In a prior blog posts we discussed the effects of stretching on fitness, performance and flexibility. We are often prescribing mobility exercises to restore movement to a joint or body region (thoracic spine and rib cage) in order to improve movement patterns for performance, pain relief, or as part of a weekly fitness program. While...
The majority of patients undergoing treatment by a Physical Therapist will receive a home exercise program (HEP) based on their specific symptoms. This individualized program is essential for the reduction of symptoms and restoration of function. In my opinion, not providing an exercise program to patients with musculoskeletal conditions leads to patient dependence on the...
Strength training is an essential part of an individual’s weekly exercise program. It’s numerous benefits include reduced injury risk, increased sports performance, and improved function in life activities. Time is finite resource and a commonly cited barrier to exercise. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we strive to prescribe the most effective and efficient exercises...
here are not many more controversial topics in the exercise science literature than stretching. While most believe stretching is an important component of a fitness or rehabilitation program the debate occurs on the timing, frequency, duration, type, direction, and intensity of the stretching program. Recently, a large push in corrective exercise programs involves mobilizing joints...
Photo Credit: regis.edu 1. What motivated you to pursue the CO APTA president position? – It presented as a natural next step from being the Chapter Chief Delegate for two terms and serving on the APTA CO executive. To make an impact where it mattered I needed to step up to help my profession. Through...
The squat remains one the best overall exercises for strength development in both healthy and injured patients. Squatting strength has been correlated with both functional and athletic performance. Our previous blog posts documented the safety concerns of squatting through a partial or full range of motion. In short, in a healthy knee there is no...
In my opinion, Physical Therapy patients are often under exercised and do not return to prior levels of activity due to a lack of rehabilitation intensity. What are some of your recommendations for implementing higher level exercises and strength and conditioning principles for practicing Physical Therapists? We have a problem in the physical therapy profession...
The squat, and its multiple variations, remains one the best overall exercises for strength and power development due to its’ ability to effectively target the important muscles of the lower quarter. We often utilize the squat in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice with injured patients as a method of facilitating optimal healing and recovery of...
The human body is an amazing system of interconnected tissues and organ systems designed to handle and thrive against the forces of life, work, and sport. Our body tissues such as bone, muscle, and tendons are extremely resilient to repetitive forces, but can be modified through progressive, consistent loading. Examples include improvements in bone density,...
Injuries mainly fall into the “when” not “if” category for a majority of Americans. These injuries could be the result of traumas (fracture, sprains, or strains), over use injury, and at times without a known cause. Thankfully our bodies are remarkable in their ability to heal from these injuries as we move through the 3...
