In physical therapy, we see a lot of people who have been told to constantly brace their shoulder blades down and back to “fix” their posture. While that advice might sound helpful, it often causes more problems than it solves.
Sciatica is one of the most common issues we treat in physical therapy, especially among active adults. It’s not just a “back problem”—sciatic nerve pain can affect your entire lower body. Why? Because the sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, stretching from your lower back through the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and all the way into your lower leg and foot. When something irritates or compresses this nerve, it can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness—anywhere along its path.
For anyone dealing with a history of shoulder pain, getting a solid upper body workout can feel like a minefield. Bench presses, overhead presses, pull-ups—many of the staple movements in strength training can feel off-limits when your shoulder isn’t moving or functioning the way it should.
Spring break season has arrived here in the DC area, and for many active adults, that means hitting the slopes, heading to the beach, or hopping on a plane for some much-needed downtime. But if you’re currently in physical therapy, staying consistent with your rehab while traveling can feel like a challenge.
Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries for athletes, especially those involved in sprinting, jumping, or cutting movements. If you’ve ever felt that sudden pull in the back of your thigh, you know how frustrating and limiting a hamstring strain can be.
