Health Archives - CORE Therapy & Pilates

Visceral Manipulation And Digestive Health

Stephen Dunn — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:26:49 +0000

How Visceral Manipulation Supports Better Digestive Health

The connection between visceral manipulation and digestive health is profound, as this unique approach can significantly impact how your digestive system operates. Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a specialized hands-on therapy designed to enhance the mobility and function of the internal organs. If you’re struggling with issues like bloating, constipation, or indigestion, VM might offer the relief you’ve been searching for.

Direct Impact on Digestive Organs

VM focuses on gently mobilizing the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. These organs are essential for digestion. However, they can sometimes become restricted or misaligned due to various factors, such as stress, surgery, or inflammation. These restrictions can lead to discomfort and impaired digestive function.

During a VM session, a trained therapist uses gentle pressure to encourage better movement and alignment of these organs. By doing so, VM helps restore their normal function, which can directly alleviate common digestive issues. This hands-on technique can improve how your digestive system processes food, reducing symptoms like bloating and indigestion. What else can we learn about visceral manipulation and digestive health? Let’s see!

Visceral Manipulation and Digestive Health: Alleviating Bloating and Constipation

Bloating and constipation are common digestive problems that can cause significant discomfort. These issues often arise when the digestive organs are not functioning at their best. VM can help by improving the mobility and tone of the intestines. When the intestines move more freely, food and waste pass through the digestive tract more efficiently. This can reduce the build-up of gas that leads to bloating and ease the difficulty of passing stools, helping to relieve constipation.

Enhancing Overall Digestive Function

Beyond addressing specific symptoms, VM can enhance overall digestive health. By promoting better organ mobility and function, VM ensures that the entire digestive process works more smoothly. This holistic approach doesn’t just treat the symptoms but helps improve the underlying causes of digestive issues. With regular VM sessions, you may notice improvements in how your body handles food, leading to better nutrient absorption and a greater sense of well-being.

Visceral Manipulation and Digestive Health: Contributing to Overall Well-being

Better digestive health has a ripple effect on your overall well-being. When your digestive organs are functioning optimally, your body can more effectively absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. This can lead to increased energy levels, improved mood, and a stronger immune system. VM’s ability to enhance digestive health can thus contribute to a better quality of life.

In conclusion, if you’re dealing with digestive issues, Visceral Manipulation offers a gentle yet effective way to improve your health. By directly targeting the organs involved in digestion, VM can help alleviate discomfort and support overall well-being.

Why Choose CORE Therapy and Pilates

At CORE Therapy and Pilates, we are committed to providing holistic care tailored to your needs. Our clinic in Austin, TX, uniquely combines Visceral Manipulation with Physical Therapy, Pilates, and the Gyrotonic Method. This integrated approach ensures that we address not just the symptoms but the root causes of your pain and dysfunction. Whether you are dealing with tightness, range of motion limitations, or chronic pain, our experienced therapists are here to help you achieve optimal health.

Ready to experience the benefits of Visceral Manipulation? Contact us today to schedule your session and start your journey to better health and well-being.

The post Visceral Manipulation And Digestive Health appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

Foot and Ankle

Stephen Dunn — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:43:11 +0000

Foot and ankle injuries are prevalent, accounting for millions of healthcare visits yearly. From minor sprains to severe fractures, the spectrum is vast. With over two decades in physical therapy, and over a decade integrating Pilates and Gyrotonic methods, I've witnessed their remarkable efficacy in foot health. Let's delve into foot and ankle anatomy to appreciate the areas requiring care.

table of contents

Foot and Ankle Areas To Maintain

Toe Strength and Flexibility

Arch Maintenance

Midfoot Alignment and Stability

Heel Maintenance

Ankle Mobility and Stability

Foot and Ankle

Foot and Ankle Areas To Maintain

Athletes, particularly those involved in sports like basketball, soccer, and running, are at higher risk of sustaining foot and ankle injuries due to the repetitive stresses and high-impact nature of these activities. Additionally, older adults and individuals with conditions such as arthritis or diabetes may be more susceptible to foot and ankle problems due to factors such as decreased bone density or impaired circulation. Here’s an overview of the key areas of the foot to focus on for maintenance:

Toe Strength and Flexibility

Maintain flexibility and mobility in the toes through exercises such as toe spreads and curls. Strengthen the muscles of the toes to improve balance and stability. Pay attention to any signs of deformities or abnormalities such as bunions or hammer toes, and address them with appropriate exercises and interventions. Click here to learn more about the specific exercises to improve toe strength and flexibility.

