Rest seems like the best way to react to pain. Tweaked your back? Rest it. Pulled a muscle? Rest it. This is the advice we’ve heard all our lives, and it’s true. Rest is an important part of recovery, but like any other good thing, there is such a thing as too much. Yes, too much rest can actually slow your recovery.
You’ve tried stretching your back, resting, medicating, and nothing seems to keep your back pain away. Maybe it’s because your back isn’t your real problem. Sure, that’s where you feel the pain, but the source of the pain may be somewhere else. In some cases, back pain actually originates in the hips, and finding a long-term solution often means treating the pain at its source,
One of the great benefits of living in the Sunshine State is the weather. It’s why many Florida residents are transplants from northern states, having moved here to escape the winter cold of the north or Midwest. Springtime can bring with it some beautiful days, even if the afternoon heat and humidity can sometimes be a bit much.
In today’s fast-paced world of demanding jobs, family and social obligations, side hustles and hobbies, it can seem like a chore to find a way to fit in time for health and fitness. While most people recognize the importance of exercise, it’s not always obvious what types of exercise we should prioritize. If you spend your days sedentary in an office chair,
Our backs are a central part of almost all our movement, and it can be easy to turn, twist, or bend in a way that causes pain. When this happens, it’s reasonable to think that maybe your back isn’t strong or flexible enough, but often the core is the real key. Building a strong core can help to protect your back,
Back pain and injuries are among the most common reasons for doctor and hospital visits. Back pain is also a common reason for missed work and lost wages. In short, it can be a real problem. Not all back pain is the same, however, and understanding the differences can play a role in how effectively you treat it.
If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff back or suddenly tweaked your back lifting something simple, you’re not alone. Back pain is more common than most people think. Most American adults report that they have experienced back in their lives. In fact, a national health survey revealed that 39% of adults aged 18 and over experienced back pain within the previous three months1.
Often on this blog we refer to personalized treatment or exercise programs developed by professional physical therapists. This personalized approach is often cited as one of the key benefits of physical therapy. How much of a benefit is it really, though? In a world awash in fitness apps, “30-day programs”, and thousands of hours of YouTube workout videos,
For many people, winter and the holiday season can mean less movement, more sweets, and a tendency to spend a little more time indoors and less time being physically active. If you find yourself nearing the end of a cold and sedentary winter, you may be looking forward to getting active out in the beautiful spring weather.
The word mobility may make you think of how well a person can walk or run. When you hear a football announcer talk about a quarterback’s “mobility”, they are talking about how well that quarterback can escape the pocket and make plays with his feet. When a physical therapist talks about mobility, though, they are more likely talking about your ability to move your joints and use your muscles easily and comfortably – not your ability to scramble for a first down.