Improve Your Balance Today with Core Strengthening Exercises

Become Steady on Your Feet with the Help of Physical Therapy!

Did you know that strengthening your core muscles is related to the development of better balance? It’s true!

When your core muscles are good, they have a better chance of stopping you from suffering chronic lower back pain and other injuries.

They can even stop you from losing your balance or falling over. A strong core helps hold you in an upright position, particularly as you get older and become more at risk of falling and injuring yourself.

If you are interested to learn more about developing a core routine to strengthen your balance, please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Schedule a meeting with one of our licensed physical therapists today!

Have you tried the drawing in maneuver?

To start with, stand up straight. Find the right pelvic position by moving your hips forward and backward until you are relaxed. Then take a deep breath and draw your belly button to your spine. Make sure you don’t hold your breath, because this isn’t a breathing exercise!

You’re supposed to be able to speak, breathe, and walk around your house with your belly button pulled in. It sounds pretty straightforward on paper, but if you’re older, recovering from injury, or out of shape in general, it’s going to be a little difficult at first.

The goal is to build up your core strength until you can keep your belly button for 30 seconds. Then you can move on to some more demanding core exercises.

If you feel any pain at all from this maneuver, stop right away, as it shouldn’t be painful!

As you build up your core, your physical therapist will recommend that you move on to more strenuous tasks and workouts that are better suited to your age and capacity.

They range from bridges and planks for more athletic individuals, to gentler routines (like yoga) for older individuals. Your therapist will also work with you on clear core activities to help you balance.

Improve your core muscles strength and balance with PT!

You don’t need a bunch of expensive gym equipment to start working on your core strength. In fact, here’s a quick exercise that many physical therapists will recommend if you’re just starting out. It’s called the “drawing in maneuver,” or if you prefer the less fancy term, “sucking your gut in.”

Contrary to what many believe, it’s not necessary to go out and buy a ton of expensive gym equipment or memberships to work on your core strength. According to the Mayo Clinic, any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back counts as a core exercise.

Here is a fast and easy exercise that many physical therapists recommend to patients who are just beginning to work on theirs. It’s referred to as the “drawing-in maneuver.” We all have probably done it before; ever heard of the phrase “suck your gut in?” This is pretty much the same thing!

What should I know about my core?

Most people believe that when you’re working on your core, you’re just doing abs, but your core muscles are more than just abs! There are two types of core muscles: the inner core and the outer core.

The inner core muscles are attached to the spine. These are the muscles that balance the core and hold it in the correct place. The outer core muscles work together with the inner core muscles when you need to rotate your body to perform much of everyday physical activities.

Core stability has to do with the inner core muscles. These muscles are stabilizing for the spine. Core strength relates to the outer core muscles, and when properly formed, works to help you move about with ease.

Frequent visits with a licensed physical therapist will help you train your inner and outer core muscles for improved balance and movement!

How balance and core strength complement one another in your core muscles

In total, your body has three systems that help regulate and sustain your balance. The first one is the vestibular system, which is responsible for giving your brain the necessary information it needs about how we move, our head position, motor functions, etc.

The liquid in your inner ear functions as part of this system, sort of like a “carpenter’s balance” to keep you level. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling off-kilter or dizzy, it means that the liquid in the vestibular system is off a bit.

The second balancing system is your visual system. Your eyes send informational signals to your brain regarding your position in relevance to the world around you. The third balancing system is the proprioceptive system, which deals with your core and the muscles in that area.

Your proprioceptive nerves are sensory nerves located all over your body. They make you aware of your posture, as well as aware of where you are positioned compared to things surrounding you.

In order to stay properly balanced, all three of these systems need to be in equilibrium. A weak core is one element that can not only throw off this internal equilibrium, but can also make you feel off balance to the point of falling over.

Improve your balance today!

Physical therapy will help if you have a poor core or are struggling with balance!

Your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, determine your physical ability, and build a personalized care plan to suit your needs.

Please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and arrange a meeting today to get started with a physical therapist.

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Ready to Gain More Energy and Say Goodbye to Pain?