Arch Maintenance

Strengthen the muscles that support the arch, including the intrinsic foot muscles. Stretch and mobilize the plantar fascia to prevent tightness and plantar fasciitis. Use orthotics or supportive footwear if necessary to maintain the arch’s integrity during weight-bearing activities. Click here to learn more about maintaining healthy arches.

Midfoot Alignment and Stability

Focus on maintaining proper alignment and stability through exercises that engage the muscles of the midfoot. Address any issues with overpronation or supination through strengthening and proprioceptive exercises. Click here to learn more about healthy midfoot alignment tips.

Heel Maintenance

Strengthen the muscles around the heel, including the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, to support proper foot mechanics. Check for signs of heel pain or inflammation, such as plantar fasciitis, and address them with targeted exercises and modalities like stretching and massage. Click here to learn more about heel health.

Ankle Mobility and Stability

Maintain mobility and stability in the ankle joint through range of motion exercises and proprioceptive training. Strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle to prevent sprains and instability. Address any issues with ankle flexibility or stiffness through targeted stretching and mobility drills. Click here to learn more about how to maintain healthy ankles.

Sole Maintenance

Keep the sole of the foot supple and resilient through regular massage and self-myofascial release techniques. Address any calluses, corns, or blisters with proper footwear and padding to prevent friction and discomfort. Click here to learn more about sole health.

Toenail Maintenance

Keep toenails trimmed and clean to prevent ingrown toenails and fungal infections. Check for signs of discoloration or abnormalities in the toenails, which could indicate underlying health issues.

Skin Maintenance

Moisturize the skin of the feet regularly to prevent dryness and cracking. Inspect the skin for any signs of irritation, wounds, or infections, and treat them promptly to prevent complications.

Conclusion

By paying attention to and maintaining each of these areas of the foot, individuals can support overall foot health and prevent injuries during physical therapy and exercise routines like Pilates and the Gyrotonic Method. It’s also essential to listen to the body and seek professional guidance if any issues or concerns arise

Contact Us

Considering a new workout routine? Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, or marathon training, prioritizing strong feet and ankles is essential. Preventing Achilles injuries and other common foot and ankle issues is crucial for a successful fitness journey. Our combined therapy approach at CORE Therapy and Pilates strengthens your foundation, preparing you for these challenges and ensuring a smooth path to injury-free fitness. Contact CORE Therapy and Pilates, to pave a path to injury-free fitness.

The post Foot and Ankle appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy? Medicare Physical Therapy Providers in Austin, Texas

Stephen Dunn — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 02:30:30 +0000

Are you 65 years or older? Is your body feeling older than that? Are you getting ready for joint replacement surgery? Are you having back pain and neck pain that just won't go away?

Well, by the end of this video, you'll understand how physical therapy at CORE Therapy and Pilates can help you and how your Medicare can pick up the bill.

For the best advice on staying active and fit with our physical therapy, Pilates and GYROTONIC® programs, subscribe to my channel and hit the bell to be notified when I post a new video. Be awesome if you did that.

I've helped hundreds of patients with spinal, hip, knee, neck and shoulder pain over my 23 of being a Physical Therapist. And I know I can help you too. Yes, Medicare will pay for your Physical Therapy after a total knee replacement, a total hip replacement, shoulder surgery or spinal surgery.

It also pays for your Physical Therapy for back pain, hip or knee arthritis, neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on and so forth. It will pay for many things pre surgery and after surgery.

So, how eligible are you?

1. You need to be 65 years old, and you need to no longer be working to have Medicare.

2. You'll need to obtain a doctor’s referral for Physical Therapy that is no later than 10 days after your initial evaluation. So, we can evaluate you, start the process, then send a note to your doctor and we need that sign back within 10 days.

