How to Talk Positively to Your Kids About Exercise
All kids need exercise. Stacks of scientific research through the years support the myriad ways exercise helps young bodies and minds as they develop and grow. It’s important, then, for parents to encourage their children to be active and develop healthful habits as they grow and develop. During such conversations, however, setting a positive tone is paramount. Learning the values of good fitness and nutrition should be a confidence-building exercise for kids and adolescents. Don’t […]
Moderate or Vigorous? Making Sense of Workout Intensity Levels
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HSS) released a new set of exercise guidelines for people of all ages and stages in life. As Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood notes, however, some of these HHS guidelines can be confusing, especially as they relate to exercise intensity. “In the simplest of terms, intensity is the amount of […]
Jump into March Basketball Mindful of Jumper’s Knee
As a large portion of the nation’s attention turns to the “March Madness” NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in the coming days, now is an ideal time to educate fans, young competitors and even blue-collar workers about an injury prevalent in jump-heavy activities: jumper’s knee. Among the most common injuries in sports, jumper’s knee is an […]
Recover Faster After Surgery with ‘Prehab’
The stronger you are before surgery, the stronger you’ll be after. That’s the philosophy behind prehabilitation (or “prehab”), the process of improving strength and functional capacity before surgery through a comprehensive and targeted exercise program – a process typically overseen by a physical therapist. “Prehab makes a huge difference in patients’ outcomes,” said Hal Crane, […]
Strength Training Critical for Active, Independent Aging
To the 43 million Americans who have low bone density, putting them at high risk of osteoporosis, Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood has an important message: exercise is good medicine. But not just any exercise – weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening exercise. “As people get older, bone density certainly becomes an issue for many people, which can lead to unexpected falls, broken bones […]
Rethinking back pain treatment paths during National Physical Therapy Month
While an estimated eight in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives – up to 30 percent of Americans, in fact, over the past three months – few people actually get to the bottom of the cause of the pain. This is a problem, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood. “When you don’t know […]
Did You Know? National Physical Therapy Month Edition
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and physical therapists everywhere are jumping at the opportunity to remind people about the important role improved and restored movement has on improving society. “Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of daily life, your ability to earn a living, your ability to pursue your favorite leisure activities, and […]
Back pain? Studies say get physical therapy first.
During a time when people are growing more skeptical and concerned about the use of prescription pain medications, a recent study gives hope to the 80 percent of Americans who will experience back pain at some point in their lives The study, published by Health Services Research in May of 2018, found that those who first consulted […]
Pools offer both fitness, relief for older adults
While drinking plenty of water is critical to life, health and healing, simply submerging your body in water (i.e., a pool) opens up opportunities for relief and fitness for those who otherwise may have difficulty exercising. This is especially important for aging adults and those with chronic conditions, said Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood. “When our bodies are submerged in water, […]
Take Steps to Lower the Risk of ACL Injury this Sports Season
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high school athletes account for about 2 million injuries and around a half-million doctor visits each year. But few of these injuries, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood, are as costly to a student-athlete and his or her family that a torn ACL. “An ACL tear in the knee […]
