Walk into most fitness stores, athletic retailers or gyms, and you’ll see them selling different versions of colorful, cylindrical items of various sizes and thicknesses, all covered in firm, textured foam. The items are called foam rollers, and according to physical therapists, there’s a reason why they’ve become such a popular item in the athletic … Read more
In an era of specialization in sports involving athletes of all ages, physical therapists join most medical experts in agreeing that young athletes generally remain mentally and physically healthier, achieve greater success, and learn to enjoy a lifetime of physical fitness when they opt to play multiple sports. In contrast, allowing youths to specialize in a sport … Read more
It’s generally understood by most that warming up before exercise or competition (i.e., that 5K fun run) is essential in performing your best while warding off potential injury. What may not be universally understood, however, is what truly constitutes a proper warm-up regimen. Oftentimes, either people don’t truly appreciate the necessity of warming up, or they don’t … Read more
In an age when so many in the U.S. spend the bulk of their days seated and/or sedentary, one of the more common muscle imbalance issues involves right hamstrings. And while simply having tight hamstrings isn’t a major health problem in and of itself, the long-term effects of hamstring tightness can manifest in other, sometimes … Read more
As the weather gets warmer in Philadelphia, many runners are gearing up for road race season. Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can also come with some common injuries. In this post, we will discuss some of the most common running-related injuries and why seeking physical therapy for any running-related pain is … Read more
Back pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s due to poor posture, muscle strain, or a chronic condition, the discomfort and limited mobility it brings can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Fortunately, there’s hope for relief through the practice of back pain physical therapy. … Read more
The cold winter weather brings seasonal challenges, especially for those engaged in sports or activities that put significant stress on the knees. Winter knee pain stems from various sources. Cold weather conditions can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like arthritis, prior injuries, or strains. The drop in temperature can cause muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee joint … Read more
Winter sports lovers unite! Winter is here, and many of us are excited to hit the slopes or trails for winter sports fun. However, it’s important to remember that these activities use different muscle groups and put greater force on our joints, making it crucial to prepare our bodies properly. Without proper preparation, you are … Read more
Hamstring injuries are a common concern for athletes and are the number one thing that can take an athlete out of commission. This is precisely what took Chris McKenzie, DPT, physical therapist and owner of McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy, out of running and dashed his dreams of going to the Olympics. “One of the main reasons … Read more
As baseball season gets underway, many athletes are eager to return to the field and start throwing as hard and fast as possible. However, experts warn that doing so without proper training and conditioning can lead to serious throwing injuries—and physical therapy may be the key to preventing them. According to the American Physical Therapy … Read more
