Monday, February 28, 2022

When to Use Cryotherapy and Superficial Heat (ex Ice Packs/Heating Pads)

 Indications For Cryotherapy: (When to Use)

  • To decrease muscle spasm and spasticity
  • Reduction of Bleeding and acute edema
  • Pain reduction and control
  • Acute trauma or inflammation
  • Chronic Inflammation (tendinitis)
  • Management of M.S.
  • Cryokinetics, Cryostretch, to prepare for other PT treatments, or after workout/treatment

Precautions for Cryotherapy: (Be careful when using)
  • Over a superficial main branch of a nerve or open wound
  • With hypertension, poor sensation or poor mentation
  • With very young or very old patients

Contraindications for Cryotherapy: (When to Avoid)
  • Cold hypersensitivity (cold induced uticaria) or Cold intolerance (severe pain, numbness etc)
  • Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria - release of hemoglobin into the urine from cold exposure
  • Raynaud''s Phenomenon - Disease digital cyanosis
  • Impaired circulation or Peripheral Vascular Disease
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Indications for Thermotherapy: (When to use)
  • Before active exercise because of analgesic effects
  • Before passive range of motion and stretching due to greater extensibility of connective tissue
  • Before traction because of general relation
  • Before massage for increased blood flow
  • Muscle spasms
  • Before Joint mobilizatio

Precautions for Thermotherapy: (can be treated with extra care)
  • Pregnancy
  • Impaired circulation
  • Poor thermal regulation
  • Edema, open wounds
  • Cardiac insufficiency
  • Metal in the area

Contraindications for Thermotherapy: (When to avoid)
  • Recent or potential hemorrhage
  • Thrombophelbitis 
  • Impaired sensation or mentation
  • Malignant tumor
  • IR irradiation of the eyes 

Monday, February 21, 2022

Product Review: Valor Fitness BD-21 Yoke

 Product Details:
The Valor Fitness BD-21 Yoke is a versatile piece of equipment being a functional all-in-one rack.
Featuring 2”x3” 11-gauge solid steel uprights with 41.5” of inside working space, versatile skid sled style/storage feet with 4 10” weight pegs, J-Hooks for bar support, and a weight capacity of 750lbs. Fully adjustable crossbar and pull up bar with locking popper pins and a 72” height range allows customization to any workout, from a basic yoke carry to the Zercher Carry, Zercher Squat, pull-up station, squat station, bench station, and sled training exercises. The numerous possibilities for this unit, make it an all-in-one option for a home/garage gym.

