Category: News

Celebrate National Farmers’ Markets Week all Month in Bradenton and Sarasota

Manatee and Sarasota Counties have enough farmers’ markets for you to visit a new one every week for a month and still have more new ones to try. Strolling around the market is a stress-reducing, low impact, and fun way to get some light exercise and sunshine; not to mention you’ll probably find some new favorite booths you’ll want to return to. Healthy, locally-sourced food options, arts, crafts, and music all contribute to a safe, family-friendly outing to enjoy. Let’s survey some of the outstanding farmer’s markets we have in our own Bradenton and Sarasota neighborhoods.

Oneco Farmers Market is open everyday from 7AM to 7PM, so this a very convenient option, as it doesn’t require as much of a plan to attend as other more limited day & time markets. Oneco Farmers Market prides itself in offering an array of multicultural restaurants with the most delicious ingredients in the freshest environment. As a place for small businesses to flourish and grow, this market enables vendors to offer products from local artists and farmers. It also hosts Monthly Events like free drive in movies. You can visit Oneco Farmers Market at 5108 15th Street East in Bradenton.

Red Barn Flea Market located in Bradenton at 1707 1st Street is another convenient option. In addition to the open-air farmers’ market it also has the distinction of 80,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor shopping which allows for a more prolonged experience. If you start feeling hot and sun-exposed outside, take a break and wander the cool interior for some more shopping leisure; they have more than 600 booths and shops. This market is only closed on Mondays, with the entire market open from 9AM to 4PM Friday through Sunday, and the plaza only open the same times Tuesday through Thursday.

Sarasota Farmers Market was founded in 1979, and in 2009 its vendors formed a not-for-profit to further enhance the market with a focus on local farms and growers. It’s open year-round every Saturday from 7AM to 1PM, rain or shine. Check their Events Calendar for a roster of live music. Well-behaved pets are welcome with short, non-extendable leashes. The market is of course in Sarasota at 1 N. Lemon Avenue, and you can even plan to get a sneak peek of the layout with this helpful map. There are parking garages and designated street parking, all of which can be learned about on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 50 curated vendors of the region’s food and flavors. It’s located at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and has ample free parking. Directions and more specific information about parking can be found here. Enjoy this market every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM. You can preview Lakewood Ranch’s vendors with this Online Directory that includes links to each. Chef Demos and Recipes are also featured at this market.

Something as light as strolling a farmer’s market does not have to be a painful event to endure. If you suffer from the effects of an accident, arthritis, stiffness, or weakness in your joints or muscles, Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida have the expertise to assess your particular situation and customize a plan of recovery for you. Our Physical Therapists specialize in helping you move without pain. They treat patients without narcotics, pain medications, or surgery, and know how to address the underlying problems for a strong recovery instead of merely masking symptoms with drugs. For more information or to schedule an appointment ,call us today at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message on our Contact Page.

Celebrating Independence From Pain

Independence day is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Every fourth of July we celebrate our American independence from the monarch of Britain, King George III, as 50 united and free states. We generally celebrate it as an unofficial kick-off to summer with outdoor activities like parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks, and baseball games. Parks and beaches are usually very crowded with celebrants enjoying the summer climate. Unfortunately, plans for July 4th fun can be upended by bouts of pain, weakness, or dizziness; much of which is treatable. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate independence from pain!

Certified Physical Therapists are experts at assessing and correcting dysfunction, recurrent pain, and physical limitations. Our own Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida right here in Bradenton have an ever-growing record of successfully reduced and eliminated joint and back problems. That’s why our Physical Therapists have earned nothing but 5-star reviews on Google!

Frequent knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults, with osteoarthritis as the most common cause in people 50 years or older. Pat came to us as a patient claiming “considerable pain, stiffness, and I could not get my knee flat” after a knee replacement. As a snowbird, Pat was only with us for 1 season, but returned home saying “I can now go home and play golf, bowl, and do all the things I could not do when I came down in December.” Pat made the right choice to not be taken out of the seasonal festivities by dysfunction, but went home celebrating independence from pain.

