McKenzie Sports Therapy

To Stretch or Not to Stretch? Tips for Optimizing Flexibility

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

Concussion Symptoms can Improve with Managed Exercise, Physical Therapy

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: Be Aware of the Signs of Sports Injuries

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

6 Common Back Pain Myths, Debunked

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

Tips for Selecting the Right Pair Running Shoes

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

Philadelphia Wellness: 7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel

It’s vacation season, and for many that means visiting faraway friends, exploring new places and possibly even crossing some things off the ol’ bucket list. Unfortunately, traveling often also means lots of sitting, interrupted sleep patterns due to time zone changes, unhealthy eating, and workout routines that are sporadic, if not nonexistent. According to Philadelphia … Read more

7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel

It’s vacation season, and for many that means visiting faraway friends, exploring new places and possibly even crossing some things off the ol’ bucket list.  Unfortunately, traveling often also means lots of sitting, interrupted sleep patterns due to time zone changes, unhealthy eating, and workout routines that are sporadic, if not nonexistent.  According to Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, however, … Read more