Loss of muscle mass is part of aging, but we can slow and even reverse it. Age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, is a natural part of the aging process. Less muscle means there is more weakness and less mobility. Both of these factors can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Losing muscle mass […]
Sciatica is a symptom of a problem with the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It controls muscles in the back of the knee and lower leg and provides feeling to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. When people have sciatica, they have […]
Has a muscle cramp woken you up in the middle of the night? Or have you been stopped in your tracks by a spasm the size of a golf ball in your calf? Muscle cramps, or “charley horses,” occur when one or more of the muscles in the leg tighten involuntarily. Usually, the muscle relaxes […]
For many, it makes common sense to not move a recently injured neck. In this case, the common sense may be wrong. It’s better to let a physical therapist evaluate an injury and determine the right time to introduce motion. The answer is often, “right away.” In one research study, Mark Rosenfeld, RPT and colleagues […]
Breaking News in the World of Knee Injuries: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of soft and fibrous cartilage serving as a shock absorber in the knee. Meniscal tears in the knee are very common. More than half of us will develop them, but for some, they can be painful and debilitating.1 Did you know […]
The American Heart Association states that sitting around too much increases the risks of heart health issues or strokes. But when someone has a desk job, how is it possible to get the work done and move more at the same time? There are many exercises that can be performed while sitting at the desk […]
Ankle sprains are relatively common, with an annual incidence of 10 per 1,000 people.[1] Only 11% of people with these injuries receive any supervised rehabilitation.[2] The low utilization of physical therapy may contribute to the fact that more than 40% do not fully recover, as indicated by decreased function, persistent pain, recurrent injury, and instability.[3] […]
Neck pain, without trauma or an injury, often comes from poor posture, which creates stress on the muscles and joints. Exercises may help with range of motion and reducing pain. People who experience severe or sudden neck pain should not attempt to do neck exercises without the advice of a healthcare professional. Therapeutic exercise and […]
How can physical activity help joints that are already sore from arthritis? Chronic pain caused by arthritis affects millions of people in the United States every year. About one in four adults with arthritis—15 million people—report experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis.[1] Exercise is important to help improve mood, strengthen muscles, give more energy, enhance quality […]
Looking for a heart-healthy way to eat a balanced, flexible diet that requires no special foods? The DASH eating plan might be for you! DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Researchers developed it more than 20 years ago. It is an eating plan that is based on research sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and […]
