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Exercises You Can Do to Help Improve Concentration

Sometimes it can be hard to keep focused on work especially when it gets late in the afternoon. Fortunately, physical activity does more than just exercise the body, it exercises your mind as well. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or playing … Continue reading →

How Exercising Can Improve Concentration at Work

Feeling your mind wander off in the middle of a meeting? Struggling to keep your attention on that important report? You’re not alone. There are many office workers that face the challenge of maintaining concentration amidst a sea of distractions. … Continue reading →

Why the CanDo® Donut Ball is Great for a Classroom Setting

It is back to school time! As school starts to begin and the kids get excited to come back to school, it is the teacher’s responsibility to create a fun learning environment. The distinctive donut shape of the CanDo® Donut … Continue reading →

Essential Hydrotherapy Tools for Rehabilitation

Active Hydrotherapy is all about doing exercises in a pool to help with rehabilitation. Under the instruction of a trained individual, these exercises use your muscles and the unique properties of the water to help strengthen your muscles. This aquatic … Continue reading →

The Difference Between Aquatic and Hydrotherapy

For ages, water has always been a source of healing and rejuvenation. In the realm of physiotherapy, both aquatic therapy and hydrotherapy utilize water to provide unique rehabilitative experiences. The term hydro comes from the Greek word for water. In … Continue reading →

Ways to Correct Posture

Is it too late to correct your posture? Having rounded shoulders and a hunch might seem like you are set to be in this position for the rest of your life. It can be especially hard once you hit a … Continue reading →

Can Poor Posture Affect Range of Motion?

Sit up straight! You may have heard this common request before. Maybe you heard this from a parent or guardian, and you just brushed it off because you thought it was just about manners. Posture is not just about how … Continue reading →

Effective Balance Exercises with the CanDo Balance Board

The CanDo® Balance Board is an incredible fitness tool that challenges your stability by creating an unstable surface. This is done by placing a singular ball directly underneath the board in the center. Thus, creating instability that forces your muscles … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Balance Training

Though you may not realize it, your body needs to keep a good balance to do just about anything in life. Without proper balance, it would be hard to walk, sit down or even tie your shoes. Balance training is … Continue reading →

Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress

Everyone feels stressed every so often. After all, it is natural to feel that kind of emotion. It is only when you feel stressed all the time that your body can be negatively impacted. If not dealt with, it can … Continue reading →

How Yoga Can Help with Stress Reduction

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. In today’s hectic world, stress has become an all-too-common companion for many of us. Fortunately, yoga offers a reliable escape from the daily grind, providing both mental and physical relief that can transform your overall … Continue reading →

Best Exercises to Help Heal Bicep Tendonitis

Though we may not think about it, our biceps help us with a lot of movements throughout our daily routine. Daily movements such as lifting, reaching and pulling are all done with our biceps. So, it is no wonder life … Continue reading →

Understanding Bicep Tendonitis

Bicep tendonitis is a common issue among athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It is characterized by inflammation of the tendons connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder. This condition can be both painful and debilitating, affecting your ability to perform … Continue reading →

Why Use a Kettlebell?

If you have ever wondered why the kettlebell has such a unique shape, it is because they were originally used as a farm tool in Russia. They were later reimagined as an exercise weight after male performers used them to … Continue reading →

National Scoliosis Awareness Month 2024

June marks an important time of year for health advocates, medical professionals, and individuals across the country as we observe National Scoliosis Awareness Month. This period is dedicated to shining a spotlight on scoliosis, a common yet often misunderstood spinal … Continue reading →

What to Do If I Have Acid Reflux at Night?

As mentioned in last week’s blog, acid reflux can be an annoyance, especially during bedtime. For many people, this is a recurring nightmare due to nighttime acid reflux. Particularly painful and disruptive, acid reflux at night can prevent a restful … Continue reading →

Understanding and Managing Nighttime Acid Reflux

Waking up in the middle of the night feeling like your chest is on fire is not anyone’s idea of restful sleep. Yet, for many individuals, nighttime acid reflux makes this unsettling scenario a frequent reality. Consistently disrupting your sleep … Continue reading →

What are the Benefits of doing Kegel Exercises?

