Wrist Pain in Tumbling Athletes
Tumbling athletes, including gymnasts and cheerleaders, place unique demands on their upper body. When tumbling, the athlete places not only their entire body weight through the hands but can have up to 16 times their body weight in force going across the wrist.1 Due to these extreme conditions, pain in the wrist can occur.
Cross-Training for Runners
Running is a demanding activity, both physically and mentally. Thirty to seventy five percent of runners are hurt annually. But why? Shoe wear, stretching, biomechanics, weight and muscle imbalance can all be contributing factors in running-related injuries. A common reason for injuries in runners is repetition. Recent studies have shown multi-sport athletes have improved longevity of sport and reduced risk for injury due to variation. One simple way to reduce injury risk for runners is cross-training. Cross-training is a form of exercise, which utilizes a variety of different training mechanisms to improve physical fitness. Runners utilize cross-training for injury prevention and rehabilitation, a change of pace and increased physical fitness.
Leaf Raking Injury Prevention Tips
As we tire of the hot and humid, days of summer, many of us look forward to the cool, crisp fall air. This time of year is beloved by many for so many reasons. Football, apple picking and going to the pumpkin patch are just a few! Even though most of us love to admire the scenery as the leaves change from green to various shades of yellow, red and orange, most would agree that raking them is one of the dreaded jobs of autumn. While raking leaves seems easy, the sheer volume of leaves can turn what seems to be a simple tasks into several weekends of work.
To help you combat some of the aches and pains that are often associated with fall yard work, here are a few tips to help you get those leaves out of your yard and if you still have any energy – maybe give you something to look forward to in the spring!
Fall Prevention: Tips to Prevent Falls
Mary Lehnen, PT, DPT and Laura Flanigan, MSOT, OTR/L
Why is fall prevention important? Physical and occupational therapists frequently treat patients whose injuries were caused by a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults who are 65 years and older. Falls can lead to serious nonfatal injuries, including fractures of the head and hip. A fall on an outstretched hand, also known as a “FOOSH” injury, can lead to fractures and soft tissue tears of the hand, wrist, forearm and even the shoulder. Falls can be emotionally traumatic to some patients and they may avoid participating in exercise, leisure and necessary daily activities due to fear of falling. This can lead to deconditioning, isolation and negatively impacting an individual’s overall well-being and independence.
Ask a PT: How to Properly Fit a Backpack
As students have returned to school this semester, either learning onsite at school, learning remote at home, or in some form of a hybrid model, several changes must be made. Some of these include early wakeup, a longer commute, more formal dress code, and the return of carrying books and supplies in a backpack. While some of these changes may be difficult to adjust to, the least difficult, wearing a backpack, can occasionally be the most painful. Luckily, many schools are seeing an increased trend toward online books and tablets to minimize the carrying of heavy textbooks and supplies. If your child does have to wear a backpack, here are some helpful tips for backpack fit and wear.
PT-Approved Hiking Tips
This time of year filled with sun drenched days and warming weather, combined with daylight lingering into the evening hours is known as the “golden” season of hiking. As a plethora of outdoor opportunities abound, it is the perfect time to get off the beaten path and enjoy a hike! Before you trot off on the trail, ensure you have the proper knowledge and injury prevention tips necessary to enjoy the golden days ahead.
9 Ways to Prevent Injury While Walking the Dog
What’s not to love about man’s best friend? In addition to an unbreakable bond, dog ownership comes with many health benefits! Did you know adults that own dogs have fewer chronic diseases, fewer doctor visits and decreased limitations with daily activities?1 Those who own dogs also walk fifty percent more on average, compared to non-dog owners.2
Knock Out Fun: Recreational Boxing Safety Tips
As people continue to focus on their health and find new ways to work out and exercise throughout the pandemic, some may turn to boxing. Whether a newcomer to boxing or an experienced veteran, we could all use a reminder on form and safety to decrease the risk of injury.
