What we say and think matters! Our thoughts and words carry energy and have the power to affect our environment. This concept has been tested in a variety of experiments using plants. Plants are subjected to either affirmations or insults. Over time, the specimens exposed to positivity flourished, while the other plant wilted and withered. Being mindful of our thoughts is the first step. Tuning into what we are thinking and observing the quality of our thoughts can help shape our mental health and awareness. We attract the energy we emit, therefore, focusing on what we want versus what we do not want is a great compass! Read more on a class plant experiment here!

As we embark on a new year with new goals, it is important we consider how our environment affects our health. Having support through social connection and community is a critical aspect in the efficacy of changes to our habits towards meeting our goals. Wellness isn't just about our physical health or bodywork, it also includes our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Ensuring we are nurturing all components of our mind, body and spirit are crucial to encompassing all of our being in our wellness journey. Check out t his article on, " How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health?"

Myofascia Release is a great way to effectively release tension in the fascia, but other components contribute to keeping it healthy and flexible. From our stored emotions to daily habits, many things affect the qualities of our connective tissues and how they function. Read the article, "All about Fascia: Keeping Your Connective Tissue Healthy" here!

There is an amazing connection between the hips and emotions. The human anatomy is miraculous and with the pelvis being such a complex joint and the psoas connection our upper body to our lower body, there is a lot happening in the hip area! Tightened hips can create issues with our spine and posture. Focusing on actively releasing these muscles is beneficial physically, mentally, and emotionally. Read more on "The Powerful Connection Between Your Hips and Emotions" Here!

Due to heightened levels of stress, social commitments and activities, chronic pain can intensify around the holidays. From weather to dietary changes, routines are often uprooted to accommodate this special time of year. Being aware of your limits and how to best navigate the excitement of the season can set you up to honor your body and needs. Click here to read an article on tips to help you move through the holidays with chronic pain!

Dry needling is a specialized treatment used for targeting trigger points to reduce pain and improve range of motion. This technique is a great tool for certified practitioners to stimulate muscle contractions to help relieve tension. By opting for dry needling, when applicable, patients can gain wonderful benefits while avoiding other, more costly approaches. Read more on the cost-effectiveness of dry needling here!

It's that time of year and we are gearing up to gather and feast, in thanks, with our loved ones. As we plan to prepare our Thanksgiving dinner, we may keep in mind some of the inflammatory qualities of our traditional dishes. Check out this article on ways to have an "Anti-Inflammatory Thanksgiving"

Are those aches and pains coming from your muscles or fascia? While this can be difficult to determine, one guide to answer this question is if the pain worsens with movement or not. Typically, muscle related injuries become more intense or worsen with movement, while fascia tension feels better and improves with movement. Click here to read an article explaining the differences between muscle and fascia pain, along with ways to treat them.

The body undergoes a variety of major changes during pregnancy. While some women may seek treatment after birth to restore function and balance, getting started on pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy is even better! At SerendipPT, we offer treatment to assist the body in preparing for pregnancy, while supporting women through it and after! By giving the pelvic floor the attention, it deserves, we help mothers experience as smooth a process as possible. Read more about the importance of pelvic health during pregnancy here!

Should impingement accounts for 65% of shoulder disorders. Check out this articles are exercises that help relieve shoulder impingement, restore good posture and prevent rotator cuff tears! Read the article here!

You may or may not have heard of the Psoas (pronounced "so-as"), but this muscle is located deep in the core and connects the lower spine to the lower body. It helps to flex the hip joint and lifts the upper legs towards the body. It directly affects the lumbar spine and pelvis. When the psoas is tight, it pulls the lower spine downward creating compression and tension. This can result in low back and hip pain. The psoas is also referred to as the, "Muscle of the Soul," because it holds onto traumatic experiences at the cellular level. When we release tension in the psoas, not only can we create more movement and relief in the low back, but we can also help out body let go of trauma. Tight psoas? Now what?.... Well, that is where the gift of Myofascial Release Therapy comes in. At SerendipPT we can help target this area to bring you relief. By focusing on this holistic approach and technique, we can get to the root of your discomfort to provide the release your body needs to establish alignment and balance. There are also a variety of yoga postures and at-home exercises to practice to treat yourself that we would be happy to share with you.

Being mindful of what we eat is a wonderful way to support our health and reduce pain and inflammation. There are foods that may cause pain and discomfort to spike due to swelling within the body. Take it from me! This past weekend, we had a lovely family outing. I opted to indulge one of the days and consume foods high in sodium. My face was visibly puffy the next day. Take a look at the images below. The top one was taken the day after eating salty foods, the bottom picture was from a day after eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. With these noticeable differences in my face after an evening of inflammatory foods, imagine what eating that way consistently could do to the body. If we are trying to resolve pain and dysfunction, approaching it holistically is the only way to achieve the results we want effectively and naturally.