Finding Freedom From Chronic Headaches

finding freedom from headaches

How often do you experience a nagging ache, stabbing pain, or intense pressure in your head?

An estimated 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches and many of these people are retreating from their daily lives due to pain.  Others are trying to manage day to day by constantly popping ibuprofen or aspirin.

The problem with painkillers is that we are treating symptoms and are never getting to the root cause of the problem.  And without treating the cause, the headaches keep coming back – and often more frequently.

How about we find a better, faster, and more permanent solution?

First, let’s talk about the different types of headaches you may be experiencing and then I’ll show you the plan to get to the root cause of the problem – once and for all.

Three Most Common Types of Headaches:

1. Migraines

These headaches are described as intense, throbbing or pulsing pain.  They worsen with movement, include light sensitivity, and are sometimes preceded by an aura or tunnel vision. They generally last 4-72 hours, but the frequent reoccurrence of these headaches are what result in chronic disability.

2. Cervicogenic Headaches

This pain is usually just on one side and begins in the shoulder and neck then spread into the head.  The pain is aggravated by movement and position changes and there is often tenderness to touch in the neck and upper shoulders.

3. Tension Headaches

Triggered by stress, fatigue, anger, or muscle tightness these types of headaches are experienced on both sides of the head. They are described as pressing or tightness they can last as little as 30 minutes or feel almost continuous.

Can you identify which type of headache you have most often?

In these three categories, 75% of the complaints are related to muscle tightness and joint stiffness putting pressure on the nerves in the neck. They are caused by muscle tension, spasm, and trigger points in the scalp, jaw, neck, and shoulders.

This pain can even radiate down the arm and into the hand resulting in a misdiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Luckily, there is a lot we can to do in both treatment and prevention to avoid side effects of, or dependence on, pain medication.

Treating the Types of Headaches

Prevention of these headaches lies in avoiding their root causes, which could include any of the following:

  • slouching or poor posture
  • sitting too long or sleeping position
  • jaw clenching
  • nervous system dysregulation
  • food triggers or dehydration

What if a headache has already started?

A chronic headache can often be lessened with exercise and stretching of the neck and shoulders and increasing blood flow to the brain. A physical therapist can instruct you in properly performing the following stretches:

  • Chin tucks
  • Rotation with pressure
  • Cervical side bending
  • Upper trapezius stretch
  • Levator Scapula stretch
Don’t Give Up

If these suggestions don’t work for you, this doesn’t mean you must continue to suffer.

A 2002 research study in Spine demonstrated a significant decrease in headache frequency, intensity, neck pain, and analgesic use following manual physical therapy interventions compared to a control group.  Whether headaches are an acute problem or chronic issue for you, don’t put off your life due to another headache.

If you have any questions about this topic, would like a more detailed explanation, or pictures of the stretches above, request a call from a doctor of physical therapy. This call is FREE and with no further obligation.  Just follow the link below. 

Request a call

New Advances to Naturally Alleviate Arthritis Pain

senior couple walking on beach

As physical therapists, we have seen firsthand the impact that arthritis can have on peoples lives. The pain, stiffness, and limited mobility can be debilitating, making even the simplest tasks feel like monumental challenges. But here’s the empowering truth: you don’t have to let arthritis dictate your life. Research has discovered a link between osteoarthritis and metabolic disease, allowing us new advances to naturally alleviate arthritis pain. There’s never been a better time to take control of your arthritis.

Recent studies have revealed a strong association between metabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, and the development and progression of osteoarthritis. It explains a perplexing phenomenon we have seen many times in over 20 years in this field. Imaging, such as x-rays and MRIs, often are do not show a consistent correlation between joint damage and pain symptoms.

This means that someone with “bone on bone” may not have as much pain and someone with less damage.  In addition, someone very young may have significant damage present while an active older adult may have joints that look half their age.  So after all these years, we know that it’s not just wear and tear that causes arthritis.  This is good news – because by addressing these underlying metabolic factors, we can not only relieve arthritis pain but also improve mobility and quality of life.

