Many older patients seeking physical therapy services are recovering from joint surgery, foot and ankle injuries or bad falls. For these clients, recovery from aches and pains can be slow and difficult – that’s where physical therapy can make a difference.
Trained physical therapists will ask patients about their activity level before their injury and then develop a personalized care program to help them regain their active lifestyle. Oftentimes one of the greatest challenge for those patients who were inactive before their surgery or injury, is a depressed or hopeless mindset that recovery will be impossible. Therapists can help condition their thinking and their bodies for an optimized rehabilitation. The reality is that the recovery process can be long and frustrating, but with the right team of experts, most anyone can regain their independence and activity.
For those patients who are planning on going into a surgery, physical therapy before the procedure can help ensure that they receive better outcomes and faster recovery times. For instance, many orthopaedic surgeons recommend their joint replacement patients strengthen the muscles surrounding problem joints prior to surgery. These stronger muscles make it easier for individuals to move around in the critical time following surgery, when it is necessary to start walking and exercising the joint. Building supportive muscle also provides better stabilization for the joint for less pain and better mobility.
Research from the American Heart Association shows that a sedentary lifestyle puts people at increased risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight problems and depression. Physical therapy combats these conditions by strengthening patients progressively with supervised exercise and innovative programs, like aquatic therapy.
Physical therapists know that reclaiming what’s been lost is hard work. Experts in providing physical therapy, Bon Secours In Motion offers a variety of leading edge programs for patients in recovery.
Source: “Healthy Attitude is the Best Medicine” TimesRecord News
One of the most common misconceptions about physical therapy is that it is only suited for those who are recovering from an serious injury. While physical therapy is an integral part of rehabilitation and recovery, it is also highly effective at helping those suffering from less dramatic aches and pains.
Physical therapy is a wonderful resource for individuals of all ages and activity levels. As a non-invasive alternative to medications and surgery, physical therapy can benefit a wide variety of patients including those who are:
- Struggling with Obesity
Obesity is an American epidemic on the rise. Unfortunately, many of the problems associated with being overweight, including poor posture, joint pain, and a lack of physical activity, can lead to a lifetime of health issues. The comprehensive team at In motion knows that healthy living is the result of physical fitness and good nutrition. These specialists will develop a personalized nutrition and exercise program to help you optimize your weight loss and build lean body mass.
- Already Active
From active athletes to the weekly walker, anyone who participates in a regular physical activity is at risk for developing some aches and pains. They key is understanding which pains are normal and which should be treated. As a general rule, a persistent pain that lasts for more than two or three weeks should be examined by a physician, who can then recommend a course of treatment, which may include physical therapy. Physical therapists and sports performance specialists can also help active individuals avoid injuries and boost performance with sport-specific injury prevention training programs.
- Recovering from an Injury
Sports and recreational injuries can affect almost any area of the body from the neck to the foot. At In Motion, our physical therapists know how to help those recovering from an injury regain their mobility, strength, and activity. Because we know that each patient has different needs, our program is highly personalized and uses the latest techniques, treatments, and technology to get people back to the lives they love. We even offer aquatic classes for recovery and conditioning.
- Looking to Get More Active
Staying inside on a sofa or sitting in front of a computer 24 hours a day is not healthy. With personal physical fitness training, post-physical therapy exercise programs, fitness testing, and strength and flexibility training for all ages, In Motion can help exercise novices of all ages find an exercise program that works for them.
At In Motion our physical therapists are able to help many kinds of individuals overcome their physical limitations and lead a more active life. If you are interested in meeting with a physical therapist, make sure you check with your doctor before committing to any exercise program.
+ Learn more about In Motion’s Physical Therapy Programs.
+ Find a Physical Therapist near you!
Source: “Get moving safely: Sports medicine specialists have sage advice for improving health.” Times Record News
Studies show that playing on an injury can have disastrous results, for instance untreated knee pain or strained muscles can lead to joint issues and torn ligaments. While many athletes often accept aches and pains as part of their training regimen continuing to train despite persistent pain can result in serious injury. Athletes should never hesitate to consult with a physician, physical therapist, or sports performance coach about nagging physical issues.
For Hampton Roads athletes who don’t always have the time to see the doctor, In Motion is offering a series of ongoing athletic injury clinics. These clinics provide free injury screenings from a board certified primary care and sports medicine specialist at regular hours and locations. Our experienced physician will evaluate sports injuries and then recommend what further treatment is necessary, whether it’s an appointment with a primary care physician, physical therapist, or orthopaedic specialist. A certified physical therapist or athletic trainer will also be present at each event.
Suffolk, Virginia
Tuesdays at 5:00 a.m.
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
In Motion at Harbour View
5838 Harbour View Blvd, Suite 130
Suffolk, VA 23435
View map and get directions.
