Denver Physical Therapy & Wellness

The holidays are a time which can bring both stress and joy, as the act of gathering with family, friends, and loved ones can either be a source of happiness or, often, one of great turmoil. It’s a time where we often break our diets and regular routines in order to travel to gather with friends and family, which can create an amount of havoc for our physical and mental health situation. While consuming large amounts of food and alcohol can be a fun experience, the aftermath can create an uphill battle for us to dig out of. It’s important to keep our health in check during the holidays so we don’t have to make unrealistic New Years’ resolutions, ones which we will inevitably have a hard time keeping. With that in mind, here are some tips to stay healthy during the holidays from your Denver physical therapist. 

Make Time for Exercise

The act of traveling for the holidays, going from one holiday party to another, can often leave us feeling stretched for time in terms of keeping our regular workout routine in place. It can make it seem as though we have neither the time nor the energy to maintain our healthy habits, which can take a large amount of time to establish in the first place. Having to get on the road and make time for these types of gatherings can present a serious challenge for us, but are not necessarily a guarantee that we will slip and break our habits. Contrary to popular belief, the holidays don’t have to be a time where we lose all inhibition and find ourselves filled to the brim at every turn.

During the holidays, it is vitally important to make time for regular workouts whenever we have the chance to. Undoubtedly, you will have some small stretch of time where you can engage in a small amount of physical activity in order to counteract the amount of binge-eating and drinking you will likely be engaging in. Whether you wake up a little earlier in the morning or use a small stretch of time during the evening, you can still maintain a workout routine during a holiday period of time. 

While you may not be able to engage in your standard workout regimen, especially if you don’t have access to a gym, you can still modify your workout in order to ensure you don’t fall behind. Instead of doing free weights or machines in order to get in your needed strength training, consider pushups and simple squats. Instead of playing a game of basketball or working out on your favorite cardio machine at the gym, think about going for a jog or doing another form of activity which will raise your heart rate. Anything is better than doing nothing, and it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be enough to put yourself in better position once the holiday season is over. 

Remember Your Gear!

If you happen to be traveling for the holidays, one of the biggest reasons people don’t engage in a regular workout routine is because they’ve left their workout gear at home. It’s an easy cop-out for people who are looking to take a long break from exercise during this timeframe, but it’s something which you should seriously think about prior to packing your bags for the holiday. Remember to bring your gear, such as your workout clothes and shoes, as this will make it much more likely that you will actually follow through on your regular routine.

The act of having to purchase or borrow clothes while you are on vacation will almost certainly make it highly unlikely that you will actually follow through and continue to exercise during this time frame. You should also keep in mind where you may be engaging in your workout activity, as it may be cold outside, requiring you to bring long pants and different types of clothing. Comfort can be a great way to overcome the obstacle of exercising during this timeframe. 

Find Someone to Help Keep You Accountable

Look, if you’re on vacation and around family and friends, there is probably at least one other individual who is trying to keep up their exercise routine. We often feel like we’re the only ones who are trying to break out of the usual holiday routine and keep our exercise lives in order, but the truth is quite the contrary. Many people are beginning to stray from the usual exercise in gluttony and are moving towards a more healthy, conscious way to do the holiday season. 

Discuss your situation with others who may be around during this time period and schedule a time to work out together, whether it be going to the gym or simply going for a short run. Having someone on hand to help keep you accountable can be a great strategy to employ any time, but especially during the holiday season when you are much more vulnerable to staying inside and avoiding any type of physical activity. Instead of falling prey to this type of behavior, set yourself up for success with an accountability buddy. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery professional.
 

Everyone knows how beneficial physical exercise is to one’s health. Throughout all varieties of sources, whether from doctors, the media, or anyone you meet on the street, the value of exercise has been shouted from all angles at this point. Clearly, remaining stagnant and refraining from physical activity is not the road to physical wellness, making it especially important for individuals concerned with bettering their health situation to workout regularly. But there are lesser-known benefits which accompany working out that you should be aware of, as it may finally convince you of the value of getting off of your couch. Here are some of the lesser-known benefits of regular exercise from your Denver physical therapist. 

