Senior Balance Specialist
Specialized Physical Therapy
Serving North Orange Co.

Author name: Brent Cowles

6 Ways To Avoid Sports Injuries

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Sports injuries can be a major setback for athletes, especially when they are serious enough to require surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Fortunately, there are several steps athletes can take to reduce their risk of injury and keep themselves healthy and active. In this blog post, we’ll discuss six ways to avoid sports injuries while staying active. 1. Warm Up and Cool Down Properly One of the most important steps athletes can take to avoid sports injuries is to warm up and cool down properly before and after engaging in exercise. This is because warming up helps prepare the body for physical activity by increasing blood flow, loosening muscles, and improving range of motion. Cooling down helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue by gradually decreasing intensity levels after exercise. 2. Wear Appropriate Protective Gear Wearing protective gear such as helmets, pads, and mouth guards can help reduce the risk of injury while playing contact sports or engaging in other high-risk activities. It is also important for you to wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support for your feet during physical activity. 3. Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated is essential for athletic performance and overall health. Making sure you’re hydrated helps keep the body cool, prevents dehydration, and aids in muscle recovery after exercise. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. 4. Get Enough Rest Getting enough rest is essential for athletes because it helps the body recover from physical activity and reduces fatigue levels during exercise. It’s recommended that athletes get at least 8 hours of sleep each night in order to stay healthy and perform at their best during physical activity. Without enough sleep, you run the risk of performing poorly due to low energy levels, resulting in your body being more prone to an injury than if you were to get a good amount of sleep. 5. Listen To Your Body Our body speaks to us in ways that, sometimes, we ignore. Listening to your body is one of the best ways to prevent sports injuries because it allows you to recognize when something isn’t right or when you need a break from engaging in physical activity. If you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical attention (if necessary!) Putting too much stress on your body is one way to potentially get an injury because you weren’t properly prepared. 6. Strengthen Muscles Regularly When you take the time to strengthen your muscles regularly, it can help prevent sports injuries. This is because when doing so, you’re increasing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance levels. Incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and pull-ups into your routine can help strengthen your muscles over time and reduce your risk of injury while playing sports or engaging in other forms of physical activities. When you take these tips and ways to prevent injuries into consideration, you’re not only setting yourself up for success but minimizing the possibility of enduring an injury that takes you out for the season (which you definitely don’t want!) If you’re dealing with an injury right now and looking for a real, natural solution – then you’re in the right place! Here at Optimize Mobile Physical Therapy in Anaheim, CA, we’ll help you reduce pain and return to your favorite sport properly! To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today! And in the meantime, take these precautionary steps to save yourself time, energy, and pain from a sports injury. Ask About Availability & Pricing

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How To Improve & Maintain Good Muscle Health

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Having healthy muscles is essential for overall health and well-being. Good, healthy muscles provide us with strength, mobility, and balance. When maintaining good muscle health, it eliminates the possibility of issues surrounding strength, mobility, and balance arising. Not only that, but muscles help us to perform everyday activities such as walking, lifting, and carrying heavy objects. When we’re taking care of our muscles, we’re taking care of ourselves. Unfortunately, many of us don’t take the time to properly care for our muscles. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can improve your muscle health and keep your body in top shape – a great way to prioritize your health and feel good. Exercise The first step to improving your muscle health is by getting enough exercise and moving your body. Regular physical activity helps to build and maintain muscle mass, as well as improve strength and flexibility. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, if possible. Start by focusing on cardio exercises like walking, running, and swimming. You can also try strength training exercises like weightlifting, pushups, and squats. Find ways to easily implement these exercises into your daily routine and you will see and feel the benefits of doing so. Balanced Diet Eating a balanced diet is also important for maintaining healthy muscles. Make sure to include plenty of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, nuts, and seeds in your diet as these are essential for building muscle mass. Additionally, complex carbs like whole grains provide energy for workouts while fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for proper muscle function. And don’t forget about healthy fats from sources like avocados and olive oil which can help reduce inflammation in the body and promote muscle recovery (which is equally important!) after exercise. At the start of every week, plan ahead your meals and see if that helps make it more convenient for you to maintain a balanced diet! Rest Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest and take breaks from exercising when needed. Your body will tell you when it needs a break — all you have to do is listen! Also, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. During sleep, our bodies repair themselves from the wear and tear of our daily activities so it’s essential that we get enough rest each night (7-9 hours) so we can continue to perform at our very best. Without it, the next day you could feel drained, running on low energy, and not be able to stay productive or as active as you’d wish. Not only will getting enough sleep help you feel more energized during the day, but it will also give your muscles time to recover from workouts so they can be stronger when you wake up in the morning! Stretch Finally, stretching regularly can help improve your muscle health by focusing on increasing flexibility and range of motion in the joints. This can reduce pain and stiffness associated with tight muscles or poor posture. This also helps us move better during our workouts when we’ve taken the time to stretch properly before engaging in physical activity. Stretching before workouts is an essential part of the process, not only for muscle health but to make sure you don’t accidentally injure yourself mid-workout. Aim to stretch at least 3 times a week after a workout or before bedtime when your body is warmest for best results! In conclusion, when you work these four tips into your daily routine – exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and stretching regularly – your muscles will thank you for prioritizing your health. Maintaining good muscle health is not only good for working out but keeps YOU healthy. Taking the time to prioritize yourself and your body is ALWAYS a good idea. Ask About Availability & Pricing

