Tom Willemann Health Tips

"Almost Daily Health Tips From Physical Therapist Tom Willemann..."

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Osteoporosis – “The Silent Thief”

Osteoporosis  – “The Silent Thief”

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Osteoporosis is a disease that will affect 1 in 5 women over age 50, often with no symptoms until a fracture occurs, giving it the name “The Silent Thief”. Osteopenia is a lesser degree of bone loss than osteoporosis. The greatest loss of bone mass, which can be as much as 20%,Continue Reading »

Is Yoga Safe?

Is Yoga Safe?

How Safe is Yoga? This is a great article from the New York Times that talks about the potential dangers of Yoga.  When choosing ways to exercise Yoga is perceived as a relatively safe alternative to other forms of exercise (ie running, kick boxing, boot camp classes, etc). This misconception can lead many to letContinue Reading »

Getting the Best Push-up Technique

Getting the Best Push-up Technique

A highly flexible exercise is the push-up. Push-ups build core strength and help you get a total body workout. When correctly performed, push-ups use muscles in the shoulders, chest, back, abdomen and legs. If you perform push-ups incorrectly, however, you risk injury and may not get results from the time and effort you expended doingContinue Reading »

Don’t Just Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis!

Don’t Just Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis!

Plantar fasciitis is a common orthopedic condition that affects over 1 million people a year in the United States. More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis fully recover without requiring surgery. Often, patients are given recommendations to take anti-inflammatories, wear shoes at all times, perform stretching exercises for the plantar fascia, great toe andContinue Reading »

3 Simple Ways to Avoid Vacation Back Syndrome 

3 Simple Ways to Avoid Vacation Back Syndrome 

As summer is in full swing, we often have patients with back problems coming into our clinic just after returning from vacation. For many, it is the first episode, and for others, it is their second or third time experiencing back pain. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario; after extensive driving and sitting as weContinue Reading »

What Are Kettlebells? How Can They Help Me?

What Are Kettlebells? How Can They Help Me?

What Are Kettlebells? How Can They Help Me? Because Pavel Tsatsouline, a Soviet strength and conditioning trainer, popularized kettlebells in the United States, they are sometimes called “Russian kettlebells.” Popular among athletes, mixed martial artists and actors, kettlebells are showing up in more and more fitness and rehabilitation centers. While many fitness routines emphasize isolationContinue Reading »

How Safe Is Soccer for Children?

How Safe Is Soccer for Children?

How Safe Is Soccer for Children? A great sport for building endurance, dexterity, speed, agility, coordination and teamwork, soccer is a game played by both boys and girls. As far as safety is concerned, the injury rate in soccer is estimated to be between one-fifth and one-half that of football, America’s other favorite fall sport.Continue Reading »

How to pick a good shoe

How to pick a good shoe

How to pick a good a shoe I just got an email from one of my patients.   Apparently I left a lasting impression after I commented on her very stylish sneakers but rather poor support . After bending her sneakers in every possible direction and tossing it on the floor of my clinic she realized what I thought of herContinue Reading »

Put One Foot in Front of the Other…Every Day

Put One Foot in Front of the Other…Every Day

Put One Foot in Front of the Other…Every Day Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise accessible to just about everyone. It is safe, simple and does not require practice, and evidence has shown that walking can be crucial to maintain senior physical and mental health. A recent article published in the Journal of the AmericanContinue Reading »

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults Strength training has benefits for all ages, but it can be a neglected part of an exercise regimen for men and women aged 50 years and older. Research suggests that when performed correctly, strengthening exercises are a safe way to improve fitness and health, even in older adults whoContinue Reading »