It Can Help to Prevent Bone Disease

In terms of chronic conditions the act of exercise can help to defend, many people are well aware of how it can help reduce the chances of developing heart disease. But did you know that regular exercise can play a major role in preventing bone disease? Research has shown that running or engaging in some form of strenuous physical activity for at least three hours each week can play a huge part in counteracting bone disease. 

Individuals who spend lots of time on the couch or sitting in general are at greater risk for developing some form of bone disease, as it can lead to low mineral content in the bones. In terms of activities which have been shown to have the greatest impact against bone disease, physical activities which are of higher intensity can be the most effective when it comes to the fight against bone disease.

Lowers the Possibility of Physical Confrontations

Although many people may not deal with feeling aggressive towards individuals, people who suffer with chronic anger issues are at greater risk of getting into altercations which can result in a physical fight. This unfortunate reality can lead to a number of detrimental consequences, including dealing with serious legal ramifications as a result of an incident. Thankfully, regular exercise has been shown to reduce the chances of individuals getting into fights, as regular exercise has been shown to lower the incidents of violent behavior in those who are prone to committing such acts.

Beneficial in Helping Individuals Abstain From Smoking

One of the hardest habits to quit is smoking, as this detrimental behavior can have a wide-range of negative health consequences for addicted individuals. The act of giving up smoking can present plenty of challenges for individuals tasked with getting over this act, as physical and psychological cravings can present a serious challenge. One of the best ways to combat the effects of nicotine withdrawal is to engage in regular physical activity, as this can help to redirect the mind from constantly craving a cigarette. Restless energy can be a major factor which contributes to the urge to smoke, which regular workouts can help to release.

Improve Memory

If you’re looking to combat the cognitive decline that can often accompany aging, perhaps the best strategy to employ is to workout on a daily basis. Studies have shown that regular exercise is a major way to slow the progression of memory loss, specifically the kind which results from having Alzheimer’s. Exercise helps to promote and produce the stress hormone CRF, which can help to protect the brain. Another aspect of exercise as it pertains to memory is the fact that it is a great way to help reduce stress, clearing up the mind to think faster and keep mental faculties keen and functioning at their full potential.

Aids in Digestion

Individuals who work out usually love a good meal afterwards, as the act of exercise can help a person feel like they’ve earned their meal. But it might not be widely-known that exercise can also help the act of digestion itself, as it can aid in the digestive process. This is why the act of a short 15-20 minute walk after eating a meal can help a person feel better, especially if they may have overindulged a bit during dinner. A small amount of exercise can help to improve blood sugar levels throughout the day and can help to move glucose from the bloodstream to the muscles. 

Improve Mental Health 

One of the biggest ways that physical activity can positively impact one’s health is through their mental health situation. Regular exercise has been shown to have profound effects on a person’s mental well-being, as it can lead to an elevated mood and positive feelings as a result of a release of dopamine. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to significantly reduce both depression and anxiety, as it can help individuals suffering from these conditions get out of their head and into their bodies, providing a sense of relief from a chronic negative mindset.

It’s widely known that the body can have a huge impact on the mind, as vice versa, showcasing how vital it is to get regular physical activity. It has been said that motion leads to emotion, which is why it is especially critical for individuals who are struggling with depression to get moving, as they are often immobile and feel unmotivated to deal with their life circumstances as a result.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy in Denver due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery professional.
 

The act of becoming disabled or injured as a result of an accident can be a devastating, isolating, and alienating process, as you are forced to adjust to unwanted and uncomfortable circumstances in a moment’s notice. Indeed, situations like these can be extremely painful, both in terms of your physical and mental well-being, making your life an uphill battle and creating a great amount of unwanted adversity in your life. No one said experiencing a serious injury would be easy, but there are things you can do to make this journey a reasonable amount more bearable. One of those things includes having a Parker physical therapist on your team to ensure you will be supported along the way. Here’s why you should seriously consider hiring a physical therapist to help you return to your desired health condition.