So, how as physical therapists can we use this new information help you on this journey? Let’s explore some non-invasive techniques that can make a world of difference:

  1. Exercise Therapy

    By engaging in regular physical activity, you can strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. In addition, you can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and in turn metabolic health from even short bouts of exercise. From low-impact activities like swimming and cycling to targeted exercises prescribed by your physical therapist, there’s an exercise regimen that’s right for you.

  2. Weight Management

    We have known for a long time that if you’re carrying excess weight, shedding those extra pounds can significantly alleviate the stress on your joints and reduce symptoms. We now know that an increase in body fat also increases inflammation that causes further joint damage. Our Functional Nutritionist can work with you to develop a personalized fat loss plan that includes dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

  3. Manual Therapy

    Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization can help improve joint function, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. Your physical therapist will use their expertise to gently manipulate your joints and tissues, providing relief where you need it most. This is the most effective place to start when pain is limiting mobility and the ability to exercise.

  4. Nutrient-Rich Foods

    Choosing nutrient-dense foods can be a powerful ally in your battle against arthritis. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet improves metabolic health and slows the progress of arthritis. Strategic supplementation with targeted nutrients can provide added support. Our functional nutritionist, can guide you in selecting supplements that align with your specific health goals.

  5. Gut Health Optimization

    Did you know that the health of your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in inflammation, metabolic disease, and joint health? By nourishing your gut with probiotic-rich foods, fiber, and fermented foods, you can cultivate a thriving microbial community that supports overall health and reduces arthritis symptoms. Got tummy trouble? That needs to be addressed in order optimize joint health as well.  

  6. Lifestyle Modifications

    Simple changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in managing arthritis symptoms. From ergonomic adjustments at work to incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life, our healthcare providers can help you identify lifestyle modifications that support your arthritis management goals.

By embracing these non-invasive techniques, you can take proactive steps to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our team at Peak Potential are here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to reclaim control and thrive in spite of arthritis.

Are you ready to take the first step towards reclaiming control of your arthritis journey?

We can empower you to overcome arthritis pain, improve mobility, and embrace an active life of wellness. Inquire about availability and cost of physical therapy HERE (we accept most health insurance including Medicare).

Interested in improving metabolic health and get to the root cause of your gut, arthritis, or inflammation issues? Let’s work together to prioritize your health and transform your future. Schedule a free discovery call with our Functional Nutritionist and Health Coach HERE to embark on a personalized path to relief and vitality.

We are excited about these new advancements that will empower your journey to naturally alleviate arthritis pain!

Ending the Painful Cycle of Poor Posture

woman stretching at desk

Feeling the strain?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever caught yourself slouching at your desk or feeling stiff after a long day. Unhealthy postures aren’t just uncomfortable – they can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility. Our latest blog post, “Ending the Painful Cycle of Poor Posture,” dives deep into how simple changes and professional guidance can make a world of difference. Ready to stand taller and feel better? Read on!

The concern about poor posture goes much deeper than vanity.  Of course, none of us want to walk around hunched over, feeling older than our true age, or shrinking in height as the years go by.  Poor posture can cause physical pain because it is taxing on the muscles and joints.  Over time, this causes deterioration in the spine resulting in headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Posture and pain end up being a viscous cycle.  Poor posture causes pain which causes worst posture and subsequently worse pain. But what if you could break free from this cycle? Together, we can end the painful cycle of poor posture.

Poor posture can be caused by a multitude of factors including:
  • increased stress
  • history of injury
  • increased body fat or low muscle mass
  • unsupportive or improper footwear
  • poor core function or coordination
  • muscle weakness or tightness
  • compensation for pain

An unhealthy posture caused by any of these factors affects more than just your look of poise and confidence. A health body position and alignment ensures the entire body functions properly. This not only includes your muscles, bones, and joints, but also your internal orangs – it is all connected after all.

Additional effects posture has on the body include:

  • balance and equilibrium
  • digestion and absorption of nutrients
  • breathing and the respiratory system
  • energy and self image
What actually is a healthy posture?

