By: Angie Austin, LPTAThe start of the year often triggers people to start those New Year’s resolutions and improving physical fitness or exercising more are probably towards the top of most lists. A goal as specific as running can create dramatic changes to overall health and well being.Benefits: Running is a great way for us…
By: Mike Bills, MS PTTypically there will be no immediate effect to not having the proper strength in a particular muscle in your body. The effects are usually more long term in the sense that “weakness” or lack of proper strength in an area results in excess friction on the bones in the joint, excessive…
Knee injuries are one of the most common injuries that we see in physical therapy, whether it is sports related or just degenerative changes that occur as we age. Some of the most common injuries are sprains and strains, osteoarthritis, ligament injuries and meniscus injuries. All of these cause pain, weakness and a decrease in…
One of the most common complaints that runners have after committing to a running program is that their running plan becomes “stale”, “predictable” or “boring.” A primary reason for these feelings is a lack of progression. Running at the same pace for the same distances or for the same duration over and over again can…
By Mike Bills, MS PTWhat does the word ‘strength’ really mean? In order to fully understand how to develop a strengthening program appropriately, you first have to understand what is really meant by the word “strength.” The word itself actually has three distinct pieces to it. Each piece is just as important as the other…
Have you ever “rolled” your ankle? Chances are that you have, because what is commonly referred to as a “rolled ankle” or ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries that people experience. Once an ankle is sprained the chances that someone will sprain it again are raised dramatically. Fortunately there are steps that…
By Alyssa Burke, PTAThe season of 5k’s and obstacle course races like Tough Mudders and Spartan Races are in full swing. Whether you have thought about participating in one or are a seasoned race pro, you may have heard the term “weekend warrior” come up. So what is a weekend warrior? This is a person…
Bursitis is an inflammation of a structure called a “bursa” and most commonly occurs in knees, hips, shoulders and elbows. Pain is the number one symptom of bursitis. This pain can be deep and hard to pinpoint. It is often described as “dull and achey,” and can radiate to the surrounding areas. Bursitis can impede on nearly all…
I’m sure there have been numerous times you have watched a sporting event, or even participated in a sport yourself and heard the statement, “I’ve pulled my hamstring!” They often grab the back of their leg and have to hobble off of the field or court in pain. So it begs the questions, what is…
By Cierra Washington, ATCYou’ve probably heard of IT Band syndrome. But what is it exactly? Let’s start with the name. The ‘IT’ refers to the iliotibial band that runs along the outer portion of the thigh. When people refer to the IT band, they often have the misconception that it’s a muscle. Actually, the IT…
