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 […]

How Can People Prevent Injuries? Injuries can happen to anyone, whether you’re an experienced athlete or just starting your fitness journey. Training injuries can be sustained from virtually any sport. Common injuries include: Strain/Sprain (commonly called a pulled muscle) Tendinitis and Tennis Elbow Back/Neck Pain Carpal Tunnel (Numbness, tingling, or a dull sensation of the thumb, […]

The Truth About ACL Injuries: Everything You Need To Know ACL injuries are one of the most common and serious knee injuries. They often take a long time to heal, keeping you out of action for months and impacting your ability to move and enjoy daily activities. The good news? ACL injuries can be prevented—and […]

The Hidden Danger of Unrealistic Goals Unrealistic fitness goals are not just demotivating; they can leave you sidelined with injuries or completely burned out. This New Year, it’s time to rethink your approach to health and fitness. Let’s explore how to avoid common pitfalls and build a foundation for long-term success. Why Unrealistic Goals Lead […]

*Please note: This service is not eligible for patients who have Medicare, Medicaid, or Veteran Affairs insurance.  For more information regarding eligibility, please contact us directly. Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet It’s easy to let the demands of daily life push health to the bottom of the priority list. But the reality is, your […]

Exercise Your Way to Better Sleep Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself unable to get back to sleep? You are not alone. More than one-third of adults in the United States report either trouble falling asleep or daytime drowsiness. Not […]

When is the Best Time of Day to Exercise? Patients often ask, “What’s the best time to exercise?” Is it morning, afternoon, or evening? Does timing your workouts really matter? The answer depends on your body’s natural rhythms, your personal goals, and your schedule. Let’s explore how the time of day can affect your exercise […]

Tennis Tips for Beginners: Essential Strategies for Success on the Court So, you’ve decided to pick up a racket and hit the tennis courts—welcome to a sport that’s not only exhilarating but also a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun! Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or looking to […]

Many of us relish the intense, energizing feeling that comes with exercise, but we fail to think about the dangers of overheating, particularly during high-intensity exercises. While it’s normal for body temperature to rise when we exercise, it’s crucial to pay attention to safety and good practices to prevent overheating. Symptoms of Overheating During Exercise […]

If you have ever wondered whether basketball is too stressful on your body as you age, you are not alone. Many people worry that older adults should not enjoy the benefits of fast-moving sports like basketball, for fear of injury or health. However, when it comes to the question… “Am I too old for basketball?” […]

Facing ACL surgery can naturally bring about many questions and concerns. ACL surgery, or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is a common procedure aimed at repairing or reconstructing a torn ACL in the knee. Knowing what to expect throughout the process—from preparation to recovery—can significantly contribute to a successful outcome. This article offers a comprehensive overview […]

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the fundamentals of baseball pitching mechanics is essential for success on the mound. This guide will delve into the basics, key elements for a powerful pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and effective drills and exercises to enhance your mechanics.Our goal is to equip you with the […]

Answering: How to get rid of hip pain from running Running is an excellent way to stay fit and boost your mood; however, hip pain from running can quickly turn your favorite activity into a painful ordeal. The good news is that with the right approach, you can manage and even prevent this discomfort. Let’s […]

Answering: How do I know if I have a running injury? Ever experienced a twinge, ache, or pain while out on your run and wondered if it’s something more serious? You’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll help you decode those signals your body’s sending and help you know if you have a running injury. […]

Have you hit a bump in the road with a pesky running injury? Don’t worry — in this article, we’ll guide you through the twists and turns of healing and recovery. Understanding the duration of your journey is crucial, so let’s lace up our sneakers and dive right in! Factors That Shape Your Recovery Path […]

Any seasoned runner knows that injuries can be an unfortunate part of the process. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, shin splints, or knee pain, these disruptions can be a huge setback. Various treatment methods can expedite your recovery from running injuries and help you regain your stride. In this article, we will delve into the […]

Running is a wonderful way to stay fit and healthy, but it’s not without its risks. From shin splints to runner’s knee, injuries can put a damper on your running journey. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of how to prevent running injuries, so you can enjoy your runs safely […]

As physical therapy experts, we can’t stress enough the importance of outdoor activities for kids, especially in today’s digital age. In this article, we’ve curated a selection of exhilarating outdoor adventures designed to stimulate not just their bodies, but also their minds and spirits. These activities go beyond the typical sports-centric lists, focusing instead on […]