3. Then last, your financial responsibility will typically be around $20 a session, Medicare will pick up the rest. And if you have a secondary plan, they will pick up the $20. We found that about 10% of Medicare patients don't have a secondary plan and the rest do. So that means 90% of Medicare folks doesn’t for any of the services.

If you want to join a growing community of people like you, like minded looking to stay active and fit, then check out our Facebook group. It's called connecting with core and follow the link below in the comments.

Thanks for watching guys! Hit the like button, share with friends, subscribe to our channel, and check out our next video. We'll see you later.

The post Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy? Medicare Physical Therapy Providers in Austin, Texas appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

BEST HAND WASHING TIPS To Combat COVID-19

"Andy" Chin-Hueng Tseng — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:41:20 +0000

Today, I just wanted to share some tips on how to wash your hands properly. Not everybody is nervous of the corona virus outbreak going on everywhere. If you go to the grocery stores, the hand sanitizers and the toilet papers are running out. And now, also face masks are running out. But then, I want to remind everyone that this is the moment wherein we should definitely be cautious.

There’s no need to be fearful, because we can still take preventative procedures to prevent the virus from spreading even further. According to W.H.O., the most effective way to prevent the spread of virus is washing your hand. W.H.O. said that you have to wash for at least 20 seconds. But how are you going to do that? So, that’s what we’re going to talk about today.

Best Hand Washing Tips: Reducing the Risk of Common Infections

1. It’s always more effective if you wash your hands with flushing water and soap rather than hand sanitizers. If you are able to choose flowing water definitely use that. That's way more effective than using hand sanitizers. But if you don't have another choice, that's good too. But fresh water or flowing water is very important.

2. After you rinse your wet hand, here comes the actual steps to make sure you clean your hands very thoroughly.

a. The first step is to wash along your palms. Just rub your palms together. Since we use our palms to touch everything every day.

b. Wash the back of your hands. It's very important, because sometimes we tend to ignore that we are also using the back of our hands to touch anything. It’s also like getting exposed to the air all day long. In fact, you might have accidentally touched the door or the wall with the back off your hands.

c. Clean up the space between your fingers. The spacing between your fingers is also very important because you are using your hands to grip different things and use different tools. You are putting things between your fingers, those space usually needs to be cleaned as well.

d. Make hooks off your hands. This is to help you clean the crease in your palms. This is also very important because we are gripping things every day. We need to deeply clean the palm areas. Make sure to clean your palmar crease.

e. Clean the web space along your thumb. We are using our thumbs all the time. Different gripping patterns almost always involve the thumb. It’s very important to clean that webs along your thumb.

f. After the thumb, clean the fingertips. Just stand those fingers up and wrap it around the opposite hand. That's the way to effectively clean those fingertips. We know that our nails also tend to get any contamination very easily because of the space and how the structure looks like. So, clean your fingertips this way.

g. Don’t forget to clean your wrist area. Remember that most of us usually wear a watch, the watch would usually cover part of your skin which can also be an area that is often neglected of cleaning. Make sure to definitely clean your wrist area.

3. After washing your hands thoroughly, remember to also rinse off all the bubbles or the soap. Remember to still use fresh flowing water rather than hand sanitizers.

4. And last but not the least, definitely remember to dry your hands after rinsing off

That completes the series of washing your hands. Make sure to also watch out for the time because it’s important. Please, be consistent in washing your hands. This doesn’t only protect you, but it also protects the people you love.

If you are more interested in doing pilates, we at CORE actually provide private training and group classes... opportunities to get you introduced to the exercise method.

If you are interested in any of these options, our number is 512-215-4227.

I'm Dr. Andy Tseng, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and a pilates instructor as well at CORE. I along with our team of other pilates instructors will be more than happy to help you…

Have a great day.

The post BEST HAND WASHING TIPS To Combat COVID-19 appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

How To Breathe Properly

Stephen Dunn — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:23:00 +0000

The first thing that ladies in their 50’s tell me that they wish they would have learned in their 30’s is how to breathe properly. So I’m just going to go through a quick little tip on breathing.

