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How to Improve Your Balance – 3 Easy Exercises

As people age, they typically lose balance, strength, and flexibility. This increases their risk of falling. That’s why it’s important for older adults to regularly do exercises that focus on improving these functional areas. The most important thing is that you don’t fall or hurt yourself while exercising. For safety, you should stand next to a stable chair or kitchen counter, as mentioned in the video. For seniors with poor balance, it may be a good idea for someone to stand close by or hold on to them until you’re sure they can do it safely on their own. We...

Aquatic Therapy

Offered at our Ivyland office, aquatic therapy can help you get back to the land-based activities you are missing. The unique properties of water improve the healing process. The Buoyancy of water reduces the weight bearing stress of gravity by up to 70%.  This can mean starting recovery sooner after injury or surgery. Hydrostatic Pressure assists in venous return, lowers heartrate and controls inflammation while exercising.  In addition, heated water relaxes muscles, improves flexibility and eases movement. Viscosity provides increased resistance in all directions for strengthening opposing muscle groups and improving balance.  Floats, paddles and water weights can be added...

Proper Lifting Technique to Avoid Back Problems

Lifting heavy objects on your own may look impressive, but it can cause serious injury and strain unless it’s done safely. Before you lift an object, always test its weight before lifting it. Depending on the object’s weight, you may lift it by hand or need equipment to transport the object over longer distances. If you have a job that requires constant heavy lifting or you’re just moving furniture around, practicing safe techniques can help lighten the load. Stand in front of the object with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and keep your back straight as you lower...

How Many Reps and Sets to do When Exercising and When to Increase Weight.

Choose Your Reps and Sets   You’ve figured out the exercises you should be doing, but what about the number of sets and repetitions? Your decision should be based on your goals. – For fat loss:  One to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps using enough weight that you can only complete the desired reps. – To gain muscle:  Three or more sets of 8 to 10 reps to fatigue. For beginners, give yourself several weeks of conditioning before going to this level. You may need a spotter for many exercises. – For health and endurance:  One to 3...

Physical Therapist Doug Brady Explains How to Choose the Right Cane for You.

  It is not as straightforward a task as it might sound. From finding the right type of cane to ensuring you have the proper cane height, there are multiple factors to consider. What’s more, once you find the right one, it’s important that it is used correctly in order to ensure safe walking.   A trip to the neighborhood drugstore will often show an array of canes, crutches, and walkers of various materials, shapes, and sizes. The simplest device is a cane, popular because of its maneuverability, ease of use, and social acceptance. Unfortunately, a cane is often purchased...

Physical Therapist Frank McCabe Demonstrates How to Maximize and Improve Your Sleep.

  Healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life. Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good sleep hygiene. In today’s “24/7” society, many people cut back on sleep to squeeze in more time for work, family obligations, and other activities. But skimping on sleep can be harmful. Sleep is not merely “down time” when the brain shuts off and the body rests.   Sleep disorders such as insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or unrefreshing sleep), sleep apnea (brief periods of pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while you are...

Soreness vs Pain: What’s the Difference?

There are many benefits to exercise, including the potential for improved physical and mental wellbeing. However, there may also be some physical discomfort associated with these activities due to the stresses placed on the body. When experiencing discomfort, it is important to understand the difference between exercise-related muscular soreness and pain. Muscular soreness is a healthy and expected result of exercise. Pain may be indicative of injury. But pain is personal, and the degree of injury does not always equal the degree of pain. Also, different people have a different pain tolerance. Understanding pain is helpful to managing pain. Individual Activity...

Preparing for Your Visit with a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility, and in many cases helping patients reduce pain, and avoid the need for surgery and the long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. Physical therapists examine, evaluate, and treat patients whose conditions limit their ability to move and function in daily life. Your physical therapist’s overall goal is to maintain, restore, or improve your mobility and help reduce your pain. In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist without a physician referral. Whether this is your first visit or...

