<?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>joints Archives - WWSPT.Com</title> <atom:link href="https://wwspt.com/category/joints/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://wwspt.com/category/joints/</link> <description>Healing, Function, Recovery, Health</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 01 Jul 2023 18:31:56 +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>Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:20:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doylestown PA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headache]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscular imbalance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orofacial pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[range of motion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stability]]></category> <category><![CDATA[temporomandibular joint]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TMJ dysfunction]]></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=4137</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is often overlooked as a potential source of headaches, dizziness, and orofacial pain. Frequently, people with TMJ dysfunction are fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night, but many do not realize that there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the symptoms during the day. A physical […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/">Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>temporomandibular joint</strong>, or <strong>TMJ</strong>, is often overlooked as a potential source of headaches, dizziness, and orofacial pain. Frequently, people with TMJ dysfunction are fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night, but many do not realize that there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the symptoms during the day.</p> <div></div> <div><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TMJ_Gogglesource.png" alt="TMJ Goggle Source image" width="601" height="332" /></div> <div></div> <p>A physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction is quite useful. As the name suggests, the temporomandibular joint is, in fact, a joint (it’s actually 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, with one on each side of the face just in front of the ear lobe), with a capsule, ligaments, bones, and a disc. Therefore, treatment is similar to other joints in the body, with a focus on relaxing muscles that are tight, correcting for muscular imbalance, and ensuring that there is good stability in all ranges of motion.</p> <div><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TMJ-_Mayo-Clinic.png" alt="Mayo Clinic source image" width="600" height="466" /></div> <p>There are different types of TMJ disorders, and some patients fall into multiple categories. In general, the diagnosis falls into 3 classifications, with different treatments necessary for each. These include <strong>masticatory muscle dysfunction</strong>, <strong>anterior disc displacement with reduction of temporomandibular joints (TMJ)</strong>, and <strong>anterior disc displacement without reduction of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) </strong></p> <p>A lot of physical therapy intervention for the treatment of TMJ disorders is focused on education. For instance, you may need to retrain your jaw to spend more time in a relaxed position. Sit up tall, with your lips closed but your teeth not touching. If it is comfortable, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your top teeth, just resting, not pressing. (You can also think about saying the word “mine” which will help you achieve this position). This is the “resting position” of your jaw, where the muscles and ligaments are most relaxed. Setting reminders such as timers or using Post-it notes can be helpful to reinforce this throughout the day. Many people unknowingly hold tension in their jaw, so a simple adjustment such as this can make a huge difference. Postural education and awareness can also have a positive impact.</p> <p>If you have been diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction or even if you suspect that some of your symptoms may be related to your jaw, ask your dentist or your primary care physician for a referral to physical therapy. Make sure you are seeing someone who has taken additional courses on TMJ, as it is somewhat of a specialty. Be ready to make positive changes in your lifestyle and see positive results in your symptoms!</p> <p>Dr. Kelsey Hanlon PT, DPT<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/">Physical Therapy Treatment of The Temporomandibular Joint(s)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-treatment-of-the-temporomandibular-joints/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4137</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:11:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fatigue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hunting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[knees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Muscle Strain]]></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[sports-related-exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3637</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Does spending hours in the car drive to get to your hunting camp cause your stiffness? Do your knees start to bother you as you trudge through the varied terrain in the woods? Is your shoulder strong enough to draw back your compound bow? When you bag that trophy buck, how will your body hold […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/">Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div> <div>Does spending hours in the car drive to get to your hunting camp cause your stiffness? Do your knees start to bother you as you trudge through the varied terrain in the woods? Is your shoulder strong enough to draw back your compound bow? When you bag that trophy buck, how will your body hold up as you drag it out, or will you strain your back?</div> <div></div> </div> <div></div> <div> <div>Rifle season is upon us, so hunters are prepared with their gear, clothing, and other necessities. They do a great job of ensuring that all of their equipment is in good working order. They spend all that time ensuring their equipment is functioning correctly, but often they fail to put the same amount of effort into their body’s function activity level.