Rotator cuff tears are half of all tears experienced by people in their fifties, and two-thirds of those over the age of 60. Keith came to us after rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery and happily reported that our Physical Therapist Jay got him back on the golf course in less than 8 weeks! Cheryl also tells of her great experience with us, writing “I received excellent personalized treatment for my rotator cuff repair, including recommendations and exercises tailored to my specific situation.” Wow! Keith and Cheryl are both now celebrating this Fourth of July also as their independence from pain!

This Independence celebration can also include independence from pain medication. Physical Therapists treat without drugs, and treatment of an injury can often rehabilitate without having to resort to surgery. A study of chronic neck pain found “over utilization of narcotics” and “…under utilization of effective treatments such as therapeutic exercise.” Our patient Lauren took the time to thank Dr. Mullis for answering her questions, making sure she was comfortable, and helping with her neck and back pain. She reported “More relief in one session than I’ve had in the last 6 months.”

Ed also came in with neck pain after an injury and said he felt almost back to normal after only two sessions. He describes Dr. Mullis’ team as “professional and also very friendly,” adding “I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of quality care!”

Michelle had gotten used to taking painkillers as she got out of bed to deal with back and hip pain. She wanted independence from the meds, so she scheduled an appointment with our team. After directly addressing the issues at the root of her pain instead of masking the symptoms with drugs, she now “can get out of bed without clutching my hip and hobbling around looking for analgesics. Thank you so much, Dr. Mullis!”

Let this season in which we celebrate our nation’s independence include the start of your journey of independence from pain! Call us at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message to schedule an appointment today. We specialize in helping you move without pain!

Men’s Health Month and Family Health & Fitness Day (Parks & Recreation)

The National Park & Recreation Association celebrates Family Health & Fitness Day on the second Saturday of June each year. That means that June 12, 2021 will be a day to promote the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. June is also nationally-observed Men’s Health Month, when we raise awareness about health care for men to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. Manatee and Sarasota Counties abound with a wide variety of well-maintained parks offering a great range of recreational opportunities for men and their families.

If you want to get started moving more without overexerting yourself, walking is an entry-level exercise most people can utilize. There’s no shortage of trails throughout our community. Some parks to highlight that feature paved paths include: Atwater Community Park and Bayfront Park in Sarasota, and Buffalo Creek Park and Myakka Community Park in Manatee. More rigorous hiking trails that are not necessarily paved are to be found at Perico Preserve in Bradenton, Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto, and Sleeping Turtles Preserve in Venice. Perhaps a mid-level activity between walking and hiking that may suit your current stage of fitness is bicycling. There are bike paths to enjoy at Sarasota’s Legacy Trail and Nathan Benderson Park. An interactive map of Manatee County called Breezin’ Thru Manatee will help you find a park close to you. It includes links to each park’s website for details about what they have to offer.

June’s weather in Florida invites fun exercise activities at the beach and in the water. Swimming or just moving through the water is a low impact exercise to get your heart pumping and give your muscles some light work that they may not be used to. Walking through sand causes a stroll to double as both stress-releasing leisure and a mild workout for your legs, ankles, and feet. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are prime locations for local fun in the Florida sun. Not sure if the conditions will be what you’re looking for on the day you want to go? You can check what’s happening at each beach with this useful link that’s updated by our local Mote Marine Laboratory.

Not only for men, but for the whole family, fitness through exercise is usually overlooked or neglected as boring, but its merits are not only temporarily beneficial, they contribute to a long, healthy life. Gyms typically aren’t conducive to the whole family working out together, but many of our local parks feature outdoor fitness equipment. That means the children or grandchildren can work out with you, or they can play nearby under your watchful eye as you use the available tools. Urfer Family Park, Conservatory Park, and Rothenbach Park are all places the whole family can exercise together with outdoor fitness equipment.