If you have ever heard of Kegel exercises, you most likely associate with pregnant women. While it is true that it does help pregnant women and women is postpartum recovery, it can also help men undergoing prostate surgery. This is … Continue reading →

National Blood Pressure Month

Not only is the month of May National Physical Fitness and Sports month, but it is also a time to acknowledge National Blood Pressure Month as well. Coincidence or not, these two national acknowledgements go hand in hand with each … Continue reading →

Get Moving: Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month 2024

Tomorrow is the start of May! And you know what that means? It is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It’s time for individuals of all walks of life to lace up their sneakers and celebrate the joy of movement. … Continue reading →

Top 3 Compound Exercises to Help Build Muscle

Compound exercises are probably the best way to get stronger quickly. This is because it is all about doing multi-joint moves that use several muscle groups at once. By doing this, you are not only saving time, you are also … Continue reading →

Can You Build Muscle Using a Plant Based Diet?

In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, protein reigns supreme. It’s the king of macronutrients when it comes to building muscle. However, the pervasive myth that you need to eat meat to bulk up is being dispelled by a growing … Continue reading →

Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month with CanDo® Graded Pinch Finger Exerciser

April marks a special time for occupational therapists and patients alike—it’s Occupational Therapy Month! This month, we take the opportunity to highlight the invaluable tools and techniques that empower individuals to overcome physical challenges. One such standout tool is the … Continue reading →

Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month 2024

April is here! And with it comes fresh blooms and a significant reason for celebration among healthcare professionals – Occupational Therapy Month! This is the time of year when we shine a spotlight on the remarkable field of Occupational Therapy … Continue reading →

Exercises You Can Do to Reduce Stress

Whether you like it or not, stress is a part of life. In small doses, it can benefit you by boosting your alertness and performance. But when you’re always stressed, it can negatively affect your health. That is why it … Continue reading →

Why Spring Is the Great Season to Workout Outside

Now that winter is officially over and spring is here, it is time to thaw out of our frozen slumber and enjoy nature again. With the plants starting to bloom and the days getting longer, now is the best time … Continue reading →

National Sleep Awareness Week: A Journey to Your Best Slept Self

Every March, National Sleep Awareness Week beckons us to turn a critical eye on our sleep habits and their profound impact on our overall health and well-being. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) leads this charge, encouraging us to explore and … Continue reading →

Why Hypertension Should be Taken Seriously

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, has often coined the term “silent killer” because it lurks without obvious symptoms, threatening millions across the world. For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, the risk is not just a number on a blood … Continue reading →

New Airex Heartbeat Exercise Mat

Are you ready to find your movement and transform your practice with a great exercise mat? Valentine’s day maybe well over but it is still American Heart Month. And nothing gets your heartbeat going and your blood pumping like exercising … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of transformation and preparation, but it’s also an ideal period to embrace the advantages of staying physically active. It may seem like you might have to put exercising on the backburner due to feeling more tired … Continue reading →

Heart Healthy Exercises

Are you ready to pump up your heart health and get moving? If you’re living with heart disease or looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness, you’ve come to the right place! It is no secret that proper diet and adequate … Continue reading →

American Heart Month 2024

February is known for love, with Valentine’s Day being the highlight of the month. However, February is also significant for another reason – it’s American Heart Month. A time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting healthy habits … Continue reading →

When Should You Consider Using a Foot Roller?

Have you ever come home after a long day on your feet, only to peel off your shoes and socks to reveal tired, achy feet, begging for relief? When the stress and strain of our daily routines starts to catch … Continue reading →

Does Eating Less Meat Benefit Your Health?