Features/Benefits :
  • ALL-IN-ONE RACK- A functional and versatile piece of equipment can be used as a Pull-Up Station, Squat Station, Muscle-Up Station, or Bench Press Station. Allows for a variety of Sled Training exercises, a basic Yoke Carry, Zercher Carry, or Zercher Squats, making the Valor Fitness BD-21 the perfect all-in-one equipment for a home gym.
  • UNIQUE SKID SLED STYLE- Allows the user the ability to lift and smoothly slide the Yoke Rack for Sled Training exercises. Yoke Rack weights 160 lbs. by itself.
  • STORAGE PEGS- Designed with 4 (10 in. X 1.5 in.) weight pegs at the base to create storage for Valor Fitness Bumper Plates and provide added stability of the Yoke Rack when weighted down. Allows the option to add extra weight for Carries and Sled Training.
  • ADJUSTABLE - Fully adjustable Crossbar and Pull-Up Bar with locking popper pins and a 72 in. height range allows customization to any workout. Includes Safety Catches and J-Hooks on both sides of the Yoke Rack for bar storage during Bench Press and Squat Workouts. Built with a 49.5 in. X 50 in. base to allow for a 42.5 in. of working space
  • STURDY- 92 in tall, 11-Gauge solid, Steel uprights (2 in. X 3 in.) can hold up to 750 lbs. Designed for light-commercial use. 3-year warranty.
Shipping Dimensions:
· Size/weight: 92" x 8" x 4" / 59 lbs.
· Size/weight: 49" x 17" x 6" / 97 lbs.
Assembled Dimensions:
· Size/weight: 92" x 49.5" x 49" / 150 lbs.
Product Review:
I’ve had my eye on the ValorPro Yoke for over a year now since building my garage gym. Back then it was initially my plan to have this yoke also serve as my rack. I am a minimalist, the sort of person who travels light and likes to keep things very sustainable.
However I also understand the importance of having the right tool for the job, and the aggravation of NOT. And, after many attempts at conniving minimalistic ways to achieve full body strength— at one point the whole of my equipment being a sandbag, tires, and a few kettlebells.  I ultimately settled with the conventional home gym route.
Make no mistake: this ValorPro Yoke unit can and absolutely WILL serve as an all-in-one piece of equipment for much, if not most, of the fitness community.
However if you are a more serious hobbyist or a competitive lifter, if you plan on moving extreme weights or if you simply want the unshakable rigidity of a commercial piece of equipment, as far as a rack is concerned a full-scale power rack bolted down to the floor is the only way to go if you truly want less inconvenience and limitations while also providing utmost safety.
But in no way does that make this yoke superfluous or unnecessary. I am absolutely in love with this thing. In fact, there are certain pieces of equipment which are worth purchasing for one exercise alone. Now that is NOT the case with this yoke, as there is just so much you can do with it. But, just as an example, I purchased a pair of top-loaded farmers handles from a different manufacturer for over $300. There’s really nothing else you can do with them besides farmers carries, but 1) farmers carries are such an exceptional movement, 2) proper implements make such a difference on the effectiveness and enjoyment of the movement, and 3) top-loaded handles are just so convenient, that it was indeed well worth the price.
My point is, even if all I could do with this yoke were yoke-related movements (no rack capability, extra storage, etc), I would STILL buy it.
But the versatility of the BD-21 Yoke has me stoked beyond belief. Overhead walks, traditional yoke walks, Zercher carries, prowler pushes, you name it. I have admittedly let my conditioning slip in the pursuit of strength, but I know that for optimal strength and certainly for optimal health, one must have a certain degree of conditioning. But forget sitting on a stationary bike or jumping rope. This is the alpha manner of conditioning. These movements simultaneously get you incredibly strong and assist your other lifts, unlike typical conditioning methods where you have to altogether replace time spent doing strength work for the sake of cardio. If you are limited in the amount of time you have to lift each week-- as I am-- this is a major bonus.

The assembly is very simple and safe, and very doable by oneself. I left all of the hardware just a touch loose so that the skis and structure can settle on the uneven ground outside. I love how when you finish a walk, the skis allow the yoke to continue a few inches past you. The unit doesn’t keep sailing for several feet, nor does it stop short right where you drop it. It’s perfect.

At 5’11” I have found the ValorPro Yoke to be plenty tall. Setting up for traditional yoke walks I have 7 or 8 empty holes above the top of the crossmember.
I have two comments ... the side storage pins are nice, but we just hang gym belts\wrist wraps over them because the plates get bumped when squatting (if you have a shallow walkout), and the storage on the feet aren't friendly if you have a wider stance. Also the cross-member can be difficult to move up and down. The uprights want to lean. Since the sleeves on the cross-member are pretty closely toleranced, which is good, because it provides good stability for the assembled yoke, the uprights don't have to lean far to stop the cross-member from being able to slide. So forget breaking this thing down frequently by yourself to save space between workouts.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Is Arthritis Paining You? Physical Therapy Can Help

 If you have arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. It affects millions of people and is the most commonly reported chronic illness across the nation. Arthritis is a disorder of the joints that causes them to become inflamed. The inflammation causes the pain and stiffness that you feel, and it can result in a loss of movement if the joints become too inflamed. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, containing monoarthritis (where only one joint is affected) and oligoarthritis (where multiple joints are affected.) Some of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which develops from “wear and tear” of cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, which develops from overactive immune systems.


Arthritis can hinder many qualities of life – from work, to hobbies, to overall mobility. Some people are so affected by arthritis that they are unable to work and have to go on disability. Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, and effective way to treat arthritic pain.


How do I know if I have arthritis?
First and foremost, if you believe you may be suffering from arthritis, you should contact your primary care provider. He or she will provide a thorough evaluation, looking for signs of disease, such as inflammation and/or deformity. They will review your symptoms, and may administer any blood tests, urine tests, joint fluid tests, or x-rays as they deem necessary. If you are diagnosed with arthritis after these tests, your doctor will create a treatment plan for you, in relation to the location and severity of the condition. This treatment plan may include rest, exercise routines, and medications as necessary.

