Gymnastics is a rigorous sport. Every skill required of these athletes puts significant stress on their bodies, increasing the gymnast’s risk of injury. So what happens when a gymnast’s body cannot perform? How can they continue to improve while not overtraining?

Our shoulders are an essential part of our daily movement. They connect our arms to our torso and help them stay in place, whether we do push-ups or reach for a cup on a high shelf. So when one of our shoulders begins to feel stiff and is not functioning correctly, it can be frustrating when we have to limit our movement. How can you ensure your shoulder functions properly again?

When you want a massage, it is easy to become overwhelmed with options. Choosing what kind of massage you want is hard enough, but finding which facility best fits your needs can be even more difficult. If you live in Birmingham, it is easy to find a massage facility close by but difficult to choose one to visit. Where should you go?

When you have muscle tension, getting a massage might be a great step to help you feel better. Many massage facilities have multiple services you can choose from, and some even offer a combination of various techniques customized to your needs. You could even try an at-home product like TheraGun, but that might not be the most ideal treatment for your symptoms, so working with a professional is probably best. But how do you know which type of massage best addresses your symptoms? And when should you seek further help?

When you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your body in multiple ways. You may feel cranky at work the next day, have trouble accomplishing your daily tasks, and even develop headaches or migraines. When you have anxiety, getting enough sleep is paramount to your daily functioning. How can you promote good quality sleep when you start to feel anxious about sleeping well?

When you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your body in multiple ways. You may feel cranky at work the next day, have trouble accomplishing your daily tasks, and even develop a headache or migraine. One effect of sleep deprivation that most people don’t consider is inflammation - it is sometimes hard to distinguish when your body has elevated inflammatory chemicals since this is an internal effect. But, it is essential to understand the bodily processes surrounding inflammation to prioritize sleep in your routine.

Pregnancy comes with a lot of physical and emotional changes in your body. Your belly grows, your appetite changes, and you may have increased pain in some areas. One common area that can become painful during pregnancy is your back, preventing you from sleeping well and doing the activities you would normally do. So why is back pain so common? And what can you do to help?

When you have tense muscles, you have a few options to relieve the tension and pain. You could try some stretches, different sitting positions, or book a massage. While a massage can make you feel much better, the effects usually only last for so long - you’ll be tense again within a week or so. Plus, massage therapists can have different certifications depending on where you go. How do you know who to trust? And when you need a tailored approach for a specific issue, how do you know the massage you book will address everything you need?

When a loved one has a stroke, a million questions go through your mind. Will they ever regain the skills they lost? What doctors will they need to see? And how can I provide the most support?

If you have a history of pain or pressure in your lower abdomen or lower back, you could be suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Depending on your prolapse stage, the condition can affect your daily life. Who should you go to for help? And what are your treatment options?