Subacromial impingement syndrome is the most common diagnosis for shoulder pain in adults and remains one of the most common reasons patients seek care from physicians and Physical Therapists. Shoulder impingement may occur secondary to functional and structural changes within the shoulder joint. Individuals with these symptoms often present with weakness in their rotator cuff...
One of the key job responsibilities of a Physical Therapist is motivating a patient to exercise despite bodily pain and other signs of inflammation such as warmth and swelling. While there is certainly a short term benefit for rest in some conditions, the medical research continues to highlight the importance of early, progressive exercise in...
In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we routinely assess a patient’s strength, in part, to determine a muscle’s force capacity and in turn its’ requirements for strength training exercises. In most Physical Therapy educational programs students are instructed to grade a patient’s force capacity using a combination of range of motion measurements and the forces...
Neck pain is a common condition coming in just behind Low Back Pain in prevalence presenting to primary care physician and Physical Therapy practices. Neck pain is most effectively treated with a combination of manual therapy, including joint mobilization and spinal manipulation, as well as, mobility and strengthening exercises. Consistent with our musculoskeletal diagnoses manual...
By Berrin Boyce Overall, the benefits of exercise, including high-intensity exercise are well researched and widely known. However, risks of excessive exercise are important to be aware of as they can contribute to negative health consequences. A condition known as the female athlete triad can occur when an imbalance in energy expenditure is present over...
The CDC estimates that 2 out of every 3 American adults are either overweight or obese. These added pounds carry significant health risks to the individual including higher rates of disease, including COVID, and early death. The main strategy for weight loss involves creating a caloric or energy deficit each day through increased exercise and/or...
During arm movements, a relative ratio of degree measurements occurs between the ball and socket of the shoulder and the shoulder blade on the rib cage. This ratio or rhythm is thought to preserve spacing in the shoulder joint and optimize the length tension relationship in the surrounding muscles. Abnormal rhythms have been associated with...
Our home city of Boulder often ranks near the top of fittest cities in the country due to its’ low obesity rate and higher percentage of citizens who meet or exceed national exercise guidelines. The CDC recommends each American participates in either 150 minutes or 75 minutes of moderate (ex. walking 3-4 miles/hour) or vigorous...
Many clients I work with, particularly in the greater Boulder Area who are active and fit prior to pregnancy, want to know what types of exercise and intensity is appropriate to continue during pregnancy. First, it is always important to check with your OB/Midwife to make sure you are safe to continue or change your...
Do you experience urinary leaking with jumping jacks, double-unders, box jumps or while jumping on the trampoline? Maybe you’re avoiding jumping altogether for fear of leaking or pelvic heaviness. Jumping is a great exercise as it helps build muscle strength and power, while challenging the cardiovascular system. It requires coordination, agility, and can be beneficial...