Running is an incredible way to stay fit, clear your mind, and enjoy the great outdoors. But what happens when your knees start to ache after a run? Knee pain after running is a common issue among runners, but understanding its causes and how to prevent it can keep you on the road or trail […]

While running is a favored form of exercise for many, it can lead to a range of running injuries if not pursued with caution. A clear understanding of common running injuries is crucial to prevention and management. Most running injuries stem from overuse, imbalances in biomechanics, or improper training methods. The most common running injuries […]

Pickleball, the rapidly growing sport, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. While it’s a fantastic way to stay active and have fun, pickleball injuries are something we have to be mindful of. From strained muscles to joint issues, pickleball players are not immune to the potential pitfalls of physical activity. However, with the […]

Previously, we discussed mobility exercises and the importance of improving mobility. Now it’s time to kick it up a notch! This time around, we’re diving into some progressions that’ll take your flexibility and movement to the next level. In this article, we’ll cover: Shoulder mobility exercises Neck mobility exercises Ankle mobility exercises Hip mobility exercises […]

As Spring rolls in, so do some pesky foot issues – like plantar fasciitis. While it doesn’t just happen in the Spring, this time of year tends to ramp up outdoor fun and switch up our shoe game. Whether you’re out for a stroll, knee-deep in gardening, or are back to running or hiking outdoors, […]

We all know the importance of exercise in our lives. Exercise keeps our body, soul, and brain, healthy. And now you can relieve stress with exercise without ever leaving your home. In fact, adults who exercise regularly have lower rates of getting any kind of mental illness. Different types of exercise, like breathing techniques and […]

Winter Exercise Guide The urge to “hibernate” in winter is strong, even for the busiest of us. However, you are better off staying in shape than struggling to catch up come spring. Winter exercise benefits more than just physical fitness, it is also a powerful antidote for the winter blues. Your options for winter workouts […]

Today’s Trail Running Checklist blog is brought to you by our partners at the Potomac River Running Company! To learn more and schedule an appointment, check out their website at potomacriverrunning.com Ready to get outdoors and take to the trail? Make the most of your day and your adventure with these must-have items. Included on […]

Since the 1970s, stretching before exercise has been a standard recommendation from everyone—from Little League coaches to professional trainers. But, how important is stretching before exercise? The debate is ongoing, and recent research has led to some surprising insights. The answer is yes, you should stretch before exercise. But what really matters is how, and […]

When we workout, our bodies require fuel to support energy production within the muscle tissues. Unsurprisingly, the food we eat directly supports these bioenergetic pathways! Proper pre-workout nutrition can greatly boost your performance while delaying fatigue and soreness. However, there are a few important considerations, including what, when and how much to eat or drink, […]

Let’s face it: coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart surgery, and heart attack are all scary words. But, here’s why you should take exercising to heart. Research shows that a balanced, individualized, supervised exercise program can prevent and speed up recovery from heart disease. The important words here are balanced, individualized and supervised, because […]

Whether your children play soccer or football, being in shape prior to the season can help to prevent injuries while maximizing their game. Although it may seem that some sports are safer than others, the most important thing is to get your children prepared. For instance, youth football is often weight and age-matched, which can […]

While many surgeons say no to resuming a running program after a total hip replacement, others say you can do so depending on the bone quality and the prosthetic materials used to replace the worn hip joint. In surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces. […]

If you’ve ever played 18 holes of golf, you know that it requires a mix of strength, flexibility, and power. However, aside from twisting from side-to-side a few times, most of us don’t have a comprehensive routine of golf stretches. In fact, the most common golf injury is low back pain followed by shoulder pain […]

Knee injuries are possibly the most common injury that runners experience. In fact, it is one of the most likely reasons to keep you from running. In this guide, we’ll explore the common knee injuries that runners encounter, shedding light on these pesky pains that can disrupt your stride. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or […]

Are you struggling to find the motivation to get back on your workout program and shed the winter weight? You’re not alone! Many of us find ourselves with unwanted pounds after long winter months filled with holiday parties and yummy foods. But worry not: we have ideas for ALL levels of athletes, from walking to […]

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 […]

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just going out on a quick hike, you’ve probably seen people hiking with walking sticks (aka trekking poles). The question is, are trekking poles worth it? Benefits of Walking Sticks From professional-grade poles to perfectly-sized branches you find along the way, trekking poles can add stability and comfort to […]