Better Your Health with These 5 Tips!

If you have recently been dealing with pain and are searching for lasting relief, our physical therapists are here for you. With a personalized physical therapy plan, you can discover highly efficient ways to treat your pain and improve your overall energy levels.

Our physical therapists have the experience to help you actually live a pain-free life. Please contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to learn more and arrange your first appointment with us!

Here are five helpful tips that you can use to generate more energy and alleviate acute or chronic pain!

1. Make sure to hydrate

It is recommended that we drink about an ounce of water for each pound we weigh each day! That seems like a lot, but it normally averages out to be around 7-8 glasses.

Drinking enough water will prevent you from dehydrating, and this will allow you to avoid muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and constipation.

Water is always the healthiest drink option, so make sure you keep a full bottle or thermos near you at all times during the day.

You will notice that the more water you drink, the less pain you feel, and the more energy you have. The added bonus is that it can help you keep your appetite under control so you’re less likely to gain unnecessary weight.

2. Practice proper posture

If you make improvements with your posture it can make a massive difference with your overall health.

A physical therapy program can help you improve your posture, and this is something you can also carry out long term. Sitting and standing with your shoulders back, chest out, and a straight spine is a good start.

Avoid sitting slumped over a book, desk, or your computer at work! Your physical therapist can guide you towards proper posture habits that will help relieve pain and pressure.

3. Make ergonomic changes to the way you sit

The way you sit can have a massive impact on your pain and energy levels. Your physical therapist might recommend that you change the way you’re sitting to relieve pain.

A lumbar cushion behind your back can help relieve pressure in your lower back region. By avoiding pain, you’ll feel less zapped of energy at the end of the day. Your physical therapist will be able to offer a specialized treatment plan full of tips and exercises to help you adjust your sitting habits at home and in your work environment.

It’s also important to make sure you’re not sitting for prolonged periods without breaks. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include obesity and a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.”

Be sure to take breaks at work and get up to move around!

4. Get moving

Most of us underestimate how critical it is to move around a lot every day. This is something physical therapy will make very clear to you! When you are in pain, it might be instinct to curl up in the fetal position on your side, but that’s the worst option you can choose.

Forcing yourself to get up and walk around a bit every hour is a better choice, even if you just take a simple walk around the room. This can help relieve your pain immensely, and give you an extra boost of energy.

5. Make sure to breathe

Obviously you’re breathing all the time, however, it’s not focused breathing! Your physical therapist will show you how practicing focused breathing techniques can help relieve your pain and give you an energy boost during the day.

Every few hours, make sure you take a moment to yourself to stop, shut your eyes, and breathe. Breathe in deeply through your nose.

Make sure your lungs are as full as possible, and then breathe out through your mouth. Let a bit of air out through your lips by keeping them lightly pursed, and focus on nothing but your breathing for a few minutes.

You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference it can make with your energy and stress levels!

Ready to get started?

Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, non-invasive way to recover from injury or illness and get back to feeling your absolute best. Be sure to use the tips above to add to your customized physical therapy plan for optimum results.

If you’re ready to learn more about how healthy eating and exercise will bring back your energy and alleviate irritating pain, we’re here for you! Call Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to arrange a consultation with a licensed physical therapist!

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Ready to Relieve Pain the Natural Way? Say Goodbye to Drugs with PT

Kick Pain Management Drugs to the Curb Today!

The world we live in today is heavily medicated. Go to any grocery store or pharmacy and you'll find countless over-the-counter drugs. Doctors also consistently prescribe more extreme pain relievers, including opioids that have been widely abused over the years. Drug abuse is everywhere, and it is an ongoing battle that patients are constantly fighting.

If you've ever experienced an injury, you know it can turn your everyday life upside down. If it's a car accident, a sports-related injury, a workplace injury, or even an unintentional fall, the pain from a sudden injury can make you feel helpless. To fight this, many people resort to pain-relieving medications, such as opioids. However, what many people don't know is how much more damage these drugs do to their body than they realize.