Because most people today with our technology are sitting so much, we forcefully look down and we’re compressing our lungs. So what I want you to think of you standing up nice and tall.

I want you to put your hand on your belly and inhale into your belly. Then exhale.

Now, if you put your hand in front of your chest just below your neck, I don’t want you breathing into your hand. That’s all in my chest. I want it to be deep into your belly. Inhale and exhale to your belly.

That’s the first tip. Learn to breathe properly.

[blog-social]

The post How To Breathe Properly appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

What Is A Charley Horse? Why Is It Called A Charley Horse?

Stephen Dunn — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:54:29 +0000

Hey guys, what’s up? It’s Stephen Dunn with CORE Therapy and Pilates and today I want to answer a question that actually came about last night at about 4 o’clock in the morning…

I was in the middle of sleeping and I got an intense charley horse right in my right hamstring, I jumped out of bed and started stretching it out. In the middle of that I ended up waking Cheryl up and yes Cheryl’s back in town after her trip to Germany and she’s like what are you doing? I said, “Oh, I had a charley horse.”

Her question to me was, “why do they call it a charley horse?” and I’m like, “I don’t know who the hell charley is and what horse he’s riding and I have no idea why it’s a charley horse…”

That’s just a common word, so what I decided to do is… I looked it up today and I wanted to know why it’s called that and I really couldn’t find out that answer. What I did find out is the definition of it that I already knew and basically the ‘what’ it is…

So what a charley horse is, it’s a spasm. It’s an involuntary spasm of the muscle, typically it’s in the calf, or hamstring, or the bottom of the foot if it’s while you’re sleeping. If it’s happening in your arms and your upper body is usually at times of activity. I get them in my hamstrings and calves with sleeping at times but I’ll get one right hand under my jaw with yawning… now when I get one there, it’s really interesting because when I get in my calf and hamstring, I can just stretch it out. You just stretch it the opposite direction and it’s pretty easy to get it to let go. It might hurt for a moment but it can go away pretty quickly. If you get it in your neck and your jaw from yawning or I’ve got it in my diaphragm from breathing deeply or from doing certain exercises, those are a little bit more challenging to get to let go (with stretching)…

So what I found from doing a little research and looking into it is that one of the biggest causes of it is dehydration or a chemical imbalance where there’s not enough magnesium, potassium. So drinking water or a salt pill would be a great way to offset that… if it’s a spot that you can’t stretch.

So that’s the definition of a charley horse…

Why it’s called a charley horse? Anybody know? Comment below… let me know, I would love to know. I think it’s pretty fascinating how and I’m not sure if it’s a phrase that young people know, if it’s just a phrase that us older people know… I’m not sure about that. Do young people know what a charley horse is? Is that a phrase that’s still used anymore? But anyway, that’s my story for today…

Like… Comment… Subscribe… when you see this on YouTube, Subscribe and Slap that Bell so you’ll know when these are new– when our videos come out… and have a fantastic weekend guys! any questions put them in the comments and take care… bye now!

Ever had a Charley Horse in your calf, hammy or bottom of the foot and did not know what to do about it? Not sure how to stretch out those tight muscles? Call 512-215-4227 to set up some time with one of our expert Physical Therapist or Pilates Instructors to learn more…

The post What Is A Charley Horse? Why Is It Called A Charley Horse? appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

3 Tips To Save Your Shirts At The Sink…

Allyson Marshall — Thu, 17 May 2018 09:38:24 +0000

Hey… it’s Allyson at CORE and I am doing another video on how to take care of yourself…

This one is about when you’re in the kitchen at the sink and it’s also about your shirts because if you look… about countertop height we tend to lean up against that countertop and we get holes in our shirts… right here. So when you feel yourself lean against that countertop remember we’re gonna do three things to make yourself feel better today… okay

First, you want to lengthen your spine! So you’re gonna go up in your head like your ears are going up to the ceiling and that lengthens your neck. It’ll loosen your upper back. Then the opposite of that chain is your legs. You want your legs going down into the floor like your feet are growing roots into the floor.

