The coming of summer typically brings with it a change in footwear. For many of us, that means sandals and flip flops, but be wary—it can often bring foot pain as well. Plantar fasciitis (plan-tar fash-ee-eye-tis) becomes a common diagnosis in the physical therapy clinic this time of year. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar refers […]
Computer Comfort Self Evaluation How do you think your position is when you are working on your computer at home or at work? If you have discomfort, or are not sure how you should be sitting at your computer, take the test! Is the top of your screen about eye level? Is […]
Whether you are a runner or a walker, seasoned or novice, there are a few things to keep in mind when starting out. The summer and fall seasons are a time when many of us want to start an exercise program. This time of year also offers lots of opportunities for local events or races. […]
There are several reasons a person may develop an open wound. Common wound types are burns, animal bites, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers and pressure ulcers. Diabetic wounds are generally on the bottom of the foot and result from peripheral neuropathy (poor sensation), trauma, prolonged pressure, poor foot care and poor foot wear. […]
In the classroom, children have many opportunities to practice fine motor skills. However, it is important for them to also practice these skills when they are not in school. There are a lot of fun activities your children can do during their summer vacation to improve fine motor skills. Here are some ideas to help […]
This is the third and final article regarding chronic pain. In the last two articles we reviewed the differences between acute and chronic pain, some particular medical conditions that can lead to or impact chronic pain and common complaints associated with chronic pain. There are also some signs and symptoms related to chronic pain: […]
Last week we presented information about chronic pain, and the differences between short term pain, acute pain and long-term, chronic pain. We also discussed how the body responds and interprets pain. As a review, chronic pain is a condition that occurs when the brain concludes there is a threat to a person’s well-being based on […]
Pain is an unpleasant sensation that we usually associate with injury or tissue damage, but can actually be present in the absence of tissue damage. Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts for a short time – up to 12 weeks. It is a warning that tissue damage has occurred or may occur, […]
The weather is warming up, it’s time to get the garden in order, or begin that project or maybe you’ve decided it’s time to get into shape. If you aren’t ready for a big increase in activity or movement you may feel it the next day in the form of soreness or pain. Is there […]
Gardening is a popular pastime in the NEK, but doing it incorrectly can lead to back pain, joint aches, and muscle strains. Gardening can also be difficult for people with health conditions that limit movement (such as arthritis) or cause fatigue. But with a few easy strategies, gardening can be a pleasurable and safe activity […]
Occupational Therapy focuses on helping you take part in the activities you need to do each day. Your “occupation” is the activity that “occupies your time”. Learning, being able to do things by yourself, using your hand after an injury, are all “occupations” and participating in them is important to maintain your health and wellness. […]
Healthy Tips for Each Decade- 50s and Beyond This week we continue our theme of how to stay healthy through the decades. 5 Tips for 50s: See the world, and exercise, too. Traveling for work or pleasure shouldn’t derail your healthy habits. Physical therapists can suggest exercises you can do on the go, anywhere. Bone […]
This is a list of tips from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) on how to stay active and healthy through the decades. Tips for 20s: Be active 30 minutes per day to make it a habit for life. Regular exercise in the present is a great way to keep serious health issues such as […]
We’d like to offer some tips for our moms, dads and caregivers on protecting your back as you are caring for infants. Meal Time for Your Infant Moms and dads both can enjoy feeding time with their infant. But even a young baby can quickly get heavy causing strain on your neck and shoulders. Here […]
You have two bones in your forearm, the radius and the ulna, which connect the elbow to the wrist. The radius is the most frequently broken bone in the arm. A distal radius “ray-dee-us” fracture is a break just before the wrist joint. The fracture is considered simple if the bone is broken in only […]
North Country Hospital will be offering a FREE educational session “Knowing Your Knees” on February 27, 2018 from 11:00 am – noon at Barton Area Senior Services, presented by physical therapists. All are welcome and no preregistration is necessary. This week we’d like to give an introduction to your knees. The knee must be able […]
This Vermont winter has been exceptionally cold and windy. Some of us may have come inside and noticed that an area of our skin is red or white and cold to the touch. Often we wonder… do I have frostbite? Here are some things to consider. Frostbite injuries occur when the body skin and underlying […]
North Country Hospital will offer a FREE educational session “ALL ABOUT THE HIP” on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Barton Senior Center, 17 Village Square in Barton, presented by physical therapists. All are welcome. Please come prepared to do some light activity. This week we’d like to give […]
Some of us still make New Year’s Resolutions. Sometimes they stick, sometimes they don’t. There is quite a bit of information that changing a habit can take 21-30 days. Of course, the key is how to stick to that change. And the difference between 21 days and 30 days can seem like a long time […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder (depressive symptoms triggered by seasonal changes; for example: “winter blues”) and feelings of depression can occur especially during the winter months. To manage the holiday blues, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) suggests the following: 1. Open your home. If it is difficult to get out of your home to visit others, […]
One of the trends discussed in relation to staying healthy these days is how sitting for too long can affect our overall health and even decrease or life expectancy. In 2010 researchers identified a link between sitting for too long, such as at a desk job, and diseases the cardiac system (heart), diabetes, and stroke. […]
October 26, Thursday 1:00pm-2:00pm, there will be a FREE Balance Bootcamp session at the North Country Hospital Wellness Center on 1734 Crawford Road, starting at 1:00pm. North Country Hospital PTs will present information on the importance of maintaining your balance and exercises to help you stay balanced. To register please call 334-5566, or go to […]
Physical Therapy Month was established by the American Physical Therapy Association to recognize the contribution that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants make in improving the lives of people through movement and activity. PT’s can make a big difference in helping people recover well from an accident or injury, build strength and endurance, and improve […]
Carrying Your Child While Saving Your Back We all like to snuggle and care for our young children. But those 5 to 40 extra pounds can lead to an aching back if we don’t take care of ourselves. Here are a few tips to save your back but love your child: • Squat down to […]
This week we are continuing our discussion of balance and risks to falling, and why it is important to work on preventing falls. The following information is from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of their Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) program: Tips to help prevent falls: • Talk […]
