I have always marveled at the complexity of the sensorimotor programming of the hands. From an evolutionary standpoint, we developed the ability to oppose, circumduct, flex, extend, and abduct the thumb. This allowed us to effectively grasp objects and tools. Our remaining fingers have a complex network of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that provide […]
How Do I Strengthen My Neck Muscles?
Those of us that sit at a computer will probably recognize the image on the left. Notice the forward position of the head on the neck. This position has the chronic effect of weakening the deep muscles of the neck, in particular a muscle known as the “longus colli.” Chronic weakness of the longus colli […]
How Do I Deal With A Shoulder Dislocation?
Shoulder dislocations typically occur from sudden jarring motions while the shoulder is in a compromised position. An auto accident, fall off a bicycle, or collision while playing sports are common examples of situations that can cause dislocations. For those of us who are naturally hyper-flexible, it may take much less force to cause a dislocation. […]
Five Exercises that Physical Therapists Hate
Below are five exercises that keep your physical therapist in business: 1. Head Stands Yes, you look cool in your outfit, and yes, you are getting improved blood flow to your head. The vertebral segments of your neck, however, are not meant to bear weight like this. The potential risk for neck injury is high, […]
Our Newly Modified Gluteus Maximus Exercise
Please check out our latest contribution to the gluteus maximus exercise library. We are always tinkering with existing exercises, and we have found that placing the yoga block under the foot really helps to give an extra recruitment challenge! We have found that this is a great way for people to “figure out” how to […]
Takeaways From My First Yoga Experience
You would think that, having practiced as a full-time physical therapist for twenty-two years, perhaps I might have taken a few yoga classes for educational purposes? You underestimate both my stubbornness and my aversion to trying new things. Last weekend I was finally convinced to make the five-minute trip down the mountain to the unofficial […]
I Might Be Insane
Over the last several years I have heard much about the popular fitness craze known as Shaun T.’s “Insanity.” Many of you have undoubtedly seen the commercial advertisements. Buffed out twenty-somethings are seen jumping around and performing brutal plyometrics and calisthenics to the point of utter exhaustion. As a clinician, I was, of course, curious […]
A Ballet Class en Flat in Pointe Shoes
Most people can only imagine how difficult a ballet class is. Then they start to think of ballerinas that they see on the main stage dancing on the tips of their toes in pointe shoes. They start to imagine what type of loopholes these people could have possibly found in Newton’s laws of physics to […]
Athletes: Land Quietly Like a Ballet Dancer
Working in an outpatient orthopaedic setting, a common goal for many of our patients is returning to sports. For many, that means being able to run, jump and change direction quickly. Because of my personal background in dance, my patients probably get very annoyed with me when I begin working on plyometric activities with them, […]
Updates on the Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Last year I had the opportunity to attend a conference here in Washington, D.C., that focused on upper extremity injuries. I attended a specific lecture on the nasty, nagging, and otherwise problematic diagnosis of “tennis elbow.” It does appear that the medical community is making some discernible changes in terms of how this diagnosis is […]
How Much Grip Strength Do I Need To Drive a Car?
Grip strength with post-operative and geriatric patients is an important consideration when it comes to safety. If a patient does not have functional grip strength, there is a much higher risk of dropping objects, driving accidents, and a general inability to negotiate doors in public spaces. I will typically advise against driving if the patient […]
Compression Socks for Everyday Use and Travel
In the past, compression socks or stockings were only seen in the hospital setting or amongst the older population with lymphatic or circulatory problems. They have been known to be white or beige ugly stockings that usually end just below or above the knee. However, due to the practical everyday use of these garments, compression […]
What Is the Topple Test for Dancers?
In rehabilitation there are many clinical tests that can help determine the type of injury a person may have. In dance, there are functional tests that help show readiness for some activities. The test that is being discussed today is the topple test. The topple test sees if a dancer can complete a clean single […]
BOSU Training for Dancers
Dancers’ requirements vary so much. It is asked of them to be strong, agile, flexible, and balanced all while maintaining some level of artistry and making things look easy. Dancers train in a similar way as other conventional athletes to attain the previously mentioned goals. It may just not look the same. Similar tools are […]
Using Your Natural Turnout: A Cry for Dance Injury Prevention
In the dance community, particularly the ballet community, turnout is such a coveted talent. It becomes ingrained from a very early age that this perfectly externally rotated foot position is necessary to be considered a good dancer or one that is better than the other dancers. The problem is that turnout is not just a […]