From Our Blog

How To Safely Transition To Outdoor Workouts As the days get warmer and longer, it is natural to want to spend more time outdoors. And outdoor summer sports provide the perfect opportunity to spice up your fitness routine. However, transitioning from winter to spring workouts requires careful planning to prevent injuries and ensure long-term success. This […]

Transitioning to Indoor Activities After Summer While summer offers opportunities to walk, jog, bicycle, garden, play sports and get into shape, cold weather brings the temptation to eat more, move less and hibernate indoors. Shorter days, frosty air and holiday parties can threaten the fitness gains you made during the summer. But the good news […]

Traveling with kids can be a whirlwind of fun, but it can also come with its fair share of stress. Because of this, it can take savvy planning to keep everyone happy and healthy. In this essential guide, we’ll cover key tips for traveling with kids, so you can enjoy your summer vacation stress-free. Essentials […]

Essential Tips For Injury-Free Yard Work Autumn In Action: The Beauty and The Demands of Fall It’s peak Fall season again – time for hot chocolate and bonfires as we watch the leaves turn. Our homes feel cozier this time of year as we prepare for holidays and the arrival of loved ones. However, autumn […]

Why is it recommended that you work out three to five times a week? For decades, experts have known that working out helps to do more than just promote weight loss. It alleviates stress, helps to lower cholesterol, promotes joint health and keeps your blood pressure low. In many ways, these benefits overshadow any weight […]

The Jackson Clinics Foundation: Celebrating A Decade of Service If you were to poll a group of Physical Therapists, most of them would say that their main reason for pursuing a career as a PT is to “make a difference.” After 50 years in clinical practice, Richard Jackson’s mission is just that: to Improve Human […]

Why can’t many of us fully press our hands over our heads? Is it due to limited shoulder mobility, or just a fear of sweaty arm pits? We are in the midst of a DC summer, so we won’t throw this theory out just yet. However, maybe it is something far easier to explain: use […]

Warmer weather means the season for outdoor activities is finally here! While the nation’s Capital can be one of the busiest areas in the US, it is also home to some of the best hiking trails on the East Coast. Between a busy schedule and today’s sedentary work from home lifestyle, few things benefit our […]

Over the last 10 to 15 years, physical therapists have focused more on using evidence-based physical therapy to determine what works best for each individual patient. What does Evidence-Based mean? This involves basing treatments on procedures that have “proven” effectiveness as published in scientific literature (like PubMed). This is in contrast to depending on just […]

When you are in pain, floating around weightless in a pool of warm water can sound very appealing. But, is aquatic physical therapy effective? Firstly, therapeutic water programs allow us to restore function and strength without having to fight gravity. In addition to the benefits of the natural pain-relieving aspects of water, aquatic therapy can […]

Check out the below article and interview by Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) with Ben Keeton, our Director of Clinical Operations, on COVID-19 and the value of telehealth. We need your help to help spread the word on the value of telehealth to congress and your community! “As our nation combats the […]

Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The infection, caused by pathogens common in the environment and found in the nose and respiratory system, can result in a swelling of the tissues around the brain, which interferes with blood flow and can produce paralysis […]

Regaining Your Energy After Surgery Surgery can take a major toll on your body, and not just for the obvious reasons. Even a minor surgical procedure requires your body to heal, expending energy and invoking immune responses that can tax your musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems. The more intensive the procedure, the more difficult your recovery […]

Answering: Does Mono Mean No Exercise? In this article, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of mononucleosis and answer whether having mono means taking a break from exercising. But first, what is Mononucleosis? Mononucleosis, often called “mono,” is a viral infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It’s sometimes referred to as […]

A major advance in treating the kidney failure of end-stage kidney disease is the ability to undergo dialysis—the treatment that removes waste and excess fluid from the blood—at home rather than at a hospital or other outside facility. However, a downside to this development is that a home-dialysis patient is less likely to be seen […]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition , leaving those who suffer from it struggling with muscle, tendon and ligament pain, as well as fatigue and tenderness throughout the body, where even gentle pressure triggers discomfort. Fortunately, physical therapy exercises can help manage the pain of this debilitating condition. Part of the role of physical therapy is […]

To lower the risk of high blood pressure, or hypertension, public health officials have urged Americans to reduce their salt intake. In addition to modifying your diet, however, a sensible exercise program is essential to control hypertension. Significant evidence reveals that moderate exercise for as little as 30 minutes a day may lower blood pressure […]

By creating a pathway from the brain to the limbs, nerves make muscles move and allow skin to feel sensations, including pain, temperature and pressure. A blocked, or “trapped,” pathway can impede the nerves’ normal processes, resulting in pain or reduced mobility. Nerves get trapped for a number of reasons, each of which creates its […]