</div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div><img decoding="async" class="alignnone" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gone-Hunting-.png" alt="" /></div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div> <div><strong>Heart and Lung issues</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Walking through the woods is taxing, not to mention if you have to drag out a deer while you do it. This activity level can raise your heart rate and blood pressure and cause shortness of breath. <strong>Getting in shape ahead of the season can help. It is recommended that healthy adults perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 5x/week.</strong> This activity can include walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Regular exercise can help improve the strength and endurance required for a long hunt.</div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div><strong>Muscles and Joints</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Limitations in muscle flexibility can contribute to difficulty when hunting. Drawing a bow requires spinal and shoulder mobility, as well as strength. Dragging a deer requires both upper and lower body strength. Maneuvering over or through obstacles in the woods needs a certain degree of flexibility. <strong>General mobility and strength exercises can be beneficial</strong> in targeting these deficits. Hunters are generally tight in their upper back, pecs, and shoulders. These are usually good places to start, but not every stretch is good for everyone. <strong>So it’s good to see a physical therapist for more specific recommendations and guidance.</strong></div> </div> <div></div> <div> <div><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Balance.jpg" alt="" /></div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div> <div><strong>Balance</strong></div> </div> <div> <div>Stepping over fallen trees, crossing logs, and negotiating through rocks can be tricky. Then add rain or snow into the mix, making things even more difficult. <strong>Balance is a function of our inner ear, vision, sensation in our feet, and joint position. If these systems are impaired, that further increases the risk of falling</strong>. Walking into and out of the stand in the dark compromises your visual system to some extent, which puts hunters at a greater risk of falling. This is where physical therapists can come in to help get all of your <strong>balance systems</strong> in working order.</div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div> <div>If you are having trouble in any of these areas, or if you’ve noticed other problems that impact your hunt, then make an appointment at <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation</a> for evaluation by one our expert therapists.</div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div><strong>Note *** </strong></div> <div>In Pennsylvania, the Deer problems are not defined by the number of deer. They are determined by the impact of those deer and the values of the residents they affect. Communities do not manage deer because there are several deer per square mile. They work deer (Caul the herd) because residents agree that the number of deer-vehicle collisions, the damage to gardens, parks, and landscaping, or backyards that look like barnyards are unacceptable.</div> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/">Do Physical Ailments Limit You From the Hunt?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/do-physical-ailments-limit-you-from-the-hunt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3637</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:31:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Balanec Awareness Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></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=3555</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you have something to lean on to get into the store.</p> <p>These are all typical behaviors reported in our physical therapy clinic. Not all patients come to us because they have vertigo or are spinning. Many people who arrive at our clinic report limiting their social activities and the hobbies they enjoy due to feeling less confident on their feet. Not all have fallen; some just experience stumbling and tripping at times.</p> <p>Balance, your body’s ability to keep your center of mass over your support base, is something we often take for granted until we struggle with it. Physical therapy can be beneficial in restoring your balance when it is compromised.</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Balance-Vision-Propreoceptors-Vestibular--scaled.jpeg" alt="" /></p> <p>Our bodies rely on peripheral feedback systems to give the brain the information it needs to stay upright and avoid falling. The three sensory systems include our vision, proprioception, and vestibular systems.</p> <p>First, let’s discuss the role your vision plays in balance. Your brain relies on this to learn how your body fits in the surrounding environment. For example, if you see people coming toward you or the ground is uneven up ahead, adjust accordingly.</p> <p>Next, you rely on information from your proprioceptors. These are the sensors in your joints, muscles, and skin that provide information to your brain about where your body is in space. Let’s pretend you are walking down a slope right now. Pressure from your shoe against your foot, a stretch to the muscles in front of your lower leg, and a slight bend in your knee inform your brain that you are on a decline. Someone with peripheral neuropathy, an artificial joint, or an injury can have impaired proprioceptive feedback.</p> <p>Lastly, the vestibular system also provides your brain with information about your movement in space. This is found in your ear, beyond the eardrum. The system has five end organs, including the utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals. The utricle and saccule have small hair cells that detect horizontal and vertical acceleration, such as riding in a car or going up an elevator.</p> <p>The fluid-filled semicircular canals detect rotational movement in different planes. When your head turns, the left and right vestibular systems generate an impulse based on the fluid shift. This impulse travels to the brainstem and directs the appropriate muscular and visual responses that keep you moving smoothly. When both the left and right vestibular systems are healthy and work together, these adjustments are typically not noticed. But people with damage or weakness in one or both vestibular systems may feel unsteady on their feet, dizzy, or disoriented (as if their eyes are bouncing).