Aging and exercise should always be considered together. We’re all required to age—it’s a matter of life—however, exercise is a choice that keeps the worst effects at bay. But how does exercise minimize the effects of aging? Studies support maintaining an exercise practice as you get older. For instance, a much-cited study by U.K.’s King’s…
April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, and Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services recognizes all the therapists and sports medicine specialists who help our community’s young people stay safe! Our therapists and sports medicine specialists assist young athletes post-injury. They also work with young athletes to prevent injury through a variety of educational programs provided in…
Updated in April 2024 What is sports medicine? Sports medicine is branch of medical practice specialize in treating athletes, from professionals to amateurs, as well as week-end warriors, individuals who are participating in physical fitness and sports training program. They also help individuals improve their athletic performance, recover from injuries, rehabilitate injuries and return athletic…
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a therapy that uses low-level electrical currents to alleviate pain. A TENS unit is a small device that delivers the current to your nerves. This low-level current can help block or change your perception of pain. TENS may help relieve pain for some people and may be effective for a…
Question for STARS Physical Therapy: After a long day at work sitting at the computer, I find that my neck and shoulders hurt. Why does this happen and what can I do to help it? Answer: You may be experiencing a strain of your postural muscles of the neck and upper back. Muscles in this region often…
Why You Shouldn’t Overdo It… We have all heard the phrase “No pain, no gain.” Regarding the human body, discomfort is acceptable, but pain is not. In fact, each individual has a unique threshold of pain tolerance. It’s important to understand and respect this limit. When the body is pushed past this “breaking point,” injuries…
What is Pinched (Compressed) Nerve Pain? Imagine holding a straw in your hand and squeezing the middle as you sip a beverage. You will notice that not much liquid is able to pass through the straw and reach your mouth. Essentially, this is what happens when you have a “pinched” nerve. A pinched nerve ensues…
Pain in the heel can occur due to bone spurs, inflammation of the plantar fascia (known as plantar fasciitis) or impingement of the small nerves in the foot. The feet bear the weight of the body upon them, but the heel of the foot receives little thought unless it begins to hurt. Pain can originate…
Updated February, 2024 You know the saying “no pain, no gain”? When it comes to Achilles tendinopathy, this phrase could be amended to “more gain, no pain.” The more strength you gain through the special exercise protocol we use for this condition, the less discomfort you’ll feel. It can be discouraging to hear that you’ll need 10 to 12 weeks of therapy…
Updated February, 2024 “Shin splints” is a vague term, used to refer to pain in the lower part of the shin bone. It is vague because pain on the shin can mean pain on the outside of the leg, inside of the leg, pain from a stress fracture, or pain from compartment syndrome. The medical…