Author: Allison McNeal

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…

Our muscles are covered in a connective tissue called fascia. Mostly made of collagen, this fascia surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place. When healthy, it allows the muscles to move freely alongside other structures, but may thicken and stiffen in areas where it is repeatedly exposed to…

Health and wellness trends are everywhere. It’s hard not to get caught up in personalized health products and fads unique to your needs. We all want to find the secret to boosting energy levels and feeling more youthful. But what about the idea of something as simple as drinking more water? After all, 71% of…

Whether you’re an overhead athlete taking swings at a volleyball, throwing a baseball, or someone who works an office desk job 40 hours a week, shoulder pain is a very common ailment that most of us will probably experience at one point in our lives. At Complete Physical Therapy we work with a variety of…

Always remember the reason why you’re playing—for the love of the game. For example, I loved a good fist pump after a stuff block. Remember those moments of joy and build off the experiences that remind you of why you love the sport. Consider cross training and play multiple sports throughout high school. Although I…