After a few hours in the car, your body may crack and creak, often painfully. What is it about a simple automobile ride that can cause such dreadful muscle soreness? You are at risk of developing soreness any time you stay in one position for an extended period of time. Some of the most common […]

The Achilles tendon, the longest and strongest tendon in the body, connects calf muscles to the heel bone. When it is injured, the treatment is often individualized. For example, a patient recently began physical therapy after surgery to repair an Achilles tendon he had torn playing basketball. When another patient tore his Achilles tendon, he […]

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists can use  to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points. It helps to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore normalized movement when combined with corrective exercises. In addition, […]

Do your joints crack and your muscles ache when you get out of bed in the morning? This could simply be a sign of aging, or it could be a symptom of one of several medical conditions that can cause morning stiffness. If it takes you longer and longer to get going in the morning [...]

Can Exercise Cause Gout Flare-Up? Answer: The fact is, while exercise itself does not directly cause a gout flare-up, high-impact or strenuous activities can trigger or worsen an existing flare-up by putting additional stress on the joints. This is because gout brings severe joint pain from uric acid crystals, making exercise a challenge. To stay [...]

As you watched the games from Rio this summer, you may have noticed a significant number of athletes wearing brightly colored tape on their knees, shoulders or torsos. Fans of this tape, invented in 1979 by a Japanese chiropractor, claim it can enhance athletic performance by prolonging the effects of physiologic work. Traditional athletic taping [...]

Since Zika virus was first discovered nearly 70 years ago, minor outbreaks in humans have occurred throughout the world, usually in tropical regions, with the first large outbreak occurring about 10 years ago. Recently, scientists have connected Zika virus with birth defects. As the climate continues to change, Zika virus will likely become more prevalent [...]

As temperatures climb, it’s important to satisfy your thirst when you are active—especially during workouts—even if you don’t feel thirsty yourself. But what fluids are best to drink when you exercise? Sports drinks or water can be a matter of personal preference, but unless you are pushing yourself very hard in hot, humid conditions, water [...]

Although people have believed in copper’s curative power for arthritis and back pain for thousands of years, no solid scientific evidence proves that copper in bracelets or incorporated in back braces relieves joint or back discomfort. In fact, many studies have demonstrated that copper has no more impact on pain than does a placebo. A […]

Asthma affects the daily lives of nearly 19 million adults in the United States. Typical asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Physiologically speaking, these symptoms are due to a lack of airflow through the lungs due to triggers—such as allergens, diet, pollution, smoking and weather—that cause inflammation, mucus […]

Strenuous exercise creates minuscule muscle tears. In response, your body releases cytokines, which create inflammation as a by-product of your muscles trying to repair themselves. Recent research has demonstrated that massaging muscles after they have been worked to full exertion helps reduce the body’s production of those inflammation-causing chemicals, which theoretically means less post-workout soreness. […]

If you are having hernia surgery, chances are you have encountered the term “mesh” in discussions with your physician. Hernias occur when part of your intestine or abdominal fat bulges through a hole in the abdominal wall. To repair a hernia, surgeons often use a special type of sterile woven mesh (typically made from polypropylene […]

The myth that copper and magnets have some kind of curative effect on arthritis has been around for ages. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that copper bracelets—or any type of magnet—actually relieve joint pain. The belief in copper’s healing power evolved eons ago when the powerful mythical Greek goddess Aphrodite was linked […]

Many of the fitness programs advertised on television can be used safely—by some people. Those people are most likely to be young, strong and relatively free of physical limitations, injuries or recurring “problem” areas such as knees or shoulders. If that doesn’t describe you, then you should probably refrain from making that toll-free call or […]

For aching muscles following surgery or from arthritis, you have probably considered using a variety of topical creams and gels for pain relief. Some of these pain relievers contain salicylates, the same ingredient that gives aspirin its pain-relieving quality. Some contain capsaicin, while others use ingredients that relieve pain by providing a counterirritant. When applied, […]

One approach used in a rehabilitation program, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses an electric current to stimulate muscles to contract. Electrical impulses are thought to interrupt messages sent by pain receptors from the nerves to the brain. If the brain does not receive these messages, it does not recognize pain, and you do not […]

Understanding The Broken Bone You Never Knew You Had Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can sound alarming when you learn that a small piece of cartilage and bone can break off inside a joint, sometimes floating around and causing discomfort or pain. While this condition most commonly affects adolescent boys involved in sports, anyone can experience it. […]

A common ailment, morning stiffness can stem from a number of conditions from the mundane to the exotic. In an otherwise healthy individual, morning stiffness can simply be the result of fluid accumulation in the spinal disks during the night. This can result in stiffness or pain in the back. Preventing this condition can be […]

