<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT, Author at WWSPT.Com</title> <atom:link href="https://wwspt.com/author/greg/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://wwspt.com/author/greg/</link> <description>Healing, Function, Recovery, Health</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 24 Aug 2024 13:34:17 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">215146180</site> <item> <title>Vestibular Loss</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/vestibular-loss/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/vestibular-loss/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 24 Aug 2024 13:34:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[acute vestibulopathy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[brain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Laybrinthitis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[spinning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Neuritis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibulopathy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4470</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>An episode of spinning or “vertigo” can have many different causes. In acute vestibulopathy, one side of the vestibular system suddenly loses function. This causes an event of sudden vertigo lasting hours to days, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and imbalance that improve over days to weeks. Often, a sudden loss of vestibular function like […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vestibular-loss/">Vestibular Loss</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An episode of spinning or “vertigo” can have many different causes. In acute vestibulopathy, one side of the vestibular system suddenly loses function. This causes <strong>an event of sudden vertigo</strong> lasting hours to days, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and imbalance that improve over days to weeks.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/acute-vestibulopathy.png" alt="" width="801" height="449" /></p> <p>Often, a sudden loss of vestibular function like this is called vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, caused by a sudden viral infection or a vascular problem affecting the inner ear or the nerves connecting the vestibular system to the brain. We have special tests such as the video goggles exam and video head impulse test that can detect decreased or asymmetrical vestibular function, help us measure the severity of the problem, understand how patients are recovering, and prescribe appropriate exercises to help them recover. Exercises for someone with acute vestibulopathy involve training the brain to stabilize the eyes during head movements and retraining balance.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestevt, PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, Pennsylvania</p> <p>(215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/vestibular-loss/">Vestibular Loss</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/vestibular-loss/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4470</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:49:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Crystals and Canals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doylestown PA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy Screening]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SAFE act]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World Health Organization]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4366</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The Importance of Physical Therapy Screening for Risk of Falling and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Falling can happen at any age and cause a person significant injury. For someone over 65 years of age, falls are especially concerning. The World Health Organization recognizes falls as the second most common cause of unintentional death in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/">Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Importance of Physical Therapy Screening for Risk of Falling and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Falling can happen at any age and cause a person significant injury. For someone over 65 years of age, falls are especially concerning. The World Health Organization recognizes falls as the second most common cause of unintentional death in the world (after car accident-related injuries) and states that<strong> “older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall, and the risk increases with age.”</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapists have long worked with people to figure out what is causing falls or balance problems and how to best reduce the risk of falling and improve balance. The best way to reduce injuries related to falling is to prevent it in the first place. Increased fall prevention awareness in recent decades has led to important new legislation known as the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or SAFE Act.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The SAFE Act includes a provision that primary care providers refer their patients to physical therapy for fall prevention evaluation and services if the person has fallen in the last year. Recent economic analysis of how health care is used has shown the cost-effectiveness of physical therapists’ care for fall-related services, mainly through reduced hospital and emergency room admissions.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> More than saving Medicare money, this bill is about improving people’s care and helping prevent injuries and death.</span></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dr.-Greg-Synnestvedt-Testing.png" alt="" width="796" height="517" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Referral to Physical Therapy for fall-related services is ideal because physical therapists are uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat the most common causes of falling. Balance problems can have many contributing factors, including changes in vestibular function, vision, and cognition, decreased muscle power, reduced endurance, decreased sensation in the feet and joints, and changes in coordination. