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
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
Physical therapists aren't just for people that are injured or have had surgery. Physical therapists can also help healthy people improve their fitness. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider seeing yours. You Want a Baseline When you see a physical therapist to improve your fitness, you'll get an assessment of your strength, range … Continue reading 5 Reasons You Need a PT to Coordinate Your Fitness Regimen
Dr. Chris Brehm PT, DPT The multi-disciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation team at Lifeline is able to care for patients with a multitude of diagnoses and comorbidities. In addition to diagnoses such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and asthma, we are able to provide rehabilitation to patients recovering from COVID-19. Many patients recovering from COVID-19 require rehabilitation … Continue reading Pulmonary Rehabilitation and COVID-19 Recovery
By Rachel Long, PT, DPT Lateral epicondylagia (tennis elbow) is an overuse injury involving tendons of the forearm (wrist extensor muscles) where they attach to the elbow (lateral epicondyle). These muscles are the muscles used to grip, twist, and carry objects. While playing tennis can be a cause of lateral epicondylitis (only 5% of cases), … Continue reading 6 Most Effective Tennis Elbow Exercises
Got back pain? You’re not alone. Eighty percent of Americans suffer from low back and neck pain at some point in their lives. Let that sink in. With such great odds that you—or someone close to you—will one day become a statistic, wouldn’t it make sense to arm yourself with preventive strategies and knowledge? Physical … Continue reading 80% of Americans Experience Back Pain, But 100% of PTs Know How to Prevent It
While the coronavirus pandemic continues to be front and center in the news and in the thoughts of many people, other health issues have not gone away. People are still getting back and neck pain, overuse injuries and hurt while at work. Many of these people would benefit from seeing a physical therapist, but some … Continue reading How Lifeline has Adapted to Keep Clinics Safe
By Rachel Long, PT, DPT The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is surrounded by the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 different muscles: Infraspinatus, Suprapinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis. These muscles work together to provide stability in the shoulder and keep the joint in the best position. If … Continue reading Top 5 Exercises for Shoulder Pain
By Rachel Long, PT, DPT What is Vestibular Hypofunction? The inner ear (vestibular system) is responsible for detecting change in head position and contributes to maintaining balance. A hypofunction of the vestibular system is an impairment or reduction in function of the inner ear. Causes Chemotherapy treatment or prolonged steroid use (damages the hair cells … Continue reading Physical Therapy for Vestibular Hypofunction