- What’s the biggest misconception people have about physical therapy? Many people assume physical therapy needs to be painful to be effective. This is simply not true. PT can and should be restorative; we need to work to make change, but it should not be painful.
- What are the top three exercises everyone should be doing to maintain overall body strength and mobility? “Thread the needle” for spinal, shoulder and hip mobility, squatting (functional in getting off the floor and from a chair as we age) and you can never go wrong with a plank series for core stability!
- What are some everyday habits that unknowingly contribute to chronic pain? Prolonged postures and our devices contribute to chronic pain! Our Bodies are made to move throughout the day, and our work, school, and sports often involve repetitive movements and postures that need to be balanced. Secondly, our phones and computers are major contributors. They raise stress hormones, expose us to artificial light that alters our circadian rhythm, and promote bad posturing and breathing patterns.
- How does posture impact overall health and what are some easy ways to improve it? Posture plays a significant role in how our bodies breathe and move easily throughout our lives. It affects not only our orthopedic health but also our systemic health, with the way our organs get blood flow and the way our lungs expand and relax. It also affects our confidence and the way we present ourselves to others. Mindfulness and exercises such as Pilates/barre are great for posture awareness!
- What simple stretches can people do throughout the day to counteract sitting for long periods? Standing up, arching backward, and rotating over each shoulder every hour should help with blood flow to our spine, which can help prevent pain and stiffness! I also recommend moving between a sitting and standing desk throughout the day.
- Are there specific exercises to help prevent falls or maintain balance as we age? Yes! Yoga and Tai Chi are great for balance, but you can also incorporate simple things in your home. “A great place to start is standing tall on one leg or placing one foot directly in front of the other, like walking a tightrope. It is also smart to incorporate neck rotation as we balance to keep our vestibular system healthy.
- How can physical therapy support mental health and stress relief? PT can support mental health by giving you tools to help yourself feel better. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals and promotes blood flow, both of which are imperative for healing! It is also so healthy to have someone to talk to when you are hurting or feeling helpless, who has seen your specific condition before and is educated in how to rehabilitate it. We want you to be healthy in mind and body, and the two cannot be separated in a physical therapy rehab process.
- What advice would you give someone intimidated about starting physical therapy? Physical therapists, in general, are caring people. We want to help you! We are used to modifying our treatment based on each specific patient presentation and can easily adapt it to what best suits you. We often have patients come in before their appointments to see the clinic and talk to a therapist shortly, which I welcome!