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate these areas, screen for these issues, and analyze how someone walks and moves in different situations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A <strong>vestibular physical therapist</strong> is particularly well suited to screen for benign paroxysmal vertigo, an issue that can both cause falls and be caused by falls. BPPV is an issue where tiny calcium carbonate crystals that are meant to be in one part of the vestibular system in the inner ear come loose and go into one of the semi-circular canals, which are little tubes that sense turning head movements</span></p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p>1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls<br /> 2 https://www.apta.org/news/2024/03/12/falls-legislation-safe-act<br /> 3 https://www.valueofpt.com/</p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the crystals move in the canals, they stimulate the inner ear and signal to the brain that the head is turning, even though it isn’t. This typically creates a false sense of movement, usually a spinning sensation called vertigo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It turns out that not everyone who has BPPV experiences vertigo or even a dizziness sensation. Someone with BPPV may feel more off balance with movement due to the crystals being out of place but report no dizziness. When we test them with video goggles, however, we will see the classic involuntary eye movements, called nystagmus, used to diagnose BPPV accurately. Treating their BPPV through positioning maneuvers that guide the crystals out of the canals will help their balance improve.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new study from a specialty falls and balance clinic in Melbourne, Australia, found that 1 in 4 patients they saw for falls risk who had BPPV had no symptoms of dizziness!</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> This is a great example of why we screen people for BPPV when there is a sudden change in balance function or a recent fall–even if they do not complain of dizziness.</span></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Do-You-Suffer-From-dizziness-copy.png" alt="" width="639" height="800" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, if a patient feels dizzy, this dizziness can also lead to a fall. Treating someone’s dizziness, understandably, will help reduce their risk of falling. This has now been supported by large-scale research. A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that using physical therapy decreased fall risk in patients in the US who had dizziness.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The study found that 7% of adults being evaluated for dizziness had a fall resulting in a medical encounter within a year of experiencing dizziness. Receiving physical therapy within 3 months of the initial dizziness visit was associated with an 86% decrease in the odds of falling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This underscores the value of physical therapy care—particularly by a physical therapist with training and expertise in treating dizziness—for those who have fallen or feel at risk of falling or for those who are experiencing dizziness. If your healthcare provider recommends you seek physical therapy care due to a fall, following through with the therapy is in your best interest. And if you are dizzy, you can reduce your risk of falling by receiving physical therapy. The physical therapists at WWSPT would be happy to help you reduce your risk of falling and feel more confident in your balance again. </span></p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt, PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 4 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Susan Hyland, Lyndon J. Hawke & Nicholas F. Taylor (2024) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo without dizziness is common in people presenting to falls clinics, Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2320271"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10.1080/09638288.2024.2320271 </span></a></p> <p>5<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marmor S, Karaca-Mandic P, Adams ME. Use of Physical Therapy and Subsequent Falls Among Patients With Dizziness in the US. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 2023;149(12):1083–1090. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2023.2840 </span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/">Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4366</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Balance Awareness Week – BlazePods</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/balance-awareness-week-blaze-pods/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/balance-awareness-week-blaze-pods/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:30:43 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Balanec Awareness Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BlazePods]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reaction time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4200</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The BlazePods are seven palm-sized pods that can light up different colors and be turned off with a tap on the pod. Also referred to affectionately as “the lights” by some of our therapists and patients, these little pods can be programmed to light up in different ways to create several fun and unique balance […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-awareness-week-blaze-pods/">Balance Awareness Week – BlazePods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The BlazePods are seven palm-sized pods that can light up different colors and be turned off with a tap on the pod. Also referred to affectionately as “the lights” by some of our therapists and patients, these little pods can be programmed to light up in different ways to create several fun and unique balance games working on reaction time, decision-making, and introducing a cognitive task to a balanced workout.