If you're struggling with chronic pain but don't want to pump your body full of addictive drugs, you'll be delighted to discover a better, safer alternative: physical therapy. Physical therapy is a natural and effective approach to chronic pain that can make you feel better in the long-term. Let's look at how this kind of natural treatment will boost your quality of life!

You can choose the natural path to pain relief!

Your physical therapist is going to show you what to do but they don't have to do all the work! In order for physical therapy to be effective for you, you have to make an effort.

Our physical therapists here will take the time to teach you about your pain and the value of maintaining your stretches and workouts at home for long-term relief.

However, at the end of the day, you make the decision to completely partake in your journey to get rid of pain!

How can a physical therapist help relieve my pain?

Because everybody is different, and the pain levels of everyone are different, physical therapy procedures must be as well! Depending on your particular condition, your physical therapy pain treatment strategy may be different from anyone else's.

Your doctor might decide to use massage therapy, heat, ice, ultrasound, or other therapies to relieve your pain and speed up the healing process if you are dealing with pain from a recent injury.

If you are able to get up and exercise comfortably, a physical therapist will recommend simple stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling to assist with the mobilization process.

These kinds of physical therapy are excellent for helping to restore mobility to soft tissues, allowing them to function more freely and comfortably. They are also excellent at keeping arthritic joints mobile and lubricated.

Strengthening exercises can repair and rehabilitate weakened muscles to avoid causing pain. Physical therapy often includes certain exercises to help strengthen your posture, balance, and gait.

Why YOU should choose physical therapy

If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, you’ve most likely heard about the dangers of opioids. These narcotics, which include both illegal drugs and prescription medication, are the cause for at least 115 overdose deaths in America every single day.

The APTA states that clinicians “[…] should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient." Opioids are extremely powerful and can interact with other drugs in a dangerous way. They also lead to abuse and addiction as well.

Steroids are another dangerous class of prescription medication, and pose many risks and dangers to your health. Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve pain, but can cause arthritis in the hips, cataracts, stomach ulcers, elevated blood sugar, and nerve damage stemming from the injection itself.

Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are capable of causing liver problems and bleeding in the stomach, which is worrisome, because many people who don’t even have chronic injuries use these daily.

Physical therapy can prevent you from having to deal with all of these unpleasant side effects. Some cases of severe discomfort might still require you to take medication, but physical therapy helps plenty of patients decrease -- or even eliminate -- their dependence on pain medication.

Our physical therapists will use a combination of treatment techniques to help get your pain condition under control, no matter if it’s from an acute injury, or a wound from a recent surgery.

Physical therapy is a good option for you especially if you’re looking for ongoing chronic pain management that doesn’t include constant drug usage, or if you’re already on other essential medications and you’re worried about how they will interact with your pain meds.

Ready to get started?

It should be clear now that opioids and over-the-counter medications are not the only choice for pain relief.

There are a variety of treatment services available to you via physical therapy. Our therapists are here, waiting for your call!

Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to learn more about our natural options and get back to a drug-free, pain-free lifestyle.

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You Don’t Have to Live in Pain – Discover Relief with Physical Therapy

Finally Find the Relief You’ve Been Looking For

Have you suffered from sports injuries or a traffic accident recently? If you have, chances are you're still struggling with the consequences. It's time for a shift if you are dealing with acute or chronic pain and have yet to find relief. To learn more about how our certified physical therapists will get you on the road to a pain-free life, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today.

How can physical therapy help me avoid injuries?

The nervous system can still send signals of pain even after the injury has completely healed. A physical therapist can also inform you about sensory re-education for chronic pain, in addition to offering pain relief for you. Sensory re-education reduces sensitivity and desensitizes the nervous system to the affected region.

In order to avoid re-injuring the same position in your body in the future or getting a new injury, your physical therapist will also teach you new ways to move in your daily life. For example, if you regularly lift heavy objects, you're likely to strain your muscles without noticing them until much later. Physical therapists will teach you the best ways to bend and lift without damaging yourself.

Do you have any of these conditions?

According to the APTA, “Studies have established the efficacy of physical therapy in treating and reducing pain as well as preventing chronic pain.”