3 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help Manage Headaches

Headaches affect 47% of the global population and are described by the type and location of pain in the head. Many headaches are harmless and resolve gradually. However, more frequent moderate to severe headaches can impact your ability to do daily activities and quality of life.  Different types of headaches include: Tension Cervicogenic or neck muscle-related Migraine Secondary headaches from an underlying condition, such as fever, infectious disease, sinus disorder, or in rare cases, a tumor or more serious illness Unspecified headaches A physical therapist will perform a clinical examination to diagnose the type of headache and develop an effective...

6 Tips to Shovel Snow Safely

Snow shoveling is a repetitive activity that can cause muscle strain to the lower back and shoulders. Back injuries due to snow shoveling are more likely to happen to people who may not know that they are out of condition. Following these tips can help you avoid injuries: Lift smaller loads of snow, rather than heavy shovelfuls. Be sure to take care to bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back. Use a shovel with a shaft that lets you keep your back straight while lifting. A short shaft will cause you to bend more to...

Avoid Chronic Disease With Regular Physical Activity

Most Americans don’t move enough despite proven benefits, such as reduced risk of cancer and chronic diseases, and improved bone health, cognitive function, weight control, and overall quality of life. The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, reports that approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. As a result, many Americans currently have or are likely to experience chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. The good news is that regular physical activity can prevent and improve many chronic conditions. America, it’s time to get moving! How Much Physical Activity Should I Do? According to...

5 Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptures. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Almost 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time—regardless of race, sex, or even age—but more women than men have a stroke each year, and African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke than Caucasians. Approximately two-thirds of those who experience a stroke are over 65 years of age. If...

4 Tips to Stay Active and Independent As You Age

Aging can have a bad reputation; however, there is no reason that growing older can’t be a journey full of adventure and opportunities to live life to the fullest. All you need is proper guidance, proactive steps, and a positive attitude. And there is proof. Research suggests that improvements in physical function are possible well into older adulthood, and supports that continued activity as you age helps fight cognitive decline. With the guidance of a physical therapist, you can improve mobility, maintain your independence, and continue participating in your favorite daily activities. As a movement expert, a physical therapist can provide an...

4 Ways Physical Therapists Manage Pain

Physical therapy is among the safe and effective alternatives to opioids recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the management of most non-cancer related pain. Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, exercise, and patient education. Here’s how physical therapists manage pain: 1. Exercise. A study following 20,000 people over 11 years found that those who exercised on a regular basis, experienced less pain. And among those who exercised more than 3 times per week, chronic widespread pain was 28% less common1. Physical therapists can prescribe exercise specific to your...

Health Strategies from Head to Toe: How to Feel Better Each Day

Photo via Pixabay by Congerdesign With all the things we are responsible for in a given day, it’s no wonder so many people are looking for ways to relax and incorporate healthy habits into their everyday lives. It’s not always an easy thing to do, however, especially if you have a very busy schedule. Not only is it important to focus on your physical health, it’s imperative that you take time out for your mental health, as well. Stress and anxiety often play a big role in the way we feel and how we interact with other people, and those...

3 Tips for Backpack Safety

Children—or anyone—should follow these simple tips when wearing a backpack. 1. Wear both straps. Use of one strap causes one side of the body to bear the weight of the backpack. By wearing two shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack is better distributed across the shoulders. 2. Wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles. Pay close attention to the way the backpack is positioned on the back. It should rest evenly in the middle of the back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty and allow...

5 Common Myths About Low Back Pain

Low back pain is common. At some point in their lives, 80% to 90% of the adult population will experience low back pain. Unfortunately, studies show that many people with low back pain don’t get treatment that aligns with best evidence-based practices. Here are 5 common myths associated with low back pain: Myth 1: Spinal manipulation (mobilizing the joints in the spine) is the best method for treating low back pain. A study showed that exercise was proven to be more effective than manipulation (only 10% required manipulation). Myth 2: Ultrasound and electrical stimulation are proven to aid recovery from...

5 Tips for Creating Good Habits While Toilet Training Your Child

Toilet training is an important developmental milestone for children, and is one of the first steps to becoming more self-sufficient. However, toilet training can be challenging for both children and their families. The following tips will help your child create good, lasting habits and avoid future bowel and bladder problems. 1. Wait for it! Typical bowel and bladder development occurs around 18 months of age. Starting toilet training too early can create frustration and lead to poor habits or avoidance of toilet training all together. It can also lead to bowel and bladder problems such as urinary incontinence, bedwetting, urinary...