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What To Expect During A Physical Therapy Session

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Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process for many individuals. It can help with pain management, injuries, and surgery recovery, as well as improve mobility and restore regular strength and function. But, if you’re new to physical therapy, you may be wondering — what exactly happens during a physical therapy session? What can I expect? In this blog post, we’ll explore the various activities that physical therapists (like us) may perform during a session to give you a little insight into what to expect if you’re considering inquiring about more information and booking an appointment. Assessing The Patient The first step in any physical therapy session is to assess the patient. This includes taking into consideration any factors that may have caused your current condition such as your detailed medical history and any recent injuries or illnesses you may have had. Then, your PT will perform a physical examination to identify any areas of concern that you may have not mentioned. This assessment helps your PT determine which treatments are most appropriate for your condition and is an essential part of the process. Developing a Treatment Plan Tailored To You Once your initial assessment is complete, your PT will then develop an individualized treatment plan designed for you. This is because, like most PTs, we know that no two patients’ pain experiences are the same which is why it’s essential to individualize each treatment plan as such. Typically, your plan will include specific exercises and activities designed to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Each exercise will have its own unique purpose in your healing process. Carrying Out Your Treatment During each session, your PT will carry out treatment according to the individualized plan that they come up with for you. These treatments may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, balance training, posture correction techniques, manual therapy techniques, and other modalities of treatment that your clinic may offer. Your PT will also provide education about how to manage your pain or prevent further injury. Your PT will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you’re performing each exercise properly so you don’t become injured or make the pain you’re already experiencing worse. Evaluating Your Progress At each session, your PT will evaluate how well you are progressing with your treatment plan. They may ask questions about how you’re feeling after completing certain exercises or activities and if you’re noticing any positive or negative changes in the process. Depending on your answers, your PT might modify your treatment plan to better fit your needs to ensure that it’s most effective in helping you win back your life and reach your goals. Conclusion Physical therapists play an essential role in helping patients recover from injury, pain, or illness by providing individualized care tailored to each person’s needs. With us here at Optimize Mobile Physical Therapy you can expect to feel supported by your physical therapist and that you’re finally making the progress you need so you can get back to living an active lifestyle without limitations. If you’re interested in physical therapy after reading this post and are looking for a PT in your Anaheim, CA area, then be sure to contact us here at Optimize Mobile Physical Therapy. We are the solution you’ve been tirelessly searching for when it comes to pain management and recovery. To learn more, be sure to click the link below to get more information TODAY! We look forward to hearing from you! Ask About Availability & Pricing

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5 Ways To Stay Active & Healthy