</p> <p>When patients arrive at WWSPT with complaints of unsteadiness, we look at their whole medical picture. We thoroughly review their history to identify variables that may be influencing their balance. Do they have chronic back pain or diabetes that may impair their sensation? Have they been on medications that may impact the function of their vestibular system? Are they smokers, have they experienced migraines, and have trouble multitasking? These are just a few questions we may ask that are extremely helpful in identifying possible contributing causes to patients’ imbalance.</p> <p>After reviewing their history, we evaluate how they move. Is one hip weaker than the other? Are stairs difficult? Is there a difference when walking on a smooth indoor surface and going outside? Do busy environments suddenly make them reach for support?</p> <p>Next, we thoroughly evaluate their vestibular system and how the vestibular ocular reflex or VOR reflex works. We screen them for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and evaluate their balance statically and dynamically.</p> <p>First-time patients may feel intimidated by the “strange” exercises they see other patients doing in the gym. Our expertise in balance training allows us to incorporate patients’ individual goals into their therapy. Patients who struggle with talking to their friends while on a walk may be asked to walk, turn their heads, and simultaneously list their weekly grocery items. A hiker, who misses walking in the woods, may find him or herself stepping across our river rocks while wearing a weighted vest. We like to keep it interesting!</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/do-you-suffer-from-Dizziness-.png" alt="" /></p> <p>If you have noticed something doesn’t quite feel right in your movement, do not simply accept imbalance as a part of aging. If left untreated, this could lead to a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults over 65. Enhancing your balance system through physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and the quality of life you enjoy. Be your advocate. Please get in touch with WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA., for your balance assessment and treatment plan!</p> <p>Dr. Jenna L. McLane, PT, DPT,</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3555</post-id> </item> <item> <title>You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:41:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Concussion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[musculoskeletal pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Parkinson's Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sprain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></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=3289</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of somewhere that you go to recover after surgery or injury. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so it is true that we are the ideal provider for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. We would be happy to assist you in returning to full function following an […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/">You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of somewhere that you go to recover after surgery or injury. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so it is true that we are the ideal provider for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. We would be happy to assist you in returning to full function following an injury to your knee, hip, back, neck, ankle, or shoulder. However, there are other specialties that physical therapists may treat of which many people are unaware.</p> <p>Our clinic specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular refers to the balance system located in your inner ear. We treat patients for balance deficits/dizziness problems that may or may not be related to your inner ear. These diagnoses include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neuronitis or labyrinthitis, concussion, Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular migraine, motion sensitivity, and general gait or balance dysfunction among others. Falls are the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, so balance deficits and diminished balance confidence should not be left untreated. In addition, dizziness is NOT a normal symptom of aging and can contribute to falling. If you or someone you know is feeling dizzy, it is important to see a vestibular physical therapist to see if the issue can be addressed before it results in a fall which can lead to injury.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Group-with-Jenna-sit-stand.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Physical therapists also treat pelvic floor dysfunction. This can include incontinence, difficulty with bowel and bladder movements, pain with intercourse, postpartum and pregnancy-related pain and/or weakness, and other pelvic pain/dysfunction. While we at WWSPT do not specifically treat pelvic floor dysfunction, we would be happy to point you in the direction of a therapist who would be able to meet your needs.</p> <p>Because the hand is such an intricate and detailed body area, there are some physical therapists (and occupational therapists) that are certified, hand specialists. There are other physical therapists who specialize in treating the pediatric population. Others work in cardiac rehabilitation following heart attacks, strokes, and heart surgeries. Some physical therapists focus on the treatment of neurologic diagnoses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.</p> <p> </p> <p>Because of the variety of specialties and abilities of physical therapists, we can be found in many different settings. You will find physical therapists at an outpatient clinic, a hospital, a nursing home, a school, or on the sideline at a sporting event.<br /> All newly licensed physical therapists must have a doctoral degree, or DPT, to practice. This means that practicing therapists either have many years of experience or 7 years of education after high school when they are treating you. You are in well-educated, caring, and capable hands. So take advantage of the wide variety of physical therapy care available to you in order to live your best life!