Physical Therapy Tips & Education

A Physical Therapist’s Guide Congratulations! You just crossed the finish line of your half marathon. Whether it was your first or fiftieth, completing 13.1 miles is a huge accomplishment. But finishing the race is only part of the journey—how you recover afterward can make a huge difference in your long-term performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being. 1. Immediate Recovery: The First 48 Hours After a long run, your muscles, joints, and connective tissue have endu

Strength training isn’t about the gym it’s about independence. As we age, the goal of exercise shifts. It’s no longer about aesthetics or max numbers—it’s about maintaining the ability to live independently . Many of the most important daily activities rely on a few foundational movement patterns. When we train these patterns intentionally, we are training for life. This series breaks down three essential functional lifts and why they matter. Part I: The Squat – Toileting &

Hypermobility, Resistance Training, and Tightness Many hypermobile individuals describe themselves as both “too flexible” and “constantly tight.”  This contradiction often leads to confusion—and unfortunately, to treatment approaches that miss the root of the problem. Understanding the relationship between hypermobility, resistance training, and perceived tightness  is key to long-term symptom relief. Why Do Hypermobile People Feel Tight? Tightness in hypermobile individuals

How Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Knee Alignment Do your knees cave inward when you stand or squat? Or do they stay wide apart even when your feet are together? These common alignment patterns—often called knocked knees  or bowlegged posture —can affect how you move, feel, and perform during daily activities and exercise. At Matter Rehabilitation Physical Therapy , we help patients address knee alignment issues to reduce pain, improve movement efficiency, and prevent futu

Shin splints are one of the most common causes of lower-leg pain, especially in runners, athletes, and active individuals. You rest, the pain improves, you return to activity… and then it’s back again. So why do shin splints keep coming back? The answer usually isn’t inflammation alone. It’s often a combination of training errors, movement patterns, and biomechanics that continue to overload the shin. Anatomy Breakdown: Shin splints involve more than just the shin bone. Key s

How Physical Therapy Can Help Do you feel dizzy when you move your head? Does the room feel like it’s spinning? Are you experiencing double vision, trouble walking, or the need to close one eye just to focus? These symptoms can be unsettling—and they’re more common than you may think. Common Symptoms of Dizziness and Balance Disorders You may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation if you experience: Dizziness or lightheadedness A spinning sensation (vertigo) Double vision

Have you ever noticed your knees, shoulders, or neck popping or cracking when you move? Joint noises are extremely common and, in many cases, completely normal. At Matter Rehabilitation Physical Therapy , we often get asked: “Should I be worried when my joints pop?” Let’s break down what causes joint popping, when it’s harmless, and when it may be a sign that physical therapy can help. What Causes Joints to Pop or Crack? Your joints are complex structures designed for movemen

“There’s a common saying we hear all the time: ‘Knees over toes is dangerous.’ For years, this idea has been repeated in gyms, clinics, and training rooms—and for a long time, it stuck. But as research has evolved, so has our understanding of knee mechanics. Today, the evidence tells a very different story.