Questions? Or do you want me to blog on a specific topic? Email me at: chris@dynamicnaples.com
Want to get the latest blog posts? Sign up for the Thursday Three Newsletter below.
What Really Causes Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that typically attacks the big toe and ankle. Gout primarily occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. Uric acid is a normal waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, substances found in certain foods and also produced by the body. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. However, if too much uric acid is produced or if the kidneys do not eliminate enough of it, uric acid can build up, leading to gout.
Running and Anemia
For many, running is not just a form of exercise but a way of life—a pursuit that brings physical fitness, mental clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward activity lies a lesser-known phenomenon: foot strike hemolysis. This condition, though relatively rare, sheds light on the intricate relationship between endurance sports and the human body's physiological responses. Let's delve into what foot strike hemolysis entails, its causes, and its implications for runners.
HPA Axis Dysfunction
In the intricate web of our body’s hormonal system lies a crucial regulator known as the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. This axis plays a pivotal role in how we respond to stress, regulate mood, and maintain overall health. However, when the HPA axis becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a cascade of symptoms and health issues. Let’s delve into what HPA axis dysfunction entails, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be managed effectively.
Understanding SIBO: A Closer Look at Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
In the realm of gastrointestinal health, one term that has garnered attention in recent years is SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This condition, while not widely known, can significantly impact one's digestive system and overall well-being. Let's delve into what SIBO is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Understanding Collagen Deficiency
Collagen, often touted as the body's scaffolding, is a crucial protein that provides structure and support to various tissues, including skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. Its importance extends beyond structural integrity, influencing skin elasticity, joint flexibility, and overall vitality. However, when the body fails to produce sufficient collagen, it can lead to a condition known as collagen deficiency. This deficiency can manifest in several ways, impacting both health and appearance.
Understanding the Connection Between Arthritis and Gut Dysbiosis: Exploring the Gut-Joint Axis
Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and reduced mobility. While it's traditionally been viewed as a joint-specific issue, emerging research is shedding light on the intricate connection between arthritis and gut health. In particular, the concept of gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, is gaining attention for its potential role in exacerbating arthritis symptoms and even contributing to its development.
Nourishing the Hidden Guardians: Exploring the Connection Between Lymphatics and Nutrition
In the intricate symphony of human health, nutrition acts as the conductor, orchestrating the harmonious functioning of various systems within the body. While we often associate nutrition with fueling our muscles and organs, its impact on the lymphatic system remains a lesser-known but equally crucial aspect. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating relationship between lymphatics and nutrition, exploring how what we eat can influence the health and function of this vital system.
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), also known as anemia of inflammation, is a common type of anemia that often accompanies chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and other long-term medical conditions. Unlike other forms of anemia, ACD is not primarily caused by nutritional deficiencies or blood loss. Instead, it is a result of the body's response to chronic disease.
The Link Between Excess Iron and Diabetes
Iron deficiency anemia affects more than 3 million people per year in the U.S. However, a lesser known problem is too much iron, or iron overload. Iron overload affects 200,000 people per year in the U.S. This can be much more devastating, and even deadly if it goes untreated because it “rusts” the organs. It affects men more than women because men accumulate iron over a lifetime, whereas women lose iron from menstruation. After menopause, iron overload can become a problem for women as well. Many women are anemic through their menstruating years and are told to take iron, but are rarely told to come off it after menopause which can induce iron overload. There is a line of evidence building that shows a correlation between the development of diabetes due to excess iron.
The Correlation Between Metabolic Dysfunction and Low Back Pain
Low back pain is the number one reason people visit a physical therapist. There are so many reasons why low back pain occurs, and pain can be extremely complicated. This article will just explore one way back pain can happen, and I think it’s grossly overlooked.
A Hidden Reason for Fatigue: Pernicious Anemia
Anemia is a condition that reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen, leading to fatigue and a whole host of other symptoms. This may be due to a reduction in hemoglobin, or a reduction of the production of red blood cells. Some common deficiencies that cause reduced red blood cells are B12 (cobalamin), folate, and iron.
An Update on Plantar Fasciitis
Have you been to physical therapy for plantar fasciitis and been disappointed in the results? Maybe it took way too long. Or mabye it didn’t help. That’s because our understanding of what it actually is was not accurate. This can completely effect how we go about treating it, as you’ll see.
Stabilize, Strengthen, Dynamically Strengthen
I was treating a patient recently who was getting back pain while stretching his hip flexors. He said that always happens to him. I told him to squeeze his core and glutes. The pain immediately went away. Of course he wanted to understand why that was. I explained it, and then said we need to stabilize, strengthen, then dynamically strengthen. This is a general principle in physical therapy, and can be seen as a progression. What does this mean? What is the difference between these terms?
Dry Needling and Its Benefits
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by some healthcare professionals including physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin monofilament needles into specific points into and around muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
B12 Deficiency and SIBO
We routinely send our clients out for bloodwork, and one of the most common deficiencies we see is B12. There are a number of reasons for this, and in this blog we’ll cover the most common ones.
Warm Up and Cool Down For Sports
As we age, the importance of warming up prior to activity becomes increasingly important. This is because our overall flexibility and mobility decrease with age partially due to decreased elasticity and collagen levels in our muscles. As a result of these changes, our bodies become more vulnerable to injury. A proper warm up will help to improve blood supply to the muscles that will be required during physical activity and therefore help to improve both performance and safety during the activity.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Groin Strains
Groin strains, or adductor strains, are common in a lot of sports, but particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This probably is due to being in a closed guard position. This asks a lot of the adductors, and if they are quite strong enough, strains can occur.
5 Ways to Reduce the Risk For Achilles Tears
It seems like an epidemic in the NFL this year. In the last few weeks teams have lost crucial players such as Aaron Rodgers after being on the field just 4 plays and Tre’Davious White who came back late last season from an ACL tear just to go out after only 4 games this year. Post-surgical repair, these athletes will be sidelined on average for another 9-12 months before being able to return to sport. This injury is not exclusive to Professional athletes however. This article will help to explain how these tears can happen and how you can reduce your risk.
Why Stress is Giving You Diabetes
You may have heard there is a correlation between stress and diabetes (Type 2). Stress affects the autonomic nervous system in profound ways including secretion of hormones. In this blog we’ll explore the mechanism, and what to do about it.
Does Anterior Tilt Matter?
A common complaint physical therapists will hear from patients is pain with prolonged standing. While this can be caused by a variety of factors, one of the first things we will look at is standing posture.