Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that affects more and more individuals each day and, while there is no cure, those who suffer from it can reduce and relieve some symptoms with the proper treatment. Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie notes that physical therapy is one of the most effective and safe ways for individuals to alleviate pain caused by fibromyalgia. … Read more
Arthritis is a common ailment that can drastically impact your quality of life and affect you at any age. According to Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, individuals who focus on improving their range of motion and follow a strength training plan can significantly minimize arthritis symptoms. “Individuals suffering from arthritis often tend to avoid certain movements to prevent triggering … Read more
Headaches can have many causes directly tied to other physical ailments which are often ignored and can bring relief when treated. A common mistake many people make is relying on temporary solutions, such as pain killers, to treat chronic headaches without addressing the underlying issues. The National Headache Foundation, individuals suffering from certain types of … Read more
Digging out boxes of holiday decorations, hauling packages to and from the car, hiding gifts away on the higher shelves at the back of your closet … the Holiday Season certainly requires its fair share of bending, lifting and reaching. This, coupled with the cooler weather, makes December the ideal time for a refresher on … Read more
As health care professionals and researchers continually reevaluate the effectiveness and safety of prescription drug use for chronic pain, Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie emphasizes that physical therapy has long been considered a safer, cheaper and more effective treatment for such conditions. More than 25 million Americans – about 1 in 10 people – suffer from chronic pain, according to … Read more
As the days shorten and the weather cools, heralding the approach of another winter, our physical therapy team offers a word of warning: While hibernation may seem appealing this time of year, especially as we trudge through the current health crisis, it’s paramount we all continue to stay active with regular aerobic and strength training. Regular exercise is good for us on countless levels. We all know … Read more
November is a month when gratitude takes its place in the spotlight of American culture. Yet, with the challenges our country has faced this year, a popular notion as we approach the final weeks of 2020 is “let’s just get this year over with.” While he understands the sentiment, Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie would like to remind people that … Read more
As the school year gains momentum during the COVID crisis and more kids and families adjust to various levels of at-home learning, parents and instructors should not overlook what should be a standard facet of all children’s curriculum: physical activity. Kids need to be given time to move around, exercise and play, even as they adjust to a new structure and … Read more
Every September during National Falls Prevention Week (Sept. 21-25, 2020), physical therapists join other medical professions across the country in reminding Americans that falls are not just common among older Americans. They’re often debilitating, costly and even deadly. They’re also largely preventable, says Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie. “Falls present a real public health problem among older adults, but … Read more
Despite being the largest and perhaps most complicated joints in our bodies, our knees are naturally docile. They’re easily influenced by what’s going on above and below them, in other words, not making many decisions on their own. That’s why when one experiences knee pain, the true causes of the joint’s wear and tear can almost always be traced up or down the leg – oftentimes in both directions. … Read more
