Joint Ventures' Blog

 

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Tendinosis is the chronic degeneration of a tendon (without inflammation) that begins with a cycle where breakdown exceeds repair in the tissue.  It is an accumulation of microscopic injuries that don't heal properly over time.  Pain comes from the separation of collagen fibers, mechanical disruption of the tissue, and the non-inflammatory biomechanical substances that irritate the pain receptors in the tendon.   

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“Wii-ing” is all the rage these days.  When Nintendo released the Wii Fit late last spring, millions flocked to get what Nintendo describes as “fun and fitness in one program”.  The question remains, however, can the Wii Fit really be therapeutic?  The short answer, yes! 

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An exercise ball (aka swiss ball, physioball, stability ball, etc.) is a great investment because it can be used for a variety of exercises. Whether you are wanting to work on your core, upper body or lower body, you will find that you can use this simple piece of equipment to meet many of your needs. The ball is made of a puncture resistant plastic and comes in different sizes. When determining what size ball is right for you, the general guideline for core exercises (abs and low back muscles) is to have your knees and hips bent at 90 degrees so that your thighs are parallel to the floor when you are sitting on the ball. This is the minimum ball size. Some people prefer a larger ball where their hips are higher than their knees based on comfort.  If you have poor balance, a larger ball will provide more stability and support so that the exercises will be easier. The ball can be also be used as an office chair. If you will be using the ball as your office chair, a larger ball may be needed. Another thing to keep in mind is how much you inflate the ball. The ball will be very firm if inflated to its maximum diameter, if it is not fully inflated you will sink a little when sitting on the ball.  When using the ball as an office chair, you should get a ball with a maximum diameter that is at least 4 inches greater than your chair height. Sitting on an exercise ball is a challenge as well as a great way to improve your posture. One of the main benefits from using an exercise ball as opposed to doing exercises on a stable surface is that your body is forced to maintain balance because of the instability of the ball. By doing so, you have to engage more muscles to keep balance and most of the time the targeted muscles are the core muscles (abdominal and back muscles). So what are you waiting for.... purchase your exercise ball today to improve your balance and posture! 

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There are options for you if you want to avoid or delay knee surgery. According to a February 2000 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, manual physical therapy and supervised exercise may produce functional benefits for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee which may delay or prevent the need to total joint replacement. Manual physical therapy is defined as the preparation of the physical environment of the human body so the patient can be trained in efficient and safe body mechanics and exercise program to develop patient self-responsibility. The degeneration of joints is the result of muscle restrictions, not the joint surface itself and therefore, precise and skilled evaluation and treatment techniques may resolve years of wear and tear!

Joint Ventures has teamed up with Mala Yoga to create a truly unique yoga studio. Mala Yoga has some of the best instructors in Boston, and offers a wide variety of classes for all levels. Unlike most studios with packed classes, Mala Yoga offers small, personalized classes so you can be sure you are going to get the attention you want and have a great experience. Individual sessions are also available. Check out our class schedule and begin your new healthy ways. 

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