Often times, as our patients reach the end of their treatment with us, one of the most common questions we get is: “What’s next? How do we go from recovery to performance?” In fact, the answer is simple: you need a plan based on your unique needs. That’s why we’re partnering with the DC Area’s […]

Strength training, a key component of a balanced fitness regimen, offers incredible benefits for individuals of all skill levels. Before jumping head-first into a program, we have to ensure that you have the proper foundation to be successful. This article delves into the advantages of strength training, offers advice on how to build a proper strength […]

Simple Steps To Starting A Weight Training Program One of the challenges of weight training is determining how much effort to put in for the most benefits. A little may not be enough for an impact, while too much may be detrimental to your health. Truth is, weight training is important because it can help […]

Add Variety To Your Fitness For exercise to be effective, it must become a regular habit. But precisely because it is a habit, you may easily fall into the trap of doing only one type of exercise. Follow The Science Recent research suggests that our overall health, as well as physical fitness, can be improved […]

Everyone daydreams, perhaps about a set of new clothes or winning the lottery. But can using your imagination bring about healthful changes to both your body and your mind? Can visualization improve our athletic and day-to-day performance? Athletes often report that visualization techniques help them do their best in reality. Recent research has demonstrated that […]

It’s no secret: most of us are aware that regular exercise is essential for better health. Engaging in regular, moderate physical activity makes you 20% to 30% less likely to die prematurely. It also makes you 50% less likely to develop serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. The last of these―also […]

Running is an excellent way to maintain your health and fitness, but, like any physical activity, it carries the risk of injuries. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of running injuries, including the anatomy of running injuries, we can significantly lower the risk of injury. In this article, we dive into common running injuries, preventions, and […]

Between riding our bikes outdoors, our Pelotons, or attending our beloved Spinning classes, cycling is a popular physical activity for many of us. But is cycling enough exercise to keep us healthy? Let’s delve into the world of cycling, exploring the health benefits and how we can enhance our cycling regimens. Is cycling enough exercise? […]

Ever wondered how athletes and fitness enthusiasts prepare themselves for peak performance? The secret lies in dynamic stretching. This type of stretching is an example of a mobility exercise. It involves active movement and increases flexibility, enhances performance, and reduces injury risk. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how dynamic stretching differs from static stretching […]

Yoga has become a daily activity for 20 million Americans. The practice of Yoga no longer involves just stretching, either. From hot yoga (Bikram) to “power yoga” (derived from ashtanga yoga), you can get quite a workout using yoga ­­poses. Benefits described by participants typically include: Pain relief Strengthening of our muscles Improvement in managing […]

Cold temperatures and decreasing daylight hours do not mean that your outdoor running routine has to go into hibernation for the winter. In fact, cold weather exercise has been show to have a number of positive impacts on overall health! For instance, running through the cold weather can ease the winter doldrums, improve your energy […]

Shin splints” is the common term for medial tibial stress syndrome, the inflammation of the thin tissue (periosteum) that covers the shinbone (tibia). You feel the pain of shin splints in the lower leg muscles and connective tissues that attach to the tibia through the periosteum. On occasion there may be mild swelling or redness […]

Because exercising indoors on a stationary bike can be boring, many users find that time goes more quickly when they are being entertained. In fact, the more exciting the workout, the higher the motivation will be for the workout. The easiest and cheapest option is to place your bike in front of the television where […]

Any school break can be a training challenge for high school athletes, but summer has unique issues. Not only is the time off from school and practice longer than at other breaks, but summer heat also adds a formidable risk factor. Unquestionably, consistent conditioning is vital for athletes to maintain competitive fitness. The risk of […]

Back pain can carry a double whammy. Painful back muscles may prevent you from exercising comfortably. But a lack of exercise may inhibit your back from healing and may actually make the condition worse. Swimming can be an excellent solution to your problem. Fortunately, swimming provides a great full body workout. Water counteracts the forces […]

Say your gym is expensive, and there are long waits to use certain exercise equipment. Maybe it is time to return to the basics and exercise outdoors. There is considerable evidence that an outdoor workout can be more beneficial than indoor exercise in several ways, especially to improve your mood and relieve stress. One reason […]

After looking forward to ski season all year, the last thing you want is to be sidelined with an injury or sore muscles due to improper fitness. Because skiing is a physically intense activity, you need to be in peak physical condition when you hit the slopes. At least a month before you intend to [...]

