Recently, Symmetry’s founder, physical therapist & marching-band-mom Julie Mankinen had the opportunity to spend several days on tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps – a performance marching band that is traveling across the United States this summer. The group is one of more than 40 organizations that compete in the Drum Corps International (DCI) season, which …
July is UltraViolet Safety Month. Most of us are aware that it is important to protect our eyes and skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cancer and weaken the immune system. UV rays also cause painful sunburns and lead to premature aging of the skin. Because we live in a part of …
Inflammation in the body is a common cause of joint pain and stiffness1. Unfortunately, the process of aging is accompanied by changes that tend to exacerbate inflammatory processes.3 On a positive note, however, you may be surprised to learn that modifying your diet can help to alleviate some of the discomfort and stiffness associated with inflammation.1 So how does inflammation …
If you’ve been to see a physical therapist, you’ve likely been given a home exercise program to complement the rehabilitation activities that you have worked on in the clinic. Research says that if you do your home exercise program, you’ll have a significantly better chance of meeting your goals and feeling better. Not following through with your home care program …
Summer is officially descending on Central Texas, and it is bringing rising temperatures. This is the time of year where cold AC is a valuable commodity as some people actively avoid the scorching temperatures outside completely. Although the temperature outside can definitely feel limiting, there are some strategies and considerations that can still make being able to participate in all …
On the heels of the 2021 Milliman Report’s state-based data addressing the differences in the economic and clinical impact of fractures suffered by older American, the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) has asked state legislatures to reinforce May as Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month in order to spread awareness of the disease and its impact. The State of Texas …
It turns out that while our early ancestors spent their days out in the wilderness hunting and foraging for food, they may also have been keeping their brains sharp. Researchers at the University of Arizona have found a connection between the highly active lifestyle that was prevalent in those ancient days and the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and …
It is common for Symmetry’s therapists to have clients tell us that they “used to be athletes”. Often, people seem to think that participation in sports as youth athletes has set them up for whatever musculoskeletal aches and pains that they are experiencing later in life. Someone might say “all that running must have been bad for my knees”, or …
This post was written by Daniel Hernandez, a graduate physical therapy student in Texas State’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Daniel is finishing up his last clinical internship at Symmetry and will graduate in May. To “RICE” or not to “RICE”: the age-old question. The RICE method for treating acute injury has been around for decades and many individuals, including …