Perhaps you already recognize the need to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle but are hindered by pain or limited by a physical dysfunction such as vertigo. Certified Physical Therapists specialize in assessing individuals to develop a plan of recovery so you can get moving again without pain. Our non-surgical back and joint pain specialists take great professional satisfaction in helping people improve their health and getting past weaknesses and pains that detract from being able to enjoy healthy recreation. To get started, call us (941) 264-1414, email us, or send a message here. We’re here in Bradenton to help Manatee and Sarasota’s residents move without pain!

Arthritis Awareness and Treatment

Doctor-diagnosed arthritis affects nearly 53 million Americans and is the number one cause of disability in the United States. Many people think it is something that only harms the elderly, but there are multiple types of the disease that can cause pain to people of all ages. As the month of May is Arthritis Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good opportunity to explore how this disease can be helped, and even prevented.

“Arthritis” is really an umbrella term that covers many painful conditions of the joints, tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues. It broadly refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Although it’s incredibly common it is by no means untreatable, so a diagnosis should be assessed by a pain specialist who can assist you with your rehabilitation and progression towards moving without pain again.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 32.5 million Americans suffer from this type of joint cartilage degeneration. You might think that the “wear and tear” of tissue would only be worsened by increasing your physical activity, but in reality, sometimes we need to learn proper movement patterns that enable us to be active without exacerbating the pain. It may initially seem counterintuitive, but The CDC actively recommends physical activity for people with arthritis. Our Certified Physical Therapists specialize in helping people correct imbalances, strengthen supportive tissues, and give their bodies a chance to recover without having to resort to medication or surgery.

The CDC’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. Here’s a starter list of joint-friendly exercises that also happens to be full of activities that are common right here in Manatee and Sarasota. These exercises can be broken down into multiple small sessions throughout the day to reach the time-goal of the guidelines. The CDC also suggests muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) at least 2 days per week. If you experience pain with movement these guidelines may sound implausible or intimidating, but Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida’s expertise lies in assessing a realistic starting point for your particular situation, and incrementally adjusting your program to facilitate progression out of your pain and back into moving with confidence. Our Physical Therapists know how to construct an efficient and safe program optimize your recovery.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends Physical Therapy as a means of getting you moving safely and effectively. You don’t necessarily need to go down the route of surgery or opiate drugs to deal with your arthritis. Schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapy Professionals to find out what they can offer you. You can call us at (941) 264-1414, fill out the online form here, or email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com. We’re located in Bradenton, conveniently in range of all Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Check out our Client Testimonials and Facebook Reviews to hear from our many happy success stories. We look forward to crafting a treatment plan customized just for you and helping you get back to moving without pain!

Has a Car Accident Left You in Pain? Physical Therapy Can Help!

There were 4.5 million medically consulted auto accident-related injuries in the United States in 2019 and close to 2000 traffic accidents in Sarasota County in February of this year alone. If you suffer from joint pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or general feelings of weakness as a result of a car accident, it’s very likely that a knowledgeable Physical Therapist can help you make great strides towards pain and drug-free movement again.

Florida is one of ten states with Personal Injury Protection (no-fault) auto insurance. PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 for “emergency” cases or $2,500 for “non-emergencies” resulting from a covered injury no matter who caused the crash. Insurance companies have strict deadlines for how long after an accident you have to submit your claim, so it’s best to start your treatment early on so that you have the required paper trail for reimbursement.

Whiplash and other back and neck injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries, in fact back pain is the most commonly treated problem here at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida. Sometimes neck and spine related problems also cause headaches and/or generate pain that radiates down your arm, perhaps all the way to the fingertips. Our own Dr. Mullis specializes in the treatment of orthopedic injuries of the spine and extremities and has a full team of credentialed practitioners at your service.

