Grace Walker physical therapist, advocate of regular standing and moving which decreases incidence of death

As the director of Orange County California-based Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center, occupational and physical therapist Dr. Grace Walker offers wellness advice to her patients and through her practice’s blog. Physical therapist Dr. Grace Walker believes strongly in the power of movement and cautions against a sedentary lifestyle. According to ABC News, a number of Americans currently spend as much as 15.5 hours daily in a sitting position.

Studies have shown that excessive sitting links to a variety of illnesses, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

In fact, Dr. Hidde van der Ploeg and the University of Sydney in Australia have found that 11 or more hours of daily sitting can lead to a 40 percent increase in one’s risk of death.

Researchers have found these risks exist even if the frequent sitter incorporates a daily exercise regime, which suggests that sitting itself is the contributing cause.

Physiology supports such a claim. When the lower half of the body is still, the brain receives signals to increase blood sugar and decrease its reliance on stored fat for fuel. At the same time, metabolism reduces to less than 34 percent as compared to periods of activity. Data also suggests that every two hours of sitting correlates with a 7 percent increase in diabetes risk, while this sedentary time also contributes to the weakening of spinal support muscles and tightening of the hamstrings and hip flexors. It seems that only a lifestyle that incorporates regular standing and moving can mitigate these risks and help the body’s systems work optimally.

For an appointment with an expert physical therapist call Walker Physical and Therapy and Pain Center at 714-997-5518.

Weekend Warriors and Back Pain

Physical therapist Grace Walker has served as director of the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center since 1982.

 

As a physical therapist, Grace Walker treats patients suffering from a variety of ailments, including shoulder pain, neck pain, and back pain. 

 

Back pain can range from an uncomfortable, nagging sensation to an overwhelming pain that prevents a person from working and engaging in their normal day-to-day activities.

 

Sports-related injuries rank among the most common causes of back pain.

 

These types of injuries, however, are not relegated to professional athletes. Many individuals use their weekends or weeknights to get together with friends and play a game of pickup basketball or football, which can lead to back-related injuries.

 

Unlike professional athletes, many weekend performers do not always properly stretch or prepare for strenuous physical activity, leading to bruised muscles, strains, or potentially a slipped disc.

 

Even general yard work activities can result in back pain without proper preparation. The older a person gets, the more work they must put into warm-up and cool-down stretching in order to avoid back pain. Making exercise a frequent part of one’s routine rather than a once-a-week occurrence can also mitigate the likelihood of such an injury.

For an appointment with an expert physical therapist call Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, Ca. 92868 714-997-5518

5 Myths about Physical Therapy

Grace Walker, Physical and Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist demystifies 5 myths that may be precursors to regaining your quality life, free from pain!

If you are experiencing weakness or pain and are having difficulty with every day activities, physical therapy may be an option to help you regain that quality of life and get you back to live, work and play again! Learn more about physical therapy by understanding the facts behind some common myths.

 



Myth #1

Physical torture?

Many believe that physical therapy is physical torture! Pain is associated with the term and according to the American Physical Therapy Association, 71% of people believe that physical therapy is painful and have been discouraged to visit a physical therapist. The truth is that physical therapists are movement experts. They help minimize pain and improve mobility by working within your pain threshold.

Myth #2

I'll do it myself!

It is true that the patient plays an active and important role in their own healing process. However, the expert care and guidance of a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapist is monumental. Your therapist will combine his or her specialized education and clinical expertise, along with new evidence and studies to evaluate and make a diagnosis before tailoring a personalized plan of care specific to your needs.

Myth #3

Surgery! Surgery! Surgery!

Time and again, physical therapy has proven to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range of conditions. Thus, surgery is not the only option. There have been many cases where patients who chose physical therapy over surgery had the same if not better results! Actually, 79% of patients believe physical therapy can provide an alternative to surgery.

Myth #4

I'm sure it's not insured

The truth is that physical therapy is covered at least by most insurance policies. On top of insurance coverage, physical therapy can reduce medical costs by helping people avoid unnecessary imaging scans, surgery, or prescription drugs. PT continues to prove cost-effective by helping patients avoid falls and by addressing conditions that can become chronic problems in the future.

Myth #5

Insult to injury...

To add insult to injury, many believe the myth that physical therapy is only an option for those who have been involved in an accident or have suffered some sort of injury. In actuality, physical therapists do a lot more than just treat patients who have been injured. They are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems that may prevent future injuries or disabling conditions  including carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, chronic headaches and low back pain amongst many others. 

Schedule an appointment at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center to be treated by one of our expert physical therapists!
714-997-5518
1111 W. Town and Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, CA 92868



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