So you’re standing at the sink… your legs are gonna go down and your head is gonna come up, your spine will get nice and long… Those are the first two things.

Now the last one, those shoulder blades. When you’re working in the sink you have a tendency to lean over that sink… bring those shoulder blades back into your spine and down that back so your shoulders are relaxed and down…

Okay, so as you’re working where you’re normally here (leaning forward) lengthen and bring those shoulder blades back and down and work here (standing tall)… your shirt’s are gonna last a lot longer and you’re gonna get a stronger more toned core…

You guys have a great day!

Call 512-215-4227 to learn more about how to stand tall…

[button_1 text=”Apply%20for%20a%20Free%20Physical%20Therapy%20Discovery%20Session%20Here%26nbsp%3B%C2%BB” text_size=”26″ text_color=”#ffffff” text_font=”Open Sans;google” text_letter_spacing=”0″ subtext_panel=”N” text_shadow_panel=”Y” text_shadow_vertical=”1″ text_shadow_horizontal=”1″ text_shadow_color=”#333333″ text_shadow_blur=”2″ styling_width=”20″ styling_height=”15″ styling_border_color=”#000000″ styling_border_size=”0″ styling_border_radius=”6″ styling_border_opacity=”100″ styling_gradient_start_color=”#9ecb23″ drop_shadow_panel=”N” inset_shadow_panel=”N” align=”left” href=”/free-discovery-session/”/]

The post 3 Tips To Save Your Shirts At The Sink… appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

Unique Tip With A Pool Noodle To Open Your Chest & Improve Your Spinal Posture While Driving

Stephen Dunn — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:56:41 +0000

table of contents

The Problem with Traditional Lumbar Support

The Pool Noodle Solution

Inspiration Behind the Idea

Feedback from Clients

How can I improve my posture while driving?

What is the best posture for driving?

Driving for extended periods can lead to poor posture, which can result in back pain and other related issues. If you often find yourself slouching or with your shoulders hunched up while driving, this article is for you.

Today, I'll share a unique and cost-effective tip using a pool noodle to help improve your spinal posture and open up your chest while driving.

The Problem with Traditional Lumbar Support

Many physical therapists recommend lumbar supports, that provide horizontal support to your lower back. However, I've observed that a significant number of my clients already have an excessively arched or swayed spine.

Introducing a more forward-push to such a posture can exacerbate the problem. So, I've been on the lookout for a better solution.

The Pool Noodle Solution

Enter the pool noodle. This simple, inexpensive tool can be transformed into an effective posture corrector.

Here's how:

Cutting the Noodle

Ideally, the pool noodle should run from your lower back up to your neck. The one I have is a tad short, but it still does the trick. If you can, aim for a length that covers this entire spine.

Positioning

Place the pool noodle between your car seat and your spine, specifically between your shoulder blades. This positioning encourages you to open up your chest and sit up straighter. The moment you start to slouch, you'll feel the noodle, reminding you to correct your posture.

Benefits for the Lower Back

Not only does the pool noodle help with your upper back and chest, but it also aids in rectifying the common lumbar arch. By pressing your lower back slightly into the noodle, you can counteract the tendency to sway or arch excessively.

Inspiration Behind the Idea

If you've ever used a foam roller for exercises or muscle relaxation, you'll recognize where the inspiration for this tip came from. The pool noodle serves a similar purpose, but is more adaptable for use in a car. Of course, you can also use it in regular chairs, but I've found it particularly effective for driving.

Feedback from Clients

Over the years, I've recommended this pool noodle trick to numerous clients. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported feeling a noticeable difference in their posture and overall comfort while driving.

How can I improve my posture while driving?

Improving your posture while driving is crucial, not only for comfort during long rides, but also for preventing musculoskeletal problems in the long run. Here are some steps and tips to ensure you maintain a good posture while driving:

Seat Position

Adjust your seat so that your back is against the seat's backrest, and your headrest supports the middle of your head.
Your knees should be at the same level or slightly lower than your hips.
Ensure you can comfortably reach the pedals without stretching your legs fully.

