Working Out but Aren't Losing Weight?

When it comes to weight loss training, many are so determined to cut down their body fat, that they are willing to push themselves past their limits. This includes waking up early, putting time aside during the day, or staying up late to hit the gym. Despite this dedication, many are concerned with the fact that they are not losing any significant weight or seeing a positive difference. The following reasons may be the problem:

1. Choosing bad food after a workout. It may seem like a reasonable idea to eat some sweet treats as a reward, but it is doing your body no good. It basically defeats the purpose of working out in the first place. Common foods that people will eat after working out include smoothies, energy bars, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and flavored coffees. These do not have any nutritional value and are high in calories and laden sugar. The foods that you should be eating include proteins like eggs, yogurt, milk, oatmeal, beans and lean meats. Healthy snack ideas include peanut butter on whole wheat toast, fruit, celery, crackers and low-fat cheese. There are so many delicious choices out there that will do wonders for your body. It is all about portion control and getting into the habit of making healthy choices.

2. Eating out of boredom. This often occurs when you are going throughout your day and eating because it is convenient. Eating whatever when you’re home, when you are driving and when you are sitting at the desk at work. These can all become bad habits because it leads to eating more than you need. It is also known as mindless eating because since you aren’t focusing on the meal, your body isn’t recognizing it as one. This can lead to being hungry soon after eating. A habit you don’t want to start.

3. Not eating enough during the day. Not eating breakfast or going to work all day and skipping lunch is a no-no. Eat breakfast everyday, it is required to get the nutrients and energy you need to get started. Skipping lunch and going straight to the gym is another bad idea. When we workout on empty stomachs, it forces our bodies to break down existing muscle tissue and taking away our energy. As a result, this slows down our metabolism and does not allow weight loss to occur. Don’t forget to eat!

Weight loss is no easy task but when choosing the best plan for our bodies, it will be a success. It should be a precious and thought out process because it is not only for losing those extra pounds, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well. Getting used to drinking plenty of water, eating the right foods that are packed with protein, fibers, good carbs and exercising is the best way to go. Portion control is one of the most important things to remember, especially in a country where we have meals at restaurants that are enough to feed entire families. Make eating healthy a lifestyle that you want for yourself, not something that involves self-control.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today!

When it comes to weight loss training, many are so determined to cut down their body fat, that they are willing to push themselves past their limits. This includes waking up early, putting time aside during the day, or staying up late to hit the gym. Despite this dedication, many are concerned with the fact that they are not losing any significant weight or seeing a positive difference. The following reasons may be the problem:

1. Choosing bad food after a workout. It may seem like a reasonable idea to eat some sweet treats as a reward, but it is doing your body no good. It basically defeats the purpose of working out in the first place. Common foods that people will eat after working out include smoothies, energy bars, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and flavored coffees. These do not have any nutritional value and are high in calories and laden sugar. The foods that you should be eating include proteins like eggs, yogurt, milk, oatmeal, beans and lean meats. Healthy snack ideas include peanut butter on whole wheat toast, fruit, celery, crackers and low-fat cheese. There are so many delicious choices out there that will do wonders for your body. It is all about portion control and getting into the habit of making healthy choices.

2. Eating out of boredom. This often occurs when you are going throughout your day and eating because it is convenient. Eating whatever when you’re home, when you are driving and when you are sitting at the desk at work. These can all become bad habits because it leads to eating more than you need. It is also known as mindless eating because since you aren’t focusing on the meal, your body isn’t recognizing it as one. This can lead to being hungry soon after eating. A habit you don’t want to start.

3. Not eating enough during the day. Not eating breakfast or going to work all day and skipping lunch is a no-no. Eat breakfast everyday, it is required to get the nutrients and energy you need to get started. Skipping lunch and going straight to the gym is another bad idea. When we workout on empty stomachs, it forces our bodies to break down existing muscle tissue and taking away our energy. As a result, this slows down our metabolism and does not allow weight loss to occur. Don’t forget to eat!

Weight loss is no easy task but when choosing the best plan for our bodies, it will be a success. It should be a precious and thought out process because it is not only for losing those extra pounds, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well. Getting used to drinking plenty of water, eating the right foods that are packed with protein, fibers, good carbs and exercising is the best way to go. Portion control is one of the most important things to remember, especially in a country where we have meals at restaurants that are enough to feed entire families. Make eating healthy a lifestyle that you want for yourself, not something that involves self-control.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Working-Out-but-Aren-t-Losing-Weight-~532.html#sthash.2F9CQFoS.dpuf

Heel Spurs

Heel pain is very common and often painful.  There are many heel conditions that arise from the wear and tear and stress on your heel bone. One of the conditions being heel spurs. A heel spur (or osteophyte) is a small bony growth or collection of bony growths on the back or underside of the heel. Fortunately, most of the time they are painless, and cause minimal discomfort and generally have no symptoms.

Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, although similar, they are two completely different diagnoses. About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur that can be seen with an X-ray. Usually, plantar fasciitis is followed by a heel spur.

