YES, YOUR HOME EXERCISE PLAN MATTERS! SNAP, CRACKLE, POP
The Truth About Cracking Your Joints The sound of cracking and popping joints sets some people’s teeth on edge. Most of us have also heard warnings that the practice is bad for us. But other people’s opinions rarely dissuade those who love to crack their knuckles, necks, or backs. So, it’s worth asking whether the practice harms us. Will cracking lead to arthritis and other medical conditions, or is it harmless? You might be surprised that doctors aren’t entirely sure what cracking or popping your joints does. For many years, they believed the sound came from moving bubbles of fluid surrounding the joints. More recent research suggests cracking comes from creating negative space in the fluid. Experts have not yet resolved the debate. But the science is clear on cracking your knuckles: It’s safe. Multiple studies have shown that the practice does not increase your risk of osteoarthritis. Further, cracking your knuckles is usually not associated with pain, swelling, or joint damage. You should stop and seek advice from a physical therapist if cracking your knuckles does start to hurt, but otherwise, the risks are very low. Your neck and back are different matters entirely. It feels as good, if not better, than cracking your knuckles. But your spinal cord is fragile and not something to be manipulated by amateurs. There is a higher risk of injury if you attempt to do these adjustments yourself. Further, the desire to crack these areas is usually a sign of a more serious problem — and by popping your joints, you’re only treating the symptoms. You might feel better, but the
pain will recur without further treatment. And the more you crack at home, the more likely you are to cause a painful muscle injury or damaged blood vessels. If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, including the kind that is relieved when you crack the joints, you should seek medical help. A physical therapist can determine the root cause of the pain or stiffness you’re experiencing and create a comprehensive plan to address it at the root. And if manual adjustments to the joints are necessary, your PT can perform them much more safely than you can at home.
Don’t risk a serious injury by attempting to treat yourself. Call Horizon Physical Therapy for professional guidance.
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The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Inspired by TheModernProper.com
This emerald-green pasta will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? This dish is ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups broccoli 1 lb penne pasta 2 cups basil leaves
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2 garlic cloves, smashed
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1/4 cup pine nuts, plus more for serving
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Directions 1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender.
3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired.
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