soma system® for Our Patients Katherine Hartsell, PTA We introduced soma system® to our patients at Boston Sports Medicine (click here for the introductory blog about soma system® self bodywork if you missed it). We have integrated this intervention into our treatments for patients that need and want to take their self-care “beyond foam rolling.”…
Injury Prevention: Should your high school student be in the weight room? Many parents wonder whether or not their adolescent should be weight lifting while training for their sport of choice. The better answer to this question is that your adolescent athlete, male or female, should be participating in a strengthening program to go along…
What Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)? What is POTS? POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It is a form of dysautonomia (malfunction of the autonomic nervous system). The primary symptom of POTS syndrome is orthostatic intolerance (OI). OI describes a condition in which an excessively reduced volume of blood returns to the heart…
Pointe Readiness: When is the Optimal Time to Start Pointe Work? Michelle Perry PT, DPT The combined forces from body weight and momentum when dancing en pointe places significant stress on a dancer’s leg; the equivalent of up to 12x the individual’s body weight. Thus, adolescent dancers looking to start pointework and even those dancing…
C-Sections and Physical Therapy Kim Breslin, DPT It is no myth in society that pregnancy, labor, and delivery all require significant exertion, strength, and fortitude- both emotional and physical. But what about deliveries that are C-sections? Whether your personal choice, or plan B after attempting to push to deliver your baby – does having a…
Exercising During Pregnancy: Good or Bad? This a question we hear a lot working a women’s health physical therapist. The quick and easy answer is, GOOD! Women who are pregnant are encouraged to participate in 30-60 minutes of light to moderate exercise per day 5-7 days per week. However, according to an article from the…
Foam Rolling the IT Band Elyse Harrop, DPT If you’re a runner, at one point or another you’ve probably heard the suggestion to “roll out your IT bands” to prevent or help decrease lateral knee pain. You cringe, and say “ok let’s get the agony over with.” Let’s look at what the IT band is,…
Blood Flow Restriction Training: Just a fad, or a future in PT Recently more and more articles about Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) have surfaced, especially on social media. A few patients have asked about BFR, how it can be used, and its benefits. BFR is a technique used to produce hypertrophy of a muscle, or muscle group, by restricting venous…
Postural Neglect and Low Back Pain Abigail Jamula PT, DPT It’s not uncommon to suffer from lower back pain after you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours everyday. But why does this happen and how can you fix it? Low back pain from sitting is a result of losing the natural curvature or arch…
What is Pediatric Physical Therapy? Pediatric physical therapists work with children (ages 0-18) and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum independence with daily function. This can include dressing, walking/navigating around the home and community, going up/down stairs, participation or return to gym class and reaching their potential in sports related activities. Physical therapists use their…