Should Kids Play Multiple Sports or Not?

One of subjects that is getting to be a hot topic is looking at our kids in playing sports. The debate is whether or not they should just play one or play multiple sports. TOPS opinion would be to play multiple sports and here is why:

  1. Potentially reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
    Playing the same sport year-round trains the same movement patterns which leads to muscular imbalances and asymmetries. Take a pitcher or a thrower for example and have them throw year-round at high level. Their shoulder or elbow takes on maximal torque and then eventually the soft tissue and/or ligaments wear down and become injured.
  2. Playing multiple sports keeps kids drive and passion up longer.
    Kids lose their drive they grow tired of things quickly (because they are kids) when they play only one sport. Playing multiple sports allows them to play a sport for a period time and then get an opportunity to hit the reset button and begin something else. Not only does it shift gears completely it allows them to get hungry again for the sport they just finished because they will probably get tired of their next sport.
  3. Can actually become an “Athlete.”
    You can make an argument for a person who plays one specific position year-round that they are not really athletes. They are only good at their one specific sport and even further, one specific position. Playing multiple sports allows you to train different movement patterns, which will constantly challenge your body. This will allow your body to become stronger and more athletic.

These are just a few reasons as to why we strongly believe kids should play multiple sports as long as they can.

Benefits of Yoga

Many of you are probably familiar with yoga or have seen it available at different gyms and studios. This blog will explain a little about the history, types and benefits of yoga. We will also introduce a few of our favorite stretching poses for the back. Stay tuned for additional blogs addressing poses for strength and balance.

First, a little history. Yoga is a 4,000 year old practice developed to enhance physical and emotional balance by tying breath with movement. The breathing techniques are called pranayamas and the movements or poses are called asanas. Typical types of yoga you might see around town are Vinyasa yoga, Power yoga, Hot yoga and Iyengar yoga. The fundamentals of these different types are developed from Hatha yoga. The core components of Hatha yoga include postures, breathing and meditation. The subtypes mentioned above, typically have specific focuses. For instance, Vinyasa follows a particular sequence of poses coordinated with an inhalation and exhalation. Iyengar yoga is a practice of precision where proper alignment is the main focus. Hot yoga is practiced in a heated and humidified environment usually involving a specific sequence of poses. These are only a few of the numerous subtypes, but you can be certain no matter the type, you will reap the benefits.

What are the benefits of yoga? Yoga improves postural control and balance. Yoga has also been shown to increase strength and endurance. Let’s not forget those psychological benefits like decreasing pain and depression. With all these benefits, let’s try some yoga!

Rabbit Pose

  1. Begin sitting on heels with thumbs on outside of feet. Feet can be extended or flexed.
  2. Roll the spine forward bringing the crown of the head as close as possible to the knees. If you are unable to hold the heels you can utilize a strap.
  3. Pull on the heels to lift the hips, rounding into the spine, gently pressing into the crown of the head.
  4. Hold for 5 slow inhalations and exhalations. With each inhalation lift the hips. With each exhalation pull on the heels to round the spine even more.

Benefits: Improves mobility of spine and back, decreases pressure of the neck and back, decreases depression and insomnia

Child’s Pose

  1. Kneel on the floor, big toes together
  2. Sit back on your heels and separate knees to hip-width apart
  3. Exhale bringing your forehead to the floor in front of you.
  4. Place the hands outstretched in front of you or down by your sides.
  5. Hold for 5 slow inhalations and exhalations. With each inhalation reach forward with your fingertips. With each exhalation push back with your hips, bringing your seat closer to your heels.

Benefits: stretches low back, hips and thighs, increased blood circulation to head, calms mind and body, helps reduce fatigue

Supported Bridge Pose

  1. Lie on your back, feet flat with a yoga block nearby.
  2. Extend your arms down to your sides.
  3. With feet parallel, press down into the soles of the feet and lift the hips off the floor.
  4. Place the block underneath the sacrum in a comfortable position.
  5. Stay in this position for several minutes. Come out of the pose if you experience any discomfort.
  6. When finished, press into the feet and lift the hips to remove the block and slowly lower to the floor.

Benefits: Reduces anxiety, fatigue, low back pain, headache, insomnia, decreases menstrual discomfort

Astym® Therapy Shown Effective in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow

OFFICIALLY SAY GOOD-BYE TO YOUR TENNIS ELBOW!

“A controlled clinical trial showing the effectiveness of Astym (R) treatment for tennis elbow was presented at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand’s annual meeting. The study showed that Astym treatment was an effective tennis elbow therapy by resolving 78.3% of chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) cases. This figure is consistent with the 80.9% resolution rate for chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) that was contemporaneously reported in the national outcomes database for Astym treatment. This correlation demonstrates the reliability of the Astym outcomes database.”