</p> <p>Dr.Kelsey Hanlon, PT, DPT</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> 1456 Ferry Road<br /> Suite 601<br /> Doylestown, PA 18901</p> <p>P:215-489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/">You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3289</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Gardening and How to Avoid Garden Injuries</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/gardening-tips-and-how-to-avoid-garden-injuries/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/gardening-tips-and-how-to-avoid-garden-injuries/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:02:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[drink plenty of fluids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fatigue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gardening Injuries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[knees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low BackPain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Muscle Strain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[neck pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3175</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Gardening is an American pastime …where attractive places to play, relax and entertain are created. Whether it’s early spring or mid-summer with seasonably hot and humid weather, when the hanging baskets, containers, and beds are bursting in full-color bloom, there are still many garden projects and chores to attend to. Gardner’s Challenge is to avoid […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/gardening-tips-and-how-to-avoid-garden-injuries/">Gardening and How to Avoid Garden Injuries</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gardening is an American pastime …where attractive places to play, relax and entertain are created. Whether it’s early spring or mid-summer with seasonably hot and humid weather, when the hanging baskets, containers, and beds are bursting in full-color bloom, there are still many garden projects and chores to attend to. <strong>Gardner’s Challenge</strong> is to avoid becoming <strong><em>injured</em></strong> due to overly optimistic plans and great expectations for their “weekend gardener warrior” projects.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/My-Garden.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p><strong>A Few Tips to Avoid Garden Injuries </strong></p> <p>First, be practical when planning your planting, weeding, mulching, and watering schedules. Plan the work over a few days or weeks if needed. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. Approach your gardening like a workout session — Stretch for 10 minutes first, especially standing backbends since gardening is a lot of forward bending. Then alternate light activities with heavier ones. Make time for periodic breaks throughout your day, hydrate, move, and stretch. Be sure to cool down for 10 to 15 minutes. And don’t forget to wear appropriate gardening gloves, a hat, and eyewear if needed.</p> <p>Next, while gardening, do not remain in a sustained position for a long period of time because you can stress your lower back and not even realize it. Recently, someone in my yoga class, who is extremely flexible, told me she sat cross-legged while weeding for thirty minutes and “threw out” her back. Low back pain, #LBP, is a common injury for gardeners.</p> <p>Use proper body mechanics, especially when picking up heavy items like mulch or garden soil. Prevent upper extremity and back injuries by distributing the weight, using your legs to lift, and keeping the load close to your body when lifting. Do not bend at the waist. Ideally, a person should change position every five minutes. When squatting, bend your knees a little more than you think you need. If kneeling on both knees you can change to a single knee for variation. Don’t sit back on your knees. Sitting back on your knees stresses knee joints and requires you to use your hands and wrists to stabilize. It also requires your hands and wrists to bear your weight while shifting from kneeling to standing. Consider using a garden stool or bench. Avoid twisting — and turn your whole body in the direction you are placing something.</p> <p>Finally, do not overuse your dominant arm. Constant repetition of one movement or motion over a long period of time can lead to overuse and cause pain in your hands and arms. Try to minimize periods of sustained repetitive motions. Alternate weed pulling, digging and carrying tools with both arms. Consider using a wagon or wheelbarrow to transport heavy loads like soil, mulch, tools, and supplies.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Garden-Results.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>G<strong>ardeners should:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Stand up and walk around every fifteen minutes and do some standing backbends.</li> <li>Use good body mechanics.</li> <li>Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working out in the heat.</li> <li>Take a break during the warmest time of the day.</li> <li>Stand back, admire, and enjoy the results and beauty of all their hard work.</li> </ul> <p>In the event of a garden injury, consult with medical professionals and seek physical therapy treatment for your injury.</p> <p>Wendy Webb Schoenewald, PT, OCS,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA<br /> 215-489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/gardening-tips-and-how-to-avoid-garden-injuries/">Gardening and How to Avoid Garden Injuries</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/gardening-tips-and-how-to-avoid-garden-injuries/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3175</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Eyes Glued to the Screen and It Hurts?</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do-2/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:18:49 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eye Strain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[F.lux app]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fatigue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headache]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[musculoskeletal pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[neck pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[posture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></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=3022</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>How Do You Make Working on the Computer Less Stressful on Your Body? We are certainly living in the digital age now that many of us are either working from home or attending classes online. With the increased screen time, you may be experiencing more eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and migraines which can make it […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do-2/">Eyes Glued to the Screen and It Hurts?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How Do You Make Working on the Computer Less Stressful on Your Body?