Preventing falls does not always require a gym, special equipment, or a complicated exercise routine. Sometimes, the most effective strategy is learning how to build strength and balance into the activities people already do every day. Researchers from the University of Sydney studied this approach in a program called Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise, or LiFE. The […]
Physical therapy can play an important role in helping patients recover after lumbar microdiscectomy, a common type of back surgery used to treat painful herniated discs. A recent study found that patients who received physical therapist-guided exercise, along with education about caring for their back after surgery, experienced less pain, better physical function, and an […]
As people move beyond age 40, a gradual loss of neck flexibility is common, but it’s not unavoidable. Research published in Spine sheds light on how aging affects neck function and what that means for maintaining mobility and comfort over time. Physical therapists have long observed that reduced neck range of motion is associated with […]
Osteoporosis, often referred to as “porous bone,” is a condition in which bone density decreases and bone tissue weakens over time. This loss of strength makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the wrist, hip, and spine. The encouraging news is that lifestyle choices, especially proper nutrition and regular exercise, […]
Muscle injuries are something most people experience at some point—and chances are, you’ll deal with one again. How you respond in those first few days can make a significant difference in how quickly you recover, how strong the muscle becomes, and even how well it functions long-term. The challenge? Rest is essential at first, but […]
When it comes to long-term health, movement matters more than many people realize. Research shows that physical inactivity may be responsible for nearly twice as many premature deaths as obesity. In other words, being inactive can pose a greater risk than carrying extra weight alone. In a large study of more than 330,000 men and […]
Treatment for Parkinson’s disease is often centered around medication and, in some cases, neurosurgical procedures. However, increasing attention is being given to the important role physical therapy can play in managing the condition. A widely respected systematic review and meta-analysis led by Claire Tomlinson and her team at the University of Birmingham examined this very […]
A growing body of research is shining a spotlight on what scientists now call “inactivity research.” At its core, this field examines how extended periods of sitting, something many desk workers do daily, can quietly take a toll on overall health. One major study found a striking connection between sitting time and mortality. Women who […]
Anyone who has spent time pulling weeds, planting flowers, or mowing the lawn knows that gardening can be real work. But that effort brings more than just beautiful flowers or fresh vegetables, it can also provide meaningful benefits for both body and mind. A Natural Way to Stay ActiveGardening involves plenty of physical movement. Activities […]
Most people rarely think about their feet, until something begins to hurt. Yet your entire body rests on two relatively small structures that must support your weight, absorb shock, and help you maintain balance throughout the day. When the structure of the feet changes, it can affect much more than just the feet themselves. Biomechanical […]
