Bone density loss is most commonly associated with diagnoses including osteopenia and osteoporosis where affected individuals fall below the mean bone density levels of their peers. In our previous blog we described recent research indicating these individuals can improve their bone density through progressive weight training and jump training. This study challenged previously held incorrect...
Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve our current mental, emotional, and physical health. In addition, aerobically trained individuals experience significant health benefits including decreased risk of chronic disease and premature death compared to their sedentary peers. In addition to these health benefits, scientists are also researching the impact of exercise on the aging process....
Previous research reports older adults who remain active are able to slow the physiological effects of aging including increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and muscle weakness. Other systems in our body also show a decline with aging including the immune system. Immunesenescence, the decline in immune system function due to aging, is an established...
Colorado remains one of the fittest states in the Colorado with low rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases associated with low activity levels. Specifically, our home town of Boulder remains of the fittest cities in the country due to its’ high percentage of citizens who meet or exceed the U.S. Surgeon General’s...
In our previous posts we have documented the weakness and atrophy of the foot’s “core” muscles among patients with heel pain. Heel pain is one of the most common foot and ankle diagnoses we see in our Boulder Physical Therapy Practice. This condition is commonly treated with manual therapy and exercises targeting the lower...
Resistance training is an essential part of any training program due to its’ ability to reduce injury risk and improve sports performance. Adolescents can safely resistance train if they are properly supervised and can perform movements correctly. One of the foundations of any strengthening program is the squat. The squat is an incredible training tool...
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition in aging adults leading to pain and reduced performance of daily and recreational activities. Manual therapy and exercise remain a hallmark of conservative care for this condition and have been shown to delay or prevent the need for a total knee replacement. In addition to exercise, corticosteroid injections are often...
A common question we receive in clinic is how many repetitions should I perform of this strengthening exercise? Clearly, enough repetitions are needed under a given load to promote beneficial changes within the tissues for improvements in both healing and performance. Ranges of repetitions range from < 5, 8-12 reps, and >15 reps depending on...
There are few treatments more effective for the prevention and treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal conditions than resistance training. Unfortunately, many Americans are not performing enough strengthening to prevent the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) which begins to occur in the 3rd decade of life. After age 30 we begin to demonstrate a progressive loss...
In our fast paced, instant gratification world we want solutions to our problems the same day as their arrival. This is no different in low back pain, a common, costly condition affecting over 90% of adults. Patient’s hurting from low back pain symptoms often turn to the internet, friends, or their primary care physician for...