It is very likely that you will also be referred to a physical therapist to help guide you through your exercise routines, in order to measure progress and make sure that you are completing your physical activity in a safe and correct manner. Early diagnosis can be helpful in avoiding joint damage and disability, so it is imperative that you contact a doctor as soon as you think you may be developing arthritic symptoms.


How will physical therapy help me?
While there is unfortunately no known cure for arthritis, there are plenty of ways to help ease the pain that you may feel from it. Physical therapy is a proven aid in arthritic pain relief. It is effective and noninvasive, and in many cases, it can even eliminate the need to rely on harmful pain medication. According to the Arthritis Center at Johns Hopkins,

“Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.”

A physical therapist will custom-tailor a treatment plan surrounding your needs, in order to increase your strength, range of motion, and mobility. This will include the affected area, as well as any surrounding areas that may contribute to the pain. For example, if your arthritis is in your knee, your physical therapist may create a treatment plan that focuses on the knee, in addition to the hips, ankles, and lower back, since all of these areas may affect the movement of the knee.

Your physical therapist will most likely suggest manual therapy, in order to improve joint and soft tissue mobilization. Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of treatment services, including ice and heat therapy, deep tissue massage, or electrical nerve stimulation. All of these treatments are passive modalities that work to reduce pain and inflammation, in addition to increasing blood flow and mobility.

Monday, February 7, 2022

Product Review: Xterra Fitness ERG700 Rower

 Product Details:
The ERG700 Rower provides an unparalleled full-body workout. Simply put, it is the best low-impact, full-body workout available! The full body rhythmic nature of rowing makes it wonderfully efficient at burning calories while also developing flexibility and strength. Rowing is impact-free and the intensity is completely user-controlled.

The large 5.5” bright blue backlit console with height and angle adjustment includes motivating programs to keep you involved, inspired, and reaching your goals. Performance is top-of-the-class with a smooth action aluminum rail system, convenient fold up design, industrial strength handle strap, flex pedals with easy adjustment, and the combination of both air and magnetic resistance (16 levels) for an exercise experience second to none.

The XTERRA performance monitor clearly displays time, distance, strokes/min, count, calories, heart rate, watts, level and a program graphic of resistance over time. It also features 10 effective programs for a wide variety of workouts. When you are not using your ERG700 Rower, simply fold it up and wheel it out of the way. With folded dimensions of just 52.5” long x 18” wide it won’t consume a room when not in use. Start making waves with your workouts today on the new XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Folding Rower and exceed your expectations.

Combination of both air and magnetic resistance (16 levels) simulates the feel of rowing
Ergonomic rowing handle is contoured and padded for superior feel and comfort with a full 80.7” of travel length

  • 20" frame height gets you on and off the rower with ease
  • Console display features a large 5.5" bright blue backlit LCD with easy touch buttons and height and angle adjustment for the perfect viewing angle
  • Ten effective programs offer a wide variety of workouts including Distance, Time, Calories, 20/10 Interval, 10/20 Interval, Custom Interval, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, Game, and Manual
  • Large contoured seat maximizes comfort and performance
  • Built-in HR receiver (chest strap sold separately)
  • Solid steel frame with smooth aluminum seat slide provides an incredibly smooth motion for improved rowing efficiency
  • Flex pedals with easy adjust numbered settings allow you to maintain proper form by flexing with your every movement
  • Fold up frame design with built-in transport wheels allow for moving your equipment when not in use
  • Must plug into standard wall outlet
  • Weight limit: 350 lbs
  • Assembled dimensions (L x W x H): 97” x 18" x 38" | Folded dimensions (L x W x H): 52.5” x 18” x 62”
  • Assembled weight: 80.9 lbs
  • Frame - Lifetime, Parts - 5 Years, Labor - 1 Year
Product Review:
Originally I had wanted some other much more expensive high end options - you know the ones - but decided I'd give this one a shot. This was a couple hundred cheaper than those other said models - but still has all the features. It's well made and impressed with how smooth it is. I can change the levels of resistance - and get all the important info and programs I could ever need. This machine doesn't skimp on the features. It was simple to put together, did it on my own in 30 minutes.   Extremely quiet. Nice glide on the seat and on the flywheel/ pulley. Very easy to fold up & move - love the wheels. Moves well even on carpet.