Anti-pain drug prescriptions are the norm after visiting a physician who may not be well-versed in the particulars of restoring and strengthening movement patterns. Our Physical Therapists help you to move without pain AND help you make strides to avoid or eliminate the need for drugs. Pain medication often provides short-term relief but does not actually heal the underlying problem. Our Physical Therapists are experts in assessing individual situations and building a personalized plan of recovery. They can help you regain your natural strength, possibly better than before the accident now that you have an expertise-driven course of treatment.

Not only can physical therapy support the process of your recovery, but it also sets you up to avoid long-term damage by correcting problems early on before they set in as ongoing weaknesses. Even if you have been dealing with pain for a very long time, that by no means indicates that it can’t be significantly alleviated or even entirely removed, but it certainly requires a new approach else it would have already resolved itself. If you have yet to engage a physical therapy plan devised specifically for you, contact us today. Our therapists don’t force your body or your schedule into a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all routine. They are dedicated to helping you move without pain and would love to formulate a strategy crafted for YOUR situation. Please see for yourself what our clients are saying to get a real-world feel for our services, and keep up with our Facebook page for ongoing updates. You can call us directly at (941) 264-1414 or send an email to info@ptdoctorsfl.com.

Why We Love Bradenton & Sarasota!

     Few places are more beautiful than Florida in March.  It is the perfect time to be outside, to breathe the salty gulf air, and just enjoy being alive! When everything feels this perfect, it’s actually hard to fathom why people ever leave! And not that there isn’t enough to celebrate, but March 2021 is an extra special month for our practice as we commemorate our third anniversary! A little over three years ago, our own Dr. Jonathan and Sonia Mullis moved here from snowy Boston, Massachusetts, so they appreciate the mild winters and amazing beaches as much as you do. In these three wonderful years of serving the residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties, we have loved growing to be a part of this community. We’ve helped many patients to move without pain again and we’ve learned so much about the richness of our community and local features. What’s not to love?!?

When it comes to beaches, we have everything from dog-friendly to boat accessible shores. Florida’s coastline is legendary, and we have some of the absolute best parts right here in our own community. The internationally renowned Siesta Key Beach offers powdery sand and mild waves that make it a destination that everyone can enjoy. Picnic tables, grills, and a playground make Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island a great place for a family excursion. There are plenty of restaurants and casual dining venues within walking distance, so you can stay all day long. Manatee Public Beach has changing cabanas, drinking water fountains, and spots to play volleyball if you prefer to add a little activity to an otherwise leisurely day on the seashore.

To nourish your healthy diet, visit one our many local farmer’s markets. They all take the necessary COVID precautions and offer a safe and fun outing to gather some locally sourced produce, homemade apparel & jewelry, and creative arts & crafts. Visit early for the most varied selection, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy meandering amongst the merchant booths without having to take home an unwelcome sunburn along with your newfound wares. The Sarasota Farmers Market even hosts live music and not-for-profit events. Check out their schedule to plan your day.

Something that probably doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves is Florida’s flat terrain. Sure, mountains and hills are pleasing to the eye from a distance, but if you find walking painful, inclines, declines, stairs, and uneven ground don’t allow for the most pleasant stroll. Many of Manatee and Sarasota County’s trails are ideal for anyone who wants to be sure that they’ll only encounter flat, well-maintained, and easily managed walking trails. The preceding links will let you know ahead of time which ones are paved and how long they are, many of which are suitable for beginners and people dealing with walking difficulties.

Even if you currently experience challenges with walking or any other physical movements, you need not feel that it’s inevitable that you won’t be able to enjoy our great Manatee and Sarasota outdoors anymore. Our physical therapy doctors specialize in treating dysfunctional hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Our team is dedicated to treating you WITHOUT drugs. We’ll assess your specific situation and devise a strategy to rehabilitate your body through customized manual therapy, education, and exercises. Avoid invasive surgery and learn how to move without pain at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida! Get the information you need or schedule an appointment by calling us at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message here.