The pediatrician seems concerned that your child’s arms and legs seem longer than normal. Will he or she just grow up to be tall? A good pediatrician screens children for signs of syndromes that might not be apparent to parents. Particularly long limbs are possible indicators of at least two: Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which you stop breathing, temporarily, in your sleep, often multiple times an hour. As the name suggests, something blocking an airway causes the problem. The implications of untreated OSA can include excessive daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and a greater risk of stroke or heart attack. In […]

Patients often ask whether they can exercise while undergoing dialysis. The answer is yes, with permission of your physician. Staying as fit as possible reduces the likelihood of hospitalizations and improves quality of life. It is a natural mood elevator and can help relieve the depression that can accompany dialysis dependency. Since patients on dialysis […]

Pillow talk: dozens of pillows promise you a pain-free night’s sleep. Some claim to relieve neck pain. Others say they align the spine. Many of these pillows are expensive. But do they really work? The answer is: It depends. Many factors determine the effectiveness of a pillow in reducing pain and improving sleep. These include […]

Often used for up to four days after surgery, pain pumps allow a patient to administer medication on an as-needed basis through a catheter to the specific part of the body experiencing pain, typically nerves or incised tissues. These devices effectively help avoid complications that might result from taking the pain medication intravenously, which introduces […]

People with ataxia lack muscle coordination when they perform voluntary movements such as walking or picking up objects. A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can also affect speech, eye movements and the ability to swallow, and may be caused by alcohol abuse, stroke, head trauma, brain tumor, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or a defective […]

About every 45 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, making it the leading cause of long-term disability. Survivors are often left with physical deficits and fear of suffering another stroke. As a stroke survivor, you can do two things to reduce the risk of a second stroke: control your blood pressure with […]

Aweakened heart unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs results in congestive heart failure (CHF). When this happens, fluid builds up in the extremities, causing the legs, ankles, feet and fingers to swell. Fluid also accumulates in the lungs—a condition called pulmonary edema—causing shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying […]

Microfracture surgery can repair damaged knee cartilage, the material that cushions bones at their joints. First, surgeons make a one-quarter inch incision on the affected knee and then insert an instrument into the joint to poke small holes (microfractures) into the bone just below the end of the damaged cartilage. Blood clots cover the damaged […]

Say you have experienced intermittent pain in your legs after walking or climbing stairs, but you brush it off as an unfortunate side effect of aging. Maybe you have noticed that the hair on your lower leg is growing more slowly or that the skin looks paler on your leg than on the rest of […]

Many trendy buzzwords and catch phrases are often used in fitness circles, with the phrase “training in planes” heard quite frequently. The concept, which has nothing to do with aviation, sounds interesting, but what does it really mean? Simply put, every move we make involves one of the following three planes of motion in the […]

Significant pain affects many of us. In fact, at one or more points in their lives, about 45% of Americans will experience such persistent pain that they will seek treatment. Pain is the most frequent reason medical care is sought and the number one cause of lost productivity in the workplace, costing employers $80 billion […]

To fix a broken bone internally into position and support it until it is able to bear weight, surgeons have turned to new materials such as stainless steel, cobalt and titanium, which are compatible with the body and rarely cause allergic reaction or implant failures. While metal screws made from these materials are widely used, […]

People who have undergone angioplasty followed by stent placement generally have better blood supply to the heart muscle than do other people. That increased blood supply means that you should be able to participate in more physical activity than you did before the procedure. Not only is exercise safer than it was before your angioplasty […]

You may already know that repetitive body movements from sports such as golf, tennis or running can create wear and tear on muscles and bones that, over time, can lead to serious injuries or degenerative arthritis. But you probably don’t know that working or playing video games on your computer for long periods of time […]

Shoulder impingement syndrome, the condition that often results in decompression surgery, can cause pain as you perform your daily activities. Therefore, it is understandably frustrating when you continue to experience pain after surgery. Luckily, chances are that this new discomfort will be short-lived, especially with good postoperative care. In most cases, decompression—a procedure performed to […]

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may sound futuristic—even scary—but this method of pain relief is actually a great drug-free way to relieve discomfort from injuries or chronic conditions. When the TENS equipment is used, patches called electrodes are applied to your skin (“transcutaneous” means “through the skin”) and are attached to a small, battery-operated device […]

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Heat applied before exercise or treatment and ice applied afterward are standard physical therapy interventions. Why? Because heat maximizes the benefits while cold minimizes any microdamage from physical therapy. Heat expands the blood vessels in the area to which it is applied. As the blood vessels expand, more blood flows into the area, bringing with […]