In sitting:

  • head straight
  • knees lower than hips
  • shoulders back and relaxed
  • feet flat on the floor

In standing:

  • shoulders back with chest perpendicular to the floor
  • chin parallel to the ground
  • keep a slight bend in your knees
  • keep feet about shoulder width apart

When either sitting or standing, be aware of and avoid unbalanced postures such as crossing legs while sitting, leaning to one side, hunching the shoulders forward, or tilting the head. In fact, the best way to maintain a relaxed yet supported posture is to change positions frequently.

Now that you’ve learned about the impact of poor posture and what healthy posture look like, what’s next? Taking action. Schedule an evaluation with a doctor of physical therapy to get personalized insights and solutions tailored to your body’s needs. Let’s work together to create a plan that not only relieves your pain but also strengthens your future. Make your health & future happiness a priority—book your assessment HERE today!

Inquire about cost and appointment availability from our website or call 901-316-5456 for our Collierville Clinic or 901-665-0550 for our Memphis clinic.

 

Pain Free Fitness: How to Exercise Without Getting So Sore

woman foam rolling for muscle soreness

You walk out of the gym with pride after completing a new or challenging workout, but find yourself barely able to walk the next day.  It is not uncommon to feel strong today and then struggle with pain and stiffness a day or two later.  However, it is possible to experience pain free fitness and we are here to teach you how to exercise without getting so sore.

First, let’s define what you are experiencing. These symptoms are called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The cause if frequently debated but our best research shows the discomfort comes from microtears in the muscle resulting in inflammation.  This response by the body can cause decreased range of motion, muscle aches, joint stiffness, puffiness, and even pain (especially trying to go down stairs after leg day).

Knowing why this happens allows us to better prevent and treat the problem.  There are simple steps you can take before, during, and after your workout to achieve pain free fitness.

What to Do Before Your Workout
  • Drink Water. Staying hydrated before, during, and after your workout will decrease cramps and your risk for injury.
  • Eat Protein.  Amino acids from protein are the building blocks of muscle.  By consuming foods high in protein you are giving your body what it needs to rebuild.
  • Warm Up. Before your workout, perform some dynamic stretching to prevent those microtears from turning into greater damage.  Cold tissues are more vulnerable to injury.
What to Do During Your Workout
  • Correct Form. Consult with a personal trainer, work with a physical therapist, or watch trusted trainers online to be sure your form is accurate for each exercise.
  • Pace Yourself. Overexertion leads to the greatest discomfort.  The only way to improve your fitness is to challenge yourself, but be sure to add to your workout gradually.
  • Static Stretching. End your workout with slow static stretches that expand your range of motion while your muscles are warm. It’s ideal to add some deep breathing.
What to Do After Your Workout
  • Keep Moving. You might sit at a desk or be tempted to hit the couch the rest of the day, but this will just make DOMS symptoms worse.  Take short walk breaks and consider use of a Thera gun or foam roller to decrease muscle tension and improve circulation.
  • Replenish Electrolytes. Your body requires electrolytes, not just water, to keep tissues well hydrated and prevent cramping.  Be sure your formula doesn’t include artificial ingredients and sugar that will add to inflammation (here is our favorite Rehydrate).
  • Sleep Well.  Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.  This is the time your body does it’s best repair work and sleep deprivation can actually make your muscles weaker.
What the Pros Do
  • Contrast Showers. The pros will alternate between an ice bath and sauna, but similarly you can do contract showers alternating between moderately hot and cold water.
  • Supplement Wisely.  There are resources your body needs to heal and recover optimally and with less discomfort. This may include antioxidant support, omega 3 fish oil to decrease inflammation, or my favorite creatine monohydrate for muscle rebuilding and resilience.
  • Increase Oxygen. Every cell of your body needs oxygen to heal.  By delivering more to the area you can speed up the healing process and decrease pain.  Professional athletes often utilize Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to reach peak performance (learn more about HBOT).
Try a few of these strategies and let us know how they work for you.

As always, it is important to distinguish between muscle soreness and injury that may require medical attention.  If pain is sudden or severe while exercising, or if your symptoms last more than 3 days give your Doctor of Physical Therapy a call to have the problem evaluated (it’s easy to request a phone consult).