Here are a few common disorders that, with the help of a licensed physical therapist, can be eased or even removed.

  • Arthritis: Arthritis is typically mistaken for a disease that one only encounters as they age, but no matter how old someone is, it can affect everyone! Therapeutic exercise services can alleviate pain and enhance the physical function of individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
  • Rehabilitation done before and after surgery: "Pre-hab," or rehabilitation prior to surgery, has become more popular. It has been found to enhance patient outcomes and mechanisms of recovery. Studies also show that beginning physical therapy about a month before a planned procedure can also greatly accelerate the recovery period. During the healing time following a procedure, seeing a physical therapist is often a must to ensure proper alignment of muscles and joints when you learn to move around again.
  • Lower back pain & sciatica: Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates down the legs, thighs, and buttocks. It is also normal for some parts of the leg to feel a numbness, burning, or tingling sensation. Exercises and stretches of physical therapy can help ease the pressure put on the sciatic nerve and in turn, minimize general discomfort felt in areas of the back.

What will a PT treatment plan look like?

Certain modalities can also be used in physical therapy to obtain pain relief.

A few are as follows:

  • Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound technology can send sound waves deep into inflamed tissues and joints, prevent pain signals from getting to the brain, and is useful for musculoskeletal problems.
  • Electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is often used in some physical therapy treatment programs, where currents are sent to soothe affected areas and relieve discomfort.
  • Direct manipulation. Direct joint manipulation may be performed to enhance functioning and maintain proper alignment.
  • Massage therapy. Massage therapy is a manual procedure used to improve mobility in confined or limited areas. This is achieved by rhythmic stretching and applying deep pressure to fibrous muscle tissue. Massage therapies are effective in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. It also helps increase blood flow and circulation to affected muscles and soft tissues.
  • Hot and cold therapy. Heat and ice packs may be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas. In physical therapy, this is a very prevalent treatment tool which can be used to complement other forms of pain relief.

How will physical therapy benefit me?

Physical therapy is aimed at minimizing and removing pain while enhancing mobility and function.

According to WebMD, "Physical therapy is often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain (also called chronic pain) or an injury. It can make you stronger and help you move and feel better.”

Typical physical therapy includes numerous targeted workouts and pain relief stretches. You are presented with these exercises to strengthen the function of your core muscles. To help restore balance and range of motion, some physical therapists use bikes, exercise balls, weights, or other devices.

It may also be part of the recovery plan to use your own bodyweight for pushups and lunges. All exercises are intended to alleviate discomfort, target trouble areas, and relax muscles.

Ready to get started on your PT plan?

It's time to put your foot down if you are dealing with pain that affects your everyday life. Enough is enough. You don't have to deal with soreness, aches, and inflammation day in and day out that stops you from enjoying the things you love!

A licensed physical therapist will analyze your condition, determine any underlying health conditions that you may have, identify the cause of your pain, and clearly develop a personalized care plan for your needs.

To learn more about our pain management and relief options, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today; our physical therapists are ready to help. Schedule an appointment with us today to find relief!

Do You Hav Herniated Discs? Find out with PT!

Is a Herniated Disc the Cause of Your Back Pain?

Herniated discs refer to an issue with one of the rubbery cushions that are in between the vertebrae. A spinal disc has a soft jellylike interior with a tougher exterior.

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems - including one or more herniated discs.

How can you tell for sure whether you have this specific problem? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it?

These questions don't have to add confusion and frustration to your physical woes.

Fortunately, if your back pain is caused by a herniated disc, physical therapy can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

While most herniated discs occur in the lower back, they also can occur in the cervical area.

Symptoms are dependent on where the disc is located and whether or not it’s compressing a nerve.

Typically, one side of the body is affected. You may experience arm or leg pain, tingling or numbness or weakness.

If the herniated disc is located in the back, you’ll likely experience pain in the buttocks, thigh and calf.

If it’s located in the neck, you’ll likely experience pain in the arm and shoulder.

The pain with a herniated disc can be sharp. Pain, numbness and tingling can radiate to other parts of the body, too.