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-is-the-Blazepod.png" alt="" width="800" height="570" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We like to put the pods in a semicircle for the most basic setup. The pods light up randomly, and the person has to tap their foot on the pod to turn it off while trying to turn off as many pods as possible in 30 seconds or 1 minute. It’s like whack-a-mole with your feet! We will move some pods onto higher surfaces for increased challenge, even putting some pods on the wall you must hit with your hand. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For patients working on dizziness and certain vestibular issues, we like to put pods up high, down low, and even on surfaces behind them, making them hit the pods with their hands. This is a good way to work on rapid turning and bending motions to reduce dizziness and improve balance with these motions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We sometimes spread the pods across the gym floor for athletes and more active participants, simulating quick reactions and sudden decision-making in sports.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re looking for a fun way to work on your balance and reaction time, we recommend you try the <strong>BlazePod,</strong> “The Lights,” at WWSPT!</span></p> <p>Dr. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</span></p> <p>(215) 489-3234</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-awareness-week-blaze-pods/">Balance Awareness Week – BlazePods</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/balance-awareness-week-blaze-pods/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4200</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Treat Your Tendons Well</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:08:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tendonitis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tendonitis.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tendons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tennis Elbow]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4168</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Your tendons have the important job of connecting your muscles to your bones. Without tendons, your muscles would contract but not actually move or stabilize your body. As physical therapists, we often help unhappy people with unhappy tendons become happier. Having healthy and “happy” tendons means they can tolerate the loads put on them by […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/">Treat Your Tendons Well</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your <strong>tendons</strong> have the important job of connecting your muscles to your bones. Without tendons, your muscles would contract but not actually move or stabilize your body. As physical therapists, we often help unhappy people with unhappy tendons become happier. Having healthy and “happy” tendons means they can tolerate the loads put on them by muscles.</p> <p>Like other tissues in our body, tendons respond to the forces and stresses we put on them. If you don’t use certain muscles very often, their tendons will grow relatively weaker and less able to tolerate heavier use. If there is a sudden increase in the use of a tendon beyond what it is used to, it might become inflamed. This is what we call tendonitis.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Man_TennisElbow.jpg" alt="Tennis Elbow" width="700" height="516" /></p> <p><strong>Tendonitis</strong> can theoretically occur anywhere in the body where there is a tendon, but certain tendons tend to take higher loads and more frequent use and are, therefore, more susceptible to injury and irritation. Examples include the knee (patellar tendons), ankles (Achilles tendon), hips (gluteal tendons, hip flexor tendons), shoulder (rotator cuff tendons), and elbows (“golfer’s elbow” and “tennis elbow”).</p> <p>Tendonitis is a pesky injury that can turn into a chronic problem if not treated properly. Let’s zoom in on the tendons of the elbow for an example of what can cause tendonitis and what can help reduce and prevent tendonitis.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Tennis-Elbow.png" alt="" /></p> <p>Overuse injuries are unfortunately common at the elbow, and they generally fall into two broad categories: “Tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow.” Tennis elbow or “lateral epicondylitis” is a pain in the tendons and where they attach on the outside of the elbow. These tendons would be stressed when hitting a backhanded shot in tennis because muscles whose tendons attach here act to bring your wrist backward and stabilize your hand and wrist while gripping.</p> <p>Golfer’s elbow, or “medial epicondylitis,” is pain on the inside of your elbow, which would be stressed during a swinging or throwing motion. The muscles that provide you with a powerful grip have tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow so that repetitive gripping can once again cause irritation.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Golfers-Elbow.png" alt="" width="486" height="486" /></p> <p>Activities other than tennis and golf can cause or be affected by these types of tendonitis. Activities such as playing an instrument, using garden tools, knitting or crocheting, and typing on a keyboard can all be problematic, especially if you are getting back into these activities after a break or suddenly increasing the amount of time doing these activities. Certain jobs requiring machines or tools, especially those requiring strong gripping and a lot of torque force, can cause tendonitis. Even daily activities such as cooking, doing your hair, or getting dressed can become painful in severe cases.