Tom Willemann Health Tips

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

Use the Form Below to Get Them All Sent to You for FREE

Can Exercise Prevent Falls?

Can Exercise Prevent Falls?

Falls. They are the fear of many older adults. They can range from harmless stumbles to severe accidents, the effects of which can take years to heal. One of the best methods of avoiding falls might be the proactive use of exercise. Usually thought of for sculpting the body and improving cardiovascular conditioning, exercise canContinue Reading »

Evidence-based Physical Therapy

Evidence-based Physical Therapy

Over the last 10 to 15 years, health care providers have focused more on using evidence-based medicine to determine what works best for their individual patients. This involves basing treatments on objective tests of effectiveness published in scientific literature, rather than on just anecdotal, subjective observations made in the office.  While seeking out the appropriateContinue Reading »

Bone Up to Fight Osteoporosis

Bone Up to Fight Osteoporosis

Primary osteoporosis is the name given to osteoporosis cases not caused by an underlying drug reaction, disease or syndrome. In this condition, the bones—the word itself means “porous bones”—become brittle, making them highly susceptible to fracture. An event as innocuous as landing the wrong way when sitting down on a chair or twisting awkwardly duringContinue Reading »

Hit the Links in Better Shape

Hit the Links in Better Shape

Whether scratch golfers or weekend duffers, most players want to improve their game, get in better shape and lower their score. But maximizing your golf game means more than just practicing regularly. By increasing your fitness, you can play with confidence and success. To ensure that you are in the best possible physical and mentalContinue Reading »

Tips on Safe Stretching

Tips on Safe Stretching

Quick checklist to follow prior to starting a stretching program:Warm up for 5-10 minutes before stretchingStretching should be pain free! Mild discomfort is fine.Don’t bounce when stretchingAvoid stretching that causes ‘tingling”, “numbness” or “burning”Hold stretch position for 3 times for 30 second holdDon’t hold your  breath during stretchDon’t stretch an injury!  Within 48-72 hours of gettingContinue Reading »

Static versus Dynamic Stretching Prior to Competition

Static versus Dynamic Stretching Prior to Competition

One of the recent debates is over static stretching prior to competing to achieve maximum performance.   After reviewing several articles these are my recommendations for STRETCHING for DAY of COMPETITION:   Warm up with gentle jog or stationary bike for 10 minutes Perform static stretching one hour prior to competition and %25 to %50Continue Reading »

Training in Planes

Training in Planes

Many trendy buzzwords and catch phrases are often used in fitness circles, with the phrase “training in planes” heard quite frequently. The concept, which has nothing to do with aviation, sounds interesting, but what does it really mean? Simply put, every move we make involves one of the following three planes of motion in theContinue Reading »

Using Lumbar Support Roll

Using Lumbar Support Roll

My friend told me about his new car and how he had a great lumbar support that can be adjusted to fit his back.   Many vehicles offer this feature but they are often used incorrectly, whether incorporated into the seat or a portable. Tips for fitting your lumbar roll: Make sure it feels good and does not increase lowContinue 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 »

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 »

Page 1 of 3