Loudoun County, Va. — Have you sipped your first pumpkin spice latte yet? It’s just one of the many unofficial signs that fall is here and school is back in session! While you are stuffing your backpack with your various notebooks, binders, iPads and other supplies, it’s important to remember not to overload it. Overloading your backpack might not sound like a big deal, but proper backpack ergonomics, or correct posture and body mechanics, can help you prevent short or long term back pain. Yes, even children and teens can get back pain. So how should you carry your book…

By Sarah Perry, ATC Wellness Blog Contributor [twitter-follow screen_name=’@toCME4PT’] (August 3, 2016) — School starting in August means the end of the summer and beginning of the fall, but Virginia’s hot and humid weather always sticks around, and you should expect no different as the 2016-2017 school year approaches. With these hot temperatures comes the risk of heat-related illnesses. It is important that athletes in the area stay safe and healthy when they exercise outside or continue to enjoy outdoor activities even after summer break ends. Hot and humid weather conditions can be dangerous; that’s why parents, coaches and athletic trainers have…

(July 27, 2016) — I used to call the Sunshine State home. I lived there for two years when I took a TV news reporting job in southwest Florida. One of the less glamorous parts of reporting that many don’t know about is when you have to ‘door knock’ for a story. You get an address for some stranger, walk up to their front door, knock and see if they want to go on camera to talk about whatever that story may be. Needless to say, unless that door-knock goes something like this, ‘Hi, I’m Sarah and I work for the news. Would…

By Cierra Washington, ATC Wellness Blog Contributor [twitter-follow screen_name=’@toCME4PT’] (July 6, 2016) — It’s 90 degrees outside, the sun is beaming and you’re ready to head out and enjoy the day. As you’re heading out the door though, you’re faced with a dilemma: sneakers or flip flops? Of course, you want to choose your flip flops. They keep your feet cool, you can put them on and take them off quickly and, let’s be honest, they’re just plain comfortable! However, along with that comfort comes some structural sacrifices. Maybe after this article you’ll reconsider those sneakers as your first choice. First off,…

Loudoun County, Va. — Have you ever used a foam roller? You’ve probably seen people use them at the gym after they finish working out or maybe you even have one at home. As physical therapists, we are always looking at new techniques and exercises to incorporate into our sessions with patients whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior or just trying to get over an injury, ache or pain. So what is foam rolling? A foam roller is a cylindrical piece of foam and they come in a variety of sizes and densities. Foam rollers are great tools to use…

Loudoun County, Va. — It’s true! You can get a full body workout with one exercise. It may sound like a myth, but there is one legendary strengthening and stabilization move that will simultaneously work your arms, shoulders, chest, upper and lower back, abdominals, gluteals and quadriceps: the plank! Holding a plank is certainly a physical challenge, but it’s often just as much of a mental workout. It’s easy to psych yourself out and quit when you start feeling “the burn” before you truly reach muscle fatigue. As a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, I’ve experienced the…