Physical Therapists’ Key to Benefiting Mental Health Treatments

Chronic pain sufferers who struggle to find relief often develop psychological challenges that serve to only accentuate their pain – issues such as anxiety, depression and a reluctance to move and exercise. This isn’t news to most private practice physical therapists who treat patients with chronic pain. Psychological interventions, many agree, should be included as […]

Coronavirus Concerns for People Living with Chronic Pain

(This post was updated on Friday, March 13th, 2020) The globe is grappling with the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and people are looking for information on how to avoid infection and stay healthy. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control, most people infected by the virus around 80% show mild […]

Alternative Pain Management Techniques Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

The primary goal of chronic pain treatment is to reduce disability. It is often assumed that the way to effectively reduce disability is to first significantly reduce pain, and through pain reduction a person can return to life.  Newer and alternative approaches are being used by physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals, such as Acceptance […]

HOW DOES THE GUT MICROBIOME MODULATE PAIN? PART II

We have long known that specific brain centers produce and release several substances (like acetylcholine, adrenaline, and cortisol), that modulate gut peristalsis (bowel contractions), vascular tone, bacterial homeostasis, and nutrient absorption in the intestines. But we are now quickly appreciating that our gut microbiota (the collection of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses that live in […]

Physical Therapists Weigh In On the Importance of Promoting Nutrition In Clinical Practice 

Public health recommendations for lifestyle interventions, including diet, nutrition advice, and physical activity, have been widely publicized for the treatment and prevention of diseases, including chronic pain. Physical therapists are now actively implementing nutrition into practice and recognize it as an essential part of optimizing movement, physical function, mood, and improving health. Nutrition education and […]

Physical Activity & Nutrition: Forever Linked in the World of Wellness

As the U.S. celebrates American Heart Month in February, health professionals and the mainstream media will no doubt use the designation as a soapbox for discussing heart disease prevention and cardiovascular health, which should include physical activity & nutrition. Studies will be lauded, stats will be highlighted, and healthful tips will most certainly be dispensed. […]