Trigger points (TrP) are irritable points in your muscle that feel like knots, lumps, or bundles right underneath the skin. Common areas for trigger points are postural muscles such as muscles of the neck (like the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae) and muscles of the low back such as the quadratus lumborum. The hamstrings
Have you ever noticed that one or both of your shoulder blades stick out away from your back, almost giving the appearance of wings? Although it may seem relatively harmless, this condition, known as scapular winging, is abnormal. The “wing” that you see is your shoulder blade which has pulled away from where it is
Do you experience frequent jaw pain or notice clicking/popping in your jaw throughout the day? Have difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth because you feel like it is locked in place? You may be among the over 10 million Americans affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). It should be noted that many people mistakenly
According to the CDC, over 34 million people (greater than 10% of the total population) in the United States have diabetes. An even larger portion (88 million or almost 35% of the population) have prediabetes. Although there are many complications associated with diabetes, one of the most common, but also most serious and potentially disabling,
Have you ever experienced numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers? What about wrist and arm pain or weakness? Do you constantly feel the need to shake your hands out or move your fingers to find relief from symptoms? You may be familiar with the term “carpal tunnel”, more formally known as carpal tunnel
Have you ever heard of “tennis elbow” before? It is a common term for a condition known as lateral epicondylitis. This nickname can be deceiving however, as many people with tennis elbow don’t actually play tennis! Read below to learn more about lateral epicondylitis, its symptoms, and how it is treated. Related Anatomy The lateral
Balance is essential for everyday life. It is what allows us to control our movements and prevents us from falling. It is a necessary component of fitness at all ages and activity levels. In fact, balance is one of the four types of exercise that the American Heart Association recommends be included in a healthy
Have you ever felt or heard your hip snapping when you walk, kick, stand up, or participate in your favorite sports? If so, you could be experiencing a condition called snapping hip syndrome. Anyone can experience snapping hip, but it occurs more often in those who participate in sports or activities that require repeatedly bending
If you’ve been dealing with chronic joint pain for some time, then you should know you’re not alone. Chronic joint pain is typically associated with arthritis, although there are plenty of other physical ailments that can lead to joint deterioration and pain. While physical therapy is not a cure for arthritis, it can help to