Are you curious about the impact of reducing your meat consumption on your health? The burning question on many minds these days is whether eating less meat can benefit your overall well-being. Whether you’re an omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian, the … Continue reading →

Exercises for Wheelchair Users

Being in a wheelchair does not mean you have to sacrifice your physical well-being and miss out on the benefits of exercise. Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of exercises that can be done from a seated position, specifically … Continue reading →

Why Strength Training Can Help Wheelchair Users

If you’ve ever used a manual wheelchair, you know how tiring it can be to move yourself all day, every day. The constant pushing and pulling of the wheels requires a significant amount of upper body strength. But did you … Continue reading →

New Year, New You

Are you looking for a new way to kick off the New Year? Working out is amazing for both your physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s never too late to start. Whether you need help getting back into fitness or … Continue reading →

Health and Wellness Goals for a Healthy New Year

As we turn the calendar to a new year, it’s common for many to reflect on the past year and set new goals for improved health and wellness in the year ahead. While goal setting can be a positive step … Continue reading →

Best Inflatable Balls to Use

Inflatable balls are versatile exercise tools that give amazing benefits such as increased mobility, strength and coordination. They offer the perfect combination of being lightweight yet still durable enough to stand up to regular use in any type of environment. … Continue reading →

How to Inflate an Exercise Ball Properly

Inflatable exercise balls are popular exercise equipment that can be used in gyms and even in the office. Not only are they more fun to use than medicine balls or dumbbells, but they can help you work on your core … Continue reading →

How Texting and Typing Can Affect the Hand and Wrist

Have you ever felt pain after typing or texting? If so, you’re not alone. More and more office workers and heavy phone users find themselves facing wrist pain from hours of intensive texting and typing. The repetitive motions required to … Continue reading →

Holiday Shopping Guide for 2023

Tis the season to start shopping for loved ones, coworkers, and friends! Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to start thinking about what gifts you are getting for the holidays. Not sure what you should get? No worries! … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Exercises

Have you ever wondered how to make Thanksgiving enjoyable without gaining extra pounds? Although this holiday is all about enjoying delicious food, with some creativity and discipline you can have your cake (or pie) and eat it too. With a … Continue reading →

Items That Can Help with Diabetic Care

Are you interested in ways to better manage your diabetes? Managing diabetes can be challenging, but there are tools available that can make the process easier. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for many years, there is … Continue reading →

National Diabetes Month 2023

As we enter November, it’s time to recognize National Diabetes Month. Now in its third decade, the American Diabetes Association has spearheaded this annual event devoted to spreading awareness about diabetes. Each year in November, diabetes patients across the nation … Continue reading →

Halloween Activities to Improve Fine Motor Skills

Happy Physical Therapy month and Happy Halloween! Are you looking for ways to help your kids have fun this Halloween while also sharpening their motor skills? Halloween is the perfect time to get creative and explore some unique activities that … Continue reading →

Yoga Poses You Can Do to Fight off the Common Cold

Yoga Poses You Can Do to Fight off the Common Cold Are you sick of being bogged down by cold symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and the never-ending cycle of tissue boxes? If so, then know that relief is closer … Continue reading →

How Yoga Can Help You with a Cold

Having a cold is always an unpleasant experience. Sneezing, coughing, and feeling completely exhausted can be debilitating – and not to mention, all the over-the-counter medicines you need to take just to relieve some symptoms! But if you’re looking for … Continue reading →

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Have you ever wondered what a chiropractor does? Chiropractic care has long been praised for its ability to provide relief from muscle and joint pain, but there is far more to it than that. Chiropractic practitioners are knowledgeable professionals who … Continue reading →

National Chiropractic Health Month 2023

Chiropractors have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the health and well-being of our communities. They all strive for excellence in providing personalized, safe, and effective care. The month of October has come to represent National Chiropractic Health … Continue reading →

