SERC Physical Therapy

It is clear that regular exercise positively influences multiple factors correlated with health AND happiness. Exercise releases feel good chemicals including endorphins, BDNF, serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals reduce the transmission of pain signals, promote feelings of pleasure, and reward and increase motivation. Exercise also reduces the release of cortisol, a stress-inducing chemical. ... In short, exercise: * Reduces stress and anxiety levels * Improves overall mood * Boosts the immune system * Reduces physical pain * Helps maintain routines * Improves sleep quality * Improves energy levels * Helps encourage weight loss Physical Therapy Can Help If pain, injury or other personal factors are limiting your ability to be active, physical therapy can help. Physical therapists perform comprehensive evaluations to determine any musculoskeletal impairments or functional imitations that should be addressed in your active lifestyle plan. They can recommend appropriate exercises, environmental modifications or lifestyle changes to help you meet your personal fitness and well-being goals. Physical therapists are here to empower you to lead a happier and healthier life through exercise.

Depending on severity, Covid-19 symptoms can lead to deconditioning, or a decline in function that occurs with prolonged inactivity and bed rest as your body struggles to recover. The general rule is use it or lose it but how quickly your fitness level declines depends on your original fitness level, your age, the length of inactivity time, and the reason for the inactivity. How can physical therapy help?

More than half of skiing injuries involve the lower extremity, with more than 30 percent of injuries directly related to the knee. These six tips will held reduce and prevent ski-related knee injuries so you can keep enjoying the winter fun. * Take lessons from a professional instructor in order to maintain a proper, effective skiing technique. * Have your bindings set correctly and use the correct skis for your ability, height and weight. * Warm up with dynamic activities f...or at least five minutes. Take a few easy and slow ski runs to complete a warm-up. * Follow all posted safety rules. Ski on trails that suit your ability and fitness level. * Hydrate * Take rests, as injuries are more common with fatigue. Preparation is essential to preventing ski-related knee injuries. Body preparation can be achieved through cardiovascular fitness, range of motion and flexibility exercises, ski-specific exercises, balance and proprioception exercises, dynamic functional movements and core-strengthening exercises. Although all ski-related injuries cannot be avoided, many can be prevented through proper training, conditioning and preparation. If a knee injury is suspected, seek immediate medical advice and treatment.

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!

Still looking at your New Year Resolutions? If you’ve penciled in start running on your list, we’ve got 5 steps to safely begin so you can add a check mark to one of your new goals. 1. Start SLOWLY. It takes time to adjust to running and increasing distance or speed too quickly can lead to injuries. Never increase your mileage by more than 10 percent each week. 2. Use a RUN-WALK program. Use a circuit between running and walking. As you get more comfortable with runnin...g, the intervals of walking can decrease and the amount of running will increase. 3. Wear PROPER SHOES. The best way to figure out what type of shoe you need is to have a local specialty running store help you. They LOVE welcoming new runners to the family and will ensure that you are fitted appropriately. The proper shoe will decrease the extra force that is placed on your joints and reduce the chance of pain and injury. 4. Find a running BUDDY. A great way to overcome the mental struggle that makes you want to stop because you are tired or bored is have a friend complete the workout with you. Having someone to talk to and push your toward your goals (and commiserate with you) will help quiet that inner voice telling you to stop. 5. Consult a doctor PRIOR to new exercise. Beginning any new exercise program can be hard on your body. Before you start running, visit your primary care physician to ensure that you are ready to take on the task. #MondayMotivation