Preventing Golf Injuries

Spring is upon us and with that comes…golf! one of the most popular sports in the United States today. Golf is also one of the leading sports to cause injury. With non-professional weekend golfers usually hurting themselves from poor swing mechanics and lack of proper warm ups and stretches. Even professional golfers get injury from overuse so there are a few things to keep in mind next time you pick up the club.

An important golf motion tip is to make sure to move the hips and shoulders together! This motion with prevent the hyperextension and bending of the spine. Choosing the appropriate equipment to your size and skill level is also imperative. By using the wrong size equipment you can make you body work harder and in ways it is not accustomed to- therefore straining muscles and possibly causing injury. Any exercise can not only help your general health but improve your endurance and golf performance. Specifically strengthening your core muscles- abs and spine, should help prevent injury and improving arm strength will help keep your swings numbers down. Proper conditioning and stretching is important for standing out on the course for hours. After a long, cold winter your muscles are tense and need to be eased back into the golf routine.

Before your next 18 hole day take a brisk walk to get the blood pumping and muscles moving. Loosening up your body is extremely beneficial before any physical exercise or sport. You do not want to cause an injury in the beginning of the season so take care of yourself and happy golfing!

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Cycling Injuries

Cycling is an activity that many people of all ages can participate in. Whether it be for fun, or for sport, it is important to take the proper precautions before going cycling, as serious injury could occur. Constant, repetitive motions can cause injuries in many areas and joints, including the neck, back, feet, and elbows. At Park Physical Therapy, we recommend that you take these precautions before participating in the fun activity of cycling.

Stretching is crucial when it comes to any sort of physical activity. It is important to also do the correct stretches at the correct times to lessen the likelihood of a serious injury. Dynamic stretching comes first, before cycling. You never want to be throwing your body parts around during dynamic stretches. You begin by warming up your muscles, and gradually get faster while moving through your range of motion. You should end stretching with race-like movements. Post-cycling comes static stretches. Static stretches should come after a short cool down. These consist of taking muscles to the end of their range of motion, holding stretches for 20 seconds, and repeating 3-4 times. These stretches should not be painful.

The equipment you select to go cycling is also very important. Improper gear can lead to injury, or an inefficient workout session. The bike and helmet you choose must suit your needs, and it is important not to forget a water bottle and sunglasses and sunblock. Little things such as these can make a huge difference in your cycling experience. Park Physical Therapy is capable to handle any injuries that come out of the cycling experience, but hopefully after following this guide, injuries will be kept to a minimum.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

Sciatica And How Physical Therapy Can Help

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve in the back becomes compressed or irritated. It encompasses a general feeling of pain in the legs. The pain usually starts in the lower back and makes its way down the sciatic nerve, which is located on the back of the legs. Some symptoms of sciatica include: pain on only one side of the buttocks or leg, as sciatica rarely causes pain in both, a burning sensation that gets a lot worse with sitting, and difficulty moving the afflicted area. Sciatica can be what is causing your pain, regardless of how frequently it occurs.

Physical therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica without requiring surgery. A physical therapist may perform several different treatments on you to help get you back to normal. Strengthening is an important part of the process, as it can relieve pain by supporting the spine, as well as reducing further injury. Hamstring stretches will also relieve pain caused by sciatica, as well as stretching muscles that have tightened up. A physical therapist may also employ low impact aerobic techniques. These can promote a better setting for healing of the sciatic nerve, as aerobics increases the exchange of nutrients. This also releases endorphins, which can help further the painkilling process.

If sciatica is something you, or a loved one, is possibly suffering from, don’t hesitate. While permanent damage occurring is rare, severe pain is not something that is pleasant to live with. Call Park Physical Therapy today, to schedule an appointment and begin the road to recovery at the best physical therapy on Long Island.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

National Stress Awareness Month

According to the American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people experience regular physical symptoms of stress. 77 percent is way too much. That is why since 1992, April has become the National Stress Awareness Month. Stress affects every aspect of human behavior. It affects your health, personal life and work performance.

Now that we are in April it is a time to evaluate our lifestyles and our choices. Many of us can eliminate certain aspects of stress in our life but just the thought of changing gives us even more stress! There are a lot of ways that we can eradicate stress from our lives in ways that make us more positive and more productive.

• Get enough sleep: When you get a full night’s sleep you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Lack of sleep can grately add to the stress of the day and make you more prone to getting annoyed or stressed out.
• Get some exercise: While the thought of adding another activity on to your day may be a little scary, exercise is an amazing way to clear your mind and give you a boost of endorphins. You don’t have to start training for a marathon, but finding a type of exercise that you enjoy for 30-45 mins a day can be just what you need to shake the stress.
• Do what is best for you: Most people have a great deal of difficulty saying “no” when they are asked to do something even if it inconveniences them. It is important to know that you are allowed to say “no” sometimes! Do what is best for you and the goals that you need to accomplish and you will feel much better at the end of the day.

These are just a few of the many things that can do to help keep your stress low and your happiness high. This April look out for articles and videos from health professionals and anyone involved in the National Stress Awareness Month. Their insights on stress may just be what you need to turn your stressful life around!

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.