The ability to ascend and descend stairs is necessary for many people to be able to complete their activities of daily living. Several factors can contribute to difficulty with this seemingly-simple skill. Strength Stair negotiation requires adequate strength in several muscle groups in the hips and legs. The gluteal muscles and hamstrings must be able
Pre-operative rehabilitation or “prehabilitation” has been recommended more and more in recent years. Surgeons will commonly encourage this for those who are planning to undergo an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. Recent evidence has shown that engaging in prehabilitation can promote better outcomes during the post-operative rehabilitation process and beyond. Benefits of Prehab The typical
Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, muscle weakness, joint mobility issues, and muscle tightness can all contribute to neck pain and have potential to cause headaches. The suboccipitals, a muscle group at the base of the skull, is a common cause of upper neck pain and headaches. What Are
Many people are familiar with the concept of keeping the shoulders “down and back” to improve their posture. But this is sometimes easier said than done. This article will identify possible causes of elevated shoulder posture and provide some simple solutions that can improve it. Causes of Elevated Shoulder Posture The muscles that are primarily
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs with aging. It is characterized by the degradation of the articular cartilage found at the ends of bones at a joint and commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine. But how does someone get diagnosed with osteoarthritis? Symptoms It is common for those with osteoarthritis to report
The growing understanding of the nature of brain plasticity has improved and shaped physical therapy rehabilitation interventions. Neuroplasticity is the basis for both learning in the intact brain and relearning from a damaged brain. What Is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of the brain and spinal cord (Central Nervous System) to change. Neurons have
It is estimated that about two thirds of all people experience neck pain at some point in their life. For a subset of this population, this can easily progress to a chronic condition lasting several months or years. But what contributes to this? Overview of Cervical Spine The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae that
Whether you’re working from home or are back in person, the long periods spent sitting at a desk can cause you to feel seriously stiff by the end of the day. This article will highlight some simple exercises that can be used throughout the day to minimize aches and pains – all without having to
A fracture can occur at any age and likely will require a period of immobilization or surgical correction. But once the bone is healed, you should be ready to return to your favorite activities, right? Well, this may not be the case as there are typically remaining limitations after the healing process is complete. Let’s
