Runner’s Knee Pain

Runner’s Knee Pain

Runner's knee is a common problem with runners as well as individuals or athletes who require a lot of knee bending -- like walking, biking, and jumping. It usually causes aching pain around the kneecap.

Runner's knee isn't really a condition itself. It's a term for several knee problems with different causes. Runner's knee can result from:

• Overuse. Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the nerves of the kneecap. Overstretched tendons may also cause the pain of runner's knee.
• Direct trauma to the knee, like a fall or blow.
• Misalignment. If any of the bones are slightly out of their correct position -- or imbalanced -- physical stress won't be evenly distributed through your body. Certain parts of your body may bear too much weight. This can cause pain and damage to the joints. Sometimes, the kneecap itself is slightly out of position.
• Problems with the feet. Runner's knee can result from flat feet, also called fallen arches or overpronation. This is a condition in which the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, stretching the muscles and tendons.
• Weak thigh muscles.

Runner's knee is also called patellofemoral pain syndrome.

What Does Runner's Knee Feel Like?

Symptoms of runner's knee are:

• Pain behind or around the kneecap, especially where the thighbone and the kneecap meet
• Pain when you bend the knee -- when walking, squatting, kneeling, running, or even sitting
• Pain that's worse when walking downstairs or downhill
• Swelling
• Popping or grinding sensations in the knee

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has been successful in helping clients relieve runner’s knee pain because of musculoskeletal imbalances naturally without surgery or pain pills. By building and stretching the muscles the imbalances go away as well as the pain.  Give Fitworks Corrective Therapy a call today to get a free posture evaluation and discover what is causing you pain.

Resources: WebMD

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Eight Good Reasons to Have Good Posture

  

Eight Good Reason to Have Good Posture

1. Helps your muscles and joints.  Good posture keeps bones and joints in correct alignment so your muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain. It also reduces stress on ligaments holding the spine.
2. Healthy spine. Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine. Overtime the stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of that spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves.
3. Makes you look slimmer and younger. When you have good posture you will instantly take off 3-5 lbs in your appearance. It will also make you look slimmer, younger and your clothes will look better.
4. Your voice will sound better. If you maintain good posture when you speak, and are careful not to let your chest “collapse” in when you exhale, your diaphragm will open making your voice sound better.
5. Portrays a better, more confident image. Good posture will boot self-confidence. Try this: take a deep break and stand straight. You will feel better and feel more confident.
6. Breathing becomes easier and deeper. Try this: sit down and bend over and try to breathe in. Notice how it’s harder to breathe. This is an example of how our muscles and tendons get over restricted and cause a lessening of depth and ease in breathing.
7. Improves circulation and digestion. Good posture increases lung capacity, aiding oxygen transport and nutrition around the body.
8. Changes your frame of mind. Posture also affects your frame of mind and your frame of mind can affect your posture. So, when you are well, felling happy and on top of things, posture tends to be upright and open. In contrast, people who are depressed and in chronic pain often sit or stand slumped. 

Call today for a free posture analysis. 801-703-8503

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Dangers of Loading the Spine

Dangers of Loading the Spine

Many exercises can load the spine. Loading the spine causes the vertebrae to compress and get closer together.  You run the risk of bulging or herniated discs and wearing out wearing out the disc between each vertebra when you load your spine.  If you already have vertebrae and or disc damage you will most likely hurt more when you load your spine during exercise. It is very important to no load your spine and be safe while exercising.

You will have your back your whole life.  Protect your back and spine now so you can have a pain free life now and in the future.

Below is a list of a few things to do so you don’t load the spine and protect it when exercising:

• Don’t be on all fours, hands and knee/feet (unfortunately it limits what you can do with yoga and Pilates)
• Don’t using free weights or dumb bells
• When using cable weights make sure the weights you are pulling down on are above your head
• When using cable weights make sure the weights your are  pulling up on are below your waist
• Avoid exercises the rotate your spine

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has a safe approach to exercise so you don’t load your spine and protect your back.  Every exercise we do at Fitworks Corrective Therapy is safe.  We also correct your posture so your body moves and performs the way it’s meant to move for optimal performance.  Imagine your body pain free, looking and moving perfect.  Fitworks Corrective Therapy can help you do that.

 Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

What is a Pinched Nerve?

 What is a Pinched Nerve?

The term pinched nerve describes damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves. Pinched nerves come from compression, constriction, or stretching. Symptoms include one or more of the following:

• Numbness
• Pins and needles
• Burning sensations
• Pain radiating outward from the injured area
• The feeling of having a foot or hand "fall asleep"

Pinched nerves can sometimes lead to other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Such injuries may vary from minor, temporary damage to a more permanent condition if not quickly addressed.

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has a solution to help relieve the symptoms of pinched nerves. By building specific muscles and stretching, the posture of the body with become perfect.  The compression and constriction on the vertebrae and joints will be removed reducing the pressure on the nerves for relief of the pinched nerves.

 Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Hypermobile Joints

Hypermobile Joints

Hypermobility is more than just a good party trick. Hypermobility is the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion. It is common in children and decreases with age. Having a few hypermobile joints isn't unusual. In most people, joint hypermobility causes no problems and requires no treatment.  But in some people, hypermobility causes joint pain and results in a higher chance of dislocations, sprains and osteoarthritis. With hypermobility the ligaments that provide joint stability are loose and weak. This increases the risk of ligament injury or strain and can cause pain. 

People with hypermobility may experience many difficulties. For example, their joints may be easily injured, be more prone to complete dislocation due to an unstable joint and they may develop problems from muscle fatigue (as muscles must work harder to compensate for the excessive weakness in the ligaments that support the joints). Hypermobility can also lead to chronic pain. It has also been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of hypermobility include a dull but intense pain around the knee and ankle joints and the soles of the feet. 

It is important that the individual with hypermobility remain extremely fit - even more so than the average individual - to prevent recurrent injuries. Regular exercise and corrective therapy can reduce symptoms of hypermobility, because strong muscles help to stabilise joints. These treatments can also help by stretching tight, overused muscles and ensuring the person uses joints within the ideal ranges of motion, avoiding hyperextension or hyperflexion. Low-impact exercise is usually recommended for hypermobile people as it is less likely to cause injury than high-impact exercise or contact sports.

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has a unique approach to building muscles around joints to align the skeletal frame reducing risk of ligament injury or stain. By strengthening the muscles around the joints you can reduce the risk of ligament injury or strain that causes pain and problems with hypermobility. 

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Flat-back

Flat-back

The spine has two curves, which helps it carry the weight of the trunk, arms and neck in a balanced way. The spine curves slightly backwards where it joins the pelvis. At chest level where the ribs join the spine, it curves slightly forward.

Flat-back occurs when there is a loss either of the curves of the spine or both, making the spine straight.

In addition to the appearance of their back being flat, persons with a flat-back may also have the following symptoms:

• A sensation of falling forward
• Chronic pain in the back muscles
• Difficulty with certain daily activities
• Fatigue

Many patients with a significant flat-back deformity require a cane or a walker to assist them when walking because their weight is not centered over their pelvis and legs. Flat-back can be a source of significant pain, disability and frustration.

FitworksCorrective Therapy gives an analytical and thorough approach to identifying your muscle weaknesses and designing a plan you can follow to correct your imbalances and get you looking and feeling FANTASTIC. Give me a call for a free posture analysis and I will set you “straight." 801-703-8503

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Sciatica

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem or musculoskeletal imbalance.

Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot.

Common causes of sciatica include:

• Musculoskeletal imbalances
• Slipped disk
• Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
• Pelvic injury or fracture
• Tumors 

 

Sciatica pain can vary widely. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or a burning sensation. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move.

The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.

