Almost all of us know someone who has been affected by arthritis or a related condition. Ironically, arthritis is so commonplace that we sometimes underestimate its seriousness as a threat to the public health. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people 15 years of age and older.

Anyone who has ever slipped on a patch of ice knows how unnerving it can be to lose your balance—for a moment your world is literally turned upside down. Yet balance —the ability to control and maintain your body’s position as it moves through space—is such an integral, ever-present part of daily life that most people rarely give it conscious thought. There are conditions, however, that may impair your sense of balance and contribute to falls...

Physical Therapists Key in Ongoing Care of Women Living with Breast Cancer

ALEXANDRIA, VA ¾ Physical therapists play a key role in restoring function and assisting breast cancer patients’ return to their daily life and routines, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

"Often the first stage in treatment for breast cancer is surgery," says Elizabeth Augustine, PT, MS, president of APTA's Oncology Section. "Rehabilitation after surgery is a crucial first step in the road to recovery for women living with this disease. Correctly managing post-surgical care is a critical part of oncology rehabilitation."

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You’ve probably already heard about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and its effect on different occupations, like computer programmers and assembly line workers. Maybe you even know someone who has CTS or you yourself are suffering from it. But what exactly is CTS, and how do you keep from getting it?

Computer Kids May Face Long-Term Injuries If Not Properly Monitored

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 22, 2001 ¾ It’s a running joke that if you have a problem with your computer the best person to ask for help is a kid. Yet kids who spend a lot of time using computers may be headed for long-term health problems unless they change the way they use this technology, warns the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

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Who says couch potatoes can’t get fit? Physical therapists say that you can cheer your team to victory and exercise your muscles. And without ever having to take your eyes off the TV. What a deal!

We would all like to be physically fit, but Whow many of us know what “fit” really means? Does playing softball twice a week make us fit? Or swimming at the neighborhood pool? Or walking to and from work? What amount of activity is enough to keep us fit? Do we all need to follow the same fitness program or are we all different?

People are living longer than ever before. Advances in medicine, nutritional awareness, and improved exercise habits have contributed to the rapid growth of the 65+ age group. By the year 2030, there will be more people over age 65 than under age 18!*

Lifting and carrying a child, picking up toys off of the floor, and pushing a stroller are normal daily tasks for parents and grandparents. The American Physical Therapy Association offers this Mother’s Day card to help caregivers accomplish these daily feats without aches and pains.

Your head and neck region is vulnerable to many different stresses. Bad posture can cause misalignment of your neck, head, and spine. Car accidents can cause whiplash. Age and wear and tear can cause arthritis. Even activities such as gum chewing and reading in bed can cause pain. How do we avoid these potential problems? And if we can’t avoid them, how can we recover as quickly as possible?