Keep in mind that you can have a herniated disc with no symptoms.

Why did I develop a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is often the result of aging and known as disc degeneration. With age, the disc becomes less flexible.

Lifting heavy objects improperly can cause a herniated disc. Other risk factors include weight and genetics.

Excess body weight causes more stress on the discs. And genetics can predispose one to developing a herniated disc.

How can physical therapy help my herniated disc?

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from a herniated disc. There are a variety of physical therapy techniques, including passive and active treatments.

Passive treatments by a physical therapist include hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and deep tissue massage. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the target area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and muscle spasm due to a herniated disc. TENS uses tiny electric currents to trigger endorphins and reduces pain. Deep tissue massage stimulates an increase in oxygen and nutrients for pain relief and healing.

A physical therapist will work with you to develop an active treatment program if you have a herniated disc. The focus is on flexibility, core stability and muscle strength. Core strengthening exercises will strengthen the back muscles for better support. Flexibility and stretching exercises will enhance movement. Exercises for muscle strengthening will create a strong structural support of the back.

How can I tell if the cause of my back pain is a herniated disc?

Your doctor can diagnose a herniated disc with a physical exam.

Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain.

A CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc. An MRI creates images of the body’s internal structures and can also confirm the location of a herniated disc.

Herniated discs don't always cause symptoms, but the symptoms that they do cause can help you troubleshoot the nature of your problem.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain (if it's a cervical disc)
  • Back pain that seems to grow worse when you sneeze, cough, stand up or sit down
  • Pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in a limb (the result of a herniated disc pressing against nerve roots.
  • An inability to walk more than a few steps without pain
  • Symptoms that started shortly after an accident, extreme twisting of the neck or back, or an attempt to lift a heavy object
  • Symptoms that began after you gained a lot of weight (since obesity is a risk factor for disc problems)

If your symptoms seem to be soothed by massage, heat, or cold, you're more likely to have a strained muscle or tendon than a herniated disc.

Ultimately, the most accurate way to confirm a herniated disc is through medical imaging. X-rays can reveal not only the abnormal shape of a herniated disc, but also whether the herniation is pinching a nerve.

Ready to find relief for your herniated disc?

All around, physical therapy can help you recover from a herniated disc and help prevent future injury to the spine.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s wise to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Likely, your doctor will recommend physical therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Improve Your Overall Health with These 5 Stretching Benefits

Some people think that stretching is an unnecessary part of exercising. The truth is that stretching is a necessary component of exercise. According to physical therapists, stretching is an important part of one’s daily routine, whether you’re exercising or not.

The 5 Benefits of Stretching

  1. Stretching specific exercises prior to exercising helps the muscles to achieve maximum range of motion. It also helps strengthen the muscles. That is why during physical therapy stretching is a main focus.
  2. Stretching helps reduce muscle tension. It’s a therapeutic treatment by a physical therapist. You’ll feel the rewards of stretching during your daily routine, walking or lifting.
  3. Stretching enhances joint range of motion. It enables the body part to move easier. For more dynamic movement, stretching increases muscular coordination. Some physical therapy sessions focus on a muscle group instead of just one muscle for stretching.
  4. Another benefit of stretching is increased blood circulation. Muscles require sufficient oxygen and nutrients in order to perform well. Stretching ramps up blood flow and transports oxygen and nutrients.
  5. Lastly, a benefit of stretching is heightened energy levels. The increased circulation increases energy levels. Learning to stretch properly will lead you to a more active lifestyle. “According to results of a new systematic review, moderate-grade evidence seems to support strengthening and stretching exercises to help ease chronic neck pain.”

