Author: Allison Domgard

“I’m hurting. Which is better, ice or heat?” Before we dive into the debate of ice versus heat, let’s first take a look at the healing process. When tissue in our body is damaged from injury or surgery, three phases of healing take place. Phase 1: Inflammation Blood vessels dilate and become permeable. Fluid moves…

Strong muscles aren’t just for lifting heavy things. Strength can benefit us in many ways, affecting different systems of the body. In physical therapy, we value strength because it helps keep us mobile and functional. We also appreciate it for its role in improving overall well being! Blood Sugar Muscle is a metabolically active tissue….

Winter weather is officially here, and with that comes cold temperatures and slick conditions. Check out the tips below to stay safe this winter season. Be aware of your surroundings and try not to be in a rush. Avoid inclines and stairs if possible. Keep an eye out for changing ground surfaces (ex: curbs, grass,…

Raise your hand if you have a desk job. Raise your hand if you work from home. Raise your hand if you have neck, shoulder, and/or back pain. Let’s face it, we live in a world that is designed for forward head postures. Whether it be on your phone, laptop, when driving, or reading a…

Question: What causes clicking and popping sensations in and around my joints, and is it a cause for concern? The popping, clicking, and/or snapping noises (also known as crepitus) can come from air bubbles that are quickly released in the joint space. Composed of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, these gas cavities are typically found…

Think about the last time you hurt yourself. It could have been a sprained ankle, jammed finger, or something as minor as a papercut. Do you recall the sensation of pain, swelling, warmth, appearance of redness and/or throbbing to the area? These are cardinal signs of acute inflammation. Inflammation is a natural mechanism created by…

You may remember it gaining fame during the 2016 Rio Olympics when Michael Phelps showed off circular bruises on his shoulders, back, and legs. Whether you know someone who has had it done, or have seen it through television and social media platforms, cupping has become a popular buzzword in recent years. At Complete Physical…

Considering a knee replacement but unsure of what to expect? Deciding whether or not to undergo surgery can be a difficult decision. Since physical therapy is critical to the success of the surgery, understanding the recovery process is important. It’s a journey that is unique to each person. At Complete Physical Therapy, we create individualized…

“No pain, no gain.” “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” “If it’s not hurting, it’s not working.” Do these sayings sound familiar? Today, I’m here to bust the myth. Pain is not the goal and should not be encouraged or mistaken as hard work. Overuse injuries and mental burnout are legitimate risks young athletes face,…

Pain (noun): An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. We all experience pain. Pain is a part of life and a normal response created by our nervous system. It isn’t pleasant, but the ability to know when something hurts is a good thing! We…