</p> <p>So, what can we do to treat or prevent tendonitis? A useful overall treatment strategy used by doctors of physical therapy is the <strong>EdUReP</strong> model: Education, Unloading, Reloading, and Prevention.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> <p>The first step is <strong>Education</strong> about what the problem is, including what forces on the tendon are causing the inflammation and what activities, postures, or other musculoskeletal factors are contributing to it.</p> <p>The next step is <strong>Unloading</strong> the tendon- give it a break. This often involves lessening, stopping, or altering certain activities that use the tendon. For the elbow, it may involve the use of a wrist or elbow splint to rest the tendons from certain positions or uses.</p> <p>Next, you have to do controlled <strong>Reloading</strong> of the tendon. This is a phase of tendon rehab that is sometimes missed! It is not enough to unload the tendon and then resume normal activity. While this may relieve the pain temporarily, ultimately, the force that the tendon can handle has not been changed, and the tendonitis is likely to recur and become a chronic tendinopathy. To build tendon strength and improve its tolerance to load, the tendon has to be gradually loaded. This means making the muscle and tendon do work – but not overworking them to the point of re-aggravating the tendon.</p> <p><em>A <strong>physical therapist is skilled</strong> at selecting and dosing the exercises that load a tendon and can help you navigate through how much pain and what sort of pains are okay vs. signs of progressing too rapidly. Certain types of exercises are often tolerated better at different stages of tendon rehabilitation. If the tendon and muscles are loaded at a therapeutic level to increase their strength, this will improve their tolerance to load over time and decrease pain associated with loading. Additionally, hands-on therapeutic techniques and stretching can aid in reducing tendon pain during the unloading and reloading stages.</em></p> <p>The final step in the model is <strong>Prevention</strong>. This may include addressing weakness or poor mobility in the surrounding muscle groups and joints that interact with the elbow, such as the shoulder, wrist, and hand. It might also include retraining on how certain movements are performed. Teaching a proper stretching and muscle warm-up to perform before activity can also be useful.</p> <p>If you have pain around your elbow or any joint preventing you from doing what you want, reach out to <strong>Wendy Webb Schoenewald Physical Therapy.</strong> One of the physical therapists will be happy to see if it is tendonitis that is causing your pain and help you through the process of coming back stronger so your pain goes away–and stays away.</p> <p><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> Todd E Davenport and others, The EdUReP Model for Nonsurgical Management of Tendinopathy, <em>Physical Therapy</em>, Volume 85, Issue 10, 1 October 2005, Pages 1093–1103, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.10.1093">https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/85.10.1093</a></p> <p>Dr. Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, Bucks County, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/">Treat Your Tendons Well</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/treat-your-tendons-well/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4168</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:25:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[5k walk run]]></category> <category><![CDATA[9/11 heroes Run]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ankles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cardiovascular exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fever]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heart attack]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[legs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overuse injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Runners]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TMF]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travis Manion Foundation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3558</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are an experienced runner or have never participated in a 5K walk/run event, I encourage you to consider participating in the Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run. Race Day, is this Fall, on October 8th, in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA. These events are suitable for the body, mind, and spirit, as well as […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/">Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are an experienced runner or have never participated in a 5K walk/run event, I encourage you to consider participating in the Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run. Race Day, is this Fall, on October 8th, in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA. These events are suitable for the body, mind, and spirit, as well as being suitable for the broader community by creating a shared sense of purpose and engagement. Whether you run, walk, jog, or push a stroller or a wheelchair, you can participate in these family-friendly events.</p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Travis-Manion-911-Heroes-Run-2023.png" alt="Travis Manion Foundation TMF" width="300" height="295" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The exercise you get from a 5K run or walk is good because it is sustained aerobic activity which means that the exercise gets your heart rate up and keeps it up for a prolonged period, which requires your body to use more oxygen. This kind of exercise has been shown to benefit your brain, improving pain, mood, and memory.</p> <p>Your heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised to stay healthy and efficient. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Rather than exercising in isolation, it is sometimes more fun and motivating to exercise by walking or running with others, especially for a good cause.