Types of Stretching Exercises in Physical Therapy

Stretching involves stretching connective tissue, a muscle or a tendon. The goal of stretching is to improve range of motion, flexibility and muscle elasticity. The five most common stretching exercises are:

  • Ballistic
  • Dynamic
  • Static
  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  • Low Load

Ballistic stretch physical therapy is a rapid bouncing motion to stretch a muscle. Dynamic stretching by a physical therapist entails stretching with motion at different speeds and distances. These movements are performed in a controlled and slow manner. Examples include torso swings, arms swings and leg swings. Static stretch physical therapy involved stretching the muscle and holding it for a few seconds. PNF entails holding and controlling techniques to activate specific receptors in muscles. This technique improves muscle length and decreases muscle tension. The low load stretching technique is gradual application of tension to enhance connective tissue remodeling.

A physical therapist will determine the best stretching exercises for your affected area and implement them into your treatment plan. They will also give you home exercises. These stretching exercises may include groin stretches, quadriceps stretches, knee stretches, calf stretches and more. They will also show you how do easy stretches with a towel at home. Knee stretches are very common in all age groups. That’s because knee injuries are common due to overuse or athletic injuries. Activities like running and biking can result in tight quadriceps muscles. Keep in mind that tight muscles can predispose you to injury. If so, quadriceps stretches will be implemented into a treatment plan.

Whether you see us at Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation or not, stretching should be a part of your daily routine. You’ll feel better, perform better and avoid injury.

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Increase Your Physical Activity With These 7 Tips

What are you doing right now, being still or something else? If you are not moving around, you may be suffering from a sedentary lifestyle. As explained by the American Heart Association, increasing physical activity does not mean a person must train in a state-of-the-art gym. The simplest steps have a dramatic impact on health, and people may improve their activity at home, work or during recreational activities. To improve your level of physical activity, see a Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab physical therapist, and start following these tips today.

1. Do Your Own Housework.

Improved physical activity during physical therapy reduces risk for coronary and cardiovascular problems, reports the American Physical Therapy Association’s PT in Motion. One of the best ways to improve physical activity begins in your own home. Do your own chores, regardless of whether they are indoors or outside. Of course, always be vigilant of your surroundings, especially possible dangers that may result in a fall.

2. Park Further Away From Store Entrances.

Parking further away from entrances to stores or even the workplace means a person will need to take more steps to reach a destination. As a result, heart rate increases, and with continued activity, cardiovascular muscle tone improves. This is the same effect as walking on a treadmill in a physical therapist’s office or engaging in any other exercise.

3. Get off the Bus a Few Blocks Early.

Another excellent idea for walking more is to get off the bus a block or two early. This follows the benefits noted by parking further away from entrances too. While this might not be possible for those that drive to work or the store, they still have the option to park a few blocks away, provided towing restrictions do not exist.

4. Dance With the Music.

Yes, dancing when you hear music is exercise. It stimulates the body’s cells, and with time, a person’s endurance increases. Also, music while walking helps pass the time and encourages a person to continue. More notably, listening to music has been shown to help people with mental health problems, such as Parkinson’s, control their movements and walk more, says the National Institutes of Health.

5. Consider Investing in a Standing Desk.

Sitting for prolonged periods is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of premature death, reports the Mayo Clinic. Instead of sitting for too long, consider standing to perform work at the desk or computer. In fact, consider investing in a converting sit-to-standing desk. This desk raises the workstation, and it allows a person to sit and rest when necessary.

6. Take Advantage of Apps That Encourage Physical Activity.

There are thousands of apps available on iTunes and Google Play that promote an active lifestyle. Even Google Fit can remind users to get up from a sitting position, drink water and more. Google Fit also tracks movement with “Move Minutes’ Goals,” which help people see their progress. Also, many apps do not cost anything to download or explore.

7. Work With a Physical Therapist to Develop an Active, Healthy Lifestyle.

For those that have already suffered a major cardiovascular event, such as a stroke, improving physical activity in conjunction with physical therapy, reduces risk for subsequent health problems, reports the AHA.

Apply These Tips in Your Life to Reduce Your Risk and Pain.

A sedentary lifestyle comes with significant health risks. The Mayo Clinic continues with how sitting too much and not getting enough physical activity leads to increased mortality rates comparable to smoking or severe obesity. Yet, simply moving around more negates the adverse effects of sitting time. Thus, people with more physical activity may have longer, healthier and even happier lifespans. Start applying these tips in your life now, and learn more about how you can improve your physical activity by scheduling a physical therapy appointment with our Kirkland, WA office today.

