DIY Safety: Treat Home Improvement Projects Like a Workout
The past several weeks has proven that most people are not inclined to sit idle at home as the world protects itself from the coronavirus. On the contrary, as people spend more time social distancing, DIY home improvement projects have surged. Related box stores have reported increased profits, and some industry surveys (i.e., Fixr.com) show that two in three homeowners have taken advantage of COVID lockdowns to complete more projects in and around their homes. So, as people put more effort toward building, fixing, improving and upgrading aspects of […]
Will Running Damage Your Knees? Studies Say No.
Is running bad for your knees? According to Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin, this is a common question among both avid runners and those who may start running for exercise or to participate in that first 5K. For most people, though, the answer is a resounding no. “This question really highlights a common misconception about running – that it’s […]
Lower-back pain? Could be your hips.
It’s well established that about eight in 10 people in the U.S. will experience back pain at some point in their lives. And while the causes of such pain often vary, physical therapists and other medical professionals say that increasingly, the blame for low-back pain can often be traced to an area a little lower […]
Summer Pro Tip: Wear Your Flip-Flops with Caution
Warmer weather means lighter clothing all around, and footwear is no exception. But before you grab the flip-flops for summer outings and activities, Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin offers a word of caution: long-term flip-flop use can not only be bad for the feet, but also other parts of your body. “While flip-flops are often the go-to footwear for summer, […]
Create New, Healthy Habits That Help You Get Through the Pandemic
Create New, Healthy Habits That Help You Get Through the Pandemic Many of our daily routines have been upended by COVID-19 and the attempts we’ve all made to abide by phrases that weren’t so familiar at the start of 2020: social distancing, sheltering-in-place, and flattening the curve. As we “self-isolate” at home, we’ve often been […]
Physical Therapists Offering Virtual ‘Telehealth’ Visits
It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention. The team at Professional Therapy Services is proving this by offering a new way to see and help patients during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. During this time of uncertainty, while social distancing is paramount, the Professional Therapy Services team, which operates 12 clinics Central and Southern […]
Surgery Delayed by COVID-19? Physical Therapy Can Help.
In an attempt to salvage supplies and resources during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many U.S. hospitals and medical institutions have opted to postpone elective surgeries. This includes non-emergency surgeries scheduled to relieve pain and repair injuries related to the musculoskeletal system – arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repairs, joint replacement surgeries, and so on. Despite these delays, those whose surgeries were delayed need not sit back and […]
Illinois Wellness: 5 Exercise Ideas Amid COVID-19 Social Distancing
As the country bands together to slow the spread of COVID-19 (a.k.a., the coronavirus) through the practice of social distancing, many have found their regularly exercise routines disrupted. Gym closures, group fitness class cancellations and the closing of popular parks and trails have become commonplace, says Belleville physical therapist Cindy Rankin, making it more difficult for people to […]
Why Flexibility Matters as You Grow Older
Though it often takes a back seat to strength and cardiovascular fitness, flexibility plays a critical role in ensuring one’s able to maintain a high level of independence and mobility during their Golden Years. While we tend to lose flexibility as we age, that doesn’t put seniors at the mercy of such changes. According to […]
Create Heart-Healthy Habits
February is American Heart Month, a time when health professionals like physical therapists strive to raise awareness about maintaining and improving cardiovascular health. The month also serves as a sobering reminder that, as a society, we must do a better job of preventing heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in […]