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/WWS-Training-Travis-Manion-Sept-24-2PM.jpg" alt="Training" width="800" height="534" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Whether you plan to run, walk, or jog, you might want to ensure you can go this distance before the event, especially if you haven’t run or walked much recently. Whenever you are beginning a new exercise or trying to push yourself to a new level of exercise, you want to avoid what’s called a “training error.” Training errors occur when an exercise’s intensity, duration, or frequency is progressed too quickly— such as suddenly going for a much longer run or rapidly increasing the total distance you walk or run in a week. Training errors are the most common cause of overuse injuries associated with walking and running for exercise.</p> <p>Guides such as a “couch to 5K” program are helpful to progress the workload on your body in a safe, gradual manner. These programs, which can be found online, are designed to help someone who isn’t active and gradually progress to the point of walking or running 5 kilometers.</p> <p>Another good way to minimize the risk of injury from walking or running for exercise is by performing strengthening exercises. Walking and running are exemplary forms of full-body exercise, but walking or running alone doesn’t challenge certain muscle groups that are important for keeping your legs healthy and functioning at their best. For instance, the muscles on the sides of your hip are very important for stability when landing on one leg, which you do with each step you take, but running does not target these muscles to make them grow stronger. This is why it is essential to do some strength training, even for people who just like to walk for exercise.</p> <p>Weakness in the hips can cause pain and injury around your hip, knee, or even ankle and foot. A simple hip-strengthening exercise for the hip abductors is to lie on your side and raise your leg to the sky (without letting your toes point up to the sky). You might feel this burn on the side of your hip, which is normal. If you have good strength, you should be able to do this 25 times without much difficulty.</p> <p>Another vital muscle group for walking and running is your calf muscles, especially your plantar flexors. These are muscles in the back of your calf that provide your primary source of propulsion. An excellent way to strengthen this group is by doing a heel raise: you go up onto your toes (if you can, you should do this while standing on one foot), then hold this position, up on your tip- toes, then slowly lower yourself back down. If you do this exercise with your knees straight, you work the more significant calf muscle, the gastrocnemius. If you bend your knees a little, you’ll be working on the soleus, which is the small and more profound muscle underneath.</p> <p>Some people believe that too much walking or running is terrible for your joints or can cause arthritis, but numerous studies have shown evidence to suggest otherwise. Walking and running for exercise can be beneficial for weight loss, and weight-bearing exercise can be good for your bones and joints. What’s important is that you have the proper strength and range of motion to move and support your body in the ways you want to move it.</p> <p>Suppose you are trying to get into an exercise routine or walk to improve your health and well-being but are running into pain or want guidance while you try to become more active. In that case, you might consider consulting a physical therapist. PTs are trained to appropriately progress exercise and assess the musculoskeletal system to find the causes of pain. We love to get people moving again!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Travis-Manion-2021.png" alt="Travis Manion 2021" width="801" height="703" /></p> <p>Running and walking in a group can be fun and powerful, good for the body and soul. Stop by our booth at the Heroes Run! We hope to see you there! We would love your support! (Photo 2021 TM 9/11 Heroe’s Run – a few WWSPT Team members “Vogue”)</p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt PT, DPT</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/">Why 5Ks Are Good for Us</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/why-5ks-are-good-for-us/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3558</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Getting Your Body to Move – Part Two: Practical Tips</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-two-practical-tips/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-two-practical-tips/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:54:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3333</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Time to Move – Practical Tips x 2 What you do to take care of your body and mind can change throughout your life. There are plenty of ways to bring activity into your daily life in your home and neighborhood. Whether you are a fitness fanatic or struggling to return to a more active […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-two-practical-tips/">Getting Your Body to Move – Part Two: Practical Tips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Time to Move – Practical Tips x 2</p> <p>What you do to take care of your body and mind can change throughout your life. There are plenty of ways to bring activity into your daily life in your home and neighborhood. Whether you are a fitness fanatic or struggling to return to a more active way of living, read on to learn some ideas that might help you keep yourself moving and grooving throughout your life.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Exercise-walking.jpg" alt="" /></p> <ul> <li><strong>Find something you enjoy</strong>. You’re more likely to do an activity you enjoy or find satisfaction in doing. This means you might have to try different and new things to find something that sticks. Who knows, you may discover a new hobby, a new place for hiking, make new friends, or end up getting addicted to pickleball.