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When it comes to our busy lives and schedules, sometimes it’s hard to prioritize your health and fitness. We try our very best to work it into our day, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time for that Yoga class you’ve been always wanting to try or to commit to signing up for a gym membership when you don’t know if you’ll be able to use it often. That’s why we have to find ways to stay active and healthy and make it convenient for us. Staying active and healthy can be a challenge, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! In fact, following these five simple tips are a sure way to help you prioritize your health and fitness in your everyday life. Eat a Nutritious and Balanced Diet While you may have heard this tip a hundred times before — there’s a reason for that. This is because eating a variety of healthy foods will give your body the proper energy and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. A way to prioritize this is to meal plan for each week. That way, you know what you need to get and you take the stress of trying to plan out a meal every single night. This will cut time in preparation while simultaneously prioritizing your health and fitness. Exercise Regularly Your exercises don’t have to be anything fancy. It’s important to prioritize exercise however that may look for you and your busy schedule. Some people have time for intensive workouts, some just have a few minutes to lift some weights. It could be a few energizing stretches in the morning, a brisk walk around the block, or taking an exercise class weekly. Whatever it may be, make sure you are taking the time to incorporate some kind of physical activity into your daily routine. Get Adequate Sleep This one is essential. Without good sleep, you can’t be as productive as you’d wish during the day, leaving you feeling sluggish, irritable, and tired. It’s important to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to be rested and prepared for the day ahead. Practice Stress Management It’s important for us to try our very best to find ways to manage our stress. Stress can take a toll on your body, so it’s essential to take time to relax and unwind in whatever way you sit fit for you. Schedule time to relax. It might feel silly, but it’s a great way to ensure that you take the time needed to relax so you don’t burn yourself out. It’s important for your productivity to schedule in those breaks so you can perform your very best mentally and physically. Take your shot at activities such as meditation, yoga, going for walks, or journaling to help manage stress effectively. Drink Plenty of Water Staying hydrated is immensely important when it comes to keeping your body healthy and performing at your very best. Without staying hydrated, you run the risk of dehydration which can have physically healthy effects and heavily impact your productivity. Grab a water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day to make it convenient for you. These five tips for prioritizing your health and staying active are great ways to make sure you’re taking proper care of yourself. You want to work toward being the best, healthiest version of yourself and these tips are a great place to start. If at any time while staying active you become injured or you’re dealing with any type of chronic pain, be sure to contact us here at Optimize Mobile Physical Therapy. Here, we prioritize our patients and their health because we believe that you deserve to live life on your own terms — which is hard to do when dealing with constant pain or an injury. Don’t waste any of your time suffering and missing out when we have real solutions that can help you. Make sure to contact us TODAY and we’ll be happy to talk to you about how we can help you win your life back so you can continue to prioritize your health and stay active. Ask About Availability & Pricing

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Why You Shouldn’t Do Physical Therapy On Your Own

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Physical therapy (PT) is a great way to reduce pain, recover from injury, and improve your physical health and quality of life. It can help with a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to post-operative rehabilitation. However, many people wonder if they can do physical therapy on their own. Some may think that this is more convenient and a better option than seeking out professional quality physical therapy — but this isn’t true. You should always seek out professional help and guidance when it comes to physical therapy. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why you should never do PT on your own and why seeking out the best physical therapist in your area is always the better option for you and your health. Why You Shouldn’t Do PT On Your Own It’s important for you to take the best care of yourself when injured or experiencing chronic pain, and while you may think doing PT on yourself could be the solution for you, we’re here to tell you that it’s not worth the risk. The truth is — it’s never a good idea to do physical therapy on your own. Doing so can make your pain worse or result in a terrible injury (which you definitely don’t want!) Before looking for a physical therapist, it’s common for most people to feel as though they have tried everything to relieve their pain or heal their injury — but no matter what they try, nothing seems to be working. After trying remedy after remedy, you’re left feeling defeated and start to wonder if this pain is something you’re just going to have to learn how to deal with on a daily basis. This is usually when most people discover that physical therapy is the solution they’ve been looking for to reduce pain and win back their life. When seeking physical therapy, usually you’re looking for help in rehabilitation from an injury or could be experiencing chronic pain of some sort — back pain, neck pain, ankle pain, etc. Without the guidance of a professional physical therapist that has been certified and trained properly, you may not be doing the exercises correctly or even may be doing too much too soon. It’s essential that you do PT exercises correctly, or you run the risk of becoming injured. Having a professional physical therapist alongside you is key because they will make sure you’re performing the exercises correctly and will actively prevent you from becoming injured or making your chronic pain worse. We know it can seem appealing to try PT on your own. It’s convenient, you don’t have to leave your house, and you can do it on your own time. You feel as though you have the world at your fingertips through the internet, so you do your research, looking up exercises that help with the pain that you’re experiencing. But, we’re here to tell you that even as confident as you may seem in performing PT on your own without professional training — all it takes is one thing to go wrong to make your pain ten times worse than it was before. That’s all it takes – one wrong move can send you into agonizing pain and it’s just not worth it. Conclusion As convenient as trying to do it on your own may seem, it’s just not worth the risk of injuring yourself. It’s important that you do what’s best for you and your body and seeking out the best physical therapist in your area is the best thing you can do for yourself. In the long run, you want to prevent anything from making your condition worse and the truth is, self-directed physical therapy is not the way to do so. We understand that it can be challenging to try and find a physical therapist on your own. That’s why we suggest doing your research, reading patient reviews, and contacting potential PTs with questions ready. Once you’ve talked to a PT, you’ll be able to tell from the first conversation if they’re able to help you with your specific condition or not. Then, once you find a PT that you feel comfortable with, you book an appointment and can take comfort in the fact that you have a certified, trained professional guiding you through. Don’t risk your health and well-being over something that a trained professional can help you fix. The right physical therapist will guide you through. Then, you can confidently return to living life on your own terms. If you’re looking for a physical therapist in the Anaheim, CA be sure to contact us today for more information. We would love to talk to you about your condition and how we can help you finally feel better again. Ask About Availability & Pricing

