Digging out boxes of holiday decorations, hauling packages to and from the car, hiding gifts away on the higher shelves… the Holiday Season certainly requires its fair share of bending, lifting and reaching. This makes December the ideal time for a refresher on proper lifting methods, says Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan. “Back pain and […]
Holidays an Ideal Time for Lifting Techniques Refresher Read More »
Many older adults have weak muscles – due to a lack of activity, hospitalization, surgery, or a fall. This can cause problems with walking, balance, and activities of daily living. Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan has an important message for the active aging individual. “Strength training can mitigate many of the downfalls of aging –
Strength Training Critical for Active Aging Read More »
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, only behind Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative means that it involves a progressive breakdown of brain matter. Multiple different neurological channels are affected. This creates wide-ranging effects on the body and mind including: sleep disturbances, muscle tremor, and forgetfulness. The progression of symptoms is also unique to
Parkinson’s Disease: From Early Signs to Treatment Solutions Read More »
The physical therapy profession is incorrectly characterized under the generalized label “rehabilitation.” Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan is eager to create a wider narrative – one that focuses on physical therapy’s overall ability to change lives by helping people move better. “When it comes down to it, physical therapy is all about making experiences come
‘Why Movement Matters’ during National Physical Therapy Month Read More »
While drinking plenty of water is critical to life, health and healing, simply submerging your body in water (i.e., a pool) opens up opportunities for relief and fitness for those who otherwise may have difficulty exercising. This is especially important for aging adults and those with chronic conditions, said Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan. “When
Pools offer both fitness, relief for older adults Read More »
Many older adults have weak muscles – due to lack of activity, hospitalization, surgery, or a fall. This can cause problems with walking, balance, and everyday activities. The risk of falls increases consistently as we become weaker. Strength training can combat many of these downfalls of aging, but it most be prescribed properly. The problem
Aging Right: The Undiscovered Benefits of Lifting Weights Read More »
The Hydration Issue We often underestimate the important role of hydration in our daily lives. As infants, water comprises 75% of our body weight. This percentage reduces to 55% in the elderly population. No matter your age, water is essential for cellular homeostasis and life. During my time in Haiti, I learned that not enough
To Be Hydrated Or Dehydrated? That Is The Question. Read More »
Balance As A Vital Sign Our annual doctor’s check-up is comprehensive – blood pressure, weight, cholesterol levels – are often measured to determine your health profile. But how is your balance measured? Your ability to maintain balance under various situations should also be considered in your health profile. Unfortunately, one out of three older people
Improve Your Balance, Improve Your Life Read More »
What is a Meniscus Anyways? Meniscus lesions account for almost one quarter of all knee injuries. Whether it’s an acute trauma or repetitive chronic degeneration we ask the menisci to cushion the knee. Your menisci mainly function to distribute stress across the knee during weight bearing activity. Injuries to this cartilage impair your ability to
I Tore My Meniscus. Now How Do I Fix It? Read More »
What is a Bunion? A frequent cause of disability from foot pain is the bunion. A bunion typically appears as A bony bump that forms on the base of the big toe. They affect some 35% of women over the age of 65. If left untreated and allowed to progress to its eventual end stage,
It’s Not Too Late to Fix Your Bunions Read More »
Copyright | Heather Lane 2023
