Toe walking is observed when a child walks on the balls of his or her toes or walks with a ‘bouncy’ gait pattern. Often kids will experiment with going up onto their toes as they are learning to walk, but if they don’t spend a lot of time in this position and easily transition onto […]
Foam rolling is a type of Self-myofascial release. Typically a physical therapist will use a hands-on, soft-tissue technique to increase blood flow to the connective tissue (fascia). Increased blood flow allows the tissue to “release” and mobility is restored. The foam roller achieves this release by mimicking the hands-on, soft-tissue technique of a therapist by […]
Did you know that today 38 out of 50 states have obesity rates higher than 25 percent? Twenty years ago no state had an obesity rate above 15 percent. One reason could be that in recent studies, it has been found that the average person gets more than 20 percent of their total caloric intake […]
There are so many ways for kids of all abilities to get active and involved in community programs. Here are some local resources to help you plan your summer activities: Buddy Baseball This program is designed for boys and girls ages 4-18 with mental and/or physical challenges, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of […]
Happy National Bike Month! With sunny skies and warm temperatures, spring is the start of bike season. Before you head out to the forest preserve path with your family, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has a few tips to help you find the right fit for your bike and minimize the risk of […]
Gardening is a strenuous activity and it is very easy for people to overdo it. Common gardening tasks, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints, especially following the more sedentary winter months. The shoulders, back, neck and knees are prime targets. Following these tips from […]
By Gina M. Gilchrist, RDN, LD (Registered, Licensed Dietitian) April showers bring warmer days, and for some, spring cleansing. The juice cleanse business is drawing in customers, promising weight loss, body detoxification, and the treatment and prevention of everything from the common cold to cancer. What is a juice cleanse? According to proponents of cleansing, […]
Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness hosted their first yoga session for kids 5-10 years old. It was a great opportunity to get everyone together for some stretching, sun salutations, and fun. The kids brought an incredible energy to each class, and we are looking forward to providing more yoga opportunities this summer! Hear what our […]
Many children have difficulty with coordination that impacts their ability to perform everyday tasks, such as throwing and catching a ball or tying shoe laces. These children often shy away from activity and exercise, which may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Often these children display decreased self-confidence and decreased self-esteem which impacts interactions with […]
By Gina M. Gilchrist, RDN, LD (Registered, Licensed Dietitian) Healthful eating is one of the most important things you can do for your body. You can decrease your risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Use the Food Plate (www.choosemyplate.gov) and food labels as tools to plan and balance your choices. Pick […]
