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Physical Therapy Blog

EW Physical Therapy Blog

Physical Therapy blog articles by EW Motion Therapy

Carrie Heidrich

Licensed Physical Therapist, PT, DPT // EW Motion Therapy Homewood

Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
August 30th, 2024

Spondylolysis, a stress fracture in the lumbar vertebra known as the pars interarticularis, is a significant concern for adolescent athletes. This injury, often referred to as a pars defect or pars fracture, is prevalent among young athletes engaged in sports that involve repetitive lumbar spine motions. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of this condition and to ensure the athlete’s long-term spinal health.

Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
May 2nd, 2024

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition where the top of the femur (the ‘ball’) makes contact with the acetabulum (the ‘socket’), causing joint pain. This often occurs due to an irregular shape of one of the hip bones, leading to friction that damages the labrum, the soft tissue surrounding the joint. In this guide, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for hip impingement to help you better understand this condition and find relief from its discomfort.

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Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
March 8th, 2024

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries, impacting countless individuals regardless of their level of physical activity. Grade 1 ankle sprains are mild but require appropriate attention and care to ensure a quick and effective recovery. A Grade 1 ankle sprain occurs when there is slight stretching and damage to the ankle’s ligaments, typically the anterior talofibular ligament. Unlike more severe sprains, Grade 1 sprains do not involve significant tearing and are characterized by mild pain, swelling, tenderness, and possible instability.

Women's Health

By: Carrie Heidrich
November 11th, 2023

Motherhood brings a myriad of changes, both joyful and challenging. For the female athlete, returning to sport postpartum can seem like a mountain to climb. Knowing what symptoms you might experience and how to prepare your body for athletic activities is a crucial part of the journey back to your sporting life. In addition to self-care, enlisting the right team of professionals can make all the difference. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy loves helping our postpartum athletes return to their sport safely and confidently. However, even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn more about symptoms postpartum female athletes experience, tips on preparing the body for a return to sport, and the best professionals to guide your journey toward improved performance.

Run

By: Carrie Heidrich
October 6th, 2023

In the world of running, speed is often seen as the ultimate achievement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete aiming to shave off a few seconds from your personal best or a beginner striving to build your pace, running faster requires more than sheer determination. It demands a strategic approach, understanding your body, and seeking professional guidance. In this article, we will explore practical techniques for running faster while avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining.

Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
October 2nd, 2023

Football is a sport that demands immense physicality and skill. Whether it's a quarterback launching a perfect spiral, a running back breaking tackles, or a defensive lineman sacking the opposing quarterback, the game significantly strains a player's body. As a result, football players are at a high risk of experiencing injuries and discomfort during their careers. A physical therapist can be an excellent resource to help any player get back on the field - we love utilizing sport-specific programming for our football players at EW Motion Therapy. You might decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we explore football players’ common symptoms and injuries and how physical therapy plays a crucial role in keeping them on the field. We'll also explore how physical therapists collaborate with coaches and athletic trainers to create a winning player health and performance strategy.

Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
September 15th, 2023

Stress fractures in the lower extremities can be a painful setback for anyone, from athletes to everyday individuals. These tiny cracks in bones result from repetitive stress and overuse, often causing discomfort and disrupting daily activities. Physical therapy can be essential for a speedy recovery and returning to your favorite activities - we love doing this for our athletes at EW Motion Therapy. Even if you decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can read on as we delve into lower extremity stress fractures, exploring the risk factors that make some individuals more susceptible, the typical recovery timeline, and physical therapy’s crucial role in rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy

By: Carrie Heidrich
September 15th, 2023

Participating in sports and physical activities is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Athletes are admired for their dedication, endurance, and performance on the field. However, beneath the surface, a hidden issue affects many athletes – Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). This condition can significantly impact an athlete's health and performance, but with proper training and the right care team, any athlete can remain healthy and perform at their best. A physical therapist is often a fantastic ally to ensure your body’s tolerance of your sport - we help our athletes at EW Motion Therapy every day to perform at their best according to the demands of their sport. Even if you decide that our physical therapy isn’t right for you, you can still read on as we explore the symptoms of RED-S, who is most affected, the risk factors associated with the condition, and how physical therapy can play a vital role in its management and prevention.

Run

By: Carrie Heidrich
June 23rd, 2023

Most runners have a daily choice: hitting the road or hopping on a treadmill. Each offers its own set of benefits and potential risks. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of both choices. We recommend either option to our runners at EW Motion Therapy, depending on any existing medical conditions and their access to one or the other. Even if you decide our run program doesn't fit your needs, you can still read on as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of running on a treadmill versus running outdoors, helping you make an informed decision that suits your individual preferences and goals.

Run

By: Carrie Heidrich
April 28th, 2023

Running is an excellent way to improve your physical fitness and overall health. It's also an accessible activity that requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere. But it can feel overwhelming when you start figuring out the routine and training intensity that works best for your body. How do you learn what works for you without getting hurt?