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How Do I Find The Right Physical Therapist?

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Finding the right physical therapist can be a challenge. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice for you. You know that you want a provider that specializes in the issue that you’re currently dealing with and you want to feel confident in the decision you make so you know you’re not wasting your time or your money. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you find the right physical therapist for your needs so you can find the relief you’re looking for and get back to living life on your own terms. Do Your Research The first step in finding the right physical therapist is to do your research. The best way to start is by looking up physical therapists in your area and reading reviews from past patients. Doing so will give you a firsthand look at past or current patients’ take on their experience and interactions with the physical therapy clinic and the staff. This will give you a better idea of the quality of care they provide and what you can expect from them. Additionally, you can ask your primary care physician for some recommendations or check with your insurance provider to see which physical therapists are covered by your plan if you’re unsure of where to start. Then, with the recommendations, you can do your research and decide which ones you’d like to contact for more information. Ask Questions Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential physical therapists, it’s time to start asking questions. You want to make sure that your PT understands the problem you’re dealing with and knows how to get to the root problem so you can get back to enjoying your life without pain or limitations. Make sure to ask about their experience and qualifications, as well as any specialties they may have. Additionally, ask about their treatment methods and whether they offer any additional services, like massage therapy or acupuncture. A physical therapist may offer a service you’ve never even heard of that could help you in ways you couldn’t imagine. It’s also important to inquire about their rates and payment options before making any commitments. Sometimes, it’s possible that a PT could have a free consultation available — so be sure to ask! Schedule An Appointment Once you’ve found a few physical therapists that you’re interested in, it’s time to schedule an appointment. This will give you the opportunity to meet the physical therapist in person and get a better sense of their personality and approach to treatment. During the appointment, be sure to ask any additional questions you may have thought of and clearly outline your goals for physical therapy. Not only will this help you, but it will help them in knowing how to correctly treat you and get to know you better. You’ll be able to tell during your first meeting or consultation if said physical therapist is a good fit for you or not. If you like the PT after the first visit, talk to them about setting up appointments for the future! Follow-Up After your initial appointment, it’s important for you to follow up with the physical therapist to ensure that you’re getting the care you need to finally feel good again. It’s always a good idea to be knowledgeable about how they’re treating you so you can continue to stay in tune with your mind and body. Make sure to keep track of your progress and ask questions if you have any concerns as they arise. Additionally, if you’re not satisfied with the care you’re receiving and feel as though you’re not making the necessary progress, don’t be afraid to look for another physical therapist. Finding the right physical therapist can be a challenge, but with the right research and questions, you can easily find the perfect fit for your needs. Do your research, ask questions, schedule an appointment, and follow up to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible. And if you want to learn more about how Optimize Mobile Physical Therapy can help you, be sure to contact us today for more information. We’d love to discuss options with you! Ask About Availability & Pricing