Why Yoga? Builds core strength – Improves flexibility – Minimizes pressure on joints, including the spine – Increases mindfulness and body awareness – Improves balance and stability YOGA FOR LOW BACK PAIN Make 2020 the year to Invest in sculpting the Healthiest YOU yet! This 2x/week for 6 weeks class series is designed as a […]

“Jersey Finger”—You Got a Problem with That? Jersey finger refers to an injury that occurs when a finger gets caught in an opponent’s shirt. It often occurs in a football or rugby game and can lead to a painful and sometimes severe condition. Let’s break down: What is Jersey finger? How does Jersey finger happen? […]

While any athletic activity has an inherent risk of injury, soccer has traditionally been considered less dangerous than, say, American football, hockey and lacrosse. Significant tragic events in soccer usually involve the goalposts; either the player hits the post or a faulty goalpost lands on a player. Fortunately, these events are extremely rare. Still, some […]

Running may seem like a simple activity, one that results in many health benefits, but it can bring with it the risk of related injuries. This is especially true during the warm summer months, when outdoor running is more pleasurable. Fortunately, proper training can help to reduce this risk. Most running injuries occur from overtraining, […]

As the days get longer, you may consider adding distance to your runs. What kind of plan should you follow to run farther and increase your endurance but to do so safely and prevent injury? The first rule to remember is that if you find it too difficult to complete a new distance level, do […]

Cross-training involves engaging in different types of physical activity and brings multiple benefits. It is an excellent way to prevent sports-related injuries, improve your skill in a variety of sports and improve your overall health—all while keeping workout boredom at bay. A good cross-training program improves all three elements of fitness: aerobic endurance, flexibility and […]

When the winter winds blow and snow covers the ground, it may be hard to think about your golf game. However, keeping yourself in condition during your sport’s off-months helps prevent “weekend warrior” syndrome—incurring injuries when you play overzealously at the beginning of the season. And the strategies we will create can make your game […]

In the United States, approximately eight million people participate in martial arts, with tae kwon do and karate being most popular. The injury rate in these activities can be high, especially in women beginning such classes. For this reason, check with your physician before beginning such a potentially vigorous activity. Investigate the various martial arts […]

A great sport for building endurance, dexterity, speed, agility, coordination and teamwork, soccer is a game played by both boys and girls. As far as safety is concerned, the injury rate in soccer is estimated to be between one-fifth and one-half that of football, America’s other favorite fall sport. Still, with more than three million […]

You might think that buying a pair of running shoes is more an issue of fashion than a serious decision that takes any technical consideration. Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, selecting the proper running shoe is pivotal to protecting your joints from injury. Shoe technology now incorporates different types of construction […]

It is a glorious Saturday morning; you have put the stress of work behind you. All week long, you have been looking forward to playing golf. But when one of your foursome suggests walking the course, you suddenly become a little nervous. Yet riding in a golf cart robs you of much of the health […]

As winter fades away and the weather turns warmer, many of us jump right back into our favorite outdoor sports without any preparation, setting ourselves up for injury and frustration. Tennis is a physically demanding sport, so it is a great idea to ease into the new season with a sensible, sport-specific fitness plan. Tennis […]

Now that the golf off-season has arrived, it is the best possible time to improve your game. That may sound counterintuitive, but consider this—core and muscle strength, flexibility and endurance are the keys to a more effective and consistent golf swing, and what better time to improve these aspects of your personal fitness than when […]

Skiing falls can often cause injury to the inner ligament of your thumb, caused by the force of the pole against this area of the hand during a fall. This area, a band of fibrous tissue connecting the bones at the bottom of the thumb, is known as the ulnar collateral ligament. This injury is […]

If you are new to working out on a treadmill, you will want to make sure that you not only get the best results but also that your program is a safe one. Whether you are an avid outdoor runner who wants to transition to the treadmill for indoor exercise or a complete exercise beginner, […]

If winter weather has you prepared to hit the slopes, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself injury-free this season. In addition to using the proper gear and sticking to the slopes that match your skill set, proper strengthening and stretching exercises can prepare your body […]

Cold winds are starting to blow, and temperatures are plummeting. If you are not a lover of brisk weather, think abou t taking your fitness routine indoors . And if you do not have a regular exercise program, now is the time to let us help you get started on fitness activities you can perform […]