Storage and Transport Made Easy
The ERG700 Rower folds in half taking up less than 50% of original footprint! Folding and transporting takes less than 5 seconds: pull the Pin until the rail touches the ground. Lift the rail upwards until it clicks into position (no tools required) - and that's it!

Adjust amount of Drag for Any Ability
You are in control of your output and resistance at all times. The amount of work you do is directly calculated by how hard you row. Row harder to go faster, row easier to go slower. There is also magnetic resistance that allows you to quickly adjust the resistance to the flywheel from little drag at Setting 1, to max drag at Setting 16. This is much like rowing with little drag or shallow paddle depth at 1, to max drag with deep paddle depth at 10. You can change the feel of the stroke to suit your preference. The flywheel design produces a smooth feel and minimizes noise.

Smoother, More Comfortable Rowing Experience
Xterra ERG 700 seats feature extra-padded, high-density foam ergonomically designed for maximum comfort while rowing. Our uniquely designed fan to utilize air resistance allows the user to enjoy a smoother, more comfortable rowing experience that maintains momentum immediately from your initial pull. Enjoy a smooth, momentum-building pull with every stroke.

Durable Construction
ERG 700 are known for their durability and construction. The commercial quality provides a stable foundation for nearly any user weight.

Easily Measure Performance and Progress
The ERG700 comes with an easy-to-use console display that gets straight to the point. Simply begin pulling and the console will begin tracking Time Rowed, Time/500M, Watts, Pulse (when connected to a heart rate monitor), Meters/Distance, Strokes Per Minute, Calories, and Total Strokes.

You can also toggle between several performance measurements to display in large text/graphics on the screen: average 500m pace, average meters per stroke, max heart rate, calories per hour, force curve, max watt, watt chart, average watt.

Access pre-built programs from the main menu: Quick Start, Competition Racing, Interval/Tabata, Target Time, Target Distance, Target Calories, Target Heart Rate, and Target Strokes. Select your program and parameters, press Start, and begin rowing.

I've used many machines and I'm active in Crossfit (including the popular Concept2.) I have to stay, this XTERRA machine exceeded my expectations. This should definitely be ranked with the best of them. I am glad I got it. The combination of air and magnetic resistance the console makes it so easy to track progress.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

4 Ways to Manage Stress In Your Life

 

While stress is a normal part of everyday life, too much stress can be bad for your health and relationships.  For example, many people become stressed by work and then carry it into their home lives. And the pandemic has caused all sorts of new stresses in just about everyones’ lives. 
 
The key to dealing with stress is to know how to manage it.
 
What exactly is stress? Stress is the body’s response to a challenging or demanding situation. Stress can manifest physically (headaches, rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure) and mentally (anxiety and depression). Stress is our body’s way of indicating that we need to change either our actions or our thoughts.
 
So how can you manage stress?
 
1.  Watch what you consume. Eating a healthy balanced diet and avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol will help reduce your stress. Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.
 
2.  Exercise Daily. Have you heard the term “Runner’s High”? It is an endorphin rush that people experience after a good run.  And you can experience a “Runner’s High” from just about any workout that gets your heart rate between 50% and 85% of your max heart rate for at least 20 minutes. Not only will your body release “feel good” endorphins, but exercise also reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. 

The next time you work out with a group of people, pay attention to how chatty and happy everyone is after the workout compared with before the workout.
 
3.  Set Boundaries and Learn to Say “No.” It can be difficult telling people “No,” but it is absolutely essential to learn this skill. Your body and mind need time to rest and recharge. A lot of stress is caused by taking on more than you can handle.  Know your limits, and learn to say “No.” 
 
Believe it or not, setting boundaries will actually garner more respect from everyone you interact with. If dinner with your inlaws every Sunday is a source of stress, it’s okay to skip some weeks. You’ll enjoy the new found free time, and you will also enjoy the time you do spend with your inlaws much more.
 
4.  Practice the Pause. Meditation is an extremely simple yet powerful tool for relieving stress. And all you need to do is find a quiet place (a bedroom, unused office, your car) and spend 2-4 minutes clearing your brain and thinking of absolutely nothing.  If you have a hard time focusing on your own, Mindful has simple guided meditations broken down into categories like sleep, focus, and anxiety. 
 
Remember to take care of yourself first!  It is the only way you can be the best version of you, and in turn, the best spouse, parent, friend, or employee to those around you.