</p> <p>We are certainly living in the digital age now that many of us are either working from home or attending classes online. With the increased screen time, you may be experiencing more eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and migraines which can make it difficult to focus and complete your work. You may be experiencing more neck, shoulder, and back pain from prolonged sitting in an unfamiliar environment. So what can you do to make sitting and looking at a screen for over 8 hours a day less taxing on your eyes and body? Read on for some suggestions and information about how physical therapy can help.</p> <p>Staring at the computer for an extended period of time leads to eye strain, headaches, or even migraines. Focusing on and reading small text against a bright screen requires your eyes and brain to work harder. By reducing brightness or increasing the font size, you can successfully reduce some of the strain on your eyes. Many devices have the ability to be connected to bigger monitors or TVs to enlarge the text. You could also try zooming in on the page to magnify it.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Eye-Strain.png" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>If you feel you need additional measures, you could invest in some blue light glasses. The blue tint of the glasses makes the screen less bright and therefore less stressful on your eyes. There is also a free app called f.lux that will add blue and yellow tints on your screen and dim the background depending upon the time of day.</p> <p>Prolonged sitting in your work-from-home setup can also contribute to increased neck and back pain. Physical therapists are experts in movement and posture. We assess how your body is positioned both at rest and with movement, to identify which muscles may need to be stretched or strengthened to help them work best.</p> <p>Many people sit at a desk with rounded back and shoulders, and their head protruding forward towards the screen. Being in this position for an entire workday will cause trouble for joints and muscles. Over time, the joints and muscles will start to prefer those poor posture positions. Then, when we have to stand, walk, or do other activities not related to sitting at a computer, there is more stress on muscles and joints which can lead to discomfort or pain in the neck and back. The strain put on the neck can also contribute to headaches. Using a standing desk is an effective way to break up a full day of sitting. When setting up a standing desk, ensure your screen is at eye level and your arms are at a 90-degree angle with your mouse and keyboard.</p> <p>The environment you are sitting in is an important factor too. If you are in a distracting environment, it may be more difficult to focus, so your eyes and brain are working harder than they should be. Find a quiet place in your house to work or consider noise-canceling headphones to eliminate distractions. Avoid sitting by the window to avoid potential glare on the screen as well.</p> <p>Taking breaks during the day is also important to help relieve the stress on your eyes and the work on your brain. Generally speaking, you should not be sitting for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. There is the 20- 20-20 rule: after 20 minutes of looking at the screen, take a 20-second break looking 20 feet away in front of you.</p> <p>All these adjustments are particularly important for people recovering from a concussion or those who are prone to migraines. When a brain injury occurs, it can affect the ability of your eyes and brain to coordinate during certain tasks like reading, focusing, and scrolling. Migraines can be triggered by brightness, scrolling, and poor posture. Many people have found that more screen time has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of their migraines.</p> <p>In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, people with a history of concussion and/or migraines may need some exercises to improve eye and brain coordination. Physical therapists who specialize in Vestibular Rehabilitation can assess any deficits in your eye/brain efficiency and prescribe exercises to promote improved tolerance to computer work.</p> <p>Physical therapists can also address the ergonomics of your work environment as well as your posture to minimize pain and headaches. We will give you exercises to help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and optimize muscle strength and flexibility. We may also use hands-on techniques to help relieve pain more quickly.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WWSPT-Services.png" alt="" /></p> <p>At WWS Physical Therapy, we are experts in identifying orthopedic, concussion, and vestibular deficits. We will provide education and personalized exercises on how to improve your quality of life. Do not wait any longer. <a href="https://wwspt.com/contact/">Contact us</a> if you need help!</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen, PT, DPT,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.,</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do-2/">Eyes Glued to the Screen and It Hurts?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/eyes-glued-to-the-screen-and-it-hurts-what-can-i-do-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3022</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Physical Therapy Is Essential!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-is-essential/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-is-essential/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:47:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[activity specific training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doylestown PA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[function]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joint-replacement Surgery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[knees]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Musculoskeletal Issues]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Prehab PT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Recovery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[THR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TKH]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2957</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Physical Therapy Is Essential in Recovery After Joint-replacement Surgery Whether as the result of aging or past injuries, we do damage to our bodies over the years, and often times our joints take the brunt of the damage. Over time, this damage can result in chronic pain due to the degeneration of the joint and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-is-essential/">Physical Therapy Is Essential!