Address Chronic Pain as a Result of an Injury

One of the most common reasons you should consider seeing a Parker physical therapist is that they will be able to help assist you in your recovery journey, both to better health as well as reducing your overall painload. Chronic pain is one of the most troubling, stressful circumstances that a person can deal with, creating a great amount of additional difficulties to deal with in addition to life’s day-to-day burdens. Pain management is one of the biggest reasons a person will seek out and benefit from a physical therapist, as they will be able to provide them with a series of exercises, stretches, and activities which can help to alleviate one’s pain level.

When you first see a physical therapist, they will assess your current situation, including your overall pain level, in order to determine what steps need to be taken as a part of your treatment plan. It’s important to keep in mind that not every exercise or stretch will work great for everyone, as certain individuals may be struggling with a large amount of pain which can present a serious challenge for certain activities. A great physical therapist will take these factors into account and create a treatment plan which is designed for a specific person, making sure not to overdo it for those who will become overwhelmed with pain. 

A Physical Therapist Can Speed Up Your Overall Recovery Time

In terms of experiencing a serious injury, one of the biggest things that will present an issue for individuals is having to deal with a lengthy recovery process, one that can restrict them from enjoying the activities they have grown to love. This can be an incredibly stressful and difficult thing for people to experience, as it can prevent them from engaging in the things they love the most, taking away their positive coping skills and creating a new challenge to overcome in the process.

Thankfully, a Parker physical therapist can help you resolve these issues by creating a unique, specialized treatment plan which will help you return to your old self. It’s not just a matter of doing things on your own, as this will often not be enough. You will likely not have all of the information you need to know what you should be doing in order to improve your physical health in a speedy manner. It’s important to see a physical therapist who can help you improve your situation in a faster period of time than if you had decided to simply go it on your own. 

A trusted physical therapist will constantly assess your circumstances and make recommendations based on the amount of progress you have made. It’s important to understand that the best physical therapists will always look out for their clients and have a firm understanding of what the next steps will be, knowing what a person’s personal limits are in the process. You shouldn’t have to experience excessive amounts of pain in the recovery process if your physical therapist is one that is listening to your needs and making recommendations based on their informed, professional opinion.

You Don’t Need to Be Injured to See a Physical Therapist

Contrary to popular belief, you actually don’t need to be recovering from a serious injury in order to need to see a Parker physical therapist. In fact, many individuals will see a physical therapist as a part of their regular health routine, as a physical therapist can offer you exercises and activities which will help improve your overall health. In the process of doing this, a physical therapist can also be a form of preventative medicine, as they will understand what activities you need to engage in order to reduce the chances of becoming injured. 

If you’ve recently started to workout again after a long hiatus, a physical therapist can be a great resource to consult with, as they will advise you on the things you should and shouldn’t be doing. A physical therapist can help create a personalized and specialized treatment program, with the idea of you reaching your desired health goals as a result. Physical therapists can also help individuals struggling with mobility and imbalance issues, providing exercises and activities which will improve and strengthen a person’s overall movement patterns, habits, behaviors, and regular routines.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery professional.
 

As we age, our bodies tend to become less limber and more stiff, potentially leading to a whole host of other health conditions which can negatively impact our overall well-being. This unfortunate fact of life can be prevented or at least slowed down, by following a regular workout routine which includes a yoga or stretching practice. This will help to maintain agility and functionality throughout one’s life, preventing the slow decline into old age that many inactive individuals may begin to face as a result of their habits and routines. Starting a regular yoga routine is a fantastic way to combat this fact of life. Here’s why from your Parker physical therapist.

Improves Your Flexibility

Perhaps the most obvious, straightforward reason to begin a regular yoga routine is that it will improve your flexibility. Performing various stretches will target each area of your body that needs to remain limber, ultimately benefiting your overall physical health as a result. Tightness in your body can play a major factor in pain, which is why doing yoga will help to loosen up your body and potentially reduce your pain level as a result. This will make you more able to complete activities which are more physically strenuous, such as skiing, rock climbing, running, and other more intense forms of physical activity. 

In addition to becoming more flexible, you will also become more able to respond to situations which require you to be more limber and agile. Remaining stiff and immobile is a recipe to become seriously injured due to a slip and fall or other form of setback which can be the result of not being flexible enough. Performing a regular yoga routine may be a pain to initiate in the early stages, but your body will be thanking you for it in the long run, as you will be more prepared to handle all different types of activities. 

