If you’ve ever had physical therapy, you may have a pretty good idea of what happens during a session. Maybe you did exercises, practiced walking, worked on your balance, or had a therapist use hands-on techniques to help with pain or stiffness. But physical therapy is much more than exercise and massage. At its core,
What Is Physical Therapy? How PT Helps You Move Better Read More »
Let’s clear up a common question: Do physical therapists actually perform massage? The short answer is yes. In physical therapy, we often refer to massage and other hands-on techniques as manual therapy. While physical therapists and massage therapists may use some similar techniques, the goals and approach are often different. Physical therapy massage is usually
Knead to Know: Why Physical Therapy Massage Is More Than Just a Massage Read More »
The Importance of Weight-Bearing Over Bands and Weights Shoulder rehab is often oversimplified and that can slow your recovery. When most people think about shoulder rehabilitation, they picture colorful elastic bands and light hand weights. And while those tools are helpful, they’re only part of the story. If your goal is to use your arm
Shoulder Rehab: Bands and Weights Aren’t Enough Read More »
How hip strength and alignment influence knee pain, stability, and long-term function If you’ve gone to physical therapy for knee pain, you may have had this exact thought: “My knee hurts, so why is my PT obsessed with my hips?” You’re not alone. It can feel confusing (and even frustrating) when the area that hurts
Knee Pain? Why Your Physical Therapist Focuses on Your Hips Read More »
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), commonly known as knee replacement surgery, is often undertaken with the hope of resuming pain-free activities. Kneeling is a frequent goal for many patients, yet 60% to 80% report difficulty or an inability to kneel even 1–2 years after the procedure. There is no evidence that kneeling after knee replacement surgery,
Kneeling After Knee Replacement: Yes, You Can! Read More »
What is Prehabilitation? Prehabilitation, often called “prehab,” is a proactive approach to surgery preparation that involves physical and mental conditioning before undergoing a surgical procedure. The goal is to enhance your body’s ability to recover more quickly and effectively after surgery. The healthier and stronger you go into your surgery, the fewer complications, the faster
Prehabilitation: How Physical Therapy Prepares You for a Faster Recovery Read More »
Balance training, which is an integral part of any overall fitness program, becomes particularly crucial as we age. In addition to fall prevention and maintaining independence, it is important to musculoskeletal health. Balance training involves exercises that target muscles throughout the body, including the core, legs, and stabilizing muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help support
Staying Steady: The Role of Balance Training in Active Aging Read More »
Can muscles really get longer and what is the most effective way to improve flexibility? Many of us have found that as we age our flexibility decreases. I know this is happening to me! In this blog I will address how we can effectively maintain and improve our flexibility to better move in our lives.
Can Muscles Really Stretch? Read More »
What is Lymphedema and What Can We Do About It? A Physical Therapy Perspective You may have heard about lymphedema from a friend or acquaintance who has had breast cancer and developed a swollen arm, or from somebody who doesn’t walk around that much anymore because of their “swollen ankles.” But what does lymphedema mean
What is Lymphedemia? Read More »
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the US ahead of cancer and COVID. What can I do to avoid being part of the deadly statistic? Some things are out of our control: family history, sex, and age. But according to the Mayo Clinic there are ways to
What is Cardiac Rehab? Read More »