Avoiding asthma attacks while exercising in winter is best accomplished by preventing cold, dry air from getting into your bronchial airways. One way to do this is to exercise indoors when it is cold. Swimming in an indoor heated pool, where the air is comfortably warm but not overly humid, is an option that works […]

As the outside temperatures drop, people contemplating undertaking an exercise program often consider walking at the mall. Benefits include a controlled climate, an absence of traffic, security and easily available restrooms and water. However, starting a new walking program can sometimes bring on shin splints, pain at the front of the lower leg. As the outside […]

Beginning a strength-training program can be confusing. Once you have figured out how many pounds of weight to use in your exercise, you must decide how many different exercises to do, how many repetitions of each exercise set is best and how many sets to perform each time. Of course, the number of pounds of […]

Athletic stores are filled with shelf after shelf of shoes designed for running—enough to make your head spin. But how do you know which shoe will be best for you? Do you take the salesman’s recommendation, or do you consult a professional? How do you know whether one brand of running shoes is really better [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Whether you are a walker, runner, cyclist or golfer, you probably look forward to early fall, when the dog days of summer are behind us and temperatures become milder. Yet for the 23 million Americans allergic to ragweed, this time of year can be prime allergy season. Although we usually associate seasonal allergies with the [...]

It’s a hard fact to swallow: Age eventually catches up with all of us, no matter how active we may be. Unless we work to maintain strength and flexibility, we slowly lose both as we age. Even the most avid golfers often notice that they lose distance in their drives and tennis players lose velocity […]

If you participate in sports that involve a repetitive overhead motion, such as baseball or weightlifting, you may be prone to developing a SLAP tear or SLAP lesion. SLAP, which stands for “superior labrum anterior to posterior,” refers to the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. While repetitive shoulder motions often lead to […]

As the days get longer and warmer, we’re more apt to engage in outdoor activities like walking and running. Spring also begins the season for charity 5k races and half marathons―great inspirations for starting a new exercise program. Unfortunately, spring can also be the season for injuries caused by overuse or improper training when you […]

Virtually everyone—including people with diabetes—can benefit from being active rather than sedentary. In fact, exercise can have the same positive impact for people with type 2 diabetes as some drug treatments. If you haven’t exercised regularly for a long time, there are a couple of easy strategies to employ to get you started. Begin a […]

Though it may help you lose weight and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, exercise also benefits the mind and spirit. Did you know that regular exercise can lift your mood, fight depression, lessen anxiety and slow the cognitive decline that comes with age? The benefits of regular exercise […]

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 […]

Do the words “weight training” bring to mind sweaty 20-somethings in tank tops pumping iron? It may surprise you to hear that the group that benefits most from weight training is actually senior citizens, especially those who are sedentary or in poor health. As we age, our muscles slowly begin to atrophy, a process called […]

If you are currently at risk for developing diabetes or have already been diagnosed with it, regular exercise can offer surprising benefits due to its ability to lower both stress and blood sugar levels. The National Institutes of Health suggests you get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, and the American Diabetes […]

You don’t need to be a pirate to engage in plank exercise. In a plank exercise, you move your entire body into a certain position and hold it for a given length of time—a duration that increases the more experienced you become. An excellent way to strengthen your core (trunk-stabilizing) muscles, plank exercises help prevent […]

A high cholesterol level puts you at an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Perhaps your physician has recommended that you take a statin, a drug that helps block your body’s ability to make cholesterol. Statins lower cholesterol levels but can also reduce the amount of plaque in your arteries. They are known […]

If you have a total knee replacement in your future, you may have heard about a procedure that retains the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), also known as an ACL-sparing knee replacement. The popularity of this surgery continues to increase, especially among younger patients. But is an ACL-sparing knee replacement worth it? First, you need to […]

Fun and engaging, tennis can be played at any skill level and at any age—well into one’s retirement years. Because it can help those over 50 maintain their physical fitness, tennis may prevent some of the injuries that so often plague seniors and proactively counter natural age-related changes. As a tennis player who has reached […]

You hear the crack of the bat and see the ball coming your way, but when you reach for the catch, the ball jams your outstretched middle finger. You’ve just caught baseball finger, also known as mallet finger. Mallet finger can result from any situation in which the tip of the finger is jammed by […]

