Physical Therapy Blog

The tennis serve is one of the most complex and powerful movements in sports, involving coordination, timing, strength, and technique. Improving your serve requires attention to these factors, as well as a strong foundation of mobility and stability in the upper and lower body. In this article, we’ll break down the movements involved in a serve, explore common reasons your serve might not be effective, and discuss how physical therapy can help fine-tune your body for optimal performance.

Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes, one of which can be the discomfort of round ligament pain. As the body adapts to accommodate the growing baby, ligaments supporting the uterus stretch and shift, sometimes leading to sharp, jabbing pains. While round ligament pain is typically harmless, understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make a big difference in a mom’s comfort. Read on as we explore why round ligament pain occurs during pregnancy, common symptoms, home management techniques, and how physical therapy can offer relief.

Trail running offers a unique experience for runners eager to escape the pavement and embrace the outdoors. Running through trails allows you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy varying terrain, and challenge yourself in ways that road running doesn’t always provide. However, transitioning to trail running requires some preparation, as the trails differ significantly from the smooth roads most runners are accustomed to. In this guide, we’ll discuss the key differences between trail and road running, safety considerations, when trail running may not be the best choice, and practical tips for beginners to help you get started.

Grip strength is an often overlooked but crucial indicator of overall health and longevity. Whether it’s opening a jar, carrying groceries, or engaging in fitness activities, our grip strength plays a vital role in daily tasks. But beyond its functional benefits, studies show that grip strength is a reliable predictor of health outcomes as we age. Maintaining good grip strength can reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve quality of life, and even contribute to longer lifespans. In this article, we’ll explore why grip strength matters, the negative effects of decreased grip strength, ways to improve it, and how physical therapy can help.

Giving birth is one of the most significant experiences a woman can go through. For many expectant mothers, labor and delivery come with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and, understandably, some anxiety about the physical demands involved. Your breath is one of the most important tools you have during this transformative process. Breathing may seem simple—after all, it’s something you’ve been doing all your life—but during labor, using breath correctly can help optimize oxygen flow to both you and your baby. Understanding proper breathing techniques during labor can ease pain, reduce stress, and make the experience more manageable. In this article, we’ll explore why proper breathing is so crucial during labor, share tips on breathing techniques to use, and discuss how physical therapy can play a role in helping you prepare.

Turning in dance is a technical skill that looks effortless when executed well. However, behind that seamless spin is a full-body movement requiring coordination, strength, balance, and precision. Whether you are working on pirouettes, fouetté turns, or chaînés, mastering turns is essential for all styles of dance, from ballet to contemporary to jazz.

When it comes to running, the old adage “you are what you eat” rings particularly true. For long-distance runners, proper nutrition is not only essential for performance but also for recovery, endurance, and overall well-being. Whether you’re training for a marathon, a half marathon, or simply increasing your weekly mileage, knowing how to fuel your body can make the difference between a strong finish and hitting the wall.

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel overwhelmed by the pressures of managing our health, career, and personal lives. It can feel like an impossible balancing act, and even though we know what’s good for us—eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress—finding the time and motivation to actually follow through can be difficult. And when you try to research how to do all the good things, information overload is all too common. That’s where wellness coaching comes in. It is an increasingly popular service designed to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals, live more balanced lives, and overcome obstacles in their personal growth.

When preparing for childbirth, understanding the role of the pelvic floor muscles can help alleviate some concerns and better equip you for labor and recovery. The pelvic floor serves as a foundation for the body’s core, supporting organs, including the uterus, bladder, and bowel, while also playing an essential role in childbirth. During labor and vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles undergo a series of complex changes and movements that facilitate the baby’s passage through the birth canal. In this article, we will explore how these muscles move and adapt during each stage of labor, potential muscle damage that can occur, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can assist in preparation for childbirth and recovery postpartum.

Performance anxiety is an all-too-familiar experience for many artistic athletes, from dancers and gymnasts to competitive cheerleaders. These athletes not only strive to master their craft but also present it to an audience, often under the pressure of exacting standards. While some degree of nervousness is typical, performance anxiety can become debilitating, hindering an athlete's ability to perform at their best. This article explores why performance anxiety is so common among artistic athletes, what symptoms may signal a need for intervention, resources available to them, and practical tips for performing with confidence.