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Upper Back Pain during Pregnancy

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Athletico

Updated on 4/23/2026 by Athletico Upper back pain during pregnancy can occur at any time but is most common in the third trimester. As the baby grows, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward and added weight increases strain on back muscles. Hormonal changes loosen ligaments, reducing stability and forcing muscles to work harder, sometimes leading to spasms. The increase in breast tissue during pregnancy can alter posture and increase strain on the neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine. (more…)

It’s All in the Hips: Part 2

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Athletico

In my last post, I made the case for 2 muscles in your hips being integral for optimal health and performance. The first post focused on the gluteus medius, but now it's time to take a look at the gluteus maximus. Our 2 gluteus maximus muscles (glutes for short) make up a majority of our rear and are probably the most famous muscles in the body. It has been focused on in the famous “Buns of Steel” workout and has inspired more than its fair share of songs. The glutes' main action is extending our legs backwards, which is incredibly useful for anything from walking and standing up to sprinting and lifting. The problem is that since most of us spend a majority of the day sitting, our glutes are rarely used and are often weak. (more…)

Physical Therapy after a Hip Replacement

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Athletico

Hip replacements are one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries. Having been performed since 1960, the surgical technique and prosthesis used have been perfected to allow the patient optimal recovery of functioning with less pain. Having the surgery is only half the battle when it comes to the new joint. Physical therapy is the other important aspect in a full and successful recovery. (more…)

It’s All in the Hips: Part 1

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Athletico

“It’s all in the hips. It’s all in the hips.” – Chubbs, Happy Gilmore Chubbs knows what he’s talking about. In my time working in athletic training, I've worked with a wide range of athletes – from pros to weekend warriors. No matter what skill level I’m working with, one consistent problem I find is weak hip muscles. Weak hip muscles put excess strain on several other structures on your body, which can lead to injury or impaired performance. Two of the hip muscles that are consistently under-utilized are the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. Today, we'll go over the gluteus medius and hold off on its bigger brother, the gluteus maximus, for the next post. (more…)

Tips for Shoveling Safely

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Athletico

Although falling snow is very pretty and makes for a festive feel, it leaves us the task of having to clear our driveways and walkways. Shoveling can be very taxing on the body, leading to injuries, sore muscles, and even catastrophic events. Below are some safety tips on how to avoid injury. (more…)

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General Injury Prevention back back pain injury prevention lifting shoveling snow winter

Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome: Symptoms and Management

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Athletico

Painful bladder syndrome (PBS), also called Interstitial cystitis (IC), is a condition that causes recurring discomfort in the bladder or pelvic region. It can affect children, men, and women, but is much more common in women. Interstitial cystitis can have a significant impact on quality of life. While there are no treatments to cure the condition, there are many interventions available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. (more…)

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General Injury Prevention Physical Therapy Women's Health

Five Reasons to Get a Massage during the Holiday Season

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Athletico

The holidays are here and this time of year is all about giving, making other people’s holiday wishes come true, and selflessness. But what about you? What have you done for yourself lately? Certainly it wouldn’t hurt to treat yourself while you are out taking care of everyone else. These are the top 5 reasons to get yourself a massage this holiday season. (more…)

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General back back pain holidays injury prevention massage massage therapy pain

Vitamin D Deficiency: A Surprisingly Common Problem

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Athletico

As an athletic trainer, I see my fair share of broken bones, and anytime I can do anything to prevent them, I will. When I came across a recent study showing that as many as 70% of children in the US had inadequate levels of  vitamin D (a necessary component to building strong bones), I knew I had to do something about it. After sifting through several research articles, I was reminded that vitamin D’s role extended far beyond bones as it may influence body weight, immune system function, and much more! With this vitamin playing so many important roles in the body, it’s comforting to know that although low vitamin D levels are common, they are also easily preventable with just a few easy adjustments to your routine or diet. Before we get into how to fix this problem, let’s talk about why it’s so imperative. (more…)