Calcium deposits building on the underside of the heel bone is how a heel spur is formed.  This process take a long time to form. The cause of heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are typically prevalent among athletes whose activities include large amounts of running and jumping.

The recommended treatment of heel spurs  is to rest from any physical activity, apply ice to heel area, and stretch the calf muscle and foot.  Stretches and exercise will help relax the tissues that surround the bone.  Going to a physical therapist will help you take care of all heel spurs.  You may also take anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain, and if pain worsen, an injection of cortisone. It is also important to be sure to wear well- fitting shoes.

Get a Leg Up on Sciatica

Do you ever get a leg pain and tingling/numbness that travels from your buttock down the back of your leg? This is a common ailment called radiculopathy, or sciatica. Sciatica affects 40% of the population in their lifetime of people between the ages of 25 and 45.

Sciatica can be caused by lumbar spinal stenosis- the narrowing of the spinal canal, degenerative disc disease- the breakdown of discs, spondylolisthesis- when one vertebra slips forward over another, and pregnancy.

What most people don’t know about sciatica is that pain rarely occurs in both legs. Luckily sciatica is easy to treat. Treatment ranges from hot and cold packs and medicines, to physical therapy and in severe cases, surgery.

When one has sciatica, there are easy preventive ways to lessen your back pain. These include maintaining a healthy weight, not wearing high heels, and making sure you don’t sleep on a mattress that is too soft for your back.

Contrary to popular belief the best remedy for sciatica is not bed rest, but exercising, such as stretching out your hamstrings as well as simple aerobic exercise like walking. To be a part of the 60% of the population who is not affected by sciatica take preventative measures such as losing weight when you get too heavy and taking good care of your back.

Sciatica can be caused by lumbar spinal stenosis- the narrowing of the spinal canal, degenerative disc disease- the breakdown of discs, spondylolisthesis- when one vertebra slips forward over another, and pregnancy.

What most people don’t know about sciatica is that pain rarely occurs in both legs. Luckily sciatica is easy to treat. Treatment ranges from hot and cold packs and medicines, to physical therapy and in severe cases, surgery.

When one has sciatica, there are easy preventive ways to lessen your back pain. These include maintaining a healthy weight, not wearing high heels, and making sure you don’t sleep on a mattress that is too soft for your back.

Contrary to popular belief the best remedy for sciatica is not bed rest, but exercising, such as stretching out your hamstrings as well as simple aerobic exercise like walking. To be a part of the 60% of the population who is not affected by sciatica take preventative measures such as losing weight when you get too heavy and taking good care of your back.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Get-a-Leg-Up-on-Sciatica~522.html#sthash.rjZkiOiJ.dpuf

 

Do you ever get a leg pain and tingling/numbness that travels from your buttock down the back of your leg? This is a common ailment called radiculopathy, or sciatica. Sciatica affects 40% of the population in their lifetime of people between the ages of 25 and 45.

Sciatica can be caused by lumbar spinal stenosis- the narrowing of the spinal canal, degenerative disc disease- the breakdown of discs, spondylolisthesis- when one vertebra slips forward over another, and pregnancy.

What most people don’t know about sciatica is that pain rarely occurs in both legs. Luckily sciatica is easy to treat. Treatment ranges from hot and cold packs and medicines, to physical therapy and in severe cases, surgery.

When one has sciatica, there are easy preventive ways to lessen your back pain. These include maintaining a healthy weight, not wearing high heels, and making sure you don’t sleep on a mattress that is too soft for your back.

Contrary to popular belief the best remedy for sciatica is not bed rest, but exercising, such as stretching out your hamstrings as well as simple aerobic exercise like walking. To be a part of the 60% of the population who is not affected by sciatica take preventative measures such as losing weight when you get too heavy and taking good care of your back.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Get-a-Leg-Up-on-Sciatica~522.html#sthash.rjZkiOiJ.dpuf

What is Brusitis?

The condition known as bursitis is the result of an inflammation of bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs found in areas subject to friction, such as where a tendon passes over a bone. Bursitis can be caused by excessive pressure and repetitive movement. As a result, the shoulders, knees and elbows are the most commonly affected parts of the body. Another cause of bursitis is traumatic injury, since the bursae no longer fits in the small space between the bone and muscle or tendon.

Some symptoms of bursitis are pain and swelling around the bone or tendon in question, making movement difficult. In addition, you may experience redness of the skin in the affected area. Since bursitis can be infectious and must be treated with antibiotics, it is important to seek medical care upon recognizing these symptoms. A fever can be a sign of infection, as well as severe tenderness or warmth around the joint.  Infected bursae may have to be drained with a needle by your doctor before prescribing antibiotics. In rare cases, a the bursae may have to be surgically removed.

A doctor may refer a patient with bursitis to a physical therapist, who can provide the following therapies; ultrasound, muscle massage to ease myofascial pain. A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program that will help the patient regain motion in an injured area. Once the initial pain eases, the patient will need to strengthen the area to prevent re-injury.

