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focus on gentle stretching together, plus massages or meditation. This is an especially good option for senior dogs!
another day. Dogs may bring the toy back, but teaching them to “drop” might be something to work on to keep the game going.
No. 3: Swim to refresh your mind and body. If you have a pool at home (or one nearby that allows dogs), swimming is a popular low-impact activity that’ll keep you and your pup in great shape for years to come. Despite popular belief, however, not all dogs know how to swim. You’ll want to be gentle with your dog if you’re not certain that they enjoy the water. No. 4: Play hide-and-seek, chase, or catch. It’s not hard to teach your pets how to play hide-and-seek, although it will take time and patience. First, try hiding and calling out your pet’s name before encouraging them to find you. When they do, offer them plenty of praise and treats. They’ll catch on and enjoy looking for you! Hide-and-seek is popular with dogs! However, cats can love it, too. A good second game is simply chasing. Try walking or jogging around the house with a string toy, encouraging your cat to chase after you. Catch is also a possibility with either cats or dogs. Just remember that cats are less likely to bring back the toy you toss. They’ll probably continue playing with it or leave it alone to be “hunted”
No. 5: Try tug of war. Dogs adore a good game of tug of war, a raw test of strength! It’s a great form of resistance training that your pup won’t get enough of. Find an old sock or even some rope to get them interested. Pet stores often sell rope toys specifically designed for tug of war as well.
I hope these suggestions will help you and your furry friend stay in shape! Be healthy out there, friends.
Give Your Bones a Boost How PT Can Help With Osteoporosis
Approximately 55% of the population over 50 will be affected by osteoporosis, which thins and weakens the bones. In the U.S. alone, the condition is responsible for about 1.5 million fractures per year. You may not think exercise can help with bone loss, but prepare to be surprised. A comprehensive physical therapy plan can not only promote bone growth but also improve balance and posture, which lowers the risk of falling or sustaining fractures.
height, pain between the shoulder blades, or pain above the pelvis. But frequently, the first indication of a problem is when a bone breaks during normal activity, such as receiving a hug or stepping off a curb.
A physical therapist’s treatment of osteoporosis depends on each patient’s unique situation. Just like muscles become stronger from exercise, so do bones. Most physical therapy regimens will involve specific exercises to help build bone mass. To avoid falling or injury, physical therapists will also work with patients to improve balance, correct posture, and adapt to daily activities while protecting their bone health. If the bone is still fractured, a physical therapist can also help relieve pain without medication through positioning and other techniques.
Bone is living tissue. Just as with other parts of our bodies, cells are constantly dying and being replaced. With osteoporosis, not enough new bone is created to make up for the bone lost, so it becomes weak and brittle. Women and older people are especially prone to osteoporosis, but an inactive lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol, or low weight can also contribute to development of the condition.
Often, people with osteoporosis don’t experience symptoms. That sounds like a good thing, but unfortunately, it results in the condition not being diagnosed until after a broken or fractured bone. Telltale signs of the condition include a loss of
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, contact a physical therapist today to help regain your strength and quality of life. A customized physical therapy plan can help you get back to safely doing the things you love — no bones about it.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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