Health Resources

One Sport Specialization May Increase Your Risk of a Knee Injury

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Athletico

In my last post on ACL injuries, I posted that overtraining can predispose someone to an ACL injury. Overtraining (spending too much time training without proper recovery) can have some serious health consequences. Overtraining is becoming an increasingly common problem as athletes are starting to specialize in one sport at younger ages. Discussing solutions to overtraining and specialization is always tough since it usually involves telling someone to play less of the sport they want to excel at. Having said that, research and anecdotal evidence both make a strong case for how varying up the sports you play through the year can lead to a healthier and more successful athletic career. (more…)

Want to Become a Better Runner in the New Year?

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Athletico

To answer that question: Sure, I think all of us would like to become a better runner next year. But how many of us actually will? Approximately 40-45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions but of those, how many can be 100% committed to that resolution throughout the entire year? As physical therapists, when setting goals for our patients, we use the “SMART” principle. The essentials of goal setting are very similar to that of New Year’s resolutions and it will make it easier for you to end next year with success. (more…)

Coccygodynia: A Pain in the Butt

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Athletico

It’s that time of the year! The snow is falling, it’s getting colder and the sidewalks are a little slippery. A slip and fall onto your buttocks can result in a coccyx (tailbone) injury. If you see your physician about your pain, you could be diagnosed with coccygodynia, which is pain at the coccyx. (more…)

5 Tips for Safe Sledding

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Athletico

With the cold temperatures and snow arriving, cabin fever may not be far off. Despite the weather, it is important to get out, get some fresh air, and have some fun during the winter months. So why not bundle up and go sledding?! Sledding can provide hours of entertainment for all ages. Not only is it a fun activity for the whole family, but it burns calories as well. So find that snow-covered hill in your neighborhood and start your adventure. Here are five tips to help you have a safe and fun time. (more…)

Chicago Commute Cervicalgia: What To Do For Your Tight Neck and Shoulders After Sitting In Traffic!

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Athletico

We have all had those moments driving down the busiest of the Chicago expressways: tight grip, shoulders up to our ears, and a feeling of growing tension in the neck and shoulders. It is rush hour in Chicago and you know that this tension is progressively getting worse day after day, month after month, year after year. Here are my top 5 exercises to ease those post commute aches. (more…)

7 Components for Effective Balance Training

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Lori Diamos

As the winter season approaches, people collectively tend to become apprehensive and cautious of potential slips and falls. It is common to see an increase in slips and falls in the winter because:

• Ice makes surfaces slippery so our feet do not have solid purchase when on the ground.
• Snow makes the bottom of our shoes wet so when we transition from outdoor to indoor surfaces the potential for slipping and sliding on tile, linoleum, or hardwood increases without proper precautions.
• Snow and ice cause uneven ground surfaces so we are no longer standing on a level base which is more challenging to control.
• Snow can camouflage or hide potential tripping hazards or dangers buried beneath.
• Things like black ice are not visible to our eye and therefore our body is not prepared to react when we step on it. (more…)
  

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6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Athletico

You might notice that you are feeling a little more tired, a little less motivated, and overall a little "down." You are not alone! This happens to many people every year as the cold creeps in. As the days shorten, people tend to come down with the “winter blues”. Here are 6 ways that you can beat them and enjoy the winter season. (more…)

Chronic Constipation & Getting You Going Again

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Athletico

The old saying that “happiness is an empty bladder” easily could be adjusted to include that “happiness is a properly functioning bowel." Did you know that approximately 80 percent of the population experiences constipation at some point in their lifetime? Constipation is defined as difficulty (straining to pass) or infrequent bowel movements (fewer than 3 per week). Common symptoms of constipation include the need to strain to have a bowel movement, a sense of incomplete emptying, decrease in the amount of stool passed, and the need to use enemas, suppositories, or laxatives to aid in maintaining regularity. (more…)