Steering Wheel Grip

Hold the steering wheel with both hands, ideally in the "9 and 3" or "10 and 2" positions.
Your elbows should be slightly bent, not stretched out or too close to your body.

Lumbar Support

Use the car's built-in lumbar support, if available. Adjust it so it supports the curve of your lower back.
If your car doesn't have lumbar support or if it's insufficient, consider using a lumbar roll or a cushion.
As mentioned in the previous blog, a pool noodle can be an inexpensive alternative.

Headrest

The headrest should be adjusted so that it's level with the top of your head.
This will help reduce the risk of whiplash in case of an accident.

Mirror Position

Adjust your mirrors when you're in a proper posture.
This way, if you slouch or change your position, you'll need to adjust your posture to see clearly in the mirrors.

Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes with good support.
High heels or thick-soled shoes can alter the angle of your foot on the pedals, affecting your driving and posture.

Take Regular Breaks:

If you're driving for long periods, take breaks every hour or so.
Stretch your legs, back, and neck to relieve any tension.

Exercises

Engage in regular exercises that strengthen your core and back muscles.
This will naturally help you maintain a better posture.
Consider exercises like chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes to counteract the forward-leaning posture.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water regularly.
Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and discomfort.

Eye Level

Ensure that your eyes are level with the top third of the steering wheel.
This will help you avoid tilting your head up or down, which can strain the neck.

Avoid Overloading the Back Pockets

Sitting on a wallet or any other bulky item can misalign your posture.

Stay Mindful

Periodically check in with your body.
If you notice you're slouching, or if any part of your body feels strained, adjust your position.

By incorporating these tips and being mindful of your posture, you can ensure a more comfortable and healthier driving experience.

What is the best posture for driving?

The best posture for driving optimizes comfort, reduces fatigue, minimizes strain on the body, and ensures maximum control over the vehicle.

Here's a breakdown of the ideal driving posture:

Seat Position

Distance

Adjust the seat so you can easily reach the pedals without fully extending your legs.
There should be a slight bend in your knees when the pedals are fully depressed.

Height

Raise the seat height so your eyes are level with the top third of the windshield, ensuring a clear view of the road.

Tilt

The seat base should be tilted slightly so that your thighs are supported along the length without pressing into the edge of the seat.

Backrest

Angle

The backrest should be reclined at about a 100-110 degree angle.
This position distributes your body weight across your back and reduces the strain on your spine.

Lumbar Support

Adjust the lumbar support to fit the curve of your lower back.
If your car doesn't have built-in lumbar support, consider using a cushion or lumbar roll.

Headrest

Position the headrest so that it's level with the top of your head and touches the back of your head.
This reduces the risk of whiplash in case of an accident.

Steering Wheel

Height

Adjust the steering wheel so that it's at chest level and you have a clear view of the dashboard.

Grip

Hold the steering wheel with both hands, ideally in the "9 and 3" or "10 and 2" positions.
Your elbows should be slightly bent and relaxed, resting on the armrests or your lap.

Mirrors

Adjust the rearview and side mirrors when you're in the correct posture.
This way, if you change your position, you'll be reminded to correct your posture to see clearly in the mirrors.

Feet

Your feet should rest naturally on the pedals, with the balls of your feet pressing them.
The heel should be on the floor, allowing you to pivot between the gas and brake pedals.

Hands

Your wrists, not your hands, should rest on the top of the steering wheel when your arms are extended.
This ensures that your arms are at the right distance and angle for optimal control.

Shoulders

They should remain in contact with the seat back when turning the steering wheel.
This ensures that you're not overreaching.

Elbows

They should be relaxed and slightly bent, allowing for fluid movement and reducing the strain on the shoulders.

Remember, even with the best posture, it's essential to take breaks during long drives to stretch and move around. This helps to prevent stiffness and keeps the blood circulating, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other health issues.

Learn more about posture from the Mayo Clinic here.

Read our recent blog on posture HERE.

In Conclusion

Improving your posture while driving doesn't require expensive equipment or complicated exercises. A simple pool noodle, easily available and affordable, can make a significant difference. So, the next time you find yourself hunching over the wheel, remember this tip. Your back will thank you!

