilities goes on. As the holiday season peaks, you’ll only be getting busier and busier. However, following your therapist’s recommendations including avoiding certain activities and performing your home exercises is just as important to your recovery as geauxing to physical therapy. In most physical therapy sessions, I use my hands to stretch a joint, give your body feedback on what posture it needs to maintain, or demonstrate exercises to show proper technique. These activities in the treatment sessions are vital to laying down the foundation for your recovery. Building strength takes repetition and reinforcement everyday. Your body needs practice to learn to move correctly and this is best achieved through your home exercises. If I had to use a metaphor, attending your physical therapy appointment is the ship and your home exercises are the crew. Without the two working together, you won’t be sailing anywhere. So, I’m going to offer a few tips I’ve learned from experience, my patients, and my Psychosocial Aspects of Sport course in college. Hopefully, this will help you remember to perform your home exercises, stay on track, and run a tight ship. Read the rest of this entry »
Destress for Less Pain
Nov 20
We all know stress isn’t good for the body, but how does it affect the musculoskeletal system? Patients who seem to be under a lot of stress have more pain, especially neck pain. When people are stressed it changes their posture and increases muscular tension, which are both bad for your musculoskeletal health. Has stress ever made you do the following: Clench your teeth? Tense your neck? Hold your head in your hand? Hunch your shoulders? Throw out an attitudinal hip? 
These can lead to headaches and jaw, neck, shoulder, and back pain. An emotionally unhealthy environment or condition is not one that is conducive to healing. If you are more stressed you may be less likely to complete your prescribed home exercise program. This will not help your cranky joints. Read the rest of this entry »