The condition known as bursitis is the result of an inflammation of bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs found in areas subject to friction, such as where a tendon passes over a bone. Bursitis can be caused by excessive pressure and repetitive movement. As a result, the shoulders, knees and elbows are the most commonly affected parts of the body. Another cause of bursitis is traumatic injury, since the bursae no longer fits in the small space between the bone and muscle or tendon.

Some symptoms of bursitis are pain and swelling around the bone or tendon in question, making movement difficult. In addition, you may experience redness of the skin in the affected area. Since bursitis can be infectious and must be treated with antibiotics, it is important to seek medical care upon recognizing these symptoms. A fever can be a sign of infection, as well as severe tenderness or warmth around the joint.  Infected bursae may have to be drained with a needle by your doctor before prescribing antibiotics. In rare cases, a the bursae may have to be surgically removed.

A doctor may refer a patient with bursitis to a physical therapist, who can provide the following therapies; ultrasound, muscle massage to ease myofascial pain. A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program that will help the patient regain motion in an injured area. Once the initial pain eases, the patient will need to strengthen the area to prevent re-injury.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/What-is-Bursitis-~512.html#sthash.WHBlJ2Wx.dpuf

The condition known as bursitis is the result of an inflammation of bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs found in areas subject to friction, such as where a tendon passes over a bone. Bursitis can be caused by excessive pressure and repetitive movement. As a result, the shoulders, knees and elbows are the most commonly affected parts of the body. Another cause of bursitis is traumatic injury, since the bursae no longer fits in the small space between the bone and muscle or tendon.

Some symptoms of bursitis are pain and swelling around the bone or tendon in question, making movement difficult. In addition, you may experience redness of the skin in the affected area. Since bursitis can be infectious and must be treated with antibiotics, it is important to seek medical care upon recognizing these symptoms. A fever can be a sign of infection, as well as severe tenderness or warmth around the joint.  Infected bursae may have to be drained with a needle by your doctor before prescribing antibiotics. In rare cases, a the bursae may have to be surgically removed.

A doctor may refer a patient with bursitis to a physical therapist, who can provide the following therapies; ultrasound, muscle massage to ease myofascial pain. A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program that will help the patient regain motion in an injured area. Once the initial pain eases, the patient will need to strengthen the area to prevent re-injury.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist. Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.
- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/What-is-Bursitis-~512.html#sthash.WHBlJ2Wx.dpuf

Find the Time to Stay Physically Fit

 

With work, family obligations, household chores and errands it can be a real challenge to find time during the day to exercise. The busier we are the easier it is to make excuses as to why we’re not as physically fit as we could be. However, finding time to exercise is very important and just by exercising 30 minutes a day, three days a week you can see real improvements in your fitness level.

Physical fitness involves keeping all of our body’s systems healthy and conditioned to withstand physical stress. Everyone is different and therefore has different needs when it comes to fitness. The amount of physical activity we need to do to remain physically fit varies from person to person, however there are some key elements of fitness each of us must consider in order to get a good idea of our own fitness level. 

Aerobic exercises such as running, biking, swimming or jumping rope are key to improving endurance and heart health. Aerobic capacity is an index of your cardiovascular system’s ability to transport oxygen to working muscles. The more you train the more oxygen will be pumped around the body. In order to see the most results, you should exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Body structure, composition and balance also play important roles in our overall fitness level. Physical therapists can determine our body structure by looking for imbalances in the way we stand or move when we walk. Small imbalances in body structure can lead to pain and injury. Body composition is the ratio of body fat to lean muscle. This ratio often serves as a good indicator of our true fitness level. If you have difficulty balancing, it could mean that you need to develop your legs and your core. The stronger and more flexible your muscles are the better you will be able to balance; with better balance you will be able to get more from your training.

Physical fitness is vital for everyone who wishes to lead a happy and productive life. By carving out time during the day to exercise and by reducing bad habits like smoking, drinking or eating junk food, each of us can improve our overall health. 

Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist.  Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around.  Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist.  Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.  - See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Find-the-Time-to-Stay-Physically-Fit~503.html#sthash.Ib7GSQyA.dpuf

National Physical Therapy Month

Every October the American Physical Therapy Association sponsors National Physical Therapy Month. This year the campaign will reveal 7 myths about physical therapy, and will give appreciation for the 88,000 physical therapists, assistants and students in the industry. 

We all know the term “physical therapy” but what exactly is it? Physical therapy is the treatment of individuals to help joints move better, to restore and increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination for all ages. 

So, you don’t like going to formal hospital settings to receive treatment? No problem! Physical therapy work can be in any of the following settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, home health agencies, schools, nursing homes and emergency rooms. Physical therapy can aid almost all injuries and ailments. 

Make sure you keep up with physical therapy month by following the American Physical Therapy Association’s twitter, Facebook, and website www.apta.org. 

Happy National Physical Therapy Month! We feel like we have the best physical therapists around.  

Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist.  Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet.   -