Pass (on) the salt...

In the news: http://bit.ly/9Bi637

Here's an idea, police your overall salt intake yourselves!
Here are some figures you may be interested in:

• Total daily allowance of Sodium: 1500-2400mg
• More than 11% of all the sodium intake is from what you add in food preparation
• More than 70% is added in the processing of many food products

A tax on increased salt in the production of food may be a step in the right direction. We need to be more realistic when policing ourselves and our loved ones as to our own habits.

Decreasing your risk for disease and disability can be as simple as getting the right information about how to make proper nurtition and increased physical activity a part of your life.

Back In Action

Back pain is among the leading causes of disability and is a very common issue treated in physical therapy clinics. A recent article published by the AP highlights several different approaches for the treatment of back pain. It is concluded that there are differing opinions about the most effective treatment.

However, we do know that before a surgical approach, more conservative measures should be taken. The best evidence points to a comprehensive program of postural reeducation, core muscle strenghtening and techniques to ensure the balanced relationship of the hips and spine.

In the general sense, once patients have a surgical procedure to fuse a level of their spinal column the levels above and below are asked to take on more stress and abnormal amounts of mobility in order to compensate for the loss of motion. If this newly stabilized segment is not treated with care, more surgeries are down the road.

ICE, ICE, Baby!

Spring is upon us!! Our bodies are craving movement. As we get more active, you might notice that some of us are moving around a little more slowly than we have in the past.

Nothing to fear... yet. Here is a simple way to alleviate some pain and maybe even shed some light on a very commonly made mistake when dealing with joint pain.

While applying ice to achy joints might not be the most comfortable experience, it is among the most effective for decreasing pain and inflammation. Heat feels better but in some cases, it may actually exacerbate the problem!

How do I know when I should use ice?
The simple answer: If it's red, swollen, painful and warm it would probably benefit from a good cool down. 15 - 20 minutes of ice with a break for 10 - 15 minutes. Repeat as often as possible for the first couple of days.

If a joint requires heat, then the problems is more likely a long-standing one. General stiffness, pain and decreased ability to move that joint(s) is an indication for heat.

The bonus about ice: Even if ice is inappropriate for the injury, it won't do you any harm. While if you mistakenly apply heat to an area that is inflammed you may cause more damage.

Moral of the story: When in doubt ICE, ICE, Baby!

Knee Pain: Calling all endurance athletes

A very common problem seen in endurance athletes who present with knee pain is weakness in the outter hip muscles and poor coordination between the foot and hip. Recently published research in the Journal of Sport and Orthopaedic Physical Thearpy continues to enforce this assessment.

Be sure to work to strengthen each limb independently to increase your ability to absorb impact, stabilize your mechanics and ultimately prevent injuries to your knees and hips that will put you on the shelf.

Small Physical Therapy practices: the new wave!

Size may matter to some but in the case of physical therapy and fitness services, smaller and more agile is a more popular trend.

Smaller organizations can offer much more to their clinetelle in the way of personal service, more intimate atmosphere and are better equipped to change with new developments in practice than their larger corporate counterparts.

Do you have pain? Do you need to improve your fitness? Have athletic aspirations for yourself or your friends? Seek out the smaller groups in your area. To help you select the right group for you, ask yourself questions like:

"How many runners (swimmers, baseball players, dancers, etc) have they worked with?"

"What makes this place the best fit for me?"

"Do they have availability that fits my schedule?"

If you do a good job of answering these questions, you will set yourself up for success even before setting foot in the door. Always remember that smaller physical therapy and fitness organizations will be more willing to speak with you over the phone or email so that you are comfortable with the details so don't hesitate to reach out to them.

Welcome to SPARK Physio LIVE!

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We are excited about reaching a wider audience of people who are taking the initiative to seek a higher level of overall wellness.