More support for Astym therapy has just been published. A large, randomized clinical trial showing Astym therapy to be highly effective for tennis elbow, and also demonstrating Astym therapy’s impressive efficacy on recalcitrant tennis elbow, has just been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

This large scale clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of Astym therapy gives even more reason for referral sources and patients to seek out certified Astym providers. Large controlled clinical trials are very important contributions to the literature, and we are pleased that Astym therapy has joined the rare, elite rank of treatments that have quality clinical trials supporting effectiveness and safety.

Please feel free to download and share this clinical trial: https://peerj.com/articles/967.pdf

You don’t have to live with chronic pain! WE CAN HELP!

ASK US ABOUT OUR ASTYM THERAPY AND GET SET UP WITH AN
ASSESSMENT AT: www.TOPSPhysicalTherapy.com OR Call: 602-826-0037

Tricks and Tips to be in Tip TOPS Shape

With the fabulous weather we have in Arizona, everyone is in search year round of a quick fix to become bikini ready/shorts ready/fit. Since consistency is key to creating the body we all desire, we have created a workout schedule for you to follow throughout the week to keep your exercise sessions exciting and to keep your body guessing. By sticking to our plan, you will not have to worry about being “TOPSless” at the beach and pool this summer!

Move It Monday
We like to move it, move it to start our work week out right. Aim for 45-60 minutes of steady state cardio or 20-30 minutes of HIIT (high intensity interval training) outside, on a treadmill, on a bike, or in the pool. Spend some time before or after your workout meditating so you are mindful of your week ahead, and prepare yourself for all the workouts during the week by setting out all your exercise outfits so you will be sure to stay on track!

Tone It Up Tuesday
Use today to tone and sculpt your beautiful body. Try out our sample workout for a quick strength training session..

Warm Up:
Row 1000 M or Run 800 M; complete 3 rounds: 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 squats

Strength:
Back or Front Squat 4 sets x 8 reps
Unweighted Bulgarian Squats 4 sets x 10 reps
Box Jumps 20-30″ 4 sets x 10 reps

METCON:
Complete “Annie” workout for time
50-40-30-20-10 rep rounds of: Double Unders and Sit-ups
If you cannot complete Double Unders with the jump rope, perform twice the amount of single jumps for each round

Work It Out Wednesday
You have made it to hump day, but we still need to work, work, work, work, work today! Get out of your comfort zone today and try a new workout class or mix up your regular routine to keep your body guessing. Strive for 30 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of stretching, core work, and/or meditation. Some of our favorite abdominal exercises include: planks, side planks, Russian twists, bicycles, v-ups, and scissor kicks. Focus your stretches on the hip flexors, piriformis, hamstrings, and calves, and spend at least 5 minutes performing a mindful breathing exercise to slow down your heart rate and calm down your autonomic nervous system.

Throw It Down Thursday
We like to get after it on Thursdays, so be prepared to get your sweat on. Follow our thirsty Thursday workout, and your body with thank you when you are done!

Warm Up:
3 rounds: Run 400 M, 20 KB swings, 15 jump squats, 10 DB rows each arm

Strength:
Bench Press or Inclined Bench Press 4 sets x 8 reps
Resistance Band High Row 4 sets x 12 reps
OH Plate Carry 4 sets x 50 M
KB Farmer Carry 4 sets x 100 M

METCON:
Complete “Fran” workout for time
21-15-9 reps of: Thrusters (front squat to push press) and Pull-ups
Suggested Weight for Thrusters: Men = 95 lbs; Women = 65 lbs

Cool Down:
Couch stretch for 2 minutes on each side

Fit It in Friday

Although everyone is excited for the weekend, do not forget to squeeze in a short 25-45 minutes of cardio or HIIT and at least 5 total body exercises. We know you are all busy and you are tired from the long week, but fitting in a short workout is always better than skipping it. You can do this!

HIIT Workout – repeat cycle 3 times through and rest as much as needed between rounds
  • 1 minute of squats
  • 1 minute of push-ups
  • 1 minute of mountain climbers
  • 1 minute of bench dips
  • 1 minute of burpees
  • 1 minute of crunches
  • 1 minute of jumping lunges
  • 1 minute of planks

Total Body Exercises – choose from any of the following, and complete at least 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Feel free to use your imagination and combine any exercises to challenge the body and increase the complexity of the exercise.

