Managing Chronic Pain
Managing Chronic Pain
I once attended a course where a cognitive behavioral therapist was explaining how people with anxiety perceive the world. There were three simple characteristics applicable to anxiety in everyone who has ever experienced it. These characteristics include:
1) “Something bad is going to happen”,
2) “Something catastrophic is going to happen”, and
3) “I don’t have the tools or means to handle whatever happens.”
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Posted on 2020-06-10
Neuroplasticity and Brain Health
Neuroplasticity: Building Better Brain Health Through Exercise
What is neuroplasticity?
Very simply, neuroplasticity is the ability for the brain to change continuously throughout an individual’s life. This process typically happens in response to learning or as a compensation for injury or disease. The process of neuroplasticity can happen structurally or functionally within the brain....
Posted on 2020-05-26
Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgery vs PT
Rotator Cuff Tears: To Operate or Not?
Far and away the most common shoulder injury we see in our clinic is pathology related to the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is made up of 4 tendons whose primary function is to provide stability to the shoulder throughout functional movement patterns.
When problems occur with the rotator cuff, common complaints include pain when reaching outward or upward, difficulty bringing the hand behind the back, difficulty with l...
Posted on 2020-05-09
Meniscus Injuries
Meniscus Injuries
One of the most common injuries we see related to the knee in an outpatient physical therapy clinic is meniscal injuries. The meniscus in the knee is an important load-bearing anatomical structure that stabilizes, lubricates, nourishes, and transmits load in the joint. Injuries to the structure can be acute—meaning a direct result of an injury, or degenerative—meaning it happens over time with normal wear and tear. Both acute and degenerativ...
Posted on 2020-04-27
Gardening Tips to Prevent Injury
Gardening is my springtime passion! The weather is just starting to warm up and usually the pansies are bursting out of their hanging baskets. The challenge is to avoid becoming injured due to the "gardener weekend warrior" mentality.
First of all, be practical when planning your planting, weeding, and mulching schedule. Make time for periodic breaks throughout your day and plan the work over a few days or weeks if needed. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate gloves.
Next,...
Posted on 2020-04-22