Heart Health As We Age

 February 2021 is American Heart Month. Every year, we turn our attention toward the importance of strengthening and maintaining a healthy heart. Keeping an active focus on heart health can be especially challenging with everything from politics to pandemics demanding our attention and contributing to our collective stress level. Our cardiovascular system can also take a back seat to other physical problems, especially as we age and find our bodies feeling and acting differently than before. But this is a good opportunity to bring it back around to that special little pump that keeps us going every day and make sure we are giving it proper attention.

Cardiovascular issues are quite common: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informs us that at least 30% of Floridians report that they have been told by a health care professional that they have high blood pressure. Around 2,200 Americans die each day from cardiovascular diseases. That’s approximately one every 40 seconds! But the truth is: 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of us really don’t take that to heart! A recent study shows that while 83% of Americans believe that heart attacks can be prevented, they are not motivated to do anything and 58% put no effort into improving their heart health. Don’t let that be you!

The truth is, the steps required to improve your heart health are so simple, most of us know them by now:

• Quit smoking. Smoking offers no health benefits and can only harm your heart and cardiovascular system. Guidance and many free resources are available.
• Integrate heart-healthy foods into your diet. There are tons of delicious and heart-nutritious recipes to explore with plenty of options for all meals of the day, as well as vegetarian and ethnic specialties.
• Exercise regularly. More on this later…

Deciding to do these things is an entirely different discussion! In all of these areas we face habitual and lifestyle barriers to make adjustments in our everyday lives.

The most difficult of these adjustments as we age is usually having to do with exercise. As our bodies age, we feel less inclined to be active. But the truth is, it is more important than ever. Despite common misconceptions, your heart doesn’t actually “age” or get weaker automatically as you get older. It only gets weaker as you use it less. The good news is, you can restore it’s youthful condition as you start requiring more of it. This is definitely a gradual progression, (don’t go out and try to run a marathon tomorrow!) but with dedicated effort and advice from your health professional, it is possible to turn back the clock.

This begins with regular physical activity. This will help you lose weight, thereby decreasing stress on your heart and blood vessels. It improves general physical fitness, enabling you to more easily enjoy daily activities that might otherwise leave you feeling breathless or strained. Exercise lowers stress, improves mental health, and helps you to relax. It doesn’t even take as much as you might expect to significantly decrease the risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease.

Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has a first-rate team of professionals who specialize in customizing fitness routines for individuals. There are no cookie-cutter programs or treatments to be found here. Our physical therapists possess both the educational certification AND years of practical, hands-on experience with clients presenting a wide range of needs. You need not be limited by pain or dysfunction; we can help you to move without pain and get you back in the swing of things.

Call us today at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message. Our staff is renowned for friendly customer service and prompt responses to inquiries. Your non-surgical back and joint-pain specialists at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are prepared to ensure you have not only a healthy American Heart Month 2021, but more importantly, a heart-healthy future lifestyle.

New Year’s Resolutions You Can Stick To

The beginning of each new year brings a feeling of a fresh start, a time to let go of the past and embrace your future with newfound hope and vigor. As we relish this time of euphoric optimism, we inevitably stack up a list of quality-of-life-improving resolutions. Nearly half of Americans make resolutions each year, so you are not alone! Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of them will maintain these healthy habits for more than a few months. Far fewer still are successful in making sustained positive lifestyle adjustments.

Not surprisingly, exercising more, eating more healthily, and losing weight make the list of the top 5 most common resolutions that Americans made going into 2020. No one would be astonished if they were right near the top of the list this new year too. We expect these will possibly gain in popularity when taking into consideration the fact that many people gained extra weight this year and were all around less physically active in the midst of quarantines and COVID restrictions. Given the state of our bodies (and mental health) nationwide, it is important we make these decisions for health and find ways to stick to them!