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Physical Therapy Is Essential in Recovery After Joint-replacement Surgery</strong></p> <p>Whether as the result of aging or past injuries, we do damage to our bodies over the years, and often times our joints take the brunt of the damage. Over time, this damage can result in chronic pain due to the degeneration of the joint and osteoarthritis. The hip and knee joints are most commonly affected by this degeneration, and joint replacement is often recommended.</p> <p>With degeneration of the joint and the onset of osteoarthritis, patients experience more pain, and movement becomes more dysfunctional. As the damage progresses, many note increased pain with weight-bearing activity, stiffness and loss of motion, swelling, and difficulty with walking and stairs, among other issues. These deficits can impact patients’ activities of daily living, resulting in difficulty dressing, bathing, and taking care of themselves normally.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Musculoskeletal-and-Orthopedic-Rehabilitation.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>When performing a total hip (THR) or knee replacement (TKR), the surgeon removes damaged bone and replaces the joint with a metal prosthesis. In the case of the ball-and-socket joint in the hip, the surgeon removes the acetabulum, or socket, from the pelvis. He or she also removes the head of the femur or the ball located at the top of the thigh bone that articulates with the pelvis. In the case of a knee replacement, the surgeon removes the end of the thigh bone, or femur, and the top of the shin bone, also known as the tibia. The surgeon then fits and places a prosthesis appropriate to the patient.</p> <p>Physical Therapists are movement experts and can help guide the patient’s recovery to promote a return to normal movement, activities, and hobbies. After surgery, the patient will likely experience joint stiffness, lower extremity swelling, and weakness. These deficits may cause a patient to require ambulatory aides, including a walker or cane. At this point in the journey following joint replacement, physical therapy can help to address these deficits and ease the road to recovery. Despite these symptoms, patients will be able to begin walking and exercising right away.</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PTTreatment.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Physical Therapists are instrumental in providing patients with education following surgery. A therapist may instruct patients to avoid certain movements following a hip replacement, as these precautions are placed by the surgeon. A therapist may also provide useful bits of education to help patients shower, get out of bed, or perform other activities of daily living more easily. Education may also be provided on correct sequencing and safety when ambulating with an assistive device. This will help promote confidence in balance and stability while also facilitating independence. Therapists may also provide useful advice on how to ascend and descend stairs appropriately for a patient’s level of function. Therapists can provide helpful tips and tricks to make each daily activity easier and less pain provoking.</p> <p><strong>Exercise Prescription</strong><br /> Often times following a replacement, the surgeon may provide a patient with a printout or an app to progress through an exercise in the weeks following surgery. While these exercises may help in promoting recovery, there is usually no one to ensure the correct performance of these activities. A physical therapist can provide in-person instruction, which will allow for the modification of exercises in order to meet the specific needs of a patient.</p> <p>Hip and knee weakness are commonly seen prior to surgery. “Prehab” PT provided before surgery can promote strength gains, improve function, and facilitate a quicker recovery. However, surgery often exacerbates the severity of the weakness. A therapist will examine and prescribe specific exercises to target weak muscle groups to gradually reduce the severity of the limp and allow progression to ambulate without the use of a device.</p> <p>Stairs are often a challenging task after replacement surgery. Immediately following a replacement, patients may be unable to navigate stairs with a normal gait. Descending stairs is often most difficult for patients due to deficits in range of motion and strength. A therapist will initially focus more heavily on maximizing range of motion and will follow up with exercises to help strengthen the patient’s leg within his or her available range. This progression will allow patients to more successfully use the surgical leg and return to their normal gait pattern.</p> <p>As patients progress through their recovery, a therapist will initiate exercises to target balance, functional training, and activity-specific training. Depending on patients’ function prior to replacement, they may need more specific interventions to address work-related tasks. A therapist may also challenge patients with more activity-specific exercises to promote a return to their choice of exercise or other recreational activity.</p> <p><strong>Hands-on Care</strong><br /> Hands-on care is just as important in promoting recovery as exercise is. Physical therapists also have extensive training in manual<br /> skills to reduce pain and swelling and enable patients to regain mobility. Following a joint replacement, a therapist may perform various types of massage to promote decreased muscle soreness and reduce swelling. These can help mitigate pain and swelling, which are often limiting factors in movement and function. Therapists may also use hands-on techniques to promote improved joint mobility, range of motion, and decreased pain.</p> <p>If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic joint pain or are undergoing a joint replacement in the future, remember that physical therapy can provide pain relief and maximize function. Prehab ahead of a replacement can be helpful to lessen the rehab course and maximize function prior to surgery. Under the care of one of our WWSPT therapists, you or your loved one can be guided through the rehab process with the goal to help return to a prior level of function.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Orthopedic-Rehabilitation.png" alt="" /></p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-is-essential/">Physical Therapy Is Essential!