First, the bad news: It doesn’t matter if you ran a marathon in your twenties or were the star quarterback of your college football team. Being physically fit at one point in your life—even on an elite level—does not mean that you will stay that way without committing time and energy to doing so. In […]

With all the talk about athletes and concussions, one might ask whether everyone recovers similarly from this trauma. Many factors determine how quickly recovery occurs. Concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head or an indirect body blow that leads to the brain moving within the skull, inflicting temporary neurological damage. […]

High-intensity home exercise programs, such as Insanity or P90x, have been touted as safe and effective. This may be true, but only under certain conditions—and even if you meet the criteria to practice these programs independently, it still might be a good idea to use caution when engaging in one. A high-intensity workout can be […]

Some people view their workouts as a chance to grab some personal, meditative time, while others think of exercise as a social event. Some find that they adhere better to an exercise routine if they work out with a friend or family member. Does exercising alone or with others make a difference to your health? […]

Activity trackers are very popular these days. These devices can track the amount of your activity throughout the day and night. Many people wear them on their wrists or clip them to their clothing. Even many smartphones are now equipped with an activity tracker function. So will an activity tracker make you more fit? Not […]

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, […]

Your physician has said you have exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Can physical therapy benefit you? Absolutely! The key is to find ways of working out that minimize the opportunity for an asthma attack to occur. Interestingly, symptoms most often arise five to 20 minutes after a workout, rather than during one. Along with your physician, we […]

Being overweight can result from overeating or eating fattening foods, or it can be caused by a condition called metabolic syndrome, a combination of disorders that, when occurring together, increases the risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 […]

Your preteen soccer player comes home from practice complaining of knee pain, and there is a tender swelling at the top of his shin. Your 8-year-old starts limping and talking about a gradually increasing ache in his heel. In both cases, the culprit may be apophysitis, a relatively common condition where an apophysis—a type of […]

If you have been prescribed blood thinners, you may wonder if it is safe to exercise while taking them. The answer is a little tricky, because it depends on what type of exercise you are referring to. Plus, the reasons why you need to use caution may not be what you expect. The first thing […]

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. […]

Exercise is essential—there are no two ways about it. But for many people, the ability to exercise is severely affected by their environment, especially people who live in areas with cold winters. Fortunately, a drop in temperature does not have to mean a drop in your exercise routine. Your exercises can be modified depending on […]

Given the wide range of running shoes on the market, you may wonder whether you need to buy the most current or expensive pair of shoes. A shoe is only as good as the protection it offers the runner. Because the plantar fascia, a thick connective tissue running along the sole of the foot, carries […]

Your favorite green golf course is covered in white snow and ice. While your friends in warmer climates continue to improve their games, your clubs remain in the closet. But cold weather does not mean you cannot work on becoming a better golfer. Mental and physical strength can be honed throughout the year. As winter […]

In recent years, concern has risen about the long-term impact of concussions, traumatic brain injury usually brought about by direct impact to the head or by severe, violent shaking of the upper body. In most cases, a concussion has little to no lasting effect, but repeated or severe blows can have long-term or even permanent […]

Congestive heart failure (CHF) forces patients to make significant life changes. And because the heart is a muscle and exercise is a vital part of heart health, it seems natural that physical therapy would be a great asset for these patients. But whether and how much physical therapy can help CHF patients depends on a […]

For years, runners have been warned that their favorite fitness activity puts them at risk for future arthritis. Today, however, many experts say that is not the case. While some studies have suggested that athletes who train rigorously may experience eventual deterioration of the leg joints, others have concluded that adults who run recreationally are […]

In the past, everyone was taught to stretch before engaging in physical activity. Now, however, researchers say that certain popular stretching routines are not only ineffective as warm-ups but can sometimes leave you even more vulnerable to injury. There are two types of stretching techniques. Dynamic stretches are aerobic exercises of light-to-moderate intensity that stimulate […]

Is it safe to perform high-intensity training programs, such as “Insanity”? The answer is affirmative, but only under certain conditions, and even if you meet those criteria, it might not be a good idea. Before even considering whether to engage in a high-intensity training program, ask yourself why you are considering such a program. For […]

In your youth, it may have been possible for you to sporadically run 5k races without any prior training regimen. Young bodies, blessed with the gift of superior metabolism, increased flexibility, and strong muscles and joints, can withstand a lot of abuse. But from our 30s on, our lung and muscle elasticity, bone density, muscle […]