If you'd like to learn more or discuss other physical therapy tips, feel free to call at 512.215.4227. Here's to better posture and happier drives!

The post Unique Tip With A Pool Noodle To Open Your Chest & Improve Your Spinal Posture While Driving appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

Don’t Neglect Your Health During The Holidays!

Stephen Dunn — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 12:46:02 +0000

Hey guys… its that time of year, the holidays are right around the corner. I think we are just a couple of weeks away from Thanksgiving and this is the time of year that everybody gets so busy… getting their house ready, getting everything ready for their kids Christmas, getting food ready, that they put their workouts and physical therapy on the back burner.

We want to help you this year to try and not do that… take care of yourself during the holidays, continue with your physical therapy, continue with your workouts even if you have to reschedule it for a different day reschedule it…make it happen.

If you continue with that and continue to nurture yourself through these holidays, you will have more energy. You will feel better and you will be able to take care of your friends and family a lot better than if you just put yourself off and you postpone your therapy or your like, well, I will wait till January and really hit it hard with my workouts. Don’t do that this year! Stick to the plan, don’t gain the extra weight through the holidays… take care of yourself feel better and make that your gift for the holidays.

We are here to help you. So talk to your therapist, talk to your trainer, whatever you need to do to stick with it… do it!

Happy Holidays, Bye!

Are you already stressed out about the stress you are going to have over the holidays? Now is the perfect time to work on that stress! Click here to schedule your Discover Session with a Physical Therapist

Not sure if Pilates or Gyrotonic is a good fit for you? Click HERE for a Taster Session with one of our Certified Trainers and get a jumpstart on your holiday stress

The post Don’t Neglect Your Health During The Holidays! appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.

Find Time To Relax With Epsom Salt

Allyson Marshall — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:06:33 +0000

Hey guys, its Allyson from CORE… and I have a fun blog for you today about Epsom Salt. When my daughter and I are home alone without her dad and brothers, we will soak our feet in a cooler of hot water with epsom salt. This is a great way to get magnesium into your body through the skin as it will soak it up and incorporate it into your nutritional profile.

We think of people soaking in Epsom salt to relieve achy, sore muscles… and it does! But it does more than just that.

Continue reading to learn 7 Uses for Epsom Salt… and read to the bottom to find a few epsom salt bath recipes for you to try…

1. Increases magnesium levels in your body. Your skin absorbs things. Soaking in a bath of epsom salt will give your body much needed magnesium and sulfate. Our modern day soil does not have as many nutrients as it used to, including magnesium. Therefore, we don’t get the nutrients in our food that we used to so we supplement. Some people sprinkle it in their garden to replace nutrients into the soil.

2. Relieves stress. Magnesium deficiency enhances stress reactions (click to see article). Also, magnesium positively effects stress and neuropsychiatric disorders.

3. Eliminates toxins by reverse osmosis. Especially if you are detoxing, take an epsom salt bath!

4. Relieves constipation. Beware if you do not have constipation because it will loosen up your bowels too. This doesn’t make up for a high fiber diet of course.

5. Reduces pain and inflammation. This can be used for inflammation in joints or even bruises or cuts. If you have a splinter, soak the area in epsom salt with warm water and the splinter will be drawn out – good for small children who are averse to picking it out with a needle.

6. Improves blood sugar. Check this site out for natural ways to lower your risk of diabetes.

7. Improve the Volume of your hair by decreasing oils.

Now for the recipes:

Follow this link for a more involved recipe for back pain bath salts

For a less complicate but great soak, try this one:

1/2 cup epsom salt
1/2 cup table salt
1/8 cup bentonite clay (optional)
7 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops frankincense essential oil

1. In a glass mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix with a non-metal spool (metal reacts with clay)
2. Store in an air-tight glass jar.
3. Add 1 cup of salts to a hot bath. Don’t add bubbles or soap.
4. Relax and soak for at least 15 – 20 minutes.
5. Rinse well.

And that’s all for Espom Salts, hope you enjoy your in the near future soak…

The post Find Time To Relax With Epsom Salt appeared first on CORE Therapy & Pilates.