</li> <li><strong>Bring the gym to you.</strong> Proximity matters. If you are really short on time, you might want to consider ways you can get consistent exercise in your own home. You can find good quality used exercise equipment on Facebook marketplace, or Craigslist. Ask a tech-savvy friend or relative to help you hunt, and then pedal or walk while you listen to music, read, watch your favorite TV show or streaming service. This leads us to the next point…</li> <li><strong>Combine your “veg time” with your exercise time.</strong> By reading, listening to the radio or a podcast, or watching TV while you exercise, you may be able to get some downtime for your brain while passing the time as you torture your body. I learned this tip from a busy medical school resident: He plays a simple virtual reality game called Beat Saber which for him fulfills the need for de-stressing play-time while also filling the need of increasing his heart rate and flailing his limbs.</li> <li><strong>Use technology to your advantage.</strong> At the start of the pandemic, I followed along with beginner yoga stretching routines, and my wife and I had fun doing dance fitness videos (for beginners) on Youtube. So much is available for free online, everything from chair aerobics to advanced high-intensity interval training.</li> <li><strong>But don’t let technology limit you.</strong> Let the outdoors be your gym. Make a habit of walking every day, whether you’re walking while you eat your lunch or taking the kids or grandkids for a walk in the morning. If it’s cold, try bundling up and hustling to get your body warm. If you’re sitting on the couch, try to spell the alphabet with your arms and legs. Bonus points for writing in cursive!</li> <li><strong>Habit Stacking.</strong> “Greg, these are all great ideas, but I’m just not motivated to do any of it.” We all go through times of low motivation, to varying degrees, at different points in our lives. One method to help put a new intention into practice is called “habit stacking.” The idea is that you try adding a new habit onto a habit you already have. For example, while you make coffee or tea in the morning, do some standing exercises at the kitchen counter. Or when you come home and change out of your work clothes or work shoes, immediately put on your exercise clothes or exercise shoes.</li> <li><strong>Find a buddy.</strong> One patient told me he used to train with someone else in his garage, but his buddy moved away… and he stopped exercising. He still has the equipment, but no motivation to use it. Having a buddy to walk or exercise with can help with consistency and accountability, not to mention the positive emotional benefits of social connection. Try inviting someone on a walk or hike.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>If you are worried about your balance or have an ache or a pain that is getting in the way of you starting an exercise program, a physical therapist at WWSPT would be happy to help you address your problem and begin exercising safely.</p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt, PT, DPt,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.,</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-two-practical-tips/">Getting Your Body to Move – Part Two: Practical Tips</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-two-practical-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3333</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Getting Your Body to Move – Part One</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-one/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-one/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 17:18:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3323</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Time to Move your body! A body at rest stays at rest… and a body in motion stays in motion. Isaac Newton did not necessarily have healthy aging of our physical bodies in mind when he devised his First Law of Motion, but it works well. No matter what age you are, you are constantly […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-one/">Getting Your Body to Move – Part One</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Time to Move your body!</p> <p>A body at rest stays at rest… and a body in motion stays in motion. Isaac Newton did not necessarily have healthy aging of our physical bodies in mind when he devised his First Law of Motion, but it works well. No matter what age you are, you are constantly aging and changing. And at all stages of life, you need to move your body.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Woman-runner-e1514499317164.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, circumstances in our lives change and this alters our normal routines and activities. Maybe it was easy to be active in high school or college when there was PE class and organized athletics… but what do you do when you’re working full time and/or you’re a busy parent and it feels like you’re using every minute just to stay afloat? Maybe you were a member of a gym or had a routine exercise group that kept you consistently active… and then everything changed due to a global pandemic.</p> <p>What you do to take care of your body and mind may change throughout your life and you need to adapt your activity levels. Keep an eye out for part two of this blog which will discuss some practical tips for getting more exercise and activity at home.</p> <p> </p> <p>A physical therapist is another useful resource to consider. Physical therapists are movement professionals who can help you get started on an exercise program at home that’s right for you. Advice from a physical therapist is especially useful if you have a history of pains or injuries, if you are dealing with other issues such as dizziness, or recovering from another medical issue.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Balance-Go.