Barefoot running, also known as minimalism or natural running, is simply running without shoes or in thin-soled shoes. Proponents say our bodies and feet evolved to run with forefoot or midfoot striking. Running in shoes results in our heels’ striking first. Barefoot running is therefore a more “natural” experience, with barefoot running advocates arguing that […]

You may have heard of tennis elbow, but golfer’s elbow is a less common problem that can affect not only golfers whose swings have imperfections but anyone who performs intensely repetitive tasks requiring wrist flexion, such as painting walls, hammering, typing on a keyboard or even cooking. It may also result from improper form during […]

Common wisdom says that running is good exercise. It relieves stress, helps control weight and promotes cardiovascular health. But, now, a 2012 study published in the prestigious Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that too much running may be bad for your health and could, in fact, kill you. So, how much running is too much? The […]

When performed correctly, the lunge exercise can strengthen a wide range of muscles. The lunge challenges stability, which is what makes it so effective. A body attempting to remain balanced engages many muscle groups, from the hamstrings to the calves to the core. That makes the lunge a highly effective exercise for people needing to […]

Jersey Finger: It’s Not What You Think If you’re experiencing finger pain or have recently suffered an injury, it’s important to understand the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for jersey finger. What is Jersey Finger? Jersey finger is a hand injury common among athletes who participate in tackle sports such as football and rugby. – […]

The thought of strength (weight) training may bring to mind body builders with six-pack abs and bulging biceps. As a woman, you may not aspire to that physique. You may also wonder, since women produce significantly less testosterone—a hormone that helps build muscle mass—than men, is there any reason to bother with the weights? Men […]

Athletic pubalgia is the technical term for the severe groin pain often called a sports hernia—although unlike a true hernia, no abdominal-cavity organs protrude where they should not. Because the cause of the pain is often missed or misidentified, an accurate diagnosis of athletic pubalgia is the first step in treating the condition and often […]

Let’s face it: Stretching feels good. It is relaxing, and getting all the kinks out of scrunched-up muscles can be liberating. Unfortunately, improving flexibility through a stretching class is simply not enough, either as a therapeutic approach, or to protect your body from future damage. Strength training is a necessary companion to your stretching class. […]

Many people have purchased a new kind of footwear whose manufacturers claim will improve fitness and health. Toning shoes or rocker sole shoes allegedly help wearers burn more calories, tone their buttocks, improve posture and curb joint pain. But do these shoes really do what their boosters claim? According to the manufacturers, toning shoes are […]

After a winter of inactivity often occasioned by bad weather, the one- to two-month period before baseball season begins is a great time to get your child in better physical shape. Start with stretching, aerobic exercise and strength-training at least two or three days a week, working up to five days by the time the […]

The physical benefits of participating in sports are obvious in our increasingly obese society, but team sports also teach cooperation, responsibility to the team, mental preparedness and social development. What about the risk of injury? With the consequences of repeated concussions of football players as a hot topic in the news, it is reasonable to […]

A 2010 Harvard University study suggested that running barefoot can reduce the risk of running-related injuries. These findings have many people wondering if they should get rid of their classic running shoes. The barefoot runners actually wear a sock-like shoe called “Five Fingers.” Runners who wear shoes tend to hit the ground on their heels […]

Anyone for tennis? If winter has you longing for court time, you can pump up your enthusiasm—and reduce your chances of injury—by starting a fitness program before you touch a racquet. And it is not just about your swing. Effective preseason preparation includes a foundation of aerobic conditioning, strength training and skill drills. By increasing […]

The debate over whether weight machines or free weights better help a person achieve fitness is not new. Recently, the trend has been away from weight machines and toward free weights, so it is worth revisiting the benefits and drawbacks of both. Weight machines have several advantages. For one thing, they are easy for the […]

After looking forward to ski season all year, the last thing you want is to be sidelined with an injury or sore muscles due to improper fitness. Because skiing is a physically intense activity, you need to be in peak physical condition when you hit the slopes. At least a month before you intend to […]

Are you an avid swimmer now sidelined by swimmer’s shoulder? You have plenty of company. Swimmer’s shoulder can develop from overuse, a change in your stroke or an increase in the intensity or duration of your swimming activity. Swimmers tend to have above-average flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder—that’s great for swimming. But […]

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 […]