Decrease Your Pain and Inflammation With This Nutritious Diet

Do you feel like the pain is unbearable? Pain and inflammation are two health issues that affect large swaths of the population. Considering a single source of pain alone, such as arthritis, reveals prevalence rates of approximately 40 million, says the Arthritis Foundation. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four Americans suffer with pain that lasts more than 24 hours, and that statistic derives from research conducted in the early 2000s. But, physical therapy can help. Instead of suffering, contact Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab, and switch to a nutritious diet, says EatingWell, following these steps.

Reduce Intake of Unhealthy Carbs.

Unhealthy carbohydrates include all excessively processed starches. However, items with a higher starch content, such as wheat flour and whole-grain foods, are associated with improved health.

Get Plenty of Omega-3s.

Omega-3s are most commonly found in seafoods and nuts. The body uses these essential acids to form the building blocks of proteins and stimulate the immune system.

Have a Cup of Coffee or Tea.

The caffeine within a cup of coffee or tea also possesses antioxidant properties, reducing pain and inflammation. Yet, too much caffeine may have an adverse effect on the body. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in excess as well.

Use Sage and Spices Known for Antioxidant Properties.

Sage, cinnamon, cardamom and garlic possess antioxidant properties as well. Antioxidants function by eliminating unbound hydrogen atoms, also known as free radicals, within tissues. When free radicals come into contact with healthy tissue, they produce an inflammatory response.

Try Sour Cherries.

Sour cherries, while tart, make an excellent addition to a diet that seeks to reduce pain and inflammation as well. Furthermore, they can be used in dishes for any meal, including dessert.

Increase Consumption of Leafy, Green Vegetables.

Leafy, green vegetables are sources of vitamin A, and adequate vitamin consumption is key to maintaining homeostasis. Also, the National Institutes of Health explains, leafy vegetables provide a protective effect against diabetes and cardiovascular health problems.

Have a Cup of Yogurt.

Yogurt possesses a two-fold benefit for those in need of pain relief. Probiotics within yogurt restore the natural flora of the digestive tract, reducing pain from eating certain foods. Furthermore, frozen yogurts can be a healthy alternative to ice cream and other sweet treats.

Enjoy the Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

Dark chocolate also appears to reduce risk for heart disease, mental decline, diabetes and blood pressure, notes MoveForwardPT. These health conditions affect risk for chronic inflammation and pain, so increasing dark chocolate in the diet may lead to better management of pain as well.

Enjoy Bananas, Strawberries, Oranges and Other Fruit.

Fruits provide an excellent source of inflammation-fighting nutrients, reports the Harvard Health Publishing. Without getting the discussion of whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, just think of it as an anti-inflammatory food as well. Natural sugars also help curb cravings for sweet treats, made with granulated sugar, that have an association with inflammation.

Fight Pain and Inflammation With Both the Right Diet and Physical Therapy.

No one wants to live the discomfort and life-changing impact of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, pain and inflammation continue to affect millions, but the right approach to managing these conditions can make all the difference. Discover how the right combination of diet and physical therapy can reduce inflammation by contacting our Kirkland, WA office today.

7 Simple Ways To Stay Active

Too many of us have an all-or-nothing attitude when it comes to staying fit. We’re too “slammed” at work for the gym, or our kids’ activities are keeping us in the car — and off the track — for long hours. Yet, here at Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab, we recommend a few basic elements you can add to your daily life that truly add up to a more active lifestyle.

1. Take the Longest — or Hardest — Distance Between Two Points

Speed is usually the name of the game in your busy life. But does the time saved parking close to the store really add value? Make a game of parking at the far end of the lot, so that you have to push a cart or carry a bag a greater distance. When you’re at work, take the stairs — unless you really are running late for that meeting!

