Is running bad for your knees? According to Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, this is a common question among both avid runners and those who may start running for exercise or to participate in that first 5K. For most people, though, the answer is a resounding no. “This question really highlights a common misconception about running – that it’s … Read more
The man who wrote the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident,” was later quick to document what he discovered to be another unquestioning truth. “The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises, walking is best,” Thomas Jefferson wrote during the mid-1780s. “There is no habit you will value … Read more
Warmer weather means lighter clothing all around, and footwear is no exception. But before you grab the flip-flops for summer outings and activities, physical therapists join other medical professionals in offering a word of caution: long-term flip-flop use can be bad for the feet, as well as other parts of your body. Why? Because not only do flip-flops offer little … Read more
Many of our daily routines have been upended by COVID-19 and the attempts we’ve all made to abide by phrases that weren’t so familiar at the start of 2020: social distancing, sheltering-in-place, and flattening the curve. And, as we “self-isolate” at home, we’ve often been forced to greatly alter old routines related to nearly all aspects of our lives: work, childcare, education, health and … Read more
As millions transition into working from home to help thwart the spread of the coronavirus, maintaining both comfort and productivity has no doubt been an issue for many. While in-office workstations are often designed around ergonomic considerations and long-term trial and error, ensuring optimal comfort and health, home workspaces can often fall short in this … Read more
In an attempt to salvage supplies and resources during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many U.S. hospitals and medical institutions have opted to postpone elective surgeries. This includes non-emergency surgeries scheduled to relieve pain and repair injuries related to the musculoskeletal system – arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repairs, joint replacement surgeries, and so on. Despite these delays, those whose surgeries were delayed need not sit back and … Read more
As the country bands together to slow the spread of COVID-19 (a.k.a., the coronavirus) through the practice of social distancing, many have found their regularly exercise routines disrupted. Gym closures, group fitness class cancellations and the closing of popular parks and trails have become commonplace, says Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, making it more difficult for people to get … Read more
Though it often takes a back seat to strength and cardiovascular fitness, flexibility plays a critical role in ensuring one’s able to maintain a high level of independence and mobility during their Golden Years. While our muscles and tendons tend to naturally shrink and tighten as we age, that doesn’t put seniors at the mercy … Read more
We often don’t consider the long-term impact that practicing the fine arts can have on the body. Yet, according to Philadelphia physical therapist Chris McKenzie, dancers, musicians, visual artists and even performing artists are not immune to experiencing pain and injury related to their crafts. “Artists of all types express themselves in ways that require various levels of strength, … Read more
February is American Heart Month, a time when health professionals like physical therapists strive to raise awareness about maintaining and improving cardiovascular health. The month also serves as a sobering reminder that, as a society, we must do a better job of preventing heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Stats confirmed by the Centers … Read more
