The CDC reports 40% of American adults can be classified as obese. These individuals are at a significantly higher risk of chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Experts estimate medical costs for obesity and these chronic conditions tops 147 billion dollars each year. Researchers estimate this added weight contributes to up to...
Acute muscle strains and sprains remain one of the most common injuries we encounter at our Boulder Physical Therapy clinic. In a previous blog post we summarized the findings of new research studies showing how early Physical Therapy accelerates a patient’s recovery after these injuries. In addition, to exercise and sleep, nutrition also plays an...
The evidence and momentum continue to build for seeing a Physical Therapist first for patients with low back pain. Physical Therapists have continually been shown to be clinically and cost effective providers for low back pain conditions. This approach, direct access to Physical Therapy, has been utilized by large hospital systems and Fortune 500 companies...
Aging occurs in all of our body systems including the spine. Similar to wrinkles and grey hair, the spine will demonstrate age related changes including disk bulges, herniations, facet and ligament changes, as well as, degeneration around age 30. Interestingly, we find a high percentage of these changes in people with and without neck pain. Thus,...
1 in 2 people in our country suffer from a chronic muscle, joint, or tendon injury. These injuries create pain and lost time from life, work, and sport. We can assume every one of these patients has sought out information or care on the management of these conditions. From their first google search to consultations...
If you only have limited time today choose a brisk walk, but if you have additional time consider lifting something heavy. Untrained adults lose on average 3-8% of their muscle mass each decade with an accumulation of body fat. This muscle loss contributes to a lower metabolic rate and continued body composition changes and weight...
Critics say the effects of exercise do not last, but neither does bathing which is why experts recommend doing it everyday. We know the effects of exercise are robust and powerful and if they could be placed in a pill the medication would be the most prescribed drug of all time. Active individuals have significantly...
Time and money are two finite resources especially in today’s healthcare environment of rising deductibles and decreased access to primary care services. Thankfully in Colorado patients have a choice on who to see first for their muscle, tendon, and joint pain. State law enables Coloradans to see a Physical Therapist without a prior referral. This...
Active adults have many health advantages over their sedentary peers. The effects of aerobic exercise are widespread across a trained individual’s emotional, physical, and mental health. Recent research has highlighted the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on anxiety, depression, cognition, and memory. Many areas of the brain are sensitive to the effects of aerobic exercise...
Shoulder impingement is the most common cause of shoulder pain and is commonly treated with Physical Therapy interventions including upper body strengthening and manual therapy. Dry needling is gaining traction in both clinical practice and the medical research as an effective treatment option for musculoskeletal pain. When combined with other forms of manual therapy, including joint...