At Brockton PT we can provide you with shoes, sandals or custom orthotics that will help restore your feet to natural alignment.  (Vasyli.com)

In our daily lives we tend to be pretty rough on our feet and even the slightest improper movements in the feet can trigger problems throughout the ankles, legs, knees, hips and low back.

We encourage everyone to be very mindful of their feet and to speak with their doctor about whether or not orthotics might serve them well.  Be sure to ask your doctor to send you to Brockton PT to be fitted, or if you just want more information about how we can help your feet contact us directly. 

Exercise in the battle between antioxidants and free radicals.

Free radical production increases during cardiovascular exercise because there is a drastic increase in oxygen consumption.  Does this mean that cardiovascular exercise is ultimately bad for you? Absolutely not.  Free radicals will only cause damage if the aerobic exercise is regularly pushing you faster and faster to a point where you cannot continue

What about taking antioxidant supplements?

We recommend you avoid antioxidant supplements as not enough long term research has been done to determine the impact of taking them.  Instead we suggest you make wise, antioxidant rich food choices and continue exercising.  Here are some foods that are excellent sources of antioxidants: Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, beans, artichokes, Russet potatoes, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground cloves, cinnamon, and oregano.

Read more here.

Brockton Pt is hosting a free seminar on back pain next Thursday the 29th at 5:30pm here in our clinic (3908 10th st. Riverside).  Our speakers will be Brockton PT’s owner and senior therapist Trevyn Despain, and pain management specialist Dr. Rainier Guiang from University Pain Consultants.  Topics to be covered are: what causes back pain, prevention, treatment, strengthening and stretching.  We will also include time for you to ask questions of the speakers.

This seminar is free but space is limited so please call to reserve your seat.  951-274-7744.

The Riverside Raincross 5K Run is on Saturday and the BPT staff will be out in force.  Some of us will be running in the race while others will be manning our booth offering free Kinesio Taping to runners and giving out information about what we do at Brockton PT.  We would love to see you out there! It’s not too late to enter the race if you would like to run or walk it, or you can just come out and support our team!

http://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/pdf/2011-1206-5k-walk-run.pdf

If you are currently working with a personal trainer or looking to hire one these are some criteria to keep in mind when deciding if a trainer is right for you.

1. Knowledgeable / Well Trained – you should be confident that your trainer has strong knowledge of the body, the equipment you are using and how to conduct workout sessions that are relevant to what you hope to accomplish.  Various certifications exist for personal trainers but a certification doesn’t indicate competence, be sure to ask lots of questions and try to talk to other clients of the trainer or watch them in action.

2. Have a Plan – Your trainer should have a clear plan to help you reach your goals.  Any exercise you do should be in alignment with the plan.  If you feel like your trainer has you do random exercises ask him or her to explain the value of each thing you are being asked to do.

3. Good Listener – Your input and feedback should be heard and addressed.  Even if a trainer knows better than you he or she should still listen and account for your concerns and desires.

4. Safe – Your trainer should be very focused on keeping you safe.  If exercises feel beyond your ability or you are experiencing pain your trainer should make adjustments to keep you safe from injury.  He or she should be with you and watching you at all times during a workout.

5. Get Along Well – You should like your trainer, enjoy their personality and feel comfortable with him or her.  Don’t hire some one you don’t like!

6. Professional – always on time, appropriately dressed, well prepared, appropriate physical touch and conversation, smooth financial transactions and scheduling.  A personal trainer is selling you a service, so you should expect excellent customer service.

Remember, there are numerous trainers available to you, be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs and you can always find a new one if you need to.

Barefoot running is a new trend in the fitness world so we decided to address it briefly for those considering it.  

Due to the fact that barefoot running is fairly new there has yet to be extensive research on the impact it will have on your body.  Therefore, those that make this a part of their fitness regimen do so at their own risk.

It is important to start slowly.  Your feet need time to adjust and gain the proper strength otherwise injuries are likely to occur.  Start with barefoot walking then progress to running short distances on soft surfaces like dirt or grass.  The foot plays an important role in gait, ankle stability, balance, nerve condition and cardiovascular circulation.  To keep from jeopardizing these important functions we recommend some training sessions focused on foot strength.  Most people’s bodies have become accustomed to their shoes absorbing impact and protecting their joints, so we also recommend that you seek out guidance on proper running form to help prevent injuries.

From all of us at Brockton Physical Therapy we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas.  We hope you enjoy your celebrations with family and friends, and be sure to find some time for rest and relaxation.

Kinesio Tape is an athletic tape with an elasticity and texture similar to human tissue.  It was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in response to the limitations of traditional sports taping methods.  The tape facilitates the body’s healing process while giving support and stability to joints and muscles without limiting range of motion.

Kinesio Tape is used worldwide with great result on a variety of orthopedic, neurological, neuromuscular, and medical conditions.  It’s use is targeted toward: Re-educating the neuromuscular system, reducing pain, enhancing performance, preventing injuries and promoting improved circulation and healing.  We frequently use Kinesio Tape in our clinic and our patients are amazed at the results they get from a few strips of tape.

Kinesio Taping Website

Younger people being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis

The Arthritis Foundation reports that osteoarthritis in the knees is being diagnosed at younger ages than ever before.  In the 1990′s the average age for diagnosis was 69, that age has fallen to 56.  Additionally they point out that the number of knee replacement surgeries among 45 to 65 year-olds has tripled.  They attribute the rise in knee issues to the obesity epidemic in our country and the increasing number of injuries being suffered.  On a more positive note, pain and knee function can be improved through weight loss and exercise.  If you are concerned that you are at risk for knee OA or already deal with knee pain we strongly suggest you meet with your doctor to find out what is going on and how you can take care of it.  Chances are physical therapy is an option and if so, we look forward to helping you out

Have a fun and safe Halloween!