Call In Motion at Red Mill Landing at (757) 943-3060 for more information.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
Virginia Beach Field House
2157 Landstown Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
View map and get directions.
Call In Motion Harbour View at (757) 673-5971 for more information.
We would like to welcome and announce Quintrel Lenore, our new Sports Performance Coordinator at our In Motion Clinic at the Boo Williams Sportsplex! Q has been with us for 6 months and has recently accepted the position as our new Sports Performance Coordinator.
He has his BS in Exercise Science from James Madison University where he played football (Defensive End) on scholarship. He has a Strength and Conditioning background and he had internships at JMU (all sports), Bridgewater College (all sports), and Mississippi State University (Football). Quintrel is also a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach and is finishing up his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification.
Q grew up in Chesapeake and Portsmouth and attended Western Branch High School. He played football and basketball but claims baseball to be his first love and his favorite sport to play. To stay in top condition these days, he enjoys running and strength training, especially Olympic lifting. He says his favorite exercise to execute is the Overhead Snatch-tough stuff!
Something that might surprise his colleagues is that he is rooted in his faith and is a firm believer in Christ. He loves to motivate and educate people that overall health effects the individual components of health-spiritually, physically, and mentally. His favorite verse is Romans 8:28-look it up people.
When Q isn’t training or inspiring, he gives in to his vices. He will occasionally indulge-in baked mac-n-cheese and chocolate chip cookies – a man after our heart!
Right now at In Motion, Q has already done some preliminary training with some of the VBA players from Hampton, has spoken with some AAU families about training, and is gearing up for our Combine Prep Athletes.
+ Make an appointment with Quintrel at our In Motion Clinic at the Boo Williams Sportsplex!
+ Learn more about In Motion Sports Performance programs.
One of the most common ailments physical therapists hear about is lower back pain. There can be a variety of causes of lower back pain, including a traumatic injury or improper lifting technique.
However, the most common cause of lower back pain has to do with inactivity.
For many Americans, an office job sitting at a computer or desk for eight hours a day may be the root of back pain. Our bodies are designed to move and stretch. In order to prevent joint and muscle pain, we have to put our joints and muscles to work – this prevents stiffness and soreness from inactivity.
Luckily, you don’t have to quit your day job. Most people could improve their pain by adjusting their time at the office to optimize muscle support:
- Engage your muscles.
Most of us slouch and slump into the shape of the chair. This means our muscle support is not activated and those muscles become weakened over time. For sitting related back pain, focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles and the supporting back muscles. By tightening and relaxing the abdominal muscles while you are sitting and standing you can start relieving that back pain. Physical therapists can provide a series of exercises to help correct your posture.
- Check your ergonomics.
At your desk, workstations (chairs and desks) that are ergonomically incorrect in regards to height and size often encourage the incorrect “slouch” posture. An industrial physical therapist can help examine a work station to make it more ergonomically correct to help you avoid these aches and pains. They can also help address any pains that have already developed as a result of poor ergonomics.
- Get up and move hourly.
Discomfort and pain can make a workday even more stressful. To help combat muscle pain and tightness get active at your desk: roll your shoulders, stretch your hands/arms toward the sky. Flex your legs with a short walk on your lunch break if you can. Eight hours of non-stop desk work can produce tension in your body – from your neck to your knees. Give your body a break to relax regularly and you’ll notice that your back pains will relax too.
Want to learn more about physical therapy programs for back pain? Contact us for a consultation, or find a physical therapy clinic close to you!
Source: “Ask a PT: Pain from Sitting at Computer” MoveForward
One of the best feelings when you’re losing weight is when you pull on a pair of jeans that used to be tight and they fall right off of you.
Maybe you wear them with a belt. But when they get so big that even a belt won’t do, it’s time to give them away.
I know, I know.
You’re thinking: “But what if I gain my weight back and need this pair of pants?”
Let’s think about this.
If you’ve reached your goal weight and the pants are one size up, I’d keep them in the closet.
I think gaining a couple pounds over the holidays or during a vacation is a pretty common occurrence. These are pounds that you can quickly shed when you get home and resume your exercise routine and healthy eating habits.
I’m referring to the pants that you wore 20 pounds ago.
Yes, that pair.
I think it’s important to make a commitment to your health by deciding you no longer wear that size and have no intention on wearing it again.
“But I paid a lot of money for those pants,” you say.
Isn’t losing weight more valuable?
Aren’t you and your health more valuable?
When you fill up that donation bag with old, baggy clothes, it’s taking one more step on your weight loss journey. You’re accepting a new body image of yourself.
I believe that once you do that, the odds are in your favor that the weight will stay off.
For good.
Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.
