A NOT-SO-SIMPLE DEFINITION OF FASCIA On September 17, 2015, the Nomenclature Committee of the Fascia Research Congress came to consensus on the anatomical definition of fascia. This was at the request of the IFAA – the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. This was a big deal. The IFAA is responsible for maintaining the Terminologia Anatomica, which sets the international standard for terminology in human...

Rehabilitation, by definition, is the process of helping someone to achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. It does not reverse or undo the damage caused by disease or trauma, be it osteoarthritis or a hip fracture. The artificial or prosthetic hip you’ve received during your surgery, has helped to reinstate a ‘normal’ joint. However surgery without rehabilitation will not ensure a successful...

Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the world. We swim in the sea, pools, lakes, streams, rivers and even ponds. And given 70% of the Earth’s surface is water, we’re not short of opportunities.

Swimming is considered a ‘low-impact’ sport due to the fact that the water supports a large percentage of your bodyweight. And exactly for that reason it’s often used in the rehabilitation of injuries to joints affected by...

The high rate of running injuries makes focusing on injury prevention key. If you can prevent injuries, you’ll be able to run more consistently, reach a higher weekly mileage, do more challenging workouts – and ultimately, race a lot faster for longer.

1. TRAINING ERRORS: Overloading tissues due to constant repetition of the running action. Watch your mileage, you should aim to increase your weekly mileage by no...

There are two main types of mountain biking injuries, those caused by falling off – acute or traumatic injuries which are discussed in another leaflet, and those issues caused by overtraining, biomechanical stresses, often due to muscle imbalances, and incorrect bike set-up. It is particularly important for the sake of future injury prevention to identify the root cause and address this ASAP, otherwise the problem will persist. It’s...

While we’re not saying we can stop you getting mountain bike injuries, you can reduce your time off the bike with these simple steps. Injuries through crashes are not really avoidable, but developing better riding skills, watching your speed and focusing on the terrain, can help prevent a crash and potential injury. Fatigue, both mental and physical, affects your concentration and ability to balance and adjust your body according...

Chronic pain and injuries are common ailments that make it difficult for individuals to fully enjoy everyday activities. Many individuals either suffer through the pain or avoid activity because they believe there is no solution, but working with a physical therapist can help them manage current injuries as well as prevent them in the future.

“Many people believe that they are simply prone to injury or that they lack strength and...

As spring arrives and local green thumbs plan for a season of gardening and general yard maintenance, physical therapists have a message for garden and landscape enthusiasts: watch your back.

When gardening, it’s a fact majority of your movement takes place in a bent position, which is unnatural on the body and, when prolonged, can lead to lower-back pain. Repetitive bending, reaching, twisting and lifting – all actions common to...

We typically wish for those we love to live their best, most healthful lives. That’s why it can be both frustrating and worrisome when a loved one slips onto a more sedentary lifestyle track – one that could be harmful to their long-term well-being.

You want to help them recommit to exercise and fitness, but you’re not sure exactly how to do it both lovingly and effectively.

It begins with simply starting a conversation, says Mesa...

We still have a lot to learn about the implications of COVID-19 and the long-term effects the virus will have on the health of those still recovering from the illness.

In the short term, though, one of the main wellness goals of COVID-19 survivors involves simply getting back to a normal life. This is a process in and of itself – a journey during which physical therapy plays a significant role.

Whether a patient required bed...

Many people who work at a desk job often complain about feeling achy and stiff at the end of the day, and this pain can often accompany them well into the weekend. Mesa physical therapist Courtney Warren says that pain caused from sitting all day can often become chronic when underlying issues and habits are not addressed.

Furthermore, Warren says that physical therapists are seeing an increase in patients coming in with complaints as...