“Should I stretch more?” – In the world of orthopedics, the answer given to this question is usually a resounding “YES”… but the answer is not that simple. From Physicians and Physical Therapists all the way to Coaches and Personal…
I LOVE strength. I actually have the word tattooed on me! I also love solving complex puzzles…and instant gratification. (Don’t we all??). I’ve worked within the Strength, Conditioning and Rehab realm for over two decades and have been taught and…
Heart palpitations. Stomach sinks. Palms get sweaty and cold. Thoughts become erratic, racing and filled with doom. Anxiety is an extremely common condition affecting more than 3 million new people each year. While the most common treatments involve medication (chemical)…
Now that I have talked about effects on all the other systems of the body, I will focus on how stress affects the muscles. The initial response to flight or fight mode is all the larger muscles in the legs…
There exists a lack of association between findings on MRIs and pain. In other words, what is seen and reported from an MRI may have all or nothing to do with the pain you are experiencing. There is plenty of…
We are going through an unprecedented time and in addition to so many other adverse effects, COVID is causing sleepless nights. The effects of stress on mental and physical health are getting worse. The acute phase of stress leads to…
People with underlying conditions or immune compromised patients are severely affected by COVID. Can fear of getting COVID suppress your immune system making you prone to illness? Initial phases of stress begins to slow the immune system. As the stress…
Have you ever felt like you are unable to take a deep breath when you are anxious, frightened or angry? With heightened stress, the diaphragm shuts down and you start using all the accessory muscles in your chest and neck……
The Endocrine system causes changes at the tissue level as well as changes in the brain due to the fight or flight mode initiated by stress. The changes at the tissue level include fatigue, sensitivity, soreness, tiredness and sluggishness –…
Stress (fear, panic, anxiety) leads to activating the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). When you are in that mode the brain secretes hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) to keep you wide awake – your pupils dilate, heart rate increases, blood…