Gas Pedal or Brake? Understanding Your Body's Response to Stress

 Have you ever been walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly a car screeches by, horn blaring? Your heart jumps, your breathing quickens, and your stomach clenches. That's your body's fight-or-flight response kicking in, a built-in survival mechanism controlled by your sympathetic nervous system.

But what if that car wasn't actually a threat? What if you just need to unwind after a long day? That's where your parasympathetic nervous system comes in. Imagine these two systems as partners in a dance, constantly working together to keep your body in a state of equilibrium.

Guest Presenters

 Hey All!

I'm currently working on getting a few guests to join the blog and/or record some podcasts.

I'm curious if anyone has some recommendations or requests of folks I can reach out to. My plan is to invite people of all different expertise and fields to talk about their thoughts/opinions on all aspects relating to health. This can include almost anything, ranging from physical and mental health, to financial, all the way to sport-specific training/education.

Reach out to me on social media (like some of you already have), email, or comment in the section below.

I'd be interested in seeing who the readers would like to hear from!

Thanks!

-Robbie

What to Expect When You're Expecting: Total Knee Replacement

 

What to Expect When You're Expecting: Total Knee Replacement

In my 12 years of working in the outpatient physical therapy world, I've treated hundreds of people following a total knee replacement. I would venture to guess that 90%, or more, are surprised by how difficult the first couple weeks post-operative can be. Millions of people undergo this procedure each year to relieve chronic knee pain and regain mobility. While the thought of surgery might be a bit nerve-wracking, understanding what to expect throughout the process can prepare you for a successful outcome.

Reader Request: Exercises/Stretches As We Age?

 

Move with Ease: Age-Specific Mobility Exercises for a Lifetime of Activity

Our bodies are meant to move! But as we age, our natural flexibility can decline, leading to stiffness, aches, and even limitations in daily activities. The good news? Regular mobility exercises can help us stay active and independent well into our golden years.

This post explores some key mobility exercises and stretches tailored for different age groups, helping you maintain a healthy range of motion throughout your life's journey.

Creating A More Explosive Wind-Up (Softball-Style)

 

Dial Up the Heat: Mastering the Modern Softball Pitcher's Windup for Maximum Velocity

Remember that blog post I wrote years back about the intricacies of a softball pitcher's windup? Well, buckle up, because the game – and the science behind throwing heat – has evolved! Let's revisit the challenges pitchers face and explore modern techniques to craft a more explosive windup for blazing fastballs.

Preventative Pain: Low Back (A Series)

 

Fight Back Pain, Not Your Age: Simple Exercises for a Strong and Healthy Lower Back

If you've been around me much in the physical therapy world, you've heard me tell clients that back pain and toothaches are similar in that there is no quick fix and are often time debilitating. Low back pain is a common complaint, and as we age, it can become more frequent and frustrating. But don't resign yourself to a life of backaches! Here's the good news: many cases of low back pain are preventable through simple exercises that strengthen your core and improve your flexibility.

In this post, we'll explore some easy-to-do exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep your lower back strong and healthy:

Reader Request: Difference Between Mobility and Flexibility

 

Move It or Lose It: Understanding Mobility vs. Flexibility for Peak Performance

Have you ever reached for that high shelf in the grocery store and felt a twinge in your shoulder? Or maybe that killer jump shot you used to have just doesn't feel quite the same anymore. Flexibility and mobility, often used interchangeably, are actually two distinct concepts that play crucial roles in athletic performance and overall well-being. 

Click on to read more!

Wearable Technology: Is it right for you?

Wearable Tech: Your Powerful Ally on the Road to Wellness

Wearable technology has exploded in popularity in recent years. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these gadgets can be a powerful tool to help you monitor your health, reach your fitness goals, and improve your overall well-being.

In this post, we'll delve into the exciting world of wearable tech and explore how it can benefit your life:

Management of Shin Splints

Shin Splints: Outrunning the Pain

Ah, shin splints. Those pesky aches and pains that can sideline even the most dedicated runner. I've recently began doing some increased running, myself, and have noticed some mild aches, leading to the motivation for this post. Shin splints are a common complaint, but they're definitely not a reason to hang up your sneakers for good. In this post, we'll tackle everything you need to know about shin splints, from managing the discomfort to preventing them altogether.

The Vestibulo-ocular Reflex (VOR): Your Inner Ear's Secret Weapon for Steady Vision

Have you ever noticed how you can still read a book while walking, or keep your gaze fixed on a friend's face as you chat while turning your head? It's all thanks to a clever little reflex in your inner ear called the Vestibulo-ocular reflex, or VOR for short.

I recently had a patient come in for VOR-related symptoms so I thought that this would be a good time to give a brief but informative post on what VOR even is.

How Best to Utilize BFR? (Part 3 of 3)

 

Part 3: Blood Flow Restriction Training - Putting it into Practice

Now that you understand the science behind BFR training, let's explore its practical application. Here, we'll delve into proper BFR technique, exercise selection, and safety considerations.

How Does Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Work? (Part 2 of 3)

 Part 2: Blood Flow Restriction Training - How Does It Work?

In part one, we explored the concept of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training and its origins. Now, let's delve deeper into the fascinating science behind it. BFR utilizes a unique approach to achieve muscle growth and strength gains, even with lighter weights. But how exactly does restricting blood flow benefit your workout?

What is Blood Flow Restriction? (Part 1 of 3)

Building Muscle Smarter, Not Harder: All About Blood Flow Restriction Training

Ever wished you could get those gym gains without lifting all that weight? Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training might be your answer. This technique has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Let's break down what BFR is, how it became a thing, and how it works it's magic.