We are here to help you build muscle and stay fit without experiencing muscle pain. Listen to your body, respect it’s limits when necessary, and never hesitate to ask for help in order to lead an long and active life.

If you need a more personalized approach to recovery, or don’t know where to start on your fitness journey, Fitness & Nutrition Genetic Testing with our Integrative Health Coach is the ideal roadmap.

8 Expert Tips for Exercise Post COVID

expert tips for exercising post COVID

There is still so much that we don’t know about the impact of the coronavirus. One thing is certain, from the research and our first hand experience, millions of adults have had to change the way they exercise post COVID.

If you currently have COVID-19, the general recommendation is to wait two weeks before exercising.  This period of rest will allow your body to fight the infection and reduce your risk of complications such as myocarditis (inflammation in the heart).

What do you do after two weeks have passed? I hate to say it, but it depends.  Many people can resume their usual activities with no problem.  Others require more time and additional precautions.  And we see many people still struggling months later.

Lingering symptoms, including coughing, fatigue, an irregular heart rate, shortness of breath, aches, or pains can indicate long COVID (or long haulers) syndrome. If this is you, it’s time to discuss with your healthcare provider what the most safe and effective strategy is for you.  As doctors of physical therapy, we are qualified to make these recommendations and guide you on this journey.

In general, the best place to start is with walking.  It’s low impact and you are completely in control in how hard you push or how often you rest.  It will begin to strengthen your muscles, including your heart. However, just a walk around the block can be a struggle for many so let’s get more specific about the safest way to get back to moving.

Tips to resume exercise post COVID:
  1. Access Your Risk. The effects of COVID-19 vary widely, but are likely at low risk of exercise complications if you’re under 50 with no chronic conditions and had a mild case. Otherwise, check in with your healthcare provider to access if further testing is necessary.
  2. Start out small. Once you’re able to resume your daily activities, start with a walk on a flat surface. Give yourself a break and allow your body to rest if you feel fatigued or short of breath.  If you have difficulty making progress from this point, a post COVID rehab program is the next best step.
  3. Check your posture. Working on postural strength and efficient movement allows you to maximize energy and protect yourself from injuries. During walking or exercise, keep your head up and firm through your core muscles. Keep yourself in a position that allows you to breathe easily.
  4. Practice Breathing. Use your lungs and reduce stress with pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. This increases oxygen transport to your muscles for increased endurance and decreased soreness. Consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy if fatigue or endurance is problematic for you.
  5. Spend time outdoors. Time outside allows you to get moving, increase vitamin D, and enhances mental health. Do not underestimate the power of mental health in the process of recovery and performance. Pick a scenic route where you can enjoy fresh air, and green spaces.
  6. Pace Yourself. Allow yourself to ease back into physical activity. Divide your workout into brief sessions of just 10 minutes. Try riding a bike or a rowing machine if weight bearing activities cause too much fatigue.  Yoga and Pilates can be ideal movement practices if endurance is low.
  7. Set goals. Increase your speed or distance a little each week working toward a larger goal. When you’re ready, climb up hills, or pump your arms more. If you hit a plateau in your progress and are unable to return to your prior level of fitness it’s time to get some expert guidance.
  8. Seek out support. Listen to your body, so you can avoid pushing yourself too hard. Most people will be able to slowly progress back into their fitness routine, but some will find long COVID symptoms continue to limit them for months or even years.

When it comes to exercise post COVID, and goals to regain your fitness, it is not a matter of working harder but working smarter.  Nutritional strategies, breathing techniques, postural training, supplementation, compression therapy, and oxygen treatments can set you up for success.  That may sound like a lot of effort, but the results will be worth it.

We have a team of experts here to support you when you feel stuck.  Even when the doctor doesn’t have a clear answer to why you still don’t feel well so long after recovery from your initial COVID illness, you can maximize your changes of a full recovery. A well researched and personalized rehab plan will protect your long term health and the lifestyle you love.

Visit the Long COVID Rehab page on our website or schedule a phone consult for more information.

