Health Blog
Oshkosh Wellness: 7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel
It’s vacation season, and for many that means visiting faraway friends, exploring new places and possibly even crossing some things off the ol’ bucket list.
Unfortunately, traveling often also means lots of sitting, interrupted sleep patterns due to time zone changes, unhealthy eating, and workout routines that are sporadic, if not nonexistent.
According to Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge, however, travel doesn’t have to be synonymous with unhealthy habits and a lack of exercise.
Read full blogOshkosh Wellness: Tips for Reducing, Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Studies show about three-quarters of all Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Of them, more than 2 million people who seek treatment each year will learn they suffer from an overuse condition called plantar fasciitis.
Fortunately, according to Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge, most cases of plantar fasciitis are both manageable and treatable.
Read full blogOshkosh Wellness: How to Talk Positively About Exercise with Your Kids
All kids need exercise. Stacks of scientific research through the years support the myriad ways exercise helps young bodies and minds as they develop and grow.
It’s important, then, for parents to encourage their children to be active and develop healthful habits as they grow and develop. During such conversations, however, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge says setting a positive tone is paramount.
Read full blogJump into March Madness Mindful of Jumper’s Knee, says Oshkosh PT
As a large portion of the nation’s attention turns to the “March Madness” NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in the coming days, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge says now is an ideal time to educate fans, young competitors and even blue-collar workers about an injury prevalent in jump-heavy activities: jumper’s knee.
Among the most common injuries in sports, jumper’s knee is an overuse injury that can develop when one repeatedly jumps and lands heavily. Known in the medical community as patellar tendonitis, it affects 25 to 32 percent of basketball players and 30 to 51 percent of all volleyball players, according to a 2009 review.
Read full blog5 Exercise Myths for People 55 and Older, according to Oshkosh PT
While it’s expected that most older people tend to slow down with age, the notion that seniors and soon-to-be seniors should trade in exercise and their active lifestyles for bingo and rocking chairs is definitely antiquated, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge.
And yet, when it comes to exercise for the 55-and-older population, plenty of myths continue to drive people’s actions – or rather, inactions – when it comes to putting in the right amount of sweat equity to stay healthy and active.
Read full blog5 Fitness Tips to Keep Introverts Moving
Finding a workout routine that fits your personality is one of the key ways to achieve optimal results, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge. And, that holds particularly true for introverts – those who may be uneasy about joining a gym or a fitness class due to crowds of people, loud music, or the seemingly prying eyes of other members.
“If you have a more introverted personality, joining a gym, exercise class or workout group may not be your cup of tea, but that doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving fitness or weight-loss goals,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.
Read full blogHolidays an Ideal Time for Lifting Techniques Refresher
Digging out boxes of holiday decorations, hauling packages to and from the car, hiding gifts away on the higher shelves at the back of your closet … the Holiday Season certainly requires its fair share of bending, lifting and reaching. This, coupled with the cooler weather, makes December the ideal time for a refresher on proper lifting methods, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge.
“Back pain and injury can put a real damper on the Holiday Season, yet it’s one of the most common conditions we treat as medical professionals,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.
Read full blogStrength Training Critical for Active, Independent Aging
To the 43 million Americans who have low bone density, putting them at high risk of osteoporosis, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge has an important message: exercise is good medicine. But not just any exercise – weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening exercise.
“As people get older, bone density certainly becomes an issue for many people, which can lead to unexpected falls, broken bones and even the onset of osteoporosis,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy. “But studies have proven that doing regular, weight-bearing exercise like jogging, walking, aerobics, dancing and resistance training can actually strengthen your bones.
Read full blogRethinking back pain treatment paths during National Physical Therapy Month
While an estimated eight in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives – up to 30 percent of Americans, in fact, over the past three months – few people actually get to the bottom of the cause of the pain.
This is a problem, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge.
“When you don’t know the cause of your pain, all you’re doing is treating the symptom, and this isn’t a winning prescription for achieving long-term health,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.
Read full blogOshkosh PT Offers Health and Fitness Tips for College Freshmen
The struggle new college students experience is real, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge. The ability to stay active and lead a healthful lifestyle is such a common challenge to young adults entering college, Runge points out that it’s often stigmatized up in the term “The Freshman 15.”
“When a recent high school graduate first goes off to college, they’re surrounded by new challenges: meeting new people, adapting to a new place, living on their own, classes, studies, clubs, parties, financial obligations, and so on,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.
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