How to Use a Yoga Block

Yoga blocks are great add-on accessories for yogis of all levels, allowing you to explore new poses and deepen your practice with ease. When it comes to the best yoga blocks around, the CanDo® Yoga Block is the one to … Continue reading →

Why You Need to Use a Yoga Block

Are you looking to deepen your yoga experience? If so, then it might be time to consider investing in a yoga block. Yoga blocks are an incredibly versatile tool that allows yogis of all levels to feel the enhanced benefits … Continue reading →

Best Tools to Use for Hydrotherapy

Are you looking to better utilize hydrotherapy in your physical therapy practice? Hydrotherapy is a great tool for helping patients manage pain, muscle soreness, and other muscular ailments. And when armed with the right equipment and resources, you can make … Continue reading →

Why Swimming is Beneficial

It may be the beginning of September, but it is still warm enough to go swimming. Swimming is the perfect way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether you’re an adult, senior, or someone who needs physical therapy, the … Continue reading →

How to Strengthen Your Ankles

Whether you are an active adult or a senior looking for ways to improve your balance and flexibility, strengthening your ankles is key. After all, our ankles play such an important role in how we move about daily. Below are … Continue reading →

The Importance of Strong Ankles

Many of us take our ability to stand and move around for granted, but the truth is that having a strong set of ankles is essential in order to prevent injury and maintain healthy balance and mobility. Ankles that are … Continue reading →

What Do Monofilaments Do?

Monofilaments can truly be a lifesaver. As a health care professional or patient, it’s important to be aware of these tools commonly used in the medical setting. Monofilaments are small instruments designed to test sensation on the skin and can … Continue reading →

What is Active Sitting?

It can be hard sometimes to stay productive and focused on work while having to sit in a chair all day. If you have ever noticed your coworkers shifting more often in their chairs or slowly rising from one position … Continue reading →

How to Sit Correctly at your Desk

Calling all office workers! Are you spending most of your day sitting in a chair? Maybe your back starts to ache or your neck gets sore. If you’re slouching and uncomfortable while trying to concentrate on tasks, it might be … Continue reading →

Training for a Stronger Back

Are you dealing with back pain on a regular basis? We’ve all been there, struggling with the discomfort and frustration of recurring aches and pains. If so, you may have considered how training for a stronger back could be beneficial … Continue reading →

What to do if you have Back Pain

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from back pain, you’re not alone! Back pain is one of the most common complaints amongst adults. The good news is there are several things you can do to help … Continue reading →

Best Hand Massagers

Do you experience tension, pain, and discomfort in your hands? Many adults today are increasingly using their hands more and more frequently. Whether you’re looking for relief from constant typing or want something to help ease muscle tension, a hand … Continue reading →

Stay Healthy this July 4th

July 4th is a time for celebration and fun, but with all the BBQs and family gatherings it’s easy to forget about our health. Fortunately, there are so many simple ways to stay healthy while still participating in all your … Continue reading →

Why Aquatic Therapy is Important

Have you ever considered incorporating aquatic therapy into your physical therapy sessions? Aquatic therapy is an increasingly popular form of physical rehabilitation and fitness that takes place in a pool. It can be incredibly beneficial to patients suffering from chronic … Continue reading →

How to Stay Hydrated this Summer

Tomorrow is the first day of summer! Summertime is the perfect opportunity to soak in all that warm sunshine, spend time with friends and family outdoors, and enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. But it’s also important to remember how crucial … Continue reading →

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke Particulates with N95 Masks

Smoke particulates from the severe wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, have blanketed parts of the U.S. East Coast and spread as far south as Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Though wildfire season has just begun, the Canadian wildfires have … Continue reading →

How to Evaluate for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an incredibly common condition that can affect young people at an early age. Evaluating this spinal curvature disorder can help diagnose and address any present issues before they become major concerns. Thankfully there are tools available that make … Continue reading →