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Knee Pain: Causes and Cures

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Knee pain affects almost every single person at some point in their lives. From sprains, to cartilage issues, all the way through to posture-related injuries and muscle tears, knee pain seems to play a role in the sometimes debilitating struggle for a pain-free life. We understand how the nagging, irritating, and oftentimes overwhelming pain in your knee affects your day-to-day activities, not to mention your social life, and that’s why this post is all about knee pain: what it is, why it is, and what can be done about it. When it comes to knee pain, few people really understand its origins. This is not least because of the complex structure of the knee joint and its position in the body. In fact, the knee is one of the most important body parts. Why? Well, it not only grants the lower leg an immense amount of flexibility, but it also support and maintains the mobility of the upper leg and, finally, the torso and entire upper body. In other words, the knee is an invaluable part of the body’s mobility and stability. It is no wonder, then, that the knee joint is also the site where most of the body’s pressures and strains accumulate. From walking, to running, and even to standing, the knee is subject to an incomprehensible amount of daily pounding and weight. In truth, your knees withstand more strain than you know, and without their resilience you would probably be far less mobile. Which is why, of course, knee pain is so debilitating. As a knee experiences the constant pressure and strain placed on it by our everyday activities, it gradually starts to experience wear-and-tear, that is, muscles lose their strength and the cartilage is subsequently placed under more and more stress – hence, the pain. Quite often, if this state of affairs isn’t appropriately addressed, the cartilage might give way or tear, leading to serious injuries requiring surgery, or worse still, a complete knee replacement. Amongst these rather alarming injuries are the likes of ACL injuries, knee fractures, dislocations, PCL injuries, tears, popping, swelling, tendon injury, knee cap dislocations, and a myriad more – and, if the names don’t scare you, the pain will. In lieu of this, it is easy to see why the maintenance of a healthy knee joint is vital. Unfortunately, however, many people already suffering from knee pain turn to temporary solutions for comfort: from painkillers, to surgery, and all the way around to injections and rest, people just aren’t taking action. The issue with pain in the knee joint is that rest and procrastination, not to mention tablets, only make things worse – as you know, the pain often only increases if you try to wait it out, and in the end you’re left with an even longer road to recovery. Yet, in a world where there is so much conflicting information, what can you do? Where do you turn? And how can you get rid of this pain? Luckily, there are ways to combat knee pain and, in many cases, totally eradicate your daily discomfort, thus getting you back to the activities you love. Take a look: Exercise – All Things in Moderation We know you might be active, love golf, running, and sports. Maybe you just like walking and enjoy being outside. The good news is, activity and mobility are sure-fire ways of fast-tracking your journey to a pain-free life. Importantly, however, you need to be very sure that the exercises you do are moderate, low-impact, and do not place unnecessary or damaging strain on your knee. Movement is key… but, in moderation. That having been said, try doing exercises that strengthen your knee as well as give it extra motion. Straight leg raises, whereby the leg is slowly lifted to extend the knee joint, are really helpful. Try leg presses and balancing exercises to increase the flexibility and strength of the knee joint. In addition, why not try cycling? Riding a bike is a low-impact form of exercise and is incredibly beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. It’s all about support: find activities that support your knee so as to get you moving and feeling stronger… all in preparation for those things you long to get back to doing. Physical Therapy While increasing the amount of low-impact physical activity you do is helpful, the best and most effective way of eliminating your knee pain – fast and safely – is physical therapy. A professional, hands-on physical therapist is able to diagnose and treat the root-case of your problem, thereby offering you a permanent solution to your knee-pain. And not only that, physical therapy gives you a set of tailor-made exercises and stretches you can do at home; this means that your road to health doesn’t stop when you leave the PT room – you’ll be able to maintain your pain-free life well beyond your physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy is so much more than just a temporary mask for your pain: it’s about your health and your happiness. We know how important your family and activities are to you, and we also know that the daily struggle you experience is about a lot more than physical discomfort. Your happiness and joy are being stolen, and we are here to help. Physical therapy gives you the opportunity to restore functionality in your knee, the tools to help rebuild and strengthen muscles, and the comfort of knowing that the range of motion in your knee is being systematically increased. We want to give you back the life you’ve been missing out on because of discouraging, frustrating knee pain. Don’t let knee-pain ruin even one more day of your life. It’s time to get back to that golf game you’ve been dying to play, that yoga class that’s been in the back of your mind for weeks, and the training for that marathon you’ve waited forever to run. Knee pain is terrible, but there are solutions. Contact

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FORE! Shoulder Pain and Playing Golf

