Athletico Health Resources

Often young adults starting college gain weight due to their change in environment (i.e. different eating habits, lack of working out, etc.) It’s been coined the “Freshman 15.” Now that COVID-19 has interrupted everyone’s daily routine, people are buzzing around the term “Quarantine 19.” With the sudden change in our habits, people may feel as if they are putting on additional weight, and notice their eating habits have changed. Stress eating, access to more or different foods, distracted/mindless eating, and different eating patterns - can all account for weight gain. The closure of gyms, running paths, and recreational activities can also contribute to weight gain. Here are some solutions to practice more mindful eating. (more…)

Walking down a hallway, up and down stairs, or going for a bike ride are just a few things that require balance. Balance is comprised of three primary systems: visual, proprioceptive and vestibular systems that collectively work together in order to optimize the ability to balance.¹ If one or more of these systems are impaired, the ability to balance becomes increasingly difficulty and can lead to falling. (more…)

Our nation is currently in the middle of a pandemic that has caused various forms of lock down, shutdowns, shelter-in-place and much more. Due to these restrictions, many businesses have been closed, some are re-opening to some degree, or a few have gone out of business completely. This degree of uncertainty has extended to gyms, fitness centers, Crossfit boxes and various other workout facilities and has placed worry on the shoulders of those who want to continue with their fitness journey. But what do you do when working out at home gets too monotonous for your liking? Going outside is a great choice! Barring hazardous weather events, the great outdoors are never closed and they can be a great way to get access to a workout. The following will be workout recommendations that will be based on various levels of equipment available to the general public. I will highlight two great resources specifically. (more…)

As a new father and experienced physical therapist, I realized being a new parent is not only a rewarding and joyous experience, but it can be very hard on the body! As Father’s Day approaches, here are some tips I would like to share on how to prevent aches and pains as a new parent. (more…)

Our bodies are designed for movement. Without activity, sedentary lifestyles can lead to more problems. Problems associated with sedentary lifestyles include obesity, depression, and heart disease. However, repetitive movements and activity can also lead to aches and pains. These aches and pains may find you seeking help from a physical or occupational therapist. Physical and occupational therapists are equipped to examine and assess your pain and help provide treatments. Oftentimes, your therapist will provide you with therapy homework in conjunction with your visits. This homework is designed to help improve your results and carryover the treatment provided in the clinic. Many times we as therapists get asked, “Why do I need to do exercises at home?” Here are some of the reasons home therapy exercise programs are important. (more…)

There is so much for new parents to know, including concerns as parents bring home their new baby. A huge need for babies is tummy time. As a physical therapist, I recommend to my parent patients that they should attempt to perform a few minutes of tummy time every awake period. This allows for the baby to avoid constantly laying on their back after and right before a nap. Below are four things you should know about tummy time: (more…)

COVID-19 has taken our kids out of school, halted sports and shut down parks. Working parents and caregivers have been challenged to juggle this new life as homeschoolers as well as coaches. I live in Chicago with two boys - 6 and 2. If you live here, you understand that Chicago weather is inconsistent - 72 degrees one day and 52 degrees the next. Sunshine, then rain for two days straight. Needless to say, getting my boys outside can be challenging. My wife and I both work, so I know all too well how overwhelming this time can be for all of us. As a Fitness Specialist and Youth Exercise Specialist with Athletico Physical Therapy, I’ve used this time to find new and creative ways to keep my boys moving. Here are some tips to keep your kids active and healthy during the pandemic. (more…)

One of the most common questions physical therapists receive is if “pops” and “cracks” are good or bad for your joints. First of all, we need to understand what causes the popping and cracking in our joints. Physical therapists are trained to be able to safely and intentionally create a pop or a crack through what we call manipulations. Manipulations are maneuvers that involve a high velocity and low amplitude thrust (HVLAT) force to a joint. This can be applied to different body parts including most commonly the neck and back areas. Some people are able to self-manipulate and get a pop on their own, such as cracking their neck or knuckles. The pop that we hear with a manipulation is the release of intra-articular gasses due to a quick release of pressure within the joint.¹ It is also important to note that there is no evidence that pops and cracks in the joints result in early arthritis or any future problems.² (more…)