Stress is a universal experience. Some times of the year are busier than others, and life events can often come up unexpectedly. But for many adults, work is a relatively constant source of stress. It is easy to carry whatever pressure you have during the workday outside your workplace and into your home, where it can take a toll on anyone you live with and, most importantly, your own physical and mental health. So what can you do to manage stress from work in healthy ways? And which coping mechanisms will help in the long run?

If running is one of your primary hobbies, you probably have a routine figured out. You know the mileage you can handle and understand when to push yourself. But even if you don’t realize it, running takes a toll on your body over time, whether you’re a high school track star or a marathoner. Many runners often overtrain simply because they are enjoying themselves or following what their friends are doing. But how do you really figure out how much your body can tolerate? And how do you figure this out before getting hurt?

Knee injuries are common for anyone, from high-level athletes to anyone who steps off a curb wrong. The joint structure is fairly complex - many tendons, ligaments, and other structures surrounding the joint keep it stabilized and moving fluidly. One of these structures is the meniscus; if you have never torn it before, you may not even know what it is. What does it do for the knee joint, and why can it be torn? And if you tear it, do you need surgery to fix it?

If you are regularly in pain or beginning to lose function in your shoulder, you may be considering a shoulder replacement. Any major surgery is a big decision with many things to plan for, including the time you will be out of work, how long your recovery will take, and the best care team to perform the procedure. Shoulder surgeries, especially, can be complex and require longer recovery and more intensive therapy afterward. So should you get a total shoulder replacement? And how can you best alleviate stress before and after your surgery?

Whenever you’re working out, there are probably a few different thoughts going through your mind. You’re trying to remember which rep you’re on, which muscles need to tighten with the exercise you’re doing, and probably thinking about what else you need to get done after your workout. For some athletes, especially women, a constant thought during exercise is whether they are leaking or not. But why can urinary leakage be such a problem during exercise? What can you do to help?

If you want to start a new fitness class, your options can be overwhelming. You may have friends inviting you to Zumba or your neighbor recommending a barre class, but two options you have are yoga and Pilates. You may know a little bit about each - they both involve stretching of some kind. But what makes them different practices? And which one should you try?

Think about what goes through your mind when you wake up with a large zit on your face. Zits can be annoying, slightly painful, and, most of all, embarrassing. Even though acne is a common skin condition, no one really wants to face the world with a large zit on their face. The desire to forego responsibilities due to embarrassment is called fear avoidance. For those struggling with stress incontinence, fear avoidance is real. You may fear going out in public, exercising, and more due to your dysfunctional pelvic floor. So what can you do about it? Are there solutions that can give you your life back?

Most people know upper back pain and stiffness all too well. At the end of the day, many office workers, parents, and others come home and begin to feel the effects of the stress from their day, especially in their upper back. Generally, the upper back is the area of the thoracic spine between the shoulder blades and might include the joints, muscles, and connective tissue of both scapula (shoulder blades) and your first 7 ribs. While some stretches, strengthening exercises, and a good night’s sleep can reduce most upper back pain, it can become a chronic issue if not treated daily. So what can you do when your upper back tightness/pain becomes chronic and begins to impact your daily activities? And which professionals should you see to get the help you need?

If you’ve ever tried to balance a book on your head while sitting down or walking around, you know how difficult it is. While other variables contribute to how long the book stays on, the main predictor is how straight you can stand up. This is, of course, directly correlated to your posture. Most people could do with some posture correction, as many of us sit hunched over at desks looking at our screens all day. But should you buy a back brace or a standing desk? What solution will work best for you?

Any baseball player knows soreness after practice or a game is typical, especially in your throwing arm. For pitchers, but also for any other player, it is vital to prevent injury and pain by increasing strength and improving mobility to keep your joints and muscles healthy and stable. But why can your arm hurt so much after throwing? How can you reduce pain but still practice as much as you need?