Health blog
Neck Pain: How to Fix this ‘Pain in the Neck’
By Abbey Fecher, DPT
Neck problems are becoming more common due our sedentary lifestyles. How often do we use computers and phones throughout the day? Now think about your posture whenever you use these devices. Chances are, there’s probably room for improvement there.
Posture plays a large role in maintaining neck health and limits your chance of developing problems that can negatively affect your daily activities. Issues with your neck are commonly associated with pain, headaches, and general stiffness.
How to Prevent Falls in Your Bathroom
By Devin Wurman, DPT
Did you know that one-third of Americans ages 65 and older fall each year? In fact, falls are the leading cause of deadly injuries and are the most common cause of trauma-related hospitalizations. A lot of falls actually occur in your home which might surprise you given that you are probably more familiar with your own house than anywhere else. But it’s true. And if you already have trouble balancing, you are more prone to falling.
The Active Person’s Answer to Living Life Pain Free
A lot of times when we feel pain, we immediately try to be our own doctor and figure out what to do for that pain. Sound familiar? Maybe you take some Tylenol or use an ice back on that sore muscle or maybe you just try stretching for a bit. It makes sense to try and find the fix. Life is busy between work, kids’ schedules, maybe you have vacation or race coming up and you want to be able to enjoy it without pain.
Read full blogTips to Make Summer Swimming Pain and Injury Free
By Devin Wurman, DPT
Memorial Day has passed and pools are open signalling the unofficial start for summer for a lot of folks. Many children and teens in this area are getting ready to start, if they haven’t already, swim team practices and meets. So it’s timely to talk about shoulder injuries and make sure you and your kids know how to prevent pain and injury so you can enjoy your summer.
Not too surprising, shoulder pain is the most frequent orthopedic injury among swimmers.
Are You At Risk for a Knee Injury?
Knee pain is often the result of an imbalance in tension of muscles. When certain muscles are tighter or weaker than others, it affects the way the joint moves. When we assess someone who has knee pain, we often find that their patella, or the knee cap, is not tracking properly due to tight connective tissue. When the kneecap rubs against the sides of the knee joint, it can cause irritation and pain. This is called patellofemoral knee pain.
Read full blogRunning a Marathon: My Biggest Takeaways
By Sarah Herndon, Patient Representative
Mile 10… okay, just 16 miles to go. That’s just 4 miles, 4 times. I can do that. Mile 17… single digit miles to go… just 3 miles 3 times. Easy. Mile 23… just about a 5K left. So close. Mile 25. Just 1.2 miles. That’s barely a lap around my block. We’re almost there!
I’ve never been a fan of numbers. But I have to say, when I was running my first marathon in April, numbers were all I could think about after a certain point.
Stretches To Keep Our Hike Pain-Free!
By Angie Austin, LPTA
There are so many beautiful places to explore around us whether is be within Virginia or elsewhere. From national parks to state parks, to local trails – you don’t have to go far to find a great place to explore. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to do this. Whenever I get out on the trails and am immersed in the natural beauty around me, I immediately find myself in my happy place.
Keep Gardening Injuries from Blooming
By Abbey Fecher, DPT
Spring is well underway and yard work and gardening has probably been on your weekend to-do lists. It’s always exciting to see the colorful flowers and enjoy the fresh veggies. The less exciting part of gardening though are the dreaded aches and pains that come along with the task. Did you know that there are plenty of things you can do to ensure gardening is pain- and injury-free? Gardening can be fun rather than a chore that leaves you spending the rest of the day on the couch with a heating pad.
Postpartum Depression: My Experience and What I Learned
By Devin Wurman, DPT
Untreated depression is the number one complication of pregnancy and yet research shows that many healthcare providers do not ask new mothers about feeling depressed or anxious during their pregnancy.
Since May is National Maternal Depression Awareness Month, I thought it would be appropriate and timely to share my own experience with postpartum depression and what helped me through that difficult time.
It was eight years ago when I found out I was pregnant with my first child.
Plantar Fasciitis: What Risk Factors Can Cause This Foot Problem…
By Kate Zanoni, LPTA
Ouch! If you’ve ever had plantar fasciitis, you know just how excruciating those first few steps are when you get out of bed in the morning. It can feel like you’re stepping on a knife as the tight connective tissue on the bottom of your foot stretches out. As someone who has had a recurrence of plantar fasciitis over the years, beginning in high school, I can tell you first hand just how painfully necessary it is to address the underlying cause to avoid flare-ups.