If you have had a setback from an illness or injury, consider Integrative Health Coaching as your next best step.  Learn more HERE.

8 Rules for Exercising with Back Pain

Woman getting help with back pain

There was a time – not so long ago – that doctors recommended bed rest for patients with low back pain. We now know that may be the worst thing you can do for your back in the long run. If you follow current research you know it’s important to continue exercising with back pain.

Numerous studies have found that activities such as yoga, walking, or strength training can reduce back pain and disability dramatically. On the other hand, if it hurts to move, you could be afraid to even bend over to lace up your gym shoes.

Clients often tell us they feel trapped. They know that becoming stronger and more flexible will eventually provide relief, but it’s difficult to begin the healing process. Additionally, there is fear that they will cause further injury or another flare up when exercising with back pain.

The good news – you can learn how to shape up without aggravating your aching back. Yes, this is even true if you an MRI has shown a “bulging disc” or a doctor has diagnosed you with “degenerative disc disease”. You may be surprised at all the safe activities you can choose from and the modifications you can make to achieve your goals without pain.

As experts on back mobility and injury recovery we have 8 rules you need to following when exercising with back pain.

  1. Strengthen Your Core

    When you’re ready to work out, it’s essential to firm up your abdominals and other muscles in your torso that support your low back and stabilize your entire body. You’ll enhance your posture and lessen the strain on your back muscles and spine.

  2. Target Your Back

    When you are at a point that your back is less severe, you can begin exercises that will strengthen your back. Training for flexibility and strength will speed up your recovery and prevent a back injury from reoccurring.

  3. Stretch Your Hips

    Tightness in your hips often contributes to low back pain and can be a sign of pinched nerves. To open up that area and relieve the pressure, try gentle low lunges or rock back and forth while sitting on a foam roller. You can do this as part of your warm up routine.

  4. Improve Circulation

    Blocked arteries or poor blood flow can cause discomfort in your lower back. To improve circulation to your healing back muscles, add cardiovascular training to your strengthening routine. A short brisk walk or 20 minutes on the elliptical machine will increase blood flow to prime your body for the strengthening exercises that will follow.

  5. Go Low Impact

    Perhaps your exercise routine has always been a high impact aerobics class or running on the treadmill. In this case, you may want to consider going low impact for awhile to allow your body to fully heal before returning to these activities. Low impact exercise includes walking, Pilates, strength training, and cycling. You don’t have to pound the pavement to see results from exercise.

  6. Stay Hydrated

    A dehydrated body is much more prone to injury. Fluids help cushion our joints and allow our muscles to move with ease. Stay hydrated, not only during a workout but through the day to prevent pain.

  7. Talk with Your Physical Therapist

    Back pain comes in many different forms, from a pulled muscle to a sprained ligament to sciatica. A physical therapist that specializes in low back pain can help you identify the root cause of your back pain and advise you on whether you on the right amount of rest and the appropriate exercise.

  8. Change Your Mindset

Changing your mindset makes any recovery process easier, especially if you’ve been sedentary up until now. We can’t think of exercise as an all or nothing thing. Distinguish between moderate exertion and overdoing it. It’s best to get moving (your body isn’t a fragile as it might feel) as long as you feel no acute strain.

If you feel stuck in the rut of back pain, please know that you can lead an active life without increasing your back pain. How can we be so sure exercising with back pain is a good idea? We see it EVERY SINGLE DAY in our clinic.

In fact, strong muscles and good posture will lessen your symptoms and reduce future flare-ups. With regular exercise, you’ll be able to manage your condition and resume doing the things you love.

The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. A back pain specialist can help you naturally reduce your pain to allow you to move more. We then help you stretch and strengthen the right muscles to keep you going strong for years to come.

The first step to working out without back pain is reaching out to one of our back experts. We can help you decide if you are ready to jump in on your own or if you would benefit from some expert guidance to reach your goals without further injury. Click HERE to schedule a Free Call with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Expert Tips to Recover From Over Exercising

woman lifting weights

I know you may be zealous to start this year with a new or upgraded fitness routine.  First, let me give you a virtual high five. I’ll also share some expert tips to recover from over exercising, because it’s likely to happen if you continue toward your goals.

