Staying hydrated: another look Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI When I was in undergraduate school, we studied water intoxication. We looked at the effect of drinking water on cellular osmolarity and the balance between electrolytes inside and outside of cells. Drink too much water, and you really mess up this balance. Recently, there’s …
What’s your fitness age?
What’s your fitness age? Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI The New York Times recently had an article about older athletes and their strikingly young fitness ages. What does that mean? Researchers in Norway studied thousands of adults and recorded several vital signs and other cardiovascular measures. They found that adults who exercised had …
Physical therapy never really ends
Physical therapy never really ends Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI I was reading an old New York Times article about back pain and read an interesting quote. It was about posture control and back pain. Ray Bingham, a board member of Oracle, saw Esther Gokhale (the posture guru of Silicon Valley) for classes …
The most effective and functional weight-lifting exercise
The most effective and functional weight-lifting exercise Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI If you wanted the most bang-for-your-buck exercise, one that worked multiple large muscle groups and could help you lose weight and move better, what would it be? It would have to be a large movement to incorporate multiple muscles. It would …
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Do the T-Spine Smash
Do the T-Spine Smash Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI If you’re a desk jockey, then chances are that this self mobilization technique is for you. This is a standard tool in my treatment arsenal when addressing shoulder range of motion or postural issues, especially for people who spend most of their day …
The lacrosse ball is my new friend
The lacrosse ball is my new friend Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI Muscular soreness is common after an intense exercise routine, but it can also happen after a relatively easy exercise, especially if the muscles are particularly weak. Along with the soreness comes immobility and tightness. I’ve written about mobility and stretching …
Lose weight by lifting weight
Lose weight by lifting weight Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI Have trouble losing weight? Do you lose weight and then have trouble keeping it off? Then I’ve got a perfect solution for you. Lose weight, and keep it off by LIFTING weight. Sounds ridiculous? The New York Times posted an article last week …
The little muscle in the back of your knee
The little muscle in the back of your knee Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI Recently I had a patient come in complaining of pain right in the back of his knee. He said it started after doing heavy leg presses and locking his knees out. It only hurt when he completely straightened …
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Balance strategy basics
Balance strategy basics Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI As homo sapiens, we walk upright on two feet. We use complex sensory organs, nerves, and muscles to keep us balanced. It’s all about keeping our center of gravity over our base of support. We have three strategies to maintain our balance. They are …
Does compression clothing work?
Does compression clothing work? Paul Kochoa, PT, DPT, OCS, CGFI Occasionally, I’ll talk about compression socks with my patients. But these patients generally have poor circulation or swelling in their lower extremities and I suggest a way to augment their venous return with some type of compression stocking, also known as a T.E.D stocking. …
