Skip to main content
img Call
Athletico

Health Resources

Home > Blog
Menu and filters

Tweaked Your Back? Here are 4 Steps to Take to Manage Pain

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Tony Matoska, PT, DPT, CMPT

Research shows that more than 80% of individuals will experience back pain at some point in their lives. It’s the second most common reason someone will see their doctor, just behind the common cold. Although back pain can limit your activity, cause significant pain, and feel very scary, a majority of people get better with time and following the right plan. It’s also been shown that expensive tests and procedures like X-rays, MRIs, injections, and invasive procedures are rarely needed to properly manage back pain. If you find yourself dealing with a tweaked back, here are four steps to take to manage pain (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Back Pain back pain symptom relief pain management

Get Digging with Garden Ergonomics

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Melissa S. Walker, MPT, CLT

If you are like me, spring signals the start of garden planning and anticipating trading in the snow shovel for the garden hoe and rake. Gardening can be a relaxing and healthy hobby, but also physically demanding. Lifting bags of soil, turning garden beds, and pulling weeds can place strains on the body. That’s why using proper body mechanics and posture while gardening is important. Here are a few tips to keep you enjoying the season while preventing injuries. (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Ergonomics gardening safety movement for gardening planting and gardening

6 Tips to Prep for a 5K From an Endurance Expert

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Andrew Cassidy, PT, DPT

Spring is here, and the running season has begun! Chances are, if you or somebody you know is a runner, you have heard of a 5K. A 5K stands for five kilometers, which is a race just over three miles (3.1 to be precise). Many communities host a 5K, or even multiple 5K races throughout the year. In fact, 5K is the most popular distance for road races in the United States, with 17,000 recorded 5K’s in the USA in 2016. Each runner completing one of these 5K’s undoubtedly wants to have an enjoyable and successful race. (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Endurance Running decreasing soreness endurance training prep planning for endurance runs

Spring Into Better Health: 3 Ways to Improve Your Wellness This Season

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Kathleen Habschmidt PT, DPT

Spring offers a fresh start — not just for nature, but for your health, too. It’s the perfect time to shake off the cold-weather slump and reset your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your fitness, or just feel better overall, here are three practical ways to spring into better health this season. (more…)

Rise and Shine: Try This Morning Routine for an Extra Boost of Energy

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Teddy Azar, DPT

Are you tired of dragging yourself out of bed every morning, feeling sluggish, and lacking the energy to conquer the day? Well, fret not! As a physical therapist, I'm here to share a refreshing and invigorating morning exercise routine that will jumpstart your energy levels. So, let's dive right into it! (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Exercise and Fitness Health and Wellness exercises stretches

Shoulder Stability for Cheerleaders

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTP

Co-author: Megan Partain, SPT Have you ever wondered how your favorite cheerleaders spend hours tumbling, stunting, and holding each other up in the air? Well, in cheerleading, it comes down to a little more than just sheer talent but incredibly strong and stable shoulders. Athletes with decreased shoulder strength are prone to injuries like dislocations, sprains, and strains. Current research suggests that regular shoulder strengthening exercises can help prevent these types of injuries. The following exercises are recommended for tumblers and especially indicated for main and instep bases, as well as back spots. (more…)

Struggling to Sleep? 5 Ways to Catch Better Zzz’s

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Tony Matoska, PT, DPT, CMPT

Sleep is important, but it isn’t always easy to get. According to the CDC, almost 15% of people have trouble falling asleep most nights. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend adults sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night. Unfortunately, 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation. Poor sleep habits can cause numerous problems and can slow your body’s ability to heal, impact your ability to maintain or lose weight, negatively affect your mental health, and make you more prone to developing chronic pain. Data also shows that roughly 88% of people with chronic pain report consistent problems sleeping. Fortunately, there are numerous things we can do to improve our sleep, which can even help relieve your pain! If you consistently have problems sleeping and want more energy to help with your pain, these five helpful tips can help you catch Zzz’s and improve your sleep hygiene. (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Sleep healthy habits improve sleep quality sleep tips

5 Restorative Poses to Help Tight Hip Flexors

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Brandon Jones, PTA, BS, MBPR

Do you ever stand up and ask yourself, “Why are my hips so tight?” There are many reasons, but one may be that, on average, we sit around for 10-14 hours per day, and those muscles are being overused. Today, we will review some restorative poses that could help you with the tightness in your hips. These restorative poses use props such as blankets, bolsters, yoga blocks, and more to help your body feel supported and relaxed. The goal is not to stretch the muscles but to relax the body and mind. (more…)

Read more health resources related to these topics:

Stretching hip flexor stretches relaxation poses