PHILADELPHIA, PA – October is National Physical Therapy month, a time when physical therapists like Chris McKenzie of Philadelphia not only celebrate their profession, but also educate others about the role physical therapy plays in improving the health and vitality of their patients … and of health care in general. While a physical therapist’s roles are both broad and diverse, McKenzie says several … Read more
For decades, the standard and recommended response to an injured muscle, tendon or ligament was to “apply RICE,” an acronym that stands for a protocol of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Yet these days, according to Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, the application of RICE as a treatment for these sports-type soft-tissue injuries isn’t 100 percent supported by science. … Read more
When we’re young, falls are treated as teaching opportunities. “Get back on your feet, brush yourself off and keep moving toward your goals,” we were told. But as we age, falls take on a much greater significance. When someone of advanced age falls, they tend to suffer greater distress to their health as well as … Read more
Many have grown up with the understanding that, whenever you’re about to work out, compete or otherwise push your body, it’s important to stretch immediately before the activity in order to prevent injury and perform your best. Yet, despite these long-held beliefs – and perhaps surprisingly – there’s little evidence to support this theory. Today’s evidence suggests that there’s no connection between injury prevention and stretching – static, or reach-and-hold-type stretching – before a workout. Performance-wise, there’s also no … Read more
With high school sports starting up soon and NFL training camps in full swing, concussions are certain to ramp up within the mainstream consciousness. And, while talk will often point to conventional wisdom which states that “time and rest” are the best and only options for recovery from concussion, Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie says that studies now suggest managed … Read more
Parents, quickly identify signs of injury in your student athlete. Ailments aren’t always obvious during practice but can manifest later at home. Read more:
Back pain is frustrating and debilitating, some treatments can be expensive or personally invasive, and perhaps even unnecessary. Click here to read more:
As student-athletes train over the summer, preparing to head back to the practice fields later this season, injuries are going to happen. Despite concerted efforts to reduce and prevent sports injuries, it’s impossible to eliminate them from sports. So in order to ensure injuries are diagnosed and treated quickly, before they worsen, it’s paramount parents and … Read more
Despite being one of the top causes of disability in the U.S., affecting around eight in 10 people in their lifetimes, back pain is an ailment often misunderstood by those affected, says Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie. Such misconceptions, McKenzie adds, can cause those suffering from back pain to seek solutions, potential treatment paths, and even lifestyle alterations that aren’t necessarily in their best interests. “Back pain can be as frustrating as it is debilitating, especially if past preventative measures … Read more
How many miles can you log on a typical, well-made pair of running shoes? According to experts including physical therapists, the usual estimates place the mileage somewhere between 350 to 550 miles. That’s assuming you found a good pair of running shoes – a pair that’s been properly fitted to your feet and to your … Read more
