Back pain is one of the most common issues people face, especially when they lead an active lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone trying to stay fit, back pain can significantly hinder your performance and even discourage you from exercising altogether. In fact, back pain is one of the leading reasons people seek physical therapy.
In life, sometimes our greatest challenges end up leading us to our most valuable lessons. That was certainly the case for me when an unexpected back injury abruptly ended my college football career. At the time, it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping through my fingers. Little did I know, this injury would be a turning point that not only introduced me to the world of physical therapy but also set me on a lifelong journey of health, healing, and helping others.
When it comes to preventing neck and back pain, most people have heard the usual advice: sit up straight, keep your feet flat on the floor, and support your lower back. While these tips can be helpful, they don’t tell the full story of how to sit comfortably for long periods.
As fall sports kick into high gear, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing an increase in soft tissue injuries at our Bethesda and McLean physical therapy clinics. This trend is particularly noticeable among athletes involved in sports like football and soccer, where dynamic, multi-directional movements are essential. These activities often lead to soft tissue injuries, especially in the hip region, making physical therapy a crucial component of an athlete’s recovery and injury prevention strategy.
Incorporating overhead pressing exercises into my weight training routine is something I really enjoy, but I often find them a bit challenging.
My overhead mobility isn’t as good as I’d like it to be, and a significant reason for that is my stiff chest. I have a mild case of pectus excavatum, commonly known as bowl chest. This condition causes the sternum-the bone at the center of the chest-to remain depressed, creating difficulties during overhead movements.
Dr. Sneh, a great sports physical therapist and proud Minnesota native, is an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. This year, the Vikings drafted their quarterback of the future, JJ McCarthy, and the excitement among their fans is palpable. McCarthy has shown promising performance so far in the preseason—a time when rookies often struggle to find their footing.
Unfortunately, following his most recent preseason game, reports emerged that McCarthy had sustained a knee injury that would require surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
I commend the Vikings’ approach to handling McCarthy’s injury, as it offers valuable insights into how we should approach injuries in high school athletes.