The pain often starts slowly. Sciatica pain may get worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• When bending backwards or walking more than a few yards, especially if caused by spinal stenosis

Fitworks Corrective Therapy has been successful in helping clients relieve sciatica pain because of musculoskeletal imbalances. By building and stretching the muscles the imbalances go away as well as the pain.  Give Fitworks Corrective Therapy a call today to get a free posture evaluation and discover what is causing you pain.

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

WHAT IS THE SACROILIAC JOINT (SI Joint)?
The sacroiliac joint is a firm, small joint. The sacroiliac joints are two paired “kidney bean” or L-shaped joints that lie where the spine and the pelvis meet. When we think of joints, we usually think of knees, hips, and shoulders. The sacroiliac joint does not move much, but it is critical to transferring the load of your upper body to your lower body. The SI Joint is a cause of low back and buttock pain. Women are considered more likely to suffer from sacroiliac pain than men, mostly because of the structural and hormonal differences.

PREGNANCY
The hormonal changes of menstruation, pregnancy, and breast feeding can affect the ligament support around the SI joint, which causes additional pain days before the period. During pregnancy, female hormones are released to allow the connective tissues in the body to relax. The relaxation is necessary so that during delivery, the female pelvis can stretch to allow birth. This stretching makes the SI Joints mobile. Over a period of years, these changes can eventually lead to wear-and-tear. The more pregnancies a woman has, the higher her chances of SI joint problems. Trauma, muscle imbalance, and hormonal changes can all lead to SI joint problems.

Fitworks Corrective Therapy
Exercise, building muscle and stretching is important to the recovery from SI joint pain. Stretching, building muscle and massage are all useful tools to correct any imbalances that may exist around the SI joint. 

Call Fitworks Corrective Therapy today to schedule your free evaluation and see how we can help you get out of pain. 801-703-8503.
 

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www,fitworksutah.com

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

Are you having pain in your heal?  Is it interfering with your lifestyle?  Are you avoiding doing things because it’s painful to walk? You may have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation on the bottom of the foot. It occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. It can be painful and make walking more difficult. It can feel like you are standing and walking on a nail. It is the most common complaint of foot problems.

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn. The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

The pain is usually worse:

• In the morning when you take your first steps
• After standing or sitting for a while
• When climbing stairs
• After intense activity

Treatments

Your doctor will usually first recommend the following:

• Tylenol or Advil or Motrin to reduce pain and inflammation
• Heel stretching exercises
• Resting as much as possible for at least a week
• Wearing shoes with good support and cushions
• Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.
• Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts.
• Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.

If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend:

• Wearing a boot cast, which looks like a ski boot, for 3-6 weeks. It can be removed for bathing.
• Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Steroid shots or injections into the heel

If the nonsurgical options don’t work your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery is painful, not a lot of fun and has a lot of down time. Also, surgery has risks to a lot of complications.

The above treatments do not look fun or enjoyable. Fitworks Corrective Therapy is an alternative option to relieve the pain of planter fasciitis. Fitworks Corrective Therapy has an innovative and proven program that helps you find immediate relief.  In as few as 12 one hour sessions you can have permanent relief of plantar fasciitis.  How do you spell “Relief?” Fitworks Corrective Therapy. 

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks CorrectiveTherapy
www.fitworksutah.com

Detox with Exercise, Stretching and Massage

Detox with Exercise, Stretching and Massage

Exercise, stretching, massage, water, as well as what you eat eliminates toxins from your body.

Exercise detoxifies many vital organs and should become a regular part of your life. Exercise reduces body fat. Fatty tissues actually clog the arteries, increase blood pressure and put additional stress on the heart. Fat is the place that your body stores toxins. Most tumors start in fatty areas. If you reduce these fat deposits through exercise I think the toxin levels in your body will go down and you may reduce the chance of getting tumors. 

Come into Fitworks Corrective Therapy to help detox with exercise, stretching and massage.

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy 
www.fitworksutah.com