Leave a Comment / Golf Injury, Shoulder Pain /

Golf… it’s a sport that calls to mind beautiful Saturday mornings, a cold beer at the club after a great 18-hole day, and that elusive birdie you’ve been trying to get for years. And while this all sounds pretty much idyllic, you might be surprised to know that playing golf causes nearly as many injuries as some contact sports! It’s true, and while shocking, it actually makes a lot of sense. The techniques players employ in their swings, gaits, and strokes, often have painful consequences for the back and shoulders. In fact, shoulder pain is so common amongst golfers that it has fast become one of the injuries we treat most often. So, in this post we chat to you about what it means to have shoulder pain, how you know it’s golf-related, and what to do if you’re suffering from it right now. With that having been said, let’s tee up and get started! For all you golfing enthusiasts out there, the title probably makes some sense. No doubt you’ve yelled ‘fore’ out onto the green after miscalculating the wind gusts, right? Well, just as you might warn the unsuspecting golfers out ahead of you, so too your body yells its equivalent of ‘fore’ at you when it’s in distress and pain. Really, as you’re playing golf you might actually feel a tug, a pull, or even discomfort in your shoulder as you swing – that’s your body telling you to ‘watch out’ and ‘look out ahead’. In fact, it’s your body’s extremely sophisticated way of warning you about probable damage and/or injury to your shoulder if you continue swinging the way you are. And yet, despite this impressive alarm system, many golfers continue to swing through the pain as though it will disappear on its own. And what a mistake that is! For those who ignore the signs, shoulder pain is really just a few yards away. Well, what happens if you’ve ignored the warning signs and are now experiencing shoulder pain and discomfort? What does that mean and what can be done? One thing to understand is that the shoulder is a complex joint; the movement and mobility of it hinges on the rotator cuff, that is, the section of your shoulder made up of muscles and tendons designed to keep your arm in the socket of your shoulder. Hence, shoulder pain in this area is often referred to as a rotator cuff injury and, yes, you guessed it, these are most commonly seen amongst avid golfers. It’s not too difficult to take a guess as to why the rotator cuff is at risk during a golf game. The movement involved in swinging your club actually places massive amounts of strain on the rotator cuff, causing the muscles and tendons to twist and bend in ways that are mostly unnatural to them. So, while repeatedly swinging a golf club overhead may well be great for your game, it’s not equally as good for your shoulder. The constant, unvarying repetition of a single incorrect movement can, in fact, wreak havoc later down the line. In effect, golf actually places your shoulder at a much highest risk of injury than almost any other sport. And, unfortunately, the pain that accompanies a rotator cuff injury is far from pretty. Symptoms include the following: Aches and pain in the shoulder itself. Weakness when raising the shoulder. Popping sounds in your shoulder as you swing. Difficulty doing routine tasks: combing hair, brushing teeth, showering. Difficulty holding things above waist height. Trouble sleeping. Loss in your range of motion. In addition to all of the above, experiencing a shoulder injury while you are playing golf means that all aspects of your life will be affected. From your actual game, to your social life, family life, and peace of mind. We have met so many patients who, before coming to see us, have felt completely defeated by their golfing injuries. So, what can be done? If you haven’t yet experienced an injury, that’s great. However, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods yet. It is absolutely vital that you learn the correct golfing posture and swinging technique in order to avoid injuries in the future. A physical therapist will gladly help you with this information. Wear the right golfing gear, too, and be mindful of the weight you carry out on the green. If, however, you are currently experiencing shoulder pain related to golf, the best possible action you can take is to visit a qualified, hands-on, professional physical therapist. A physical therapist will treat the root cause of your problem, thereby relieving pain effectively and safely and making sure that your recovery is a permanent one. There are no temporary solutions, here. Furthermore, a physical therapist will give you specific, tailor-made exercises that you can do at home in order to ensure that you remain pain free. What’s more, you’ll learn the correct techniques for the best golf game of your life. You know as well as we do that your golfing prowess is less about how hard you swing the club, but much more about how you do it. Find out what’s best for you by visiting a physical therapist today. We know how debilitating shoulder pain can be, especially if you love golf. Unfortunately, getting back into the swing of things can be a struggle. If you’re not sure how to do it, or where to start, we invite you to talk to one of our professional, friendly physical therapists, today. We’ll eliminate your pain and get you back to playing the game you love. Ask below about cost and availability. Ask About Availability & Pricing

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Why Knee Pain Becomes a Nagging Pain

