YOUR LIFELINE

Common Symptoms: Increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathChest tightness that does not go away with your normal medicationsChanges in your mucus color, smell or thicknessTan, yellow, green, or red/rusty colored mucusShallow, or more rapid breathingFever chills, night sweatsConfusion, or feeling more tired than normalMuscle aches, pains or headachesIncreased usage of recue inhaler or nebulizer … Continue reading Signs of Infection or COPD Exacerbation

Back pain is a huge problem in developed nations worldwide. It has or will affect most of us. The current estimate is that 80% of people will experience back pain at least once. It is the single biggest cause for disability, the third most common reason for doctor visits, and one of the most common … Continue reading Finally, Some Good News About Back Pain

Virtual physical therapy has quickly moved from a niche offering to the mainstream. Having more options is great, but it can also complicate decision making. Having an understanding of the benefits of both can help make clear which one would best help you meet your goals. In Person Physical Therapy The main advantage of traditional … Continue reading In Person or Virtual PT? Maybe Both!

By Dr. Chris Brehm, PT, DPT In previous blogs we talked about how COVID-19 primarily effects the lungs, but “long-hauler” patients can also suffer muscle and joint pain for weeks or months after onset of symptoms.  The longer a patient remains in the hospital or ICU, the more likely they are to experience additional symptoms … Continue reading Post COVID-19 Recovery with Physical Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

By Dr. Chris Brehm, PT, DPT Some experts have indicated that we are facing two pandemics: COVID-19, and physical inactivity due to stay at home orders and quarantines.  With more adults spending more time at home, recent evidence suggests that physical activity levels have decreased by approximately 30% and sitting time has increased by approximately … Continue reading Staying Active During COVID-19 With Exercise As Medicine

Why do I need to exercise? When you have a pulmonary diagnosis, such as COPD or emphysema, it is important to exercise so that your body can be as strong as possible. Exercise helps: Improve muscle strengthImprove circulationIncrease energy Decrease shortness of breathLower blood pressureLower "bad"cholesterolDecrease stressControl weight Is exercise “safe” when I have lung … Continue reading Exercising With Lung Disease

Colder weather means some changes to how we exercise. Of course it's harder to motivate yourself to get outside for a run or bike ride when the temperature drops, and the shorter days compress our schedules, but there are changes in your body that affect your ability to exercise too. For many people with arthritis … Continue reading When the Weather Gets Cold, Don’t Forget to Warm Up!

By Dr. Chris Brehm, PT, DPT As patients recover from COVID-19, the medical community is discovering some patients continue to experience symptoms and side effects weeks and months after onset of symptoms.  These “long haulers” may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and aches.  Some patients have been prescribed supplemental oxygen due to … Continue reading POST COVID-19 RECOVERY PROGRAM

By Rachel Long, PT, DPT Sciatica is a condition caused by compression or inflammation of the L5-S1 nerve root resulting in radiating leg pain.  A new study by Fritz et al showed that early physical therapy for recent onset of sciatica was beneficial in improving self reported pain and disability.  Below are some exercises for … Continue reading The Secret Sciatic 5 (Exercises)

This breathing exercise helps you breathe out, or exhale, better. When you have COPD, the air gets trapped in your lungs. This breathing technique is great for exercise and when you are active; just remember to exhale on exertion! Pursed lip breathing is also a great relaxation technique. It works by assisting to relax the … Continue reading Pursed Lip Breathing