2. Pay for Your Lunch — in Footsteps

Skip the cafeteria in favor of a healthy eatery down the street if you’re working. Or walk outside for 20 minutes before you return to your brown-bag lunch. If you’re retired or working from home, walk to the corner grocer’s to gather the goods for lunch. Living out in the country or the suburbs? Pretend that your daily walk is the “fee” you have to pay in order to get into your kitchen and make that sandwich.

3. Consider a Standing Desk

How do standing desks help? It’s amazing how much healthier simply standing in place is, compared to sitting. For one thing, you burn more calories. You’ll also hunch less, meaning that neck and shoulder pain is eliminated. Standing also boosts fitness in significant ways by keeping blood sugar more steady after a meal, and by encouraging more movement overall.

4. Fool Yourself Into Running Errands

Using a smaller glass for water — or mug for green tea — means that you have to return to the water cooler or kitchen more often to fulfill your daily hydration goals. Likewise, you can make going down the hall to borrow a stapler a separate trip from hiking upstairs to ask someone in HR about your vacation schedule. If our Fitbits have taught us anything, it’s that a hundred extra steps here and there really do add up over the course of the day!

5. Use Fitness Benefits as an Incentive to Do Chores

Organizational experts know that 20 or 30 minutes of chores a day adds up to a cleaner, more organized space. You can certainly get a lot of toys into baskets during that time — not to mention mopping a floor or weeding the herb garden. So if you remember that these dreaded tasks also burn calories and build up your core, it may help you feel more like tackling them.

6. Keep Equipment Handy

Stash a yoga mat or 5-pound weights under your bed. Hang resistance bands on a hook in the kitchen. That way, you’ll be far more likely to do a few reps while watching TV or waiting for the pasta to boil!

7. Don’t Put Off Physical Therapy

The most obvious way physical therapy helps is by addressing the aches and pains that keep you from pursuing your active lifestyle. In addition, many physical therapy sessions are a workout in themselves, which helps you meet your weekly cardio and/or endurance goals. A physical therapist is also a great resource for giving you tips on tweaking your daily habits. He or She can go over what a normal day looks like for you and offer advice on how to make it a more active one. If chronic pain is an issue, your PT can show you specific moves that streamline the physical challenges.

Contact Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab today to see how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free and more active life.

How Staying Active at Work Can Increase Productivity

Picture yourself at work. Hunched over a keyboard, clicking away on a mouse, answering the phone, or having meetings, the most moving around you are likely to do is to and from the copy machine. It is no surprise that our sedentary jobs are causing fatigue and stiffness, both mentally and physically. Fortunately, having a desk job doesn’t exclude you from experiencing more physical activity at work. Give these activities a try and you are sure to find out you feel better physically and experience higher productivity.

Time for a Mental Shift

Somehow, somewhere along the way, Americans got it into their heads that working without breaks is the sign of productivity. Not true! Working without breaks not only causes physical and mental fatigue, studies have shown that people who allow themselves to take a break are more productive than their power-through counterparts.

Use the 1 in 20 Rule

Studies have shown that the mind can only work continuously on a singular task for 20 minutes at a time before productivity begins to slow. Fortunately, it does not take a lot to reset the brain’s ability to refocus. Standing up and moving around every twenty minutes, changing positions, or walking to another office is enough to give your brain the blood flow it needs to be ready for the tasks at hand.

Stay Hydrated

On average, water represents up to 60 percent of our body weight yet many of us walk around chronically dehydrated. In addition to digestive problems, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain, chronic dehydration can slow productivity. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Make sure you are consuming water throughout the day in order to keep your brain firing the way it should.

Stretch

Stretching your muscles is a great way to keep the blood flowing to your brain. You may find that your body has a natural need to stretch when it has been stagnant too long. This does not mean you need to roll out the yoga mat by your desk and do a pigeon pose. You can stretch your arms, legs, back and neck in just a few minutes without special equipment and enjoy greater productivity for hours afterward.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

We breathe thousands of times a day without even thinking about it, yet becoming aware of your breath is a great way to reduce stress, think more clearly and work better. Take deep breaths that fill your lungs and expel all of the air out. Then, enjoy a more productive work day.

Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehab today and speak to our experts physical therapist.

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