By Catherine Lewan, PT, DPT, CYT

Did you know that your pelvic floor is part of your "core"? Core muscles include the

By Patricia Staszak, PT, Owner
 

"Stop slouching!" How many times did your mom tell you that? Of course, just like that advice about eating your vegetables and wearing a hat, mom was right.

And it all starts with your head. Or, more specifically, how you carry your head.

Forward head posture (FHP), in which the mid back is rounded, shoulders slump forward and the head is carried in front of the shoulders, is something we see a lot at APT, especially among those who spend time on a computer.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes and supports your arch. The condition is fairly common and one of the most frequent causes of heel pain. In fact, one of the classic symptoms is stabbing or burning heel pain, usually with your first steps in the morning. After you get moving, the pain often decreases, but it can flare up later in the day depending on your activity level.

Knee pain, particularly pain underneath the kneecap (patellofemoral pain), is a common issue that we see at APT. Abnormal walking or running mechanics, overuse, and/or muscle imbalance patterns can cause this type of knee pain. Taping or bracing the kneecap is often an effective treatment for this problem, so a recent study on the topic interested me. Our therapists often tape patellofemoral joints of patients with this type of pain, and therapists frequently have to decide if taping or bracing is a better treatment option.