Individuals who engage in sports and physical activities that involve lunging forward while running or jumping can sustain a plantaris muscle injury. Can understanding the anatomy of the back of the leg and the symptoms help diagnose and treat plantar muscle injuries? Plantaris Muscle The plantaris muscle is a long, narrow muscle in the calf that runs along the back… Read More
Individuals who have sustained trauma to the knee area from work, physical activity, or a motor vehicle collision can experience significant pain and mobility impairment. Can physical therapy help heal and strengthen the PLC? Posterolateral Corner Knee Injury The posterolateral corner, or PLC, comprises muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back of the knee that help support and stabilize the… Read More
The levator scapulae muscles could be overstretched for individuals experiencing upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. Can physical therapies help relieve pain and retrain the muscles to function properly? Levator Scapulae Muscles The levator scapulae muscles stretch along the spine across the upper back and neck. They originate from the cervical vertebrae C1 to C4 and attach to the inside… Read More
For individuals experiencing piriformis syndrome. Can knowing the causes and what it feels like help in diagnosis and treatment? Managing Piriformis Syndrome Piriformis syndrome is where spasms occur in the piriformis muscle located in the buttocks. These muscle spasms can cause pain and numbness in the buttocks and the back of the leg. (Cedars Sinai, 2022) What Is It? Piriformis… Read More
An annular fissure is caused by age-related changes to the spine, which often do not cause symptoms but can cause back pain. Can understanding the causes help individuals manage lower back pain and help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment program? Annular Fissure An annular fissure is a discogenic condition that affects the spine and can cause lower back pain.… Read More
Can incorporating lemongrass into a diet help individuals manage anxiety, colds, fever, inflammation, and insomnia? Lemongrass Lemongrass, or lemongrass or citronella, is a tall grass-like herb commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. The lower stalks and bulbs of the plant have a fresh, clean, lemony scent that is sometimes added to marinades, teas, curries, and broths. In addition to its… Read More
Can neurological physical therapy help individuals diagnosed with a recently acquired or chronic neurological condition gain strength and functioning? Neurological Physical Therapy Neurological physical therapy can be extremely beneficial. It aims to restore functional mobility, strength, balance, and coordination in those with neurological conditions that affect their quality of life and ability to move around. It also helps recover from… Read More
Individuals with the autoimmune disease lupus may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Are there ways to help protect the skin? Lupus Sun Exposure Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the joints, muscles, and skin. Around 5 million individuals worldwide, and 1.5 million in the United States, have been diagnosed with lupus. The disease is… Read More
Can incorporating walking help accomplish health goals for individuals trying to burn fat? Walking To Burn Calories and Fat Walking has many wonderful benefits that include: Improving fitness Strengthening bones Easing joint pain Improving mental health What to know Taking it easy at first and steadily working on the basics can help individuals reach their health goals. Two keys to… Read More
For individuals who are feeling back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, can using postural techniques help decrease pain and develop strategies to maintain correct posture? Maintaining Correct Posture Exercise and postural correction are two of the most important strategies to manage pain. (Robin McKenzie, the great spine guru PT, (May S. and Donelson R. 2008) However, it is not… Read More
Skeletal muscles attached to the arms, legs, neck, back, and trunk bones are voluntary and consciously controlled. Weakness or inability to control these muscles can signal a health issue like a neuromuscular disorder or electrolyte imbalance. Can recognizing the symptoms can help healthcare providers develop effective treatment programs? Voluntary Muscles Voluntary muscles are the skeletal muscles that attach to bones… Read More
Replenishing electrolytes and maintaining hydration is essential for individuals who work out, fitness enthusiasts, and those who play recreational or serious sports and want to improve overall health. Can making a homemade sugar-free electrolyte drink help individuals achieve health goals faster? Homemade Electrolyte Drink Sports drinks can help replenish the body's lost electrolytes. Individuals who follow a low-carb diet and… Read More
Proper shoes are highly recommended when playing sports, whether professional or recreational. Can wearing pickleball footwear help increase optimal performance and prevent injuries? Pickleball Footwear Pickleball has become quite popular because individuals of all ages and abilities can play it. Although it is a relatively new sport, it emerged in 1965. (USA Pickleball, 2021) It’s now one of the fastest-growing… Read More
For individuals dealing with headaches, can utilizing self-care techniques help ease symptoms? Headaches Self Care There are different self-pain-relieving approaches to ease headache-related pain that use non-medication options. While headache self-care pain-relieving techniques can help temporarily, they are recommended to help ease headache symptoms until professional treatment is available. Individuals are encouraged to try multiple strategies to find the right… Read More
Can understanding the philosophy of intuitive eating help individuals achieve and maintain health goals by breaking free from diets and getting healthy by improving their relationship with food and exercise? Intuitive Eating Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach to eating that focuses on listening to the body with internal body cues. Strict food rules are the main reason diets don’t… Read More