M3 PT - October 2018

A LOVELY NIGHT FOR A RUN SHOULD YOU GO FOR A RUN AFTER DARK?

Have you ever been driving home after dark and seen someone jogging on the side of the road? You might have thought they were crazy for waiting until so late in the day to go for a run, but there is actually research that suggests running in the evening is better than going for a run at any other time of day. Here are a few reasons why you should save your run until you can join all the things that go bump in the night.

to exercise in the evenings, since your muscles have been warming up all day. With improved muscular function and strength, you can push yourself harder and see greater improvement.

YOU SLEEP BETTER.

YOU CAN HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

You will obviously feel tired after a good run, so why not time it right and use this to your advantage? Research from the University of South Carolina found that people who ran before bedtime enjoyed a better night of sleep and increased energy levels when they woke up, meaning they felt more awake and better rested throughout the following day. The best time to run is honestly whenever you have time to run, but if it works with your schedule, nighttime running might provide your best workout ever. Just remember that if you do decide to save your run for after sunset, you should stay safe by wearing bright, reflective clothing, sticking to the left side of the road, and running only in well-lit, populated areas.

Many people who run first thing in the morning find themselves pressed for time. Hitting the snooze button is not an option, and with so little time, breakfast is usually a banana on the way out the door. Moving your run to the evening means you can enjoy a more leisurely morning. Not feeling stressed out first thing in the morning can also lead to a more relaxed day.

YOU CAN PUSH YOURSELF HARDER.

It can be hard to get a good workout in the morning after your muscles have been still for eight hours during sleep. A study at the University of North Texas found that your body is better prepared

WHAT A PAIN IN THE NECK! WHY YOUR NECK PAIN MIGHT NOT RESIDE IN YOUR NECK

Millions of people suffer from acute or chronic neck pain every year. Logically, many people assume that the pain stems from a problem in their necks, but in many cases, the pain originates from various areas along the thoracic spine. Although it is situated below the neck area (otherwise known as the cervical region of the spine), the thoracic spine plays a huge role in referring pain up and down your entire back, even if the actual problem is localized in one area.

supports everything from your neck down to the bottom of your rib cage. It is also responsible for supporting soft tissues, flexible joints, blood vessels, and nerves. Issues within this area are usually caused by muscular irritation or tension. For example, if you’re at a desk hunched over a keyboard at work, you are more susceptible to thoracic issues. On the contrary, if you’re engaged in more strenuous and physical activities at work, you might experience muscle strain or spasms. This style of work might also cause joint dysfunction, such as cartilage tears or rib displacement. When you irritate or injure your thoracic spine, the resulting pain often travels up into your neck. If you have been experiencing chronic or acute neck pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists. During your initial visit, we won’t start by examining your pain points. Instead, we’ll give you a complete examination, paying special attention to your thoracic spine. There are several types of manipulations and exercises we can use to relieve stiffness in the neck, strengthen the area, and restore normal function. Treatments such as cold or heat application, deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, or an ultrasound may be used prior to prescribing exercise. Through our treatment, you’ll also learn how to improve your posture and range of motion to prevent neck pain from recurring.

The thoracic spine makes up the longest section of your spinal column, and by some measures, it is the most complex. Housing 12 vertebrae stacked on top of

each other, the thoracic spine

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