  • Squats
  • Walking Lunges
  • Push-ups
  • RDLs
  • Kettlebell or Dumbbell Swings
  • Step-ups
  • Bicep Curls
  • Sit-ups
  • Lateral Lunges
  • Thrusters (Squat + OH press)
  • Lateral Dumbbell Raises
  • Dumbbell Rows
  • Single leg sit to stand
  • Lat pull downs
  • Bench press
  • Box Jumps

Slow It Down Saturday
It’s the freakin’ weekend! Take today to perform a long, slow run and to spend some time outdoors walking, biking, or hiking. Shoot for 30-60 minutes of cardio today, followed by some much needed stretching and a brunch date with friends. Life is all about balance, so make sure you are taking time to play as hard as you work!

Stretch It Out Sunday
Sunday is your recovery day! Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep tonight, and if you feel like doing something active, opt for a slow recovery walk, foam rolling, or a yoga session. Use the day to prepare all your food, your workouts, and yourself for the busy week ahead!

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR WORKOUT?

Do you feel like hitting snooze and skipping your workout?!? Make sure to follow this readiness assessment every morning and ask yourself the following 3 questions:

  1. Did I sleep for 7 hours?
  2. Do I desire to train?
  3. Am I in a good mood?

If you answered “No” to 2 out of the 3 questions, you should probably consider skipping your training session for the day in favor of 30-60 minutes of walking. Take the time to listen to your body – it is usually trying to tell you something!

For more information about workouts, rehabilitation, wellness, and health, visit www.topsphysicaltherapy.com and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Or if you have a specific question comment on Facebook!

Pregnancy & Physical Therapy 101 – Week 5

Over the past 4 weeks, we have presented you with some basic information for pregnancy and return to activity after pregnancy. Every person is going to be different, and this is purely based on research and experience. Today we are completing this series with more technical information and with some of our resources.

If you would like more information, please contact us, so we can help you individually.

Pelvic floor research:

The overall pelvic floor muscle group has 4 primary functions:

  1. They are supportive and hold your organs up,
  2. They include sphincter muscles to prevent urinary and fecal incontinence,
  3. They contribute to sexual arousal and performance,
  4. And they assist in lumbopelvic stability

Pregnancy and delivery can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction

Think of what can happen if the pelvic floor no longer performs its vital functions well. If the organs of the pelvis are not well supported against gravity and cushioned against pressure, they literally begin to drop. This is known as pelvic organ prolapse.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
    • Parity increases risk (Buchsbaum et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2006)
    • Found in 44% of parous women aged 20-59 (Samuelsson et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999)
    • Urinary incontinence
    • 4% greater in primiparous women (MacLennan, et al. Br J Obstet Gynecol. 2000)
    • 5-6 times more likely with vaginal delivery (Altman et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2006)
    • Reported by 25-75% women postpartum (Gregory, & Nygaard. Clininal Obstet Gynecol. 2004)
  • Dyspareunia
    • Pelvic floor muscle spasm and/or scar tissue following an episiotomy (MacLennan et al. Br J Obstet Gynecol. 2000)

If the superficial sphincter muscles grow weak or are impaired by labor and delivery, women may experience difficulty with evacuating and/ or retaining the contents of their bladder or bowel. This is known as incontinence.

If the pelvic floor muscles that power sexual activity grow weak or are impaired, sexual activity may become painful. This is known as dypareunia. This is not an end-all, be-all symptom. This is something that can be helped!

There is an abundance of information that has been provided over these past few weeks…ultimately, if you are unsure, please contact us, as we would love to help you with your individual needs!

And ultimately, congratulations on your new baby!!

Pregnancy & Physical Therapy 101 – Week 4

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some success stories from new mommies who have utilized our services and have had improved symptoms, both during and after pregnancy. If you are feeling pain, discomfort, or are afraid to start working out, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are here to help 🙂

Pregnancy PT recommendation – I’ve been going to TOPS since its inception, the staff and I have been through a few surgeries, This time we took on pregnancy. Having had 2 shoulders, double mastectomy with reconstruction and a back surgery, I knew my body would need help on this 9 month journey. I didn’t want to do any damage to my joints or have undue stress on my back. As an avid swimmer gaining 30 plus pounds is a whole change and shock to my body. I would go in 1-2 times per week for maintenance therapy. As my weight increased and belly grew my pain and tightening of muscles would shift too. Amy and Chad were able to keep my pelvis in alignment, and break up my tightening fascia to allow me to continue to exercise at a high level. They also had programs designed to adjust with my progress. A very strong core and pelvic floor is key to a healthy pregnancy. I wanted to maintain these key muscle groups to reduce unnecessary stress on my low back, shoulders, and hips. Furthermore, pregnancy is full of leg cramps! Add working out on top and you are primed for the worst cramps of your life. As a pharmacist, I was taking my full vitamin regimen with extra calcium and magnesium to help with these cramps