Over two decades ago when I started my career in health and fitness I would have told you exercise is always good for you. Then I saw the other side.  I saw the injury, the overuse, the burn out when clients took a good thing too far. Pushing yourself beyond your limits can cause fatigue and injuries and even suppress your immune system.

The good news is, you can continue to exercise, stay fit, and reach new goals for your body at any age or stage of life.  However, it requires being intentional about two things – techniques  to prevent overtraining and strategies to help you recover.  If you are feeling sore during or after your workouts, the steps I outline below are critical to staying in the fitness game long term and reaching goals you may have never thought possible.

First, we must prevent overtraining.
  1. Maintain Consistency. Gradual conditioning is the best way to prevent injury.  Consistency allows your body to be prepared for the activity you are performing and helps you avoid weekend warrior syndrome.  

  2. Vary Your Routine. Varying the activities you perform also allows your body to adapt to new stressors and let other parts of your body have a little rest. It’s the best way to maintain consistency with exercised while not over training. 

  3. Stretch Daily. Take time for dynamic stretches before a workout to warm up your body.  Static stretches are best at the end of a workout to regain muscle length, increase range of motion, and support recovery. 

  4. Clarify Your Priorities. Make exercise a priority in you agenda each week, but don’t let it take over.  Maintain balance with spiritual, relational, and mental health supporting activities for overall wellbeing.  Do not sacrifice health in any one area for another. 
Then we must optimize our bodies ability to recover.
  1. Allow your body to rest. There are lots of tricks that provide temporary relief for sore muscles, but rest is the best medicine of all. Your body uses the time in between workouts to heal and become stronger. Deep sleep is the time your body makes the most progress toward recovery.
  2. Learn about delayed onset muscle soreness. Feeling sore for a day or two is normal as your muscles adapt. Our genetics play a role in how long it takes for our body to make these adaptations. By knowing how much time and what resources your body needs to fight soreness, you can make the most of your exercise efforts. Learn more about Fitness DNA testing HERE.

  3. Stay hydrated. Water and electrolytes speed up the recovery process. The fluids flush waste products out of your muscles and make it easier for your blood to circulate. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium supply your body with the resources it needs make repairs.

  4. Get a massage. Massaging sore muscles provides quick relief and may even make them stronger. Some studies show that massage reduces inflammation and helps cells take up more oxygen. This may be in the form of massage therapy, foam rolling, or use of a Thera gun device.

An active lifestyle keeps you looking and feeling better. Most experts agree that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 3 days a week is the best place to start. If you have any questions about how much exercise is safe for you, request a call from a Doctor of Physical Therapy to discuss developing a safe regimen that will keep you fit and free from injury.

REQUEST A CALL

7 Keys to Setting Attainable Health Goals

Happy Woman Looking up with arms out

It’s that time of year again when everyone is setting new goals for a new year. The problem is, few people actually get there by the end of the year. Let’s make 2021 different! We are going to talk about keys to achieving some of the most important goals we can set for ourselves. Goals that result in better health, happiness and improved quality of life . . . not just for the year, but for many years to come.

So, what are you going to need to do differently?

You probably know what it is. The problem we all seem to have is actually doing it.

Here are 7 keys to bridging the gap between your goals and actually accomplishing them.

Continue reading

5 Easy Ways to Have a Healthier Fall

Family having fall picnic

Despite what these sunny Mid South afternoons may tell you, it won’t be long before the temperatures become a lot cooler and the days even shorter.  We may want to stay in bed when it’s still dark, move less when the evenings are chilly, or just curl up with comfort food. That won’t make for a healthier fall season.  But, I’m here to give you 5 ways to feel fabulous through fall and into the winter months – even if you usually feel like hibernating.

It feels like it was just summer with it’s bright mornings, active afternoons, and plentiful veggies – which is why the sudden transition into fall and the cooler months can be a challenge. With the winter coats comes the onslaught of stuffy noses, achy joints, and humidifiers.  Our bodies often feel less than their best as they adapt to a winter routine.

