Ankle Mobility For Deeper Squats - Is It That Simple?

Ankle Mobility For Deeper Squats - Is It That Simple?

A lack of ankle mobility is often one of the contributing components to a less than optimal squat. As a general measuring stick, you want to be able to squat with your thighs parallel to the floor. 

Unfortunately, this is very difficult for some. If you were to examine lower body mechanics, the hips, knees and ankles should all move at the same time and and the right amount when performing a squatting motion. If one or more of these areas are dysfunctional, you may end up with the inability to do the motion in addition to pain if you do not take care of it. 

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Posture & Upper Crossed Syndrome

Posture & Upper Crossed Syndrome

We have been talking a lot about posture lately because posture is important! However, don’t let the title of this syndrome scare you. We’re going to break it down!

Let’s say you spend a lot of your days sitting at your job or in your car because you commute to West LA (I feel for you out there who do this!) and you notice that you have a lot of tension in your neck/shoulders or are maybe experiencing some back pain. Why?

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How Come When It Gets Cold My Joints Hurt More?

How Come When It Gets Cold My Joints Hurt More?

I thought I would delve into the research a little to see if I could find a great answer for my patients! The research is rather inconclusive about a definite answer as to why the cold seems to affect joints (particularly arthritic joints) but nonetheless, clinically, many physical therapists will tell you that they hear this question all the time so there must be something to it. While there isn’t a definite answer, there are some theories!

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Extra Weight & Back Pain

Extra Weight & Back Pain

Most people may think that when we pack on a few extra pounds and that's it. I don't know about everyone else, but if I'm carrying an extra 10-20 or more pounds, I don't stay the same shape and size. Most people carry their extra weight in their midsection. When this happens it offsets their center of gravity. The same thing happens when women get pregnant.

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After I Get My Injection... I'm Good Right?

After I Get My Injection... I'm Good Right?

Often, patients will opt for medical management of their back pain with injections (which is totally fine!) I just want to speak a little about care after your injection. 

I am sincerely happy when patients come to me after an injection and say that they feel all better! However, I always caution against abandoning physical therapy because you feel great. When you are feeling pain free is the best time to capitalize on making improvements! 

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How Does STRESS Impact Your Health?

How Does STRESS Impact Your Health?

Stress is completely normal and natural, the problem becomes when there is too much stress for a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately this is becoming all too common in today's society.

Stress can come in many forms wether it is physical, chemical, or emotional. If you had a too many slices of apple or pumpkin pie during the holiday season, had to be around that one family member that you just cant stand, or put on an extra 10 pounds like I did, then you are experiencing stress.

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I Deserve To Feel Better... Don't I?

I Deserve To Feel Better... Don't I?

With the start of the New Year, there are tons of people with resolutions to get fit, lose weight, get out of pain and live a productive life!. 

BUT… my question to you is are you willing to WORK FOR IT? 

There’s a saying that “Nothing In Life Is Free” and that is absolutely true when it comes to every single one of your goals. 

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GRATEFUL for my Health & 2017 Planning

GRATEFUL for my Health & 2017 Planning

With the New Year upon us, I've had the chance to reflect on 2016 a bit. One of the biggest things I've been trying to do is being GRATEFUL for the life I am experiencing. 

I have an task for you if you want to make 2017 better than ever. Whether your goals are to have less pain, better health, more fitness, family time, etc… (THIS IS FOR YOU)

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My Stomach Is Affecting My ITB (Iliotibial Band) Pain?

My Stomach Is Affecting My ITB (Iliotibial Band) Pain?

Just because you have pain on the side of your thigh or knee doesn't mean you have ITB (Iliotibial band) problems.

A portion of people will have their symptoms resolved by foam rolling and strengthening their muscles. There are some though, that can foam roll their ITB until the cows come home or do squats all day and their symptoms won't go away. 

There are reasons for this:

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Jump Start Your 2017 From The Inside Out

Jump Start Your 2017 From The Inside Out

One of the biggest steps you can take in maintaining your health is eating better, regardless if your goal is to look better or feel better. Speaking from experience, I lost 15 pounds in 3 months just by changing what I ate. During the process and after I FELT GREAT!

When it comes to eating healthier there are 2 big misconceptions. One of which is “I can eat whatever I want as long as I work out harder”. The second is “As long as the food I eat is healthy or organic I’ll be ok”.

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