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>If the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your daily routines and has decreased your activity level, then you are not alone. One gentleman came to therapy because he was starting to feel less confident in his balance, particularly feeling instability in his left leg where he had had a knee injury many years before. He said that his problem got worse when he retired and stopped being active due to the pandemic. He noted that he spent a lot of time in his armchair reading. He knew he needed to move his body and exercise more, but he wasn’t sure how or what to do. He was also afraid of aggravating his past left knee issue or low back pain by exercising. I commended him for coming to therapy to get moving rather than waiting until his pains were worse or until he lost his balance and fell. No matter where you are in life, you can start a new activity to keep your body moving. In part two of this blog, we’ll discuss specific tips and ideas to help you be more active at home.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt, PT, DPT,</p> <p>WWS Physical therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-one/">Getting Your Body to Move – Part One</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/getting-your-body-to-move-part-one/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3323</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Why We Lose Our Balance</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3221</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Balance Awareness week – September 19 – 25 We often take our body’s ability to maintain our balance for granted … until we have issues with one of the systems that help us balance. This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s, VeDA, “Balance Awareness Week” which seeks to raise awareness of vestibular disorders and the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/">Why We Lose Our Balance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Balance Awareness week – September 19 – 25</p> <p>We often take our body’s ability to maintain our balance for granted … until we have issues with one of the systems that help us balance. This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s, VeDA, “Balance Awareness Week” which seeks to raise awareness of vestibular disorders and the impact they have on people’s lives.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at the different systems that can impact a person’s balance. Vestibular therapy can involve a bit of “detective work” to figure out what exactly is causing dizziness or imbalance since the inner ear is not the only system involved in our equilibrium.</p> <p>There are 3 primary systems that give you your ability to balance: your<strong> vision, </strong>your<strong> somatosensory system, </strong>and your<strong> vestibular system (part of your inner ear).</strong></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Three-systems.png" alt="" /></p> <p>Image via Research Gate.</p> <p>Let’s first examine your <strong>Visual</strong> system. If you close your eyes, you might notice that your body sways more and you have to work harder to stay balanced. This is because your eyes are no longer providing your brain with visual information about where you are and how you are moving. When we move, we perceive things moving past us which helps us know how we are moving.</p> <p>Next, your <strong>Somatosensory</strong> system, which includes everything from the sensation of touch on your skin to the sensations from your muscles, tendons, and joints, is also providing valuable information whenever possible to help you stay balanced. This system includes your proprioception or your sense of where your limbs and joints are positioned in space. If you suddenly step onto a small rock, you would feel the pebble under your shoe and you might feel your ankle position change and different muscles kick in–information that in a split second can help your brain keep you balanced.</p> <p>The third and final system is your <strong>Vestibular</strong> system, which is a fantastic little sense organ the size of your pinky nail which resides in your inner ear. The vestibular system gives your brain information about how your head is positioned and how your head is moving. If you close your eyes and begin to sway, your vestibular system will help detect and correct the swaying (in addition to your proprioception).</p> <p>In practice, the three systems work together with our brain, which makes sense of the inputs coming in and decides what adjustments, if any, need to be made to keep our balance.</p> <p>Because of the brain’s role in balance, being distracted can cause anyone of any age to lose their balance, trip, or fall. If one of your balance systems is compromised, standing or walking with good balance may require even more brainpower. That means that if your cognitive resources are being used to talk, recall something, or read something, you might be more likely to lose your balance.</p> <p> </p> <p>People often refer to vestibular and balance disorders as “invisible disorders” because issues with these balance systems or the integration of sensory inputs in the brain might not be visible with imaging and testing typically used to find diseases and disorders. However, balance problems are very real and can have serious consequences of injury. Thankfully, many are also treatable, with treatments such as vestibular therapy, which is partly why raising awareness of these disorders is so important. We see some patients who have been feeling off-balance or dizzy for months or even years who thought that this was just because they were a klutz or just because they were getting old.</p> <p>Don’t wait until your balance becomes a serious problem–learn why it is a problem and what you can do about it today!</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr.Greg Synnestvedt PT DPT.<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/">Why We Lose Our Balance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3221</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Balance Activities Benefit Young, Athletes, and Seniors!