It doesn’t have to be that way. While we can’t completely avoid catching a cold or fighting fall allergies, we can give our body, mood, energy, and immune system a helping hand.  There is so much to do and see in our Collierville and greater Memphis community this time of year, let’s make sure we feel our healthiest to enjoy it.

So here are 5 tips to keep your body moving and feeling your best this fall:

1. Boost Your Immune System

You need to boost your immune system to help prevent those colds and sniffles that come home when the weather changes.  Healthy habits such as frequent hand washing, staying hydrated, and getting extra fruits and vegetables in your diet will keep your family free from germs.  Green tea and prebiotics (together in my favorite drinks HERE) are both great immune boosters if you need some extra help.

2. Get Ready for the Time Change

The switch from waking naturally with the sun, to darker mornings that feel like night, can be a struggle. By going to bed earlier the week before the clocks change, we can make the transition smoother. Put the phone away an hour before bedtime and relax with some warm decaf tea. Natural supplements like the Sleep Strips I use can also support deeper sleep to make throwing the covers off easier in the morning.

3. Buy In-Season Produce

An abundance of tasty fall vegetables makes it easy to reap the benefits of a high fiber diet.  Cabbage, carrots, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkin, kale, and squash are some of my favorites. With fiber and antioxidants, they support digestion, mood, detoxification and fat loss goals. Add them to the crockpot with broth for an easy stew, or roast then in the oven with your choice of protein for a quick dinner.

4. Walk Outside

The moderate temperatures of autumn are welcome after a sweltering summer.  Let’s enjoy them before we need a hat and gloves.  Who doesn’t love the crisp air and crunchy leaves under their feet in fall?  Get out during lunchtime for sunshine and Vitamin D to boost your mood (we often need this as the days grow shorter) and your concentration will be improved for the rest of your day.

5. Find Ways to be Active Indoors

A lot of us will ‘hibernate’ as it starts to get colder. Especially for those who enjoy trail running or outdoor boot camp classes, indoor  exercise can seem boring. But, no matter the season it’s important to get in some daily movement to lower your stress, tone your muscles, keep your bones strong, and burn some calories. The best way to do this is to prioritize it on your schedule each day. 

AND a Bonus # 6 . . .

Try a 30 day Functional Nutrition Liver Detox.  What does that mean? Follow a systematic program that allows your body to push out stored toxins and clean up from the instead out.  The results is more energy, balanced hormones, better sleep, fat loss, decreased inflammation, and you set the stage to end the year in your healthiest body ever.

Reach out to learn more about this 30 day program or more personalized health coaching on our Peak Wellness ‘Amanda Inspires’ website (and yes you can navigate a detox through the holiday and still enjoy your favorite foods).

We all know it will be even harder to eat well, sleep well, and exercise as we approach the holiday season.  So plan now to keep all those good habits you created during the warmer months to follow you into fall and winter.

You may be thinking . . .” easy for you to say go for a walk and keep active”.

I know that if you have knee, hip, or back pain it may feel even worse as it gets colder making staying active more of a challenge. Are you worried to walk and keep active afraid your pain will get worse?

Our Doctors of Physical Therapy are experts and getting people moving pain free – no matter your age, stage of life, or what an MRI told you.  Request a call from a pain & movement specialist HERE.

Leg Muscle Stretching Techniques

Strong, flexible leg muscles are essential for maintaining overall mobility and preventing injuries. If you’re looking to improve your daily movements, proper leg muscle stretching can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Get ready to take a step towards greater flexibility, reduced tension, and a more active lifestyle with our guide. Come in and see us for personalized treatment to get your legs — and your whole body — stronger and healthier. 