National Scoliosis Awareness Month 2023

It’s National Scoliosis Awareness Month and it’s time to take a closer look at this common medical condition. It is important to make sure those diagnosed with scoliosis are properly informed about any conditions they may have, particularly for young … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Lifting Chairs

Do you care for the elderly or a person with limited mobility? If so, have you heard of lift chairs? While they may sound like furniture found in a gym, lift chairs are specialized chairs designed to help those who … Continue reading →

Stretches To Help with Lower Back Pain

Do you suffer from lower back pain? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Lower back pain affects 72.3 million people, or three out of 10 adults in the U.S., according to a survey from The Harris Poll. The survey, which … Continue reading →

How Can I Improve My Fascial Fitness?

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that envelops every organ, bone, muscle, blood vessel and nerve fiber, and keeps it all in place. As you can imagine, fascia health is extremely important. Performing exercises to strengthen the fascia … Continue reading →

Using Warm Compresses to Alleviate Arthritis Pain

May is Arthritis Awareness Month! Nearly one-fourth of adults in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis, which has symptoms that include swelling, pain, reduced range of motion and stiffness, … Continue reading →

What is Fascial Training and Why is it Important?

It seems everywhere you look; people are talking about the benefits of fascial training. But what is it exactly and why should we care? This new and exciting fitness method is rapidly gaining popularity among athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts … Continue reading →

Beginner Exercises That Can Help You Stay Active

If you take anything away from National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it should be to exercise regularly. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health because of all the associated benefits. Exercise can … Continue reading →

National Blood Pressure Month: A Reminder to Know Your Numbers

May is National Blood Pressure Month. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects one-third of Americans, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a major contributor to heart disease, heart attack and stroke, which are leading causes of … Continue reading →

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month 2023

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! This annual month-long recognition is dedicated to inspiring people of all ages and abilities to be more physically active. Whether you’re a fitness or sports enthusiast, or you’re new to exercising, this … Continue reading →

StayPut®: Your Ultimate Safety Solution

Slips and falls are some of the most common accidents that occur in homes, hospitals, and workplaces. Resulting injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to serious head injuries and fractures. Fortunately, you can take proactive measures to prevent … Continue reading →

Why Non-Slip Material is Important

Patient safety is one of the most important responsibilities of health care and assisted living facilities, and it’s no secret why. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye—which is why non-slip material is so valuable to have in your … Continue reading →

How to Exercise on a Budget

It’s no secret that gym memberships can be quite costly. Depending on the type of gym you join—i.e., boutique fitness studios versus health club chains—the extra fees can be a source of frustration, especially in addition to other monthly bills. … Continue reading →

Tools of the Trade – Occupational Therapy Edition

Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients develop, improve, and maintain the skills needed to participate in daily living. In therapy sessions, OTs simulate everyday life activities, or occupations, so patients can work on regaining and retaining their independence. Basic physical activities … Continue reading →

Occupational Therapy Month 2023

April is Occupational Therapy Month; a time to celebrate, honor and recognize the work of occupational therapy practitioners around the country. Nearly 130,000 people in the U.S. work in this extraordinary profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over … Continue reading →

Best Home Gym Equipment for 2023

Since the pandemic happened, a lot of people started working out from home and have not looked back. Working out from home has its benefits. The biggest one being not having to leave the convenience of your own home. One … Continue reading →

Workout While Sitting Down

If you work in an office, you spend a lot of your time sitting down. Making you inactive during most of your day. Our bodies are meant to be active throughout the day, so we can get that blood flowing … Continue reading →

How to Choose the Right Pillow for a Better Night’s Sleep

Sleeping on a pillow that’s hard as a rock? Sometimes the easy solution to better sleep is having the right pillow. This week sparks the 25th anniversary of National Sleep Awareness Week, it’s a reminder to choose the right pillow … Continue reading →

National Sleep Awareness Week 2023

“Am I getting enough sleep?” is a common but important question that we should all ask ourselves from time to time. A good night’s sleep is essential to feeling refreshed and energized the next day. Without sufficient rest, we become … Continue reading →

How to Prevent Heartburn

Heartburn can be very uncomfortable, especially if it happens frequently. That burning pain in your chest and throat can make doing everyday activities more difficult. But the good news is that you can manage it. By changing your lifestyle, you … Continue reading →

What Causes Heartburn?