4 Things to Know About Adult Bowel Health

Bowel health can be uncomfortable to discuss, but it provides a good indication of your overall health. Developing and maintaining healthy and regular bowel health routines are imperative for staying healthy. For some, improper bathroom habits, such as ignoring the urge to defecate, hovering over the toilet, or not allowing enough time to empty the colon, can develop in childhood and follow us into adulthood. Others develop bowel issues as adults through sickness, sensitivities, microbiome changes, pain, or various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulitis. Ignoring changes, irregularity, or discomfort in your bowel health can mean...

How To Lose Weight In A Healthy Way

Weight loss is never easy, but doing so in a way that is healthy and good for your body and mind can seem like even more of a challenge. However, aiming for health and well-being is the only sustainable way to lose weight. This involves developing good habits that you can carry with you for the rest of life and being conscious of your body’s needs. Here are a few of the key habits you will need to learn and how to ease yourself into them. Find An Exercise You Love So, it’s time for you to pick an activity...

7 Myths About Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are movement experts who help people reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active throughout life. But there are some common misconceptions that often discourage people from seeking physical therapist treatment. It’s time to debunk 7 common myths about physical therapy: 1. Myth: I need a referral to see a physical therapist. Fact: A recent survey by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) revealed 70% of people think a referral or prescription is required for evaluation by a physical therapist. However, a physician’s referral is not required in order to be evaluated by a physical therapist. Some states...

5 Exercises to Reduce Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions for which people seek medical treatment. It includes pain felt behind and around the knee cap, especially during activities like stair climbing, squatting, running, and walking while carrying a heavy load. Knee pain can prevent you from participating in your favorite activities and performing daily tasks. Without proper treatment, it can be problematic for years. Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which include knee stiffness, incorrect positioning of the knee cap at rest or with movement, flat feet, improper exercise form, and weakness of...

5 Tips for Returning to Physical Activity After Childbirth

After having a baby, you might feel the desire to get back into pre-pregnancy shape immediately, but it is important to make a slow return to full activity. Here are some tips on what you can do in the first 6 weeks after delivery to prepare to return to your previous fitness routine. 1. Get help with tasks. A new mom needs an ally in the weeks following childbirth. During this time, a woman should not lift anything heavier than her baby, in spite of the temptation. Make sure all the heavy nursery equipment is set up by someone else...

6 Sports for People With Parkinson’s Disease

The effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) include difficulty with movement and thinking. Although symptoms and their severity can vary widely, the chronic degenerative disease affects brain chemicals responsible for control of body movements, thought processes, decision making, moods, and body awareness and positioning. However, this does not mean that people with PD can’t participate in sports they like; in fact, the opposite is true! Research shows that a consistent exercise program, including fun sports activities, can improve all of those body functions, plus walking balance, strength, flexibility, and fitness in people with PD. A physical therapist can help people with PD participate...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Physical Therapy

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway formed by the wrist bones and ligaments. The tunnel protects the finger flexor tendons and the median nerves that pass through it. Risk Factors Injury: Wrist fractures or dislocations may decrease the size of the tunnel. Gender: Females are more likely to get carpal tunnel, possibly from a smaller size of the tunnel. Alteration in body fluid: Water retention, common in menopause and pregnancy, may increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel, irritating the nerve....

5 Tips to Improve Your Swimming Stroke and Avoid Injury

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that works all the muscles in the body. That’s why many injured athletes turn to the pool to maintain fitness and rehabilitate an injury at the same time. This does not mean that swimming is an injury-free activity. Shoulder injuries are the most common injury in swimming, and a proper swim stroke technique is crucial in injury prevention of them. Here are 5 things to focus on to improve your swimming stroke and avoid injuries: 1. Bilateral Breathing The ability to breathe comfortably on both sides is important while swimming the freestyle stroke. By changing...