If you’ve ever gotten to a baseball game well before it started, you may have seen the players doing all sorts of leg stretches in the outfield. But you don’t have to be an athlete to stretch your leg muscles or benefit from doing so. The benefits are many and include:

  • Overall improved fitness
  • Enhanced ability to be more skillful at a particular sport
  • Increased relaxation
  • Reduced risk of injury
  • Reduced soreness
  • Increased flexibility

But before you start a routine, it’s helpful to know that there are several types of stretches, or flexibility exercises, like:

Static stretching. This is the most common. It’s done by extending the muscle as far as you comfortably can and holding the stretch for up to 30 seconds. There are two types of static stretches:

  • Active: You pull, or push, on the muscle to increase the intensity of the stretch.
  • Passive: Someone else applies force to the muscle, or you use something like a towel or elastic band to increase the intensity.
Dynamic stretching. This involves moving continuously to imitate a portion of the sport or exercise that you perform. For example, if you’re a runner, you could take slow strides in which you raise your knees to your chest and pump your arms slowly.
Ballistic stretching. This type uses repeated bouncing movements, like dropping down into a crouch and then springing straight up into the air by pushing off on the balls of your feet repeatedly. This helps stretch your calf muscles. These normally switch between low speed and high speed. Doctors recommend you do static stretching before moving to ballistic stretches.Active isolated stretching. You do this for only 2 seconds at a time, but for several repetitions. At each interval, you should try to increase the degree of stretching by just a little bit.

Myofascial release. This is often done with the assistance of a hard foam roller. For example, you can sit on one so that the underside of your thigh, or your hamstring, is resting on the foam roller. Then you slowly roll back and forth over the roller, which helps relieve tension and improves flexibility in the muscle. While rolling you should cover 2 to 6 inches of your leg, for 30 to 60 seconds. If you’ve never used a foam roller before, have a trainer show you the right way to do it. There are also different yoga poses that can do the same thing for you.

There are a number of muscles in your leg. Some of the most common ones that people stretch, or that you might find getting tight, include the following:

Calf: Often referred to as “the calf muscle,” it’s actually made up of two separate muscles, which are on the backs of your lower legs. In standing, the calf muscles help extend your leg and your foot.

Hamstrings: There are actually four hamstring muscles, which run along the back of your thigh. They start at the bottom of your pelvis, cross your knee, and end at the lower part of your leg. Hamstring muscles extend your knees and hips.

Quadriceps: There are four separate muscles that make up the quadriceps, which are in the front part of your thigh.  In standing, the quadriceps help extend the knee and stabilize the hips and pelvis.

Calf muscles: Shift your weight forward while stepping out with one leg in front of you. Keep your back heel on the floor.

Hamstrings: Put your legs out in front of you while sitting on the floor. Slowly and gently lean forward while keeping your back relatively straight.
Quadriceps: While standing up straight, gently hold onto something stable, like a chair, for balance with your right hand. Bend your right leg up behind you and at the same time reach behind your back with your left hand to grasp your right ankle.

Adults (who are not injured or doing rehabilitation) should try to do stretches 2 or 3 days per week and should:

  • Hold each stretch of a leg muscle for 10-30 seconds
  • Repeat each individual stretch two to four times
  • Do stretches when the muscles are warm, not cold. You can warm your muscles up by doing 5 to 10 minutes of light aerobic activity (walking, jogging, using an exercise machine) or even taking a hot shower or bath. It’s also a good idea to do some stretching after you’ve completed your cardio exercise. That’s because your muscles will be warm and stretching can be part of your cool-down activity.

It is best not to stretch when your muscles are cold. That means don’t start stretching as soon as you get to the gym, or the moment you step onto the tennis court.

When stretching, some people may feel comfortable and relaxed, while others may push the stretch a little aggressively.  However, when finished you should feel good.  If not, you may be pushing too hard and placing yourself at risk of injury.

Additionally, tight muscles may be a sign of protection.  Important to not just stretch but build strength so the muscle(s) can control the new stretched length.  If weak, a stretched muscle, or the section of the body they control, is at risk of injury.

Enhance your mobility and well-being by incorporating leg muscle stretches into your daily routine. Our Physical Therapists are here to help with personalized guidance and expert support. Contact us today at 901.316.5456 to schedule an evaluation. Follow us on Instagram @peakpotentialpt for more tips and information on physical therapy.

Reference: [https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/stretch-leg-muscles]