5 Holiday Giving Options Offering Healthful Returns

The Holiday Season is a time for giving, and that includes supporting causes and organizations that make our communities stronger.  It’s in this spirit that Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood shares some holiday giving suggestions which offer a more healthful return than simply writing a check.  “As a physical therapist, my goal is to improve lives and the community by […]

5 Ways to Feel Gratitude in the Face of Challenges

November is a month when gratitude takes its place in the spotlight of American culture. Yet, with the challenges our country has faced this year, a popular notion as we approach the final weeks of 2020 is “let’s just get this year over with.”  While this sentiment may seem understandable, our team would like to remind people that it’s possible to […]

Good Hydration Essential for Healthy Healing, Recovery

Every system of the body – every cell of every organ – requires water in order to function properly.  On a molecular level, says Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood, this is why hydration is so essential for healing, training and athletic performance.  It’s a fact that remains critical even as we approach the coldest months of the year.  “Water makes it possible for […]

See Your PT Annually for Injury Prevention, Early Intervention

We all know that visiting your physician for an annual physical is critical in maintaining long-term health, just as dental exams twice each year helps ensure oral health throughout a lifetime. But what about annual check-ups with a physical therapist?  According to physical therapists across the country, including those with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), annual physical therapy […]

The Critical Role of PT After a Long Illness

We still have a lot to learn about the implications of COVID-19 and the long-term effects the virus will have on the health of those still recovering from the illness.  In the short term, though, one of the main wellness goals of COVID-19 survivors involves simply getting back to a normal life. This is a […]

At-Home Learning: Don’t Overlook Physical Activity!

As the school year gains momentum during the COVID crisis and more kids and families adjust to various levels of at-home learning, Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood encourages parents and instructors to not overlook what should be a standard facet of all children’s curriculum: physical activity.  “Kids need to be given time to move around, exercise and play, even […]

Debunking Common Myths Related to Falls, Fall Prevention

Every September during National Falls Prevention Week (Sept. 21-25, 2020), physical therapists join other medical professions across the country in reminding Americans that falls are not just common among older Americans. They’re often debilitating, costly and even deadly.  Falls are also largely preventable. That’s because they’re so often caused by issues that are easy to identify and fix.  Balance and strength issues, trip hazards in the […]

Our Knees: ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’ of Movement & Exercise Issues

Seattle physical therapist Erik Norwood doesn’t mince words when talking about the docile nature of the largest and perhaps most complicated joint in the human body.  “Our knees are very passive players within our bodies,” said Norwood, owner of Renew Physical Therapy in Seattle. “They’re easily influenced by what’s going on above and below them, not making many decisions on their own.”  That’s why when one experiences […]

5 Tips for Preventing Injury When Returning to Activity

After nearly six months of home quarantines, social distancing, gym closures, and cancelled/postponed athletic seasons, it’s been difficult for many to maintain consistent workout routines.  But, as more people begin settling into “new normals” related to work, parenting, masking and so on, personal health is once again taking a greater role in people’s lives. While this should be applauded, physical therapists say people should be […]

Will Running Damage Your Knees? Studies Say No.

Is running bad for your knees?  Physical therapists say this is a common question among both avid runners and those who may start running for exercise or to participate in that first 5K.  It’s a question that highlights a common concern about running – that it’s an activity that’s good for the heart but bad for the knees.  For most people, though, the answer is a resounding […]