Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome? 3 Ways to Tell the Difference (Self-Test Guide)

Piriformis syndrome and sciatic nerve compression pain cause outline diagram.

Have you ever felt a sharp, shooting pain travel from your buttock down into your leg? If so, you’ve likely turned to Google and found two main suspects: Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome. Because both conditions involve the sciatic nerve, the symptoms feel almost identical. However, the cause of the pain is very different—and treating the…

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What Is Gout? Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

Big toe joint swollen and red from a gout flare-up

Gout is one of the most painful joint conditions you can experience. The pain can come on suddenly (often in the middle of the night) and feel sharp, hot, and almost unbearable. If you’re dealing with recurring joint pain or wondering what gout actually is, this article is for you. Gout affects millions of people…

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3 Essential Back-Saving Tips You MUST Know Before Any Workout

man about to do a deadlift weight exercise

As we embrace fitness goals, home projects, or even intense gardening, the excitement of getting active can sometimes overshadow one critical step: preparing your back. I’ve encountered countless cases at our clinics where a lack of preparation—not just poor technique—has led to unnecessary strains and discomfort. Whether you’re hitting the gym, training for a marathon,…

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Are You Experiencing Shoulder Pain from Sleeping Wrong?

Tired African American lady sitting on bed massaging her neck and shoulder pain

We’ve all been there. You go to bed feeling fine, but wake up with a stiff, aching shoulder that makes it hard to even reach for your morning coffee. That nagging pain can ruin your morning and set a negative tone for the entire day. Most of us blame it on “sleeping wrong,” but what…

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How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need for Recovery and Injury Prevention?

man in bed getting hours of sleep

Most people think of sleep as “rest.” But as a physical therapist, I know sleep is actually one of the most powerful recovery tools we have. At night, your body does a whole lot more than “shut down for the day”, it goes to work repairing tissues, calming inflammation, and preparing your brain and muscles…

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Dormant Butt Syndrome: How to Wake Up Your Glutes

lady holding her back with both hands

You’ve probably heard about the importance of good posture and ergonomics to avoid chronic pain. But there’s another, lesser-known issue that might be contributing to your aches and pains: Dormant Butt Syndrome (DBS). While the name might sound funny, its effects are no laughing matter. It’s a condition where your gluteal muscles—your butt muscles—become weak…

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Can Physical Therapy Help You Avoid Surgery?

a group of surgeons performing surgery

If you’ve been dealing with nagging pain or a long-term injury, it’s easy to feel like surgery is the only solution. You might even have a referral in hand or a date circled on the calendar. But here’s something I share with nearly every patient who walks into our clinic: surgery is not always your…

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7 Ways to Get Rid of Tension Headaches Naturally

girl suffering with tension headaches

Have you ever felt like there’s a tight band wrapped around your head? Like your neck, shoulders, and forehead are all clenched together? If that sounds familiar, you’re probably experiencing a tension headache. Tension headaches are incredibly common, affecting nearly 80% of adults at some point in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. But…

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Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing Pain with Physical Therapy

elderly couple exercising side-by-side in the gym

Are you seeking lasting relief from pain and a path to greater physical independence? This comprehensive guide combines essential self-help strategies with insights into the crucial role of physical therapy in helping you achieve a pain-free, active life. Understanding Your Body’s Limits: A Foundation for Pain Prevention Why is it important to understand my body’s…

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Why Are My Feet Swollen? Common Causes Explained

woman with white swollen feet

Have you ever kicked off your shoes at the end of the day only to find your feet looking puffier than usual? Swollen feet can be annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, but what’s actually causing it? Let’s walk through the most common reasons your feet might swell, what it means, and when it’s time…

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