SERC Physical Therapy

Your body has just done one of the most remarkable things it will ever do: grow another human being. After 9 months of waiting, you are probably excited to finally be home with your new baby. Much of your focus and energy during the coming weeks and months will be on baby, but remember that you also need to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself will ensure that you have the strength to take care of baby too!

We love to hear our patients’ success stories. How has your life improved through your experience with us? Are you moving better and feeling better? Do you have a therapist you want to applaud? Share your experience with us!

Ready to run? Not so fast! Many of us have heard about the value of warming up before an activity, but what does that actually mean? Here are our top 5 warm up tips: * Warm-ups should mimic the activity you plan to perform: a jog before interval running, for instance.... * A general rule is to warm up at least 10 minutes before any activity that you perceive as somewhat hard or a heart rate of 130 or more beats per minute. A less-rigorous activity does not severely stress the body and almost is a warm-up itself. * The warm-up should be completed close enough to the actual event such that you do not return to a resting heart rate, but with enough time elapsed to allow some relaxation of the muscles. * A good warm-up should include dynamic stretching or stretches that include movement as opposed to static holds after heart rate has increased. The idea is to simulate movements that you will be performing within the activity but in a slow, graded and progressive way. For example, walking lunges can increase stride length and elongate body tissue to prevent strain while performing the activity. * Consider performing the activity in partial-practice at full speed once some priming has been completed. So if you are planning to race for 20 minutes, it would be ideal to run a few times at your intended speed for about 20 seconds each to get your body ready to perform at your desired level. See more

American adults sleep an average of 6.8 hours per night, according to a 2013 Gallup poll. But are they getting a good night’s rest? Physical therapists often are asked what the best sleeping position is. This is a great question, as musculoskeletal conditions involving the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (low back); hips; shoulders; and knees can be exacerbated by abnormal stresses to the body while you’re snoozing. Sleeping positions often are habitual and ch...osen based on comfort. Although there are variations, these are the most common positions and how they can be modified to the benefit of your body. The answer? On your side! The best sleeping position is side-lying in order to maintain the natural curve of the spine and hips. A moderate-sized pillow under the base of the neck will support the head, and one between the knees will maintain proper hip position. A pillow or towel roll may be placed under the waist for additional comfort, and the knees may be slightly bent under for balance. If you have any questions, your physical therapist will be happy to assess your preferred position and suggest potential changes.

Elevate your PT Results with our new home exercise program kits. Our kits provide access to a wide range of premium home exercise products that can be use for stretching, rehabilitation, balance training, and more. Visit our online store for more information: https://bit.ly/3qo2JEe

Life, it turns out, literally is a balancing act. And the longer we live, the more challenged we are to stay on our feet. Consider that more than 30 percent of people aged 65 and older will fall this year. If you reach age 80, your odds of falling increase to better than 50 percent. You can make a difference by focusing on these fall prevention strategies: ... - TALK to your healthcare provider to help assess your risks for falls. - REVIEW your medications with your doctor and pharmacist. - ASK your doctor about a balance and exercise program - Keep your home SAFE. - Get your vision and hearing CHECKED annually. - Talk to your family members to get help in taking steps to make your home SAFER. Keep moving! Research shows that people who are less active are more likely to fall because they lack strength and balance. Therefore, a regular exercise program is highly recommended for fall prevention. *As with all exercise programs, make sure to consult with your physician before beginning the program.