What is the point of making resolutions you are bound to break? Is there a way we can be smarter about this process to increase our chances of success? What steps can we take to increase the likelihood of adherence to our new ambitions? Here are a few keys to help make the most out of your 2021 goals:

1. Set attainable goals. Make sure your resolutions are not so lofty as to be unreachable. There’s no reason to set the bar so high that you can’t make progress in any reasonable timeframe. If you have a big goal, try breaking it down into achievable steps. Even with the end goal in mind, setting incremental steps as mini-goals on your way to the overall desired end result makes it easier to chip away at what may be a long-term investment.
2. Be specific. You have to be able to identify when you have and have not held up your end. Saying you are going to “work out more” isn’t easy to quantify. Goaling yourself to work out at least 15 minutes every day, or 30 minutes 3 times a week, is something you can mark on your calendar and celebrate when you achieve.
3. Celebrate your victories. Tying a reward or an incentive to hitting your goal each day or week is a great way to keep yourself going. It’s very encouraging to hit those micro-goals, and it reinforces the fact that you’re on the right track when you can see measurable progress.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself. No matter what goal you choose, it’s not something you can do all at once. You have to take it day by day. Some days will be better than others. If you break your streak or fall off the wagon, get right back on it! Find that sense of optimism you have right now and go at it again. Success is not about never failing, it’s about how quickly you get started again.

Whether you want to lose weight or get in shape, setting yourself up with someone who has the skills and knowledge of how the body works will help you remain committed, and the encouragement of a like-minded person who has a history of success will bolster your resolve to fulfill the challenge.

It’s certainly difficult to commit to an exercise regimen when you have the limitations of back or joint problems, but you don’t have to allow pain or any other physical dysfunction to remain a barrier between you and a healthier lifestyle. Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has the professional expertise and extensive experience to help you move without pain again. Our team knows how to construct a pain-free workout personalized just for you. Whether your pain was caused by an accident, injury, sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, or age, our Physical Therapists will assist you and get you back to a healthy, active, and pain-free lifestyle. We’re conveniently located to serve all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Give us a call at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message on our Contact Us page today, and again, Happy & Healthy New Year 2021!

Healthy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

The holiday season is a time of year when the busyness of event planning, vacations, and an abundance of festive (and fattening) treats abounds. Not surprisingly, all of that routine change also makes it a time when people commonly stray from their otherwise healthy habits and end up finishing the year having gained a few extra pounds. As we conclude 2020, let’s review some tips and strategies for staying active and healthy over the holidays and into the new year.

Remember to stay alert to virus transmission when around family and friends. All of the basics still apply:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Practice 6 feet of social distancing
• Wear a mask when appropriate

Of course, Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida holds your health as our top priority, so you can rest assured that your appointments with us will be conducted with COVID-safe practices.

With less time to commit to working out, it’s an easy temptation to fall into just putting exercise on the back burner and then expecting to get back to it in the new year. This will make it harder to start again when you resume a normal schedule because your body may lose some strength and calorie-burning muscle in the meantime. Because the holiday season is relatively short, you can likely retain what you’ve achieved by continuing to exercise even if the overall time spent is less than normal. Even a short 10 minute workout 2-3 days per week is far better than entirely abandoning your healthy habits, and will help you maintain some strength while burning a few extra calories. Our Physical Therapists are happy to assess your fitness level and customize a pain-free workout plan that will meet you where you are and bring you to the next level.

Consider substituting some traditional holiday foods with healthier alternatives. Highly rated Low-Fat Christmas Eggnog, No Bake Peppermint Fudge Energy Bites, and Healthy Gingerbread Cookie recipes allow you to still enjoy seasonal desserts while remaining mindful  of health considerations. Even non-dessert dishes can benefit by trying alternatives like Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup, Hanukkah Oven-Fried Latkes, and Slimmed Green Bean Casserole.

