It is well known that cycling is considered to be a highly beneficial sport for enhancing cardiovascular fitness, yet studies show little or no corresponding improvement in bone mass. Previous articles have shown that athletes who participate in non-weight bearing sports such as cycling or swimming (and do not also perform concurrent weight bearing exercise)...
Our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics have written numerous blogs illustrating the benefits of strength training for runners. Previous authors have shown that strength training is effective for improving running economy and rate of force development which can help you reach your distance, pace, or performance goals. As the race season begins,...
In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics we are often asked about supplementation by our patients. The vast majority of supplements are not supported by the literature with a few exceptions. Please see our prior blogs on supplements for more information. In the realm of athletic performance, the pursuit of safe and...
The vast majority of our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy patients participate in some form of exercise. Based on the research, we expect these patients to have a longer life in years and, most importantly, a better quality of life. Exercise can take many modes, but aerobic exercise and strength training remain the...
There has been a significant rise in female participation in crossfit over the past decade, thus increasing the chance that a portion of athletes will at some point experience pregnancy. In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics we frequently treat patients looking to stay active during and after their pregnancies. Traditionally, high...
What is Functional Threshold Power (FTP)? FTP is a critical metric in cycling that represents the highest average power output you can sustain for approximately one hour without fatiguing. We often use this metric in our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics because it serves as a benchmark for gauging a patient’s aerobic...
Meniscal tears, either traumatic or degenerative in nature, are a common source of knee pain in patients presenting to our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics. Degenerative tears most commonly observed in middle or older aged adults have become a recent topic of interest in the media and medical research. Authors and researchers...
Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, improve cardiovascular health, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, for some cyclists presenting to our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics, low back pain can be a significant obstacle that hinders their enjoyment of this activity. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out,...
In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics we commonly prescribe mobility or stretching exercises to reduce pain and restore lost function. Accelerating a patient’s return to the activities they enjoy. When combined with other forms of exercise, in particular strength training, stretching is an effective method of restoring lost motion in joints...
I can remember reading the exercise literature over 20 years ago and learning the impact of mental imagery on strength gains. Participants who solely thought about their strength training workouts over a study period demonstrated strength gains compared to a control group. In addition, these mental workouts could also limit the amount of atrophy observed...