What are the most important physical markers of health as we age?
Researchers and doctors often ask this question. I have to consider it daily in the clinic as a physical therapist.
The marker most often cited and supported is gait speed.
“I saw your story on LinkedIn about posture…are you serious?! Poor posture isn't the reason I have pain?”
As I was leaving a graduation party for our 2020 and 2021 orthopedic residency classes (COVID delayed the former), I met one of my colleague's wife and this was the opening to…
The posture nonsense is getting out of control. While preparing for a residency lecture this week, I came across an article on posture written by a physician. It was hard to contain my frustration.
“Sitting badly or standing in a slouched position stresses your lower back, weakening and damaging an…
“No pain, no gain” might be the worst phrase ever uttered in the gym. Asking the question, “Is it soreness or pain?” is a close second. At the end of the day, both pain and soreness are unpleasant. Attempting to delineate between the two is meaningless for most of us…
Pop quiz: what form of exercise requires no equipment? There are many answers ranging from anything in the world of calisthenics, yoga, or running.
Let’s narrow it down further. Of those exercises, which requires no coaching, training, or practice? Sure, theoretically you could jump into any of those, but without…
Ok, perhaps laziness is the reason people don’t exercise in some cases, but that should not be the overarching assumption. Ironically, chalking the answer up to laziness and calling it a day is, well, lazy. …
We are nearing the two-year mark of a global pandemic and while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it is faint. Countries are still contemplating lockdowns, vaccine rates remain below desired levels, and masks are still the norm.
All of this leads to increased levels of…
“You can’t go wrong with getting strong”
This is a popular phrase in the rehab and fitness spaces and it rings true in regards to health and wellness. Strength is one of the most important markers of health.
Research suggests quad strength and grip strength are primary predictors of mortality…
If you had to guess, what do you think would be amongst the most important physical assessments any healthcare provider could perform?
As a physical therapist, one of my primary jobs is to determine the health and wellbeing of individuals. I assess their functional capacity — strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness…
A physical therapist tackling health misinformation | Elemental, Better Humans, Start It Up| https://www.zacharywalston.com/subscribe | Clinical Gap Podcast
