Body Talk Archives - Page 5 of 6 - ALTA Physical Therapy and Pilates

The Exercise Conundrum

Exercise is making headlines every day. And, living in Boulder, I witness and participate in a spectrum of strength and cardiovascular exercise. Some people exercise for hours and hours each week, or even hours and hours each day. Some of those folks like to compete, while others are happy to be outside just enjoying the day. So, what is the BEST way to exercise? What kind of exercise is BEST? How much exercise is BEST?

IMT – a key piece of the puzzle

I love how my practice has evolved over the last 33 years as a physical therapist. So many new and wonderful evaluation and treatment techniques are emerging constantly that there is never a reason to be bored. I’m thrilled when I can relax an artery in the pelvis and back pain goes away. Or that getting the bladder moving can make Yoga hip openers a piece of cake for my patient.

Clam Shmam: Keep Up That Glute Strength

“If I hear one more person tell me to do the clam, I might just scream.” says my sister Barbara. Barb is an MD in Seattle and she has seen a few PTs over the years. They have all given her “the clam” to eliminate knee and back pain. She has done the clam over and over, but alas, the pain persists and it has stopped Barb in her tracks whenever she tries to run. She has another doctor friend who is hindered by Iliotibial band (ITB) pain while on the bike. He has been told to do the clam, but that’s not working for him either.

The Toes Know

I have been thinking a lot about feet lately. Mine have felt a little cramped. I’m longing for summer sandals, or at least sockless freedom around the house. I like to cycle, ski, and hike, all activities that require closed-toe, sometimes snug, footwear. My grandmother had bunions so severe that they scared me as a child. I thought that my own genetics might make bunions and hammertoes magically appear one day. Nothing I could do about it: one day I would wake up with feet so twisted, I’d need surgery. So should I just sit around and wait for those lumpy indignities to appear?

Willpower: easier than you think!

“I can resist anything except temptation.” Oscar Wilde

“I really want to get in shape this year – that’s my New Year’s resolution.”

“Isn’t that the same resolution you had last year?”

“Yeah, but this year, I am really going to do it.”

How will you do it? Learn to use pessimism and 5 other surprising tips to increase your willpower.

The Power of Scars

more than skin deep

I flew through surgery a year and a half ago to remove a large ovarian tumor that fortunately was benign. Unfortunately, I have a monster incision that runs from just above my belly button down to the top of my pubic bone. My recovery was fabulous, thanks to my good friends and therapists at ALTA.