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/physical-therapy-is-essential/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2957</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Exercise Routine is a Must During COVID-19 Pandemic!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/exercise-routine-is-a-must-during-covid-19-pandemic/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/exercise-routine-is-a-must-during-covid-19-pandemic/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:52:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ergonomics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[musculoskeletal pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2777</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed our lives. While hopefully, you have been healthy and not been exposed to the virus, the virus has affected everyone and has caused a lot of stress. People are working from home or not currently working, and most social outings have moved to computers and phones. For some of us, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/exercise-routine-is-a-must-during-covid-19-pandemic/">Exercise Routine is a Must During COVID-19 Pandemic!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed our lives. While hopefully, you have been healthy and not been exposed to the virus, the virus has affected everyone and has caused a lot of stress. People are working from home or not currently working, and most social outings have moved to computers and phones. For some of us, our go-to stress- and anxiety-reducing activities are no longer an option at this time. Not being in our normal daily routine and not being able to spend time with our loved ones in person can take a toll on physical and mental health.</p> <p>Exercise has obvious benefits for your body; it allows you to build up your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. It decreases your chance of osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and many other conditions that can be limiting later on in life. Many of these comorbidities also are high-risk factors associated with the coronavirus. However, exercising does much more than address your physical health. It has many benefits for your brain and mind and is crucial for your mental health. Depression and anxiety have become major topics in this country within the past few years. Especially now during this uncertain time, many people are very anxious. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression and anxiety affect 1 out of every 10 people. Besides medication and seeking professional help, exercise can help battle depression and anxiety. When you work out, your brain releases all different types of neurotransmitters. The most notable neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. The release of these transmitters in your brain can improve your mood, focus, and attention. Exercising also releases endorphins that improve your sense of well-being. In addition, achieving your personal record in lifting or running a mile can increase your confidence and personal autonomy.</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Couple-Stretch.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Working from home has become the new normal for many of us. Sitting at the desk working on the computer for long hours can cause neck, shoulder, or low back issues. When you sit or stand in one position for a prolonged period of time, your joints become stiff and can cause discomfort or pain. That is usually because of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of bone over time, and it is a condition that is unavoidable. It tends to become more pronounced and affects our activities of daily living as we get older. If it gets bad, it can progress to osteopenia and osteoporosis where the health and integrity of your bones are compromised.</p> <p>While osteoarthritis is unavoidable, you can avoid pain, avoid osteoporosis, and not let it impact your normal activities. Your body likes to move: “motion is lotion.” Movement allows blood and nutrients to flow through your body to your organs and muscles. It also lubricates joints so they can move more easily. Oftentimes, the more you move, the better you feel, especially after being still for a long period of time. So it is important to move frequently throughout the day. Try to get up from your desk every 30 minutes or so to get those joints and muscles moving. It can be as simple as turning your neck side to side, moving your arms and legs up and down, or even just standing and bending backward to stretch your back.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Physical-Therapy-Treatment-Sit-Stand.jpg" alt="" />Exercise has many great qualities that impact your physical and mental health, but how often are you supposed to exercise?</p> <p>The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults should exercise at a moderate intensity level for 150 minutes each week, or a vigorous intensity level for 75 minutes a week. If you break that down, that is about 30 minutes 5 days a week. The 30-minutes- a-day recommendation can be an accumulation of activity. For example, you can break up the 30 minutes into three 10-minute periods if that is what you can tolerate. Moderate-intensity exercises can include walking briskly, water aerobics, biking, and general gardening; whereas vigorous-intensity includes jogging, running, hiking, and aerobic dancing.</p> <p>Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our outlets like gyms and classes are closed. For some of us, it is difficult to find another form of activity. If you are not sure what to do, if the activities listed above do not really appeal to you, or if you just do not know where to start on your own, contact us at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Physical therapists are movement experts and can provide you information and a personalized program for you to get moving. We also have informative blogs and videos with more details about stretches and ergonomic setups on our WWSPT website. It is important to exercise now so your body and mind can be as strong as possible later in life when it gets a little tougher to move around.</p> <p>This post also appears in The Bucks County Women’s Journal.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/exercise-routine-is-a-must-during-covid-19-pandemic/">Exercise Routine is a Must During COVID-19 Pandemic!