Health content Archives

09Feb 2018 by Patrick Donovan

Two Video Exercises for Knee Pain-Relief

Health content, Hip, knee, Pain, Treatment

Understand the Cause! Pain in the front of your knee or under your kneecap is often called patellofemoral pain. The pain may be a nagging ache or an occasional sharp twinge, especially with stairs or walking downhill. Because the pain is around the front of your knee, treatment has traditionally focused on the knee itself. However, recent evidence suggests that strengthening your hip muscles can lessen the stress under the kneecap. A study published in the January 2018 issue of JOSPT suggests strengthening your entire leg and outside of the hip can decrease your knee pain and help you return to full activity. There is now evidence that stronger hip muscles can help lessen the stress under the kneecap, indicating that it is best to strengthen both the knee and hip…

01Feb 2018 by Patrick Donovan

How To Avoid Your Next Ankle Sprain

ankle, Health content, Prevention

Ankle sprains, commonly called a “rolled” ankle, often occur while running, walking on uneven ground, or during sport-related activities. Typical treatment involves rest, elevation, ice, and an elastic wrap to reduce swelling. Although the pain and swelling usually improve quickly, up to 80% will sprain their ankles again. Imagine if your car broke down and there was an 80% chance that same problem were to occur again. Not Okay! The rate of ankle re-injury is so high because of two factors. This article breaks down these two missing pieces to put an end to sprained ankles, once and for all! The Brain to Ankle (Internet) Connection To best understand an ankle sprain we must first understand the basics of the central nervous system. Your central nervous system (brain) is like…

29Jan 2018 by Patrick Donovan

Your Quick Guide to Understand Hip Arthritis

Arthritis, Health content, Hip, Pain

Arthritis of the hip is a common condition physical therapists see in the clinic. It is diagnosed most frequently in patients over 60 years of age and is caused by damage to the joint’s cartilage. Actually, this bone and cartilage relationship starts much earlier, in your 20s and 30s, but comes into focus only once the joint damage is defined by pain. Running, skiing, sitting – all these movements add up to your arthritic pain in the long run. Let’s start from the beginning. Your hip joint is covered by cartilage. Think of cartilage as the lubricant and your joint as the engine. This lubrication allows for smooth engine operation during activity. Over time, life’s movement patterns can pull your hip joint slightly out of alignment. This misalignment increases joint…

23Jan 2018 by Patrick Donovan

From A Crick To Chronic: Low Back Pain

back, Health content, Pain

You’re not alone, low pack pain is incredibly common. 8 in 10 people experience low back pain that requires them to seek treatment. Although the pain may be severe, most low back pain is not due to a serious problem. Usually back pain is contained within the lower back and buttocks. Sometimes the nerves get irritated and cause numbness and tingling in the leg or even to the toes. Some common lifestyle factors are: Sitting or driving too much Being in poor physical condition Bending and lifting improperly As we get older, the most common culprits of back pain are weakened muscles and stiffening joints. Nutrition and sleep are also hallmarks of a therapy evaluation. Often times people overlook nutrition as it relates to pain. For instance, turmeric has proven…