Posture Tips for Parents

Lifting and carrying a child, picking up toys off of the floor, and pushing a stroller are normal daily tasks for moms and dads. Here are some tips from physical therapists to help parents accomplish these daily feats without injury. Lifting Your Child From the Floor When picking up your child from the floor, you should use a half-kneel lift. First, stand close to your child on the floor. While keeping your back straight, place one foot slightly forward of the other foot, and bend your hips and knees to lower yourself onto one knee. Once down on the floor,...

Vote McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy for Bucks County’s Best 2017 Happening List!

We Need Your Vote! McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy is in the running again for Bucks County’s Best Happening List and we need your help and support… PLEASE take a moment to vote for us in the “Best Physical Therapy” category! If you can’t vote below please click HERE to vote! Thank you.

5 Books to Motivate You Through Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a grueling process, especially if your regimen is one where you don’t see everyday results. If you need help staying motivated through invisible improvement, here are five books to keep you on the path to recovery. 1. Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hanson Did you know the human brain evolved to remember bad experiences over pleasant ones? The good news is that you don’t have to sit back and let your lizard impulses do all your thinking for you, and “Hardwiring Happiness” will show you how to overcome biology...

Vote McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy for Bucks County’s Best 2016 Happening List!

Vote McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy for Bucks County’s Best 2016 Happening List! We Need Your Vote! McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy is in the running again for Bucks County’s Best Happening List and we need your help and support… PLEASE take a moment to vote for us in the “Best Physical Therapy” category!   Vote Now! Voting is quick and easy. Thank you SO MUCH in advance for your help and support! Yours Truly, The Staff at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy Copyright © 2016 McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, All rights reserved.Locations: 607 Louis Drive Suite H Warminster, PA 18974...

Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk

Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk Assessment of weight and health risk involves using three key measures: Body mass index (BMI) Waist circumference Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity Body Mass Index (BMI) BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is calculated from your height and weight. BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems,...

10 Mental Rules Physically Fit Women Swear By

Attitude plays an enormous part as to whether you thrive in achieving your fitness goals or you fail. Here are ten mental rules that physically fit women follow that help them continue being successful in their fitness journey. 1. Keep out the noise Shut out the constant stream of negative thoughts that runs through your mind. That mental static is your biggest obstacle – learning to filter it by concentrating on positive thinking is crucial to your success. 2. Maximize inner motivation To do this you must to be completely clear concerning why you would like to become fit. Understand...

15 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk

Do you sit in an office chair or on your couch for more than six hours a day? Sitting all day at your desk isn’t good for you. If you can’t get up and take a walk, here are some exercises you can do while at your desk. If you’re not stretching enough at your desk, this infographic is a great reminder.

Road to Recovery — Each Step Along the Way

Road to Recovery — The Assessment The first step in any effective treatment process is a thorough evaluation. Expect our therapists to ask detailed questions about how the injury came about, but also do some expert sleuth work (since the injured area may be a result and not the starting point of poor movement). We may be able to reduce the pain quickly, but that will only be temporary unless we address the root cause of the problem. Although patients may come to see us for a variety of causes, low back aches, knee pain, and overuse injuries are among...

Are You Getting Enough Water?

The human body is made up of about 60% water, making it a very crucial part of your everyday diet. Dehydration can cause many problems. Losing just 1.5% of your body’s water can result in mild dehydration which is not beneficial for your body. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help prevent the symptoms below. Tired: If you often find yourself tired in the early afternoon, water may be the answer! Dehydration causes blood pressure to drop, heart rate to increase and the blood flow to the brain to slow down. All of these can result in your feeling...

5 Super Foods to Help Fight Cancer!

When it comes to preventing cancer, diet can play a major role. Many studies on cancer and nutrition show that a plant-based diet is often best to maintain a healthy body and limit your chances of cancer. It’s important to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily! Here are 6 fruits and veggies that are packed with cancer-fighting agents!Berries: All berries contain phytonutrients however black raspberries contain a very high amount of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins work by slowing the growth or premalignant cells. They also prevent new blood vessels from forming and feeding a cancerous tumor. Berries may...

The Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

When it comes to arthritis there are various forms, and they are often confused. Most people with arthritis have osteoarthritis, which is often common with age. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious autoimmune disease that can come about quickly at any age. While both result in joint pain, there are many distinct differences between the two diseases. Approximately 50 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis. 27 million of those people have osteoarthritis while only 1.3 million suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis often affects people later on in life due to years of wear and tear. While the...

Looking to Eat Healthy? 7 Foods To Consider Bringing Back into Your Diet.

When it comes to dieting, many people assume that cutting out certain foods, or sticking to a strict meal plan is the key to weight loss. While this may seem like a good idea, focusing on what you shouldn’t eat rather than what you should, could cause you to miss out on important nutrients as well as many benefits of certain foods. By incorporating certain foods that are enjoyable you are more likely to stick to your diet and continuing eating healthy. This can ultimately lead to weight loss and a healthier you.  Here are 7 different foods that are surprisingly...

Yoga For Kids

Every parent hopes for their child to grow up living a healthy and fulfilling life. What a child endures at a young age, shapes much of who they’ll be in the future. In order to get children into a healthy lifestyle, it is important to introduce them at a young age. While many people don’t necessarily think of yoga as an option for their child, the benefits are immense. Not only does yoga increase stability and balance in a physical sense, but mentally as well. Yoga stresses the connection between the body and mind. Yoga may be particularly helpful for children...

6 Common Fitness Myths Debunked

Myth #1: There is No Such Thing as Too Much Exercise Fact: Too much exercise can cause injury to your body. Muscles need adequate time to regenerate and heal after a workout. It is recommended that you strength train up to three days a week, allowing at least one day in between for your muscles to repair themselves. However, cardiovascular training can be done on a daily basis unless you are experiencing pain. Listen to your body, if you are in pain, take a break to avoid injury.   Myth #2: No Pain No Gain Fact: While it’s common to...

5 Ways to Relieve Knee Pain.

Healthy Weight: Extra weight exerts extra pressure on the joints which often leads to knee pain. Losing as little as 5% of your body weight can help to take stress off the knees. Eating healthy and staying active will help you to maintain a healthy body weight. Talk to your doctors to develop a plan.  Low-Impact exercise: Good choices of exercise for people suffering from knee pain include walking and swimming. Its important to warm up before and exercise and to cool down afterwards. Avoid high-impact exercise such as jumping and running and make sure to talk to your doctor...

Tips to Alleviate Joint Pain.

Your joints are tremendously active and endure a great amount of stress. They support your weight and allow you to move. While they are designed to deal with all the stress, they often suffer from wear and tear. Joint pain can result from various factors such as wounds, trauma, disease, strains, sprains and osteoporosis. Here are a few things you can do to prevent and help alleviate the pain. Ice: Cold compresses help to reduce blood flow which ultimately limits the swelling. When you begin to notice pain, apply an ice pack to the area every hour for about 15...

Tips for Women at all Ages

It’s important that women of all ages take their health into consideration. This is important to make sure one lives a long and healthy life. Here are a few tips for women at different ages Women in their 20s: Healthy lifestyle: Habits that are created in your 20’s are often carried throughout life. Learning to eat healthy and exercise regularly are habits that are important to form and carry later on in life. Strengthen your bones: During your 20’s it is very important to store calcium because during these ages are when 90% of bone mass is achieved. Calcium helps...

Keeping Active and Pain Free.

Excess Fat: Effects on The Knees When discussing issues with weight we often look at the effects that obesity has in relationship to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, but excess weight has a major effect on joints as well. Extra body weight results in extra load on the joints which ultimately increases the stress and may accelerate the breakdown of the cartilage. For example every extra pound adds approximately 4 extra pounds of force placed on the knee joint with each step taken. An extra 5 pounds results in 20 extra pounds of force on the knee!...

Vote For Us!

Vote McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy for Bucks County’s Best 2015 Happening List! We Need Your Vote! McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy is in the running again for Bucks County’s Best Happening List and we need your help and support… PLEASE take a moment to vote for us in the “Best Physical Therapy” category!   Vote Now! Voting is quick and easy. Thank you SO MUCH in advance for your help and support! Yours Truly, The Staff at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy Copyright © 2015 McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, All rights reserved.Locations: 607 Louis Drive Suite H Warminster, PA...