In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become more critical than ever. Fitness trackers have emerged as essential tools for those seeking to monitor and improve their physical health, offering real-time data, personalized insights, and motivation. With a variety of options available, choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. Our physical therapists and personal trainers at EW Motion Therapy use a variety of fitness trackers and can provide recommendations based on your goals. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, it’s important to understand the general benefits of fitness trackers and the unique features of these popular devices so you can make an informed decision.

Golf is a sport that demands precision, balance, and a strong connection between mind and body. While much focus is often placed on the shoulders, arms, and core, the role of the hips in a golfer's performance is paramount. The hips are not just passive participants in your swing; they are the engine that drives your power, stability, and overall ability to play the game effectively. Physical therapy is often an excellent treatment option to help golfers get their hips ready to play - we love helping our golfers at EW Motion Therapy play for a lifetime. You may decide that our golf program doesn’t fit your needs, but understanding the importance of hip health can significantly enhance your performance on the course and prevent debilitating injuries that could sideline you for weeks or even months.

Dry needling has become a popular therapeutic technique in physical therapy, but a common question many potential patients have is, "Does dry needling hurt?" This is a valid concern, as the idea of needles can understandably create anxiety. Pain is indeed subjective, and everyone’s experience with dry needling can differ. However, understanding what to expect can help reduce some of this anxiety. Your physical therapist will do their best to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure and will answer all questions you have. We prioritize patient education at EW Motion Therapy, especially when a patient is interested in dry needling. We pull from our own experience in this article, as we explore how people have described the sensation of dry needling, compare it to the pain of an injection, and discuss how physical therapists can prepare and educate patients for the procedure.

Pregnancy often comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge that many pregnant women face is sciatica, which can present with various symptoms, sometimes including lower back pain. While sciatica is not uncommon, you can usually continue your favorite activities pain-free with a little modification. This is where physical therapy comes in - your therapist can tailor a treatment plan to help relieve sciatic pain that is safe for both you and your baby. We consider it a privilege to help our pregnant clients at EW Motion Therapy continue their favorite activities throughout pregnancy while managing pain and limitations. You may decide that our program doesn’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we provide an overview of sciatica and explain why it is common during pregnancy. We will highlight the symptoms to watch out for, discuss general treatment options, and delve into how physical therapy can be a crucial component in managing and relieving sciatic pain.

Nutrition labels are an essential tool for anyone looking to make informed food choices. Understanding how to read these labels can help you make healthier decisions and avoid ingredients that might be detrimental to your health. If you have specific health goals in mind, a professional nutrition expert might be a great resource for you - our nutrition coaches at EW Motion Therapy love helping our clients create healthy habits and learn more about their health. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read this article as we explore the history and purpose of nutrition labels, break down their essential components, highlight the most critical aspects to pay attention to, identify red-flag ingredients, and provide tips on selecting the healthiest foods.

Running is unique in the sports world for a few reasons. The only equipment you need for the sport is shoes, and there aren’t special rules you have to follow. But every runner loves the rush of seeing their dedication pay off with a new PR, better mile time, or winning a race, and they know that to improve in the sport, you have to push your body and mind to their limits.

The feeling of being overwhelmed by life is so familiar we have come up with multiple names to describe it - burning the candle at both ends, running on fumes, or in the South, you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Everyone, especially athletes, deals with this feeling at some point in their life. Being an athlete is not just about excelling in your sport; it involves balancing various aspects of life, including academics and personal activities. For student-athletes, managing time between rigorous training sessions, schoolwork, and other commitments can be challenging.

What do you picture when you think about personal training? Is it a buff young man lifting 20-pound dumbbells while yelling at you to keep going as you run on a treadmill? That’s what pops into my head, and I know I’m not alone. Unfortunately, the reputation of personal training has been tarnished for some because of stereotypical characters like the one I picture, or from a horror story of being injured in the gym. You probably know one, whether you experienced it yourself or someone you know got hurt - a trainer wasn’t paying attention and pushed their client too hard.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and severe injuries experienced by athletes and physically active individuals. These injuries can significantly impact mobility, physical performance, and overall quality of life. At their worst, they can cancel an athlete’s entire season or prevent them from getting a scholarship. We love helping our athletes at EW Motion Therapy with injury prevention and recovery - ACL tears can happen, but our ultimate goal is getting you back on the field. You may decide that our services at EW don’t fit your needs, but to understand the best ways to prevent ACL injuries, it is essential to review their causes, recognize who is at greater risk, learn how to implement effective prevention strategies, and discuss how physical therapy can aid in both prevention and recovery.

Many workout programs include both cardio and strength training, with rest days in between. However, strength training is often overlooked in the dance community, with many dancers fearing it might lead to unwanted muscle bulk. However, strength training is crucial for dancers' overall health and performance, and no dancer should shy away from including it in their routine. We always encourage our dancers at EW Motion Therapy to incorporate strength training into their routine, and we help them do it through personalized programs that complement their training schedule. While you may decide that our dance program doesn’t fit your needs, this article will help you understand the importance of strength training for dancers. We address concerns about bulking and advise how dancers can effectively incorporate weight training into their schedules. Additionally, we will discuss how physical therapy and personal training can significantly optimize dancers' strength training routines.