Back-to-School Time is Here!

Send your child in for a FREE sports physical and receive an additional 10% OFF our Sports Performance Enhancement programs now through the end of August! Keep the fun of summer alive and ensure your child remains active for the rest of the year.

Our unique youth programs help build positive character, self direction, strength and confidence as children & teens work one-on-one with our personal trainers and development experts in a safe, supportive environment. Watch their athletic skills and social confidence improve at a remarkably fast pace!

Families and Coaches LOVE it!

Call to schedule an appointment today!

800-507-2634

The Science Behind Olympic Six-Pack Abs

Swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte deploy their muscles to win medals for the U.S.

by Jessica Stoller-Conrad, NPR

Every four years, we look forward to watching the jaw-dropping athleticism of the Summer Olympic Games. But -- let's be frank -- we also tune in to ogle the athletes' impressively toned physiques.

Of course, we know that Ryan Lochte's bulging biceps and Kerri Walsh's chiseled abs are the product of thousands of hours of hard work. But what exactly is muscle definition, and, aside from attracting our attention (and envy), what does it do?

It all starts with individual muscle cells, or fibers, says Todd Schroeder, professor of biokinesiology and physical therapy at the University of Southern California. An Olympic weightlifter might have the same number of muscle cells as someone watching them on TV, but training makes each of those cells much larger.

And when it comes to building big muscle cells, if there's no pain, there's no gain.

"When you work out, you get sore," says Schroeder. "That soreness is muscle damage, and that's OK. Muscle damage signals the muscle cell to produce more protein, so that you get more proteins within that muscle fiber."

The more protein that's generated within each of these fibers, the larger and stronger the muscle becomes. 

And just as four sprinters work together to achieve the fastest relay time, thousands of protein-packed cells add up to make on big, strong muscle.

Schroeder says that other triggers for muscle growth, frequently exploited through doping, include hormones such as testosterone and insulin. And scientists have also recently discovered that the female sex hormone estrogen plays an important role in the recover of muscle cells damaged during training.

Olympians tend to have another advantage when it comes to building muscle: good genes. Genes that encourage muscle development are most active when we are children, but in some people these genes stay very active even into adulthood, according to a recent article in Scientific American. Different genes also determine the cellular makeup of your muscles and the ratio of muscle fibers good for sprinting to fibers good for endurance.

As it turns out, though, the ability to build the right muscles is only part of the equation of the great bod, says Schroeder. That's because beautifully toned muscles might not be visible if they're hidden under fat around the stomach or elsewhere. Everyone has an insulating layer of fat that resides under the skin, but an Olympian diet and intense training, specifically aerobic and endurance exercises, significantly reduce it, he says.

There are surgical procedures that claim to remove stomach fat and give you that swimmer's six-pack. But Schroeder says that the results often don't last; a large part of how you look is again heavily influenced by the genes you're dealt.

"People can have liposuction and suck out a lot of that fat that's overlying the abdominal muscles. But their body will self-regulate," he says. "Everyone has that genetic set point of fat cells and the body knows when all of a sudden that's changed, and it's going to take you back to that... number of fat cells that you had before."

So alas, there probably isn't an easy nip and tuck that can make you look like Michael Phelps. But Schroeder says that a healthy combination of diet, fat-burning endurance training, and muscle-building resistance exercises will put you on the right track towards toned muscles.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/08/03/157968602/the-science-behind-olympic-six-pack-abs

Low Back Pain Relieved Quickly w/ Physical Therapy

We offer specialized low back pain programs at PT Solutions.  Call to schedule a complimentary low back screen and see which program is right for you!
800-507-2634

830 cold laser therapy- An Alternative to Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be painful and debilitating.  Those at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome are those that spend lots of time on the computer keyboard and mouse, those that engage in repetitive hand crafts and hand use at work: sewing, using a microscope, and any other repetitive intricate tasks involving use of hand and fingers.  Sometimes, conventional physical therapy alone is not enough to alleviate symptoms and restore full function.  Often times, patients are told that surgical intervention is the ultimate choice when all else fails.

New research and studies show that cold laser therapy specifically at the 830 nm wavelength, produces a significant healing effect for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.  This revolutionary healing device has been proven to penetrate 2 inches deep passing through skin, fat and blood and produces a biological healing affect on injured tissues.  The 830 laser stimulates increased blood flow, reduces swelling and reduces localized pain.  The 830 cold laser also accelerates tissue healing. 

Before considering surgery, we highly recommend a course of laser therapy, 2-3x/week for 9-12 sessions.  See the link below featured on NBC Action News.

We are offering a promotional complimentary treatment for those interested in learning about this pain alleviating program.  Call to schedule a session today.

NBC Action News: 830 laser for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You don't have to LIVE with PAIN..... especially when it becomes debilitating

We appreciate it when patients who successfully complete their physical therapy programs at our center take the time to share their story with you all.  This success story means alot to me because when Janis first came in, she could barely stand up straight because her arm, shoulder and neck hurt so bad.  Before initiating her program with us, her situation got so bad that she couldn't lift her arm, let alone carry her purse or reach into the fridge to take out food and drinks with that arm.  Her story is so touching because she really didn't know or believe that we could really help.  The first few sessions of her program were spent helping her unlock her healing potential.  Once she was able to trust and let go of her fears, she got better pretty fast.  At her discharge visit, she was able to lift her purse, raise her hand high, and walk out the door standing tall with a big smile on her face.  It is experiences like this one that stirs me and reminds me that I am in the right profession.  Physical Therapy rules!
Best,
Dr Flores

Biofreeze Works to reduce muscle soreness and muscle pain

Many of our patients ask us what the benefits are for using Biofreeze, as we often use Biofreeze as part of their treatments.

The Biofreeze products: gell, roll-on and spray all have healing and soothing agents that truly contribute to reducing muscle soreness and/or muscle pain.  We offer these products for purchase in the clinic and have heard nothing but positive feedback from patients who use it as part of their home program.

For detailed information on how Biofreeze contributes to reducing muscle pain and muscle soreness, view the informational video below:

Stop by to receive a FREE SAMPLE so you can see for yourself how this amazing product can contribute to less muscle aches and pains.

Physical Therapy Solutions: 2222 Pico Blvd #102, Santa Monica CA 90405

12 Simple Ways to Fight Prediabetes

 Happy Monday,
I am always reviewing articles and newsletters that come my way, especially the ones that focus on active prevention efforts.  This article is a great one for women who may be predisposed to diabetes.  I often think of new moms, families that have just begun, or even new grandmothers, and I realize the continued importance of choosing to stay healthy and choosing to be aware of all the things you can do for yourself to live a long healthy life.  These are one of those articles- simple, informative and shares a real story of a real person who succeeded.  Enjoy!


12 Simple Ways to Fight Prediabetes from HealthyWomen.org