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/balance-activities-benefit-young-athletes-and-seniors/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/balance-activities-benefit-young-athletes-and-seniors/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:15:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[aging process]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3206</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Countdown to Balance Awareness Week September 19 -25, 2021! Sometimes when we think about balance, we think it mainly revolves around the older population. However, research shows that balance activities can also benefit young adults and athletes as well! The smaller the area you stand on, the more challenging keeping your balance becomes! That includes […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-activities-benefit-young-athletes-and-seniors/">Balance Activities Benefit Young, Athletes, and Seniors!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Countdown to Balance Awareness Week September 19 -25, 2021!</p> <p>Sometimes when we think about balance, we think it mainly revolves around the older population. However, research shows that balance activities can also benefit young adults and athletes as well!</p> <p>The smaller the area you stand on, the more challenging keeping your balance becomes! That includes standing on one leg. What’s more, no extra equipment is needed. If you are looking for a way to mix up your workout or gym routine, something as simple as the single-leg balance can go with any exercise.</p> <p>Let’s try a single-leg deadlift! Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Kick one leg back to make sure that you are balanced before lifting it off the ground. Keeping your core tight and your back flat, lift the leg and reach for the floor simultaneously like your foot and arms are on either side of a teeter-totter, maintaining a straight line from your head to your foot. Make sure you don’t rotate at the hips or back. Keeping that same straight line, bring the foot back towards the floor and bring the chest up to return to standing.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Picture1-stand-and-bend.png" alt="" width="657" height="491" /></p> <p> </p> <p>You may continue to challenge your balance and exertion by trying to use different surfaces to balance on. Single leg standing on a foam pad, a Bosu ball, or a balance disc can take the same exercise and make it much harder. Performing lunges onto one of these surfaces can be a good workout and will contribute more to your dynamic stability and core.</p> <p>Change it up and improve your balance while you are getting stronger!</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Gregory Synnestved, PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/balance-activities-benefit-young-athletes-and-seniors/">Balance Activities Benefit Young, Athletes, and Seniors!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/balance-activities-benefit-young-athletes-and-seniors/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3206</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Can You Stand On One Leg?</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:39:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2747</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost BALANCE AWARENESS Week, so, tell me, Can You Stand on One Leg? If you’re in a safe place to try it, go ahead, try to stand on one leg. How did you do? If it was very easy, try doing that with your eyes closed (as long as this is safe!) Being able […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/">Can You Stand On One Leg?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost BALANCE AWARENESS Week, so, tell me, Can You Stand on One Leg?</p> <p>If you’re in a safe place to try it, go ahead, try to stand on one leg. How did you do? If it was very easy, try doing that with your eyes closed (as long as this is safe!)</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BALANCE-MAN.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Being able to stand on and balance with one leg is an important skill that most of us develop as we grow up and use throughout our lives. Think of all the activities which require you to stand on a single leg: walking, running, going up and down stairs (especially without a railing), stepping into the car, stepping over an obstacle, kicking a ball, dancing, putting on your pants while standing up, for example.</p> <p>The ability to stand on one leg is something that a physical therapist examines in everyone from athletes to elders, from those with leg injuries to those who have had a concussion or dizziness. A multitude of core, hip, thigh, calf, and foot muscles work to keep you balanced on one foot and a weakness in any combination of these could lead to difficulty with this task.</p> <p>Similarly, your vestibular system in your inner ear tells you how your head is moving so that you can make small corrections and keep your balance. When on one leg, your base of support is very small so there is less margin for error.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/flamingo-in-water_flipped-cropped.jpg" alt="" width="930" height="340" /></p> <p><a href="https://vestibular.org/">VEDA (the Vestibular Disorders Association)</a> chose Fiona the Flaming, who likes to balance on one leg, to be the vestibular disorders mascot because flamingos are thought to be good at balancing.</p> <p>If you have difficulty performing “single leg” activities, a physical therapist will be able to tell you why this is difficult and what you can do to improve your balance.</p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt PT, DPT,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/">Can You Stand On One Leg?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/can-you-stand-on-one-leg/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2747</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>