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If you’re reading this, you might very well be asking yourself: “How do I get rid of my annoying knee pain?” This is a fairly commonplace question, as for those of us who suffer from knee pain it is usual to scour any source of information in order to find the answers we need just to stop the nagging, debilitating pain. The good news is, you’ve finally come to the right place… you’re not alone and there is help! In this post we look at why knee pain becomes a nagging pain, what the symptoms of knee pain are, and what can be done to alleviate the discomfort. It’s time to take action against knee pain once and for all. So, let’s dive in. When it comes to knee pain, you might be feeling like a real-life version of the Tin Man – aches and pains ruin your mobility, your family-life and work-life, and even your sleep. And yet, despite its prevalence, few people really know why they suffer from knee pain. And remember, knowing why you are in pain is often the first step in understanding how to get rid of it. So, that’s where we come in. Knee pain often has various causes, each of which is dependent on yet another set of variant conditions. What is important to know is that knee pain can affect people of all ages and can, therefore, be independent on factors such as age, for example. Take a look at some of the reasons you might be suffering from knee pain: Sports Injuries: This seems obvious, at first, but even the fittest athletes may experience knee problems. Incorrect warm-up routines, flawed routines themselves, and over-ambitious training sessions may lead to knee injuries. Hobby-related Injuries: It’s not only sports-people who may suffer from knee pain. Those of you who do even mild forms of exercise – as a hobby, perhaps – are prone to experiencing knee pain. Unexpected, uncommon stress placed on the knee can easily cause injury. Overuse: This is perhaps something you may have come to realize over time: overuse of the knee, specifically in repeated and instinctively unnatural ways, will lead to knee-pain. Arthritis: Many individuals suffering from arthritis are likely to suffer from knee pain as, being one of the largest joints in the body, the knee joint is a prime target for this specific affliction. Weight: Being overweight is a large contributing factor to knee pain. The knee joint absorbs a great amount pressure placed on it by the upper body and torso so as to reduce the risk of spinal damage. Thus, overweight individuals place an ever greater amount of strain on the knee joint, thereby increasing their risk of injury to that area. Age: Seniors, in particular, are prone to experiencing knee pain. Their joints lack the suppleness and support once enjoyed in earlier years, and therefore they are likely to experience knee pain more readily due to an incapacity to stave it off. Any of the above factors may have caused your knee-pain and, if left untreated – as you may already have experienced – can turn into a nightmare: nagging, daily, debilitating pain. And yet, how do you know if your knee pain is something worth looking at? Unfortunately, a common misconception is to ‘wait for the pain to disappear on your own’… our advice is to always have nagging pain looked at. However, if you want a little more detail, here are a few tell-tale knee pain symptoms to look out for: Weakness in the knee and leg. Joint stiffness Swelling around the knee. Popping noises when moved. An inability to extend your knee/leg. Mobility restrictions and limps: difficulty when moving, walking, or exercising. Locked knees: an inability to bend the leg. The symptoms of knee pain can be slightly difficult to read at times. We understand the frustration of trying to figure out exactly what is wrong, and yes… we know it can be really daunting. What we’d like you to know, though, is that knee injuries are due to damage related to the kneecap or ligaments surrounding the knee joint. In actuality, the forms knee injuries can take are variant both in their degree and scale. They can range from torn ligaments through to fractures or breaks. Alternately, one could be dealing with an ACL tear – a common sport-related injury – or even a dislocation. The truth is, it’s very difficult to tell which of the various injuries you might be suffering from. Don’t worry, though, that’s where we come in! Physical therapy is by far the safest, most effective way of correctly diagnosing and treating your knee injury. Not only does physical therapy treat the root cause of the problem, thereby giving you much needed answers to your ailment, but a qualified, hands-on physical therapist will be able to eradicate your pain non-invasively and effectively. In other words, physical therapy is a permanent solution to your problem… it is not a quick fix. What’s more, a professional physical therapist will provide you with tailor-made exercises and stretches that you can do at home, thereby giving you the tools to maintain a pain-free lifestyle outside of the clinic. The key to overcoming knee pain is to strengthen your muscles and to stabilize your knee, both of which a hands-on physical therapists will do. Working with one of our specialist, dedicated physical therapists will help you eradicate your knee-injury and avoid further pain or strain. Knee pain doesn’t need to become a nagging, debilitating, daily struggle. We understand the frustration of dealing with the ongoing discomfort you feel, and for that reason we invite you to give us a call today. Now that you know why knee pain can become a continuous trial, it’s time to make a change. Don’t let knee pain get you down for even a day longer. Call one of our specialist physical therapists today; we will help you get back to the life you deserve:

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Why Back Pain Isn’t “NORMAL” Even if You’re Getting Older

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Back pain: very few people go through life without feeling its debilitating effects. From dull aches to sharp, stabbing sensations, back pain can afflict many of us in various ways. For a some people, back pain is a prolonged struggle that can strike at any moment, the intensity and heartache of which seems to increase over time if left untreated. For others, however, back pain seems to appear later on in life, and the predominant assumption is that it is therefore age related. Here’s the thing, though: it isn’t necessarily true. Yes, that’s right. Back pain – especially when you’re older – actually has very little to do with your age and a lot more to do with your lifestyle. In this post we look at why we often mistake middle-age back pain for something “normal” or “natural”, and we discuss some of the ways in which you can overcome the pain and get back to the active, mobile lifestyle you deserve. The biggest issue with back pain in later years is that, well, it’s accompanied by general acceptance. Most people who experience back pain when they’re older just accept it and try to work around it, so to speak. And while we’re not denying that back pain may come with age, we are saying that the pain is NOT a product of age, rather that it is a result of an aging mindset or imbalanced lifestyle. Let’s think about this for a moment: it is true that, as we age, our bodies require a little more maintenance. We no longer have the metabolisms of 18 year olds, and we can’t really keep up on the soccer field. Yet, that doesn’t mean we have to give up on trying to be active or healthy. The problem with middle-age back pain is not that it is a natural response to aging, but that we allow it to be defined by age. If we maintained healthy lifestyles, kept active, and enjoyed a healthful diet, our age would not determine the health of our backs – our lifestyles would. In other words, age is just a number, but you really, truly are what you do. Here are some of the reasons you might incorrectly assume that your back is sore simply because of your age: Breaking Good Exercise Habits When you were younger you had the motivation and will to run the extra proverbial mile. Getting up at 6am to go to the gym wasn’t a chore, and the pay-off at the end of the day was worth the endurance it took to stay slim and healthy. However, as you aged, you had to work a little harder, struggled a little more to wake up early, and found that juggling a job, kids, pets, and a social life left little in the way of time for exercise. And the result? You aged. Yes, that’s right. As controversial as that may seem, the minute you let yourself break all the good habits you had when you were young, you started to age. And, sadly, the consequences of that meant – yeah, you guessed it – back pain. Here’s the thing: the habits you forge define who you are and how you feel. If you incorporated movement, exercise, cardio, and stretching into your life, right now, you’d jumpstart your journey to health by strengthening the muscles in your back. You’ll feel and look younger! Do some yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi – whatever you choose, stretch and move those muscles! If you want something a little less adventurous, why not start by taking a daily walk, getting up a couple of minutes earlier to hit the yoga mat, or joining a spinning class in your local gym? It’s amazing what a mind-shift can do you for your body. Posture Problems Let’s face it, when we’re young we really don’t worry too much about the position in which we sit, how we stand, or how evenly we distribute our body weight. The only problem with this is that our mistakes eventually catch up to us. Poor posture is one of the leading causes for back pain experienced in middle age – not only does a lack of mindful joint and muscle positioning mean that you place stress on the spine, but it also means that you constantly repeat the same detrimental stances and gait. You end up entrenching the pain by destabilizing your body’s balance. Thus it comes as no surprise that the battle against back pain is the battle against poor posture. And, of course, poor posture makes you feel older: you’re bent downward and you feel less inclined to move. So, in a bid to rid yourself of discomfort, start by correcting your posture and practicing more mindful ways of positioning the spine during sleep and the hours spent at your desk. Your back will thank you. Weight Gain Woes Here’s the rub, right? Weight gain is perhaps the most quintessential middle-age battle; we gain weight as we age and, unfortunately, the weight carries a lot more than a few extra pounds. Gaining weight often means excess stress not only on your organs, but on your joints and muscles, too. Your back actually incurs a dramatic increase in pressure as you gain weight, the result of which can often lead to disc damage or spinal injuries. Controlling your weight is absolutely vital is maintain a healthy back. So, why not opt for a cooking course to learn a few new recipe’s, or take your partner up on that new dish he or she has been dying to make. Increasing the amount of vegetables, berries, fruit, healthy oils and fats, as well as beans and legumes in your diet will help you maintain a healthy weight. Let’s be frank: back pain can rob you of your happiness and joy. We also realize that living with back pain is something that can feel too big to tackle on your own. And that is why we

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