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/exercise-routine-is-a-must-during-covid-19-pandemic/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2777</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Posture and Correct Alignment</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/posture-correct-alignment/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/posture-correct-alignment/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2017 16:44:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[posture]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://wwspt.com/?p=1701</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Your Posture is very important! Stand up straight! How many times have we heard those words as a child? Well, our parents were right. Good posture is so important. The correct alignment of our body can reduce stress on your joints, while poor alignment can increase stress on our joints. So what is considered good […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/posture-correct-alignment/">Posture and Correct Alignment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your Posture is very important!</p> <p>Stand up straight! How many times have we heard those words as a child? Well, our parents were right. Good posture is so important. The correct alignment of our body can reduce stress on your joints, while poor alignment can increase stress on our joints.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1702" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Good-Posture-Standing.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="318" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Good-Posture-Standing.jpg 450w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Good-Posture-Standing-300x212.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Good-Posture-Standing-250x177.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p> <p>So what is considered good posture? You can check yourself. Align your ear over the shoulder, your shoulder over your hip, your hip over your knee and your knee over your ankle. Easy right? Not so fast, gravity takes a toll and works against us, compressing us down. The only way to fight back is to use our postural muscles, and this takes a conscious effort. At first, we must really concentrate on standing up straight, but over time, if you keep at it, good posture will become a habit. The only way to strengthen those muscles is to use them. So stand up straight, don’t let gravity win!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1703" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Posture.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="304" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Posture.jpg 450w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Posture-300x203.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Posture-250x169.jpg 250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p> <p>Some of the cues I use to encourage good posture are: tuck your chin in, squeeze your shoulder blades back and down, bring your belly button to your spine, and in some cases tuck your tail under. While you are doing this, remember to Breathe!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/posture-correct-alignment/">Posture and Correct Alignment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/posture-correct-alignment/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1701</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Pain In Our Brain – Injury & Pain Do Not Align</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/pain-brain-injury-pain-no-align/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/pain-brain-injury-pain-no-align/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:43:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Treatments]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://wwspt.com/?p=1513</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Why the Degree of Injury and Degree of Pain Do Not Always Align College basketball fans won’t easily forget March 31, 2017, when University of Louisville sophomore Kevin Ware suffered a gruesome leg injury on National Television. But perhaps the most surprising part of the injury was that Ware reported no pain, was able to […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/pain-brain-injury-pain-no-align/">Pain In Our Brain – Injury & Pain Do Not Align</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Why the Degree of Injury and Degree of Pain Do Not Always Align</p> <p>College basketball fans won’t easily forget March 31, 2017, when University of Louisville sophomore Kevin Ware suffered a gruesome leg injury on National Television. But perhaps the most surprising part of the injury was that Ware reported no pain, was able to call his mother and tell her he was “fine”, and followed the score of the game on the way to the hospital.</p> <p>This story is an example of how the degree of injury and degree of pain are not always equal. This is because pain is an output from the brain, and is much more complex than simply correlating with anatomical tissue damage. The brain directs pain to tissues that it suspects are in danger, although sometimes it is incorrect in its assumptions.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1514" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pain-points.jpg" alt="Pain in the Btain" width="750" height="426" srcset="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pain-points.jpg 750w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pain-points-300x170.jpg 300w, https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pain-points-250x142.jpg 250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></p> <p>Pain is useful for helping protect damaged tissues, but problems arise in situations where there is no longer tissue damage but the brain is still sending out a pain signal. This contributes to chronic pain, which is pain that has been present for longer than 3 months, which is the time typically required for tissue repair to occur.</p> <p>In situations with chronic pain, it is sometimes necessary to work through the pain to rewire the brain’s pathways. This can be a difficult concept for a patient to grasp, as they have to learn that they cannot trust what the pain is telling them and that pain is “OK.” Your Physical Therapist can work with you and support you to use movement in order to desensitize your nervous system and improve your function through a specific Physical Therapy treatment plan.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/pain-brain-injury-pain-no-align/">Pain In Our Brain – Injury & Pain Do Not Align</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/pain-brain-injury-pain-no-align/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1513</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>