How to use the Stroop Task as an Ortho PT
Treatment for orthopedic injuries has primarily been concerned with musculoskeletal health and recovery. Range of motion, strength, posture, PNS, soft tissue healing, structure, movement patterns, and biomechanics have taken top priority. These are helpful factors in rehabilitation, however current research is calling for a much more whole systems approach to physical therapy. In my opinion, […]
When stress increases your symptoms & pain makes you stressed
Stress and pain are collective experiences. One of my favorite quotes on pain is from Dr. Adriaan Louw, “Pain isn’t a protocol. Pain is a human lived experience.” As a physical therapist it is common to hear a patient speak on how their pain increases during stressful moments or experiences. Increased pain can lead to […]
2 exercises for single leg balance and coordination
Balancing on one leg is extremely beneficial at any age. It helps the foot and hip control in walking, running, and sports. It helps with reducing fall risk as we age. And it helps with one’s coordination and proprioception at any age. Below are two higher level balance exercises, a single leg squat and a […]
You’ve returned to running, whats next?
Congrats! Returning to running after having a baby, or a surgery, or an injury is a big deal. It’s not an easy trajectory. You’ve likely had to work on strength, load, impact, sleep, pressure, stress, mindset, and mobility. So you’re here and you can run, but what’s next? Do you have a strategy for your […]
Cycle syncing for exercise
As women, we take our menstrual cycle for granted. In reality, it has a profound effect on your health, far more than I ever gave it credit for as a young female athlete. Menstruation is a definitive marker of female health. It’s a vital sign (or should be). The hormones that that rise and fall […]
3 ways to land softer and run better
Why is returning to running so darn difficult? For an activity that seems so simple, there sure are a lot of variables. 3 common complaints I hear from my running patients: 1) I can’t run without leaking 2) I can’t run due to hip/knee pain 3) I haven’t been able to run since I injured […]
How to reduce muscle tension at work
The creeping, nagging muscle tension that occurs while sitting at the computer affects us all. So we change our posture, change from sitting to standing, add lumbar supports, try foam rolls, and use postural support contraptions. Sometimes these tools help but often it doesn’t. What else is there? This video offers a different perspective in […]
Breathe Better, Move Better: 4 ways breathing changes your life.
The breath – movement connection Breathing and moving are two constant components of life. People seek help when there’s an interruption to their movement and physical therapists are experts in human movement. As a PT, I teach people how to move so they can reduce pain, improve function, and excel at their activity of choice. […]
7 mobility exercises to improve quarantine posture
Has quarantine life left you tight and tense? Working from home and sitting more can lead to complaints of neck tension, low back stiffness, and hip flexor tightness. Sitting for long periods in less than ergonomically ideal positions will find you searching for the right exercises to combat your tense posture. Tension can creep in […]
Holding your breath when you squat
We are all aware of the awkwardly cute closed mouth smiley face a baby makes when he messes in his diaper. Have you ever thought to recognize the connection between the grunt that occurs in order to push? It’s a great visual of the connection between the throat and the pelvic floor. I have written about […]