Improves Your Posture

A major reasons why you should consider a regular yoga routine is that it will seriously help you with your overall posture. Keeping your spine straight and erect is not something that is natural for many people, especially as we have become a more sedentary and immobile species, dedicated to looking down at our phones more than we would care to admit. Thankfully, yoga can help address this concern, as a regular practice will help benefit your body’s posture, leading to other health benefits as a result. Your body can tend to slump, which can lead to fatigue, back and neck issues, and joint problems. Yoga can reverse these issues and reduce your chances of developing degenerative arthritis in your spine. 

Increases Blood Flow

In terms of things that are beneficial for your health, one of the biggest benefits to any form of physical activity is the fact that it will increase blood flow throughout your body. Any activity which increases blood flow will also help to circulate oxygen throughout all of the cells in your body, which can help with healing and restoring your body to an optimal level of health. You don’t necessarily want to remain immobile, as this will reduce your blood flow and potentially lead to a number of health conditions as a result. Instead, practicing yoga regularly will help to boost your blood flow, leading to increased levels of hemoglobin in your body, which can decrease the chances of heart disease and stroke.

Increases Your Mental Health

Although practicing yoga on a regular basis can have profound physical health benefits, one of the biggest things to keep in mind is the effect it can have on your mental health as a result. This is because exercise and physical activities such as yoga will help to increase serotonin levels in your brain, as well as decrease the amount of monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters and increasing the chances of becoming depressed.

Yoga also can have the profound health benefit of increasing mindfulness and boosting your sense of being grounded. A large component to yoga is the degree of mindful breathing that comes with each exercise. Many instructors will remind their students of how important breathing is when it comes to receiving the maximum level of benefit from any given pose. Yoga is a form of physical meditation, one that can connect a person to their body in a more deeper way than through other forms of exercise, as mindfulness is stressed throughout the exercises. 

Boosts Your Focus

In our busy world, focus and attention have taken a serious hit, as the amount of distractions present in our world have grown exponentially, making it difficult to complete many of the tasks we have on our plate. Thankfully, a yoga practice can boost our attention and focus level, as it trains our mind to become more rooted in our body and breaking the endless cycle of thoughts which can derail whatever we are attempting to focus on. Yoga also contributes to an increase in coordination, as we are more connected to all parts of our body, which is a result of paying greater attention to our physical selves, a major benefit to our mind-dominant culture.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery pro.

With winter fast approaching in the Denver area, the prospect of dealing with consistent, inclement weather is also on the horizon. Not only is this a concern for those who are unlucky to have to commute in their car to work, it is also something to be cautious of when walking on icy and slippery surfaces. Slips and falls during the winter time can be a major source of injury, regardless of a person’s age. Broken bones, strained muscles, and concussions can all result from an untimely fall, leading to the need for extensive rehabilitation services. Instead of slipping and falling, here are some things you can do to prevent this situation from your Denver physical therapist.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

One of the best, most obvious ways to remain slip and fall free this winter is to constantly remain vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. If snow or ice is on the ground, look at the ground when walking as often as possible to ensure you don’t accidently slip on an unexpected patch of ice. Taking the extra time to navigate icy terrain is another way to mitigate the possibility of falling, as you will have more room for error. Rushin on icy or slippery terrain is a recipe for falling, so give yourself ample time to get to where you are going.

Strength Train and Improve Your Balance

When you slip and fall, clearly you are losing your balance. One helpful way to avoid this situation from playing out is to regularly work on balance strengthening exercises, as this will make you more able to react in the event of a slip. One of the best ways to improving your balance is to strengthen the muscles used to maintain your balance, especially in your legs and core.

Consult a trained physical therapist or personal trainer to get a set of exercises you can perform to reduce the chances of becoming injured as a result of a slip and fall. If you fall, your muscles will reflexibly tighten, making it important to stay limber and perform regular exercises on these muscle groups. Additionally, make sure the shoes and boots you are wearing have adequate traction to help mitigate against slippery surfaces. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.