+ Learn about Personal Training
+ Read about Medically Supervised Weight Loss
For the millions of Americans who suffer from musculoskeletal pain, physical therapy can have a long term effect on alleviating discomfort and restoring movement. Visiting a physical therapist for conditions like low back pain, tendonitis, bursitis, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis can, in some cases, be as effective as prescription pain medication.
For those who don’t want to take medication or undergo surgery, physical therapy is a great alternative source of pain relief. With a variety of non-invasive treatment options, including aquatic therapy techniques, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercises, physical therapists can educate patients in pain management and joint protection. Reducing stiffness and increasing mobility can be essential to overcoming orthopaedic pain concerns.
Regardless of which part of your body is giving your pain, research shows that patients who receive active personalized physical therapy show improvements in their day-to-day functioning, which includes decreased pain.
No matter what part of your body hurts, in many cases a physical therapist can help you alleviate or manage pain without costly medication or other invasive methods.
+ Learn more about In Motion’s Physical Therapy Programs.
+ Find a Physical Therapist near you!
Source: “Eliminating Pain Without Medication” Move Forward
Trying to lose a few extra pounds? Want to gain strength, speed, or endurance? Looking for a challenge? Sign-up for our Boot Camp!
Every Saturday morning, our trainers will put you through a full-body workout to help you reach your fitness goals. The program will help you:
- Improve strength through resistance training with a variety of equipment such as sleds, tires, medicine balls, and body weight exercises.
- Build your muscle endurance through circuit training.
- Boost your cardiovascular strength with running and plyometrics.
- Burn more calories by keeping your heart rate up with non-stop action.
- Feel better about yourself throughout the day with regular exercise.
The Boot Camp runs for 10 weeks with classes every Saturday morning (rain or shine) from 8-9 am. The cost is:
$100 for 10 sessions.
$60 for 5 sessions.
$15 pay-as-you-go per session.
For more information or to sign up call Ali Loomis at (757) 673-5971!
Every year over 1 million athletes are treated for traumatic brain injury. Athletes who play contact sports are especially at risk for these injuries, as are those ages 5-18, who account for 65 percent of all brain injuries in the emergency room.
Sometimes, concussions can be difficult to diagnose. Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for hours, days or even months following an injury. Symptoms may include, difficulty thinking clearly, irritability, headaches or a feeling of pressure int he head, blurry vision, balance problems, and trouble falling asleep.
The long-term effects of concussions are not fully known. It is generally accepted that multiple concussions may lead to long-term memory loss, psychiatric disorders and other neurologic disorders. More importantly, sustaining additional head trauma, while not fully recovered from concussion, can be life threatening. This is commonly referred to as second-impact syndrome.
So how can an athlete’s risk of concussion be reduced? There are several steps that can help decrease your risk of concussion:
- Know the signs and symptoms of a concussion and respond quickly and appropriately
- Teach and practice safe, proper sport techniques
- Encourage sportsmanship and insist that safety rules be followed
- Wear proper protective equipment for your sport
Those who want to be even more proactive in protecting their brain from traumatic injury can take advantage of new state-of-the-art testing technology designed to help athletes susceptible to concussions. ImPACT™ is a computer-based program that tests multiple aspects of brain function. Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, should have a test before their season begins, to establish a baseline neurocognitive test. If they sustain a head injury, athletes should then be retested. Comparing the two tests gives athletic trainers, physicians and other health care professionals a comparison to determine if it is safe for the athlete to return to play.
+ Learn more about Concussion Management and Rehabilitation.
+ Find an ImPACT™ Neurocognitive Testing location near you!
Have you ever come back from vacation with more than just some great memories?
Maybe the jeans you wore on the plane at the beginning of your trip were just too tight for the flight home.
Are you worried?
You shouldn’t be.
Gaining a few pounds on vacation happens to most people. Taken out of our daily routines, we rarely make time to exercise. We might squeeze in a run here or there, but as my husband likes to tell me: “Relax. You’re on vacation.”
That’s exactly what I did last month when I went home to visit family and friends in Northern California. Yes, I still ate nutritious foods – for the most part – but I indulged here and there when I normally wouldn’t.
Was there time to go lift weights at the local gym near my dad’s house?
No.
But I spent plenty of time with my family, watched my kids splash around the pool with their cousins and caught up with my girlfriends from high school.
Did I know I was going to gain a few pounds on my trip?
You bet.
And I’m not worried.
That would take the fun out of indulging in birthday cake. Or sampling the local fare at Fisherman’s Wharf.
But I know what to do when I get home. I go back to my exercise schedule and my stockpile of healthy foods within easy reach. And within a couple weeks, my weight is back to where it was before vacation.
My jeans fit, too.
Alice Warchol is a fitness instructor and freelance health writer.
+ Improve Your Sports Performance
