5 Reasons Why December Is the Best Time for Physical Therapy
December can be a whirlwind. Between holiday shopping, family gatherings, decorating, and year-end tasks, it’s easy to push your own health to the bottom of the list. Many people tell themselves, “I’ll focus on this in January,” but here’s the thing: December is actually the perfect time to start—or stick with—physical therapy. Why wait for…
3 Reasons Lower Back Stretches Don’t Relieve Pain
You’ve been doing lower back stretches diligently, hoping to ease that nagging lower back pain, but nothing seems to change. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. While stretching is often the first thing people try for back pain, it doesn’t always deliver the relief they expect. The truth is, lower back pain isn’t always caused by…
The 4 Most Common Turkey Trot Injuries and How to Avoid Them This Year
Turkey Trots are a wonderful way to kick off Thanksgiving morning, but they can come with their own set of challenges, especially for those who only run on special occasions! As a physical therapist, I often see people nursing the same types of injuries after holiday races. To help you enjoy a safe and happy…
Protect Your Back! 5 Guidelines for Exercising with Pain
Exercising with back pain can be tricky—you want to stay active, but the last thing you want is to make things worse. The good news? With the right approach, exercise can actually be a fantastic way to help relieve back pain and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. If you’ve been holding back out…
5 Surprising Ways Holiday Eating Habits Impact Your Back Pain
The holidays are a time to enjoy delicious food, but let’s face it—those festive meals aren’t always the healthiest. And while we all know a little indulgence won’t hurt, for those of us dealing with back pain, holiday eating habits can sometimes have unexpected consequences. Surprisingly, the foods we choose and even how we eat…
What to Wear When You Come For Physical Therapy
When you come for your first session of physical therapy, you might be wondering, “what should I wear?” Choosing the right outfit for physical therapy might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable and effective your sessions are. Whether it’s your first evaluation or a regular visit,…
How to Stay Pain-Free While Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year—full of family, laughter, and of course, amazing food. But if you’re the one spending hours in the kitchen prepping that delicious feast, it can also be pretty hard on your body. Standing for long periods, bending over to grab heavy pots, and all that chopping can leave you…
How Physical Therapy Helps You Stay Active and Independent as You Age
As we get older, staying active and independent can become more of a challenge. It’s not uncommon to notice things like stiffness in your joints, less energy for daily tasks, or even the occasional worry about falling. These are natural parts of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as your new…
3 Common Causes of Morning Neck Pain and How to Fix Them
Morning neck pain can be such a frustrating way to start your day, can’t it? You wake up feeling stiff, sore, and wondering what went wrong overnight. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp pain, it can make even simple tasks like turning your head and going about your day a real challenge. The…
5 Simple Knee Strengthening Exercises to Reduce Pain
Knee strengthening exercises are one of the best ways to combat knee pain and keep your joints healthy. If you’ve ever felt that frustrating twinge or ache in your knees, you know how it can slow you down in your daily life. Whether it’s climbing stairs, playing with the kids, or just getting through the…