Having frequent heartburn? Even though the name suggests it, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (So much for another heart-related blog for American Heart Month.) Heartburn is identified as an uncomfortable, burning pain felt in the chest and … Continue reading →

Get Your Heart Healthy for Valentine’s Day

Nothing makes the heart grow fonder or stronger like a good workout. Not only is the heart a symbol of love, but it’s also what’s keeping you alive and healthy. To ensure your heart stays well and strong, it’s important … Continue reading →

American Heart Month 2023

Ah, February! The time of the year where you learn what your heart desires… and we are not talking about Valentine’s Day. February is American Heart Month, a great time to learn and focus on your cardiovascular health. This year, … Continue reading →

Grip Strength Can Be a Prognostic Factor for Dexterity.

Did you know that grip strength can tell you a whole lot about an individual’s dexterity. Dexterity is extremely important to allow us to perform various tasks and activities of daily living. Understanding the relationship of grip strength and dexterity … Continue reading →

Quick Exercises to Help You Lose Weight

Feeling lost when it comes to weight loss? Weight loss isn’t something that happens magically overnight, but with some hard work and dedication, you can certainly reach your goals. Diet and exercise are both key, as well as patience and … Continue reading →

Exercises are Strategies. Strategies are Exercises.

Clinicians will often prescribe therapeutic exercises to address various impairments and functional limitations. These exercises are specific in nature to help patients improve strength, range of motion, decrease pain, decrease disability, and improve overall general functional mobility.  Exercises can have … Continue reading →

How to Maintain Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution

For some, it is easy to keep their gym goals as they have been doing it for years. But what about the people who have made it their goal to go to the gym for their new year’s resolution? Around … Continue reading →

Can’t Grip Dumbbells? Here Are Some Alternatives.

Some patients may experience difficulties with gripping exercise equipment, such as dumbbells. Grip strength can be affected by impairments and functional limitations due to a medical condition or injury. The clinician may have trouble choosing alternative exercises for these clients, … Continue reading →

Exercises to Help Manage Knee Pain

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who simply enjoys walking, your knees play a vital role in everyday activities. So, it can be quite debilitating when you start experiencing knee pain—at any point in life. Knee pain is a … Continue reading →

What Can I Do for Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition experienced by many individuals. Those who participate in recreational or competitive sports may be susceptible to developing this condition.1 Evidence indicates clinicians should utilize mechanical loading to decrease pain and improve overall function.1 Exercises … Continue reading →

How to Manage Knee Pain

Click. Click. Click. You know you’re getting older when your body starts making sounds in areas that you’ve never heard before.   If you hear a clicking sound when you go up or down the stairs, it’s probably your knees. … Continue reading →

What are the Most Important Questions to Ask During an Initial Interview with a Patient?

The initial interview is probably one of the most important moments of a patient’s episode of care. This is an opportunity for clinicians to learn how to receive prudent information that will help guide them during clinical decision making. The … Continue reading →

4 New Exercises for the New Year

Happy New Year! It is a new year and possibly new you. If you are one of the many people who made their new year’s goal to start exercising again, it is time to get motivated! Sometimes it can be … Continue reading →

How to Individualize Pinch Grip Strength Evaluations? The Baseline BIMS Pinch Dynamometer.

Pinch grip strength is an important objective measurement that is generally taken during regular physical examinations of patients presenting with various impairments and functional limitations. Pinch grip strength is important to assess as it allows us to perform everyday tasks … Continue reading →