There are many local Manatee and Sarasota County options for outings to view colorful lights and enjoy holiday music this winter season. A Taste of Chanukah, Country Christmas, Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival, and St. Armands Circle Holiday Night of Lights are very family-friendly events with festive food and fun. You can even take your well behaved, leashed dog in its holiday attire to A Night Before Christmas for a chance to win a basket for best dressed canine friend! For something a little more performance art oriented, you may be interested in Moscow’s Ballet Nutcracker or a holiday concert under the stars called We Need a Little Christmas.

You don’t need to allow back or joint pain to diminish your holiday fun. Our Certified Physical Therapy Doctors have the expertise to assist you with difficulty in walking, dizziness/vertigo, spinal dysfunction, and joint pain of all types. No matter whether your condition was caused by your everyday activities or by an accident, we are here to help you move without pain! Reach out to us at (941) 264-1414, email at Info@PTDoctorsFL.com, or send us a direct message at the bottom of the page here. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!

Stay Healthy While Working from Home

According to the US Census Bureau and The Bureau of Labor Statistics, even before the COVID-19 pandemic 4.7 million Americans worked from home, which is about 3.4% of the US workforce. Of course, that has only increased since the historic mandatory quarantines. Although many people have returned to commuting, plenty of others have found increased amounts of their job being able to be performed remotely. Remote work typically means seated computer usage, which lends itself to a host of common painful dysfunctions. Let’s examine a few of these problems and discover solutions to them.

Watch out for Weight Gain

If you consume significantly more calories than you expend through physical activity you will gain extra fat. Working from home can easily contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle that may lead to obesity. We’ve gone over some home-based exercises before, but for a more complete fitness assessment and routine personalized just for you, schedule a consultation with one of our Physical Therapists. They have the specialized training and experience to tailor-fit you with a safe and productive health-optimizing regimen.

Rest your eyes

Headaches are all too common with people who spend a lot of time working on a computer. Head pain deriving from eye strain may be alleviated by utilizing the 20-20-20 rule. What this means is to give your eyes a much needed rest by taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes by gazing at an object that’s at least 20 feet away. This allows your eyes some much needed rest to minimize the tension that contributes to headaches. Installing an anti-glare screen and decreasing the brightness and contrast and increasing the text size on your monitor can also make it easier on your eyes and consequently your head. The flicker associated with older technology monitors is also associated with light sensitivity induced vertigo, so consider upgrading to a new LED model.

Build an Ergo-friendly Workspace

Perhaps your seating arrangement is contributing to pain. Prolonged sitting in an ergonomically inefficient set-up exacerbates dysfunction, so let’s look at improving our seating arrangement. Some tips to improve your seated posture while using a computer are:

• Sit at an adjustable desk designed for computer use.
• Ensure the monitor is at eye level or slightly lower.
• Have your keyboard at a height that allows your elbows to comfortably rest at your sides. If your forearms are approximately parallel with the floor and level with the keyboard you know you have a workable position.
• Use an ergonomically designed chair that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor. Otherwise, use a footstool.

Take a break…and stretch!

Plan on taking a 5-10 minute break every hour to engage in a few light stretches. These stretches can be done while seated at your desk or standing next to it. Let’s go over some simple ones here:

• Separate and straighten your fingers until tension of a stretch is felt. Hold for 10 seconds, relax and bend your fingers at the knuckles and hold for another 10 seconds.
• Raise the top of your shoulders toward your ears until you feel slight tension in your neck and shoulders. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then relax your shoulders downward into their normal position.
• Turn your chin toward one shoulder to create a stretch on the other side of your neck. Hold for 10-20 seconds, then repeat the other direction.

Call us for more help

Many underlying pain issues can be rectified through the guidance of our Physical Therapists. They can help stabilize and strengthen your neck, back, and shoulders so you can work more efficiently without the distraction of annoying pain. The tips offered in this article are only an entry level introduction to learning how to work without pain from home. For a plan that’s geared directly to you, call us at (941) 264-1414 or email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com to schedule a consultation for a drug and surgery-free solution to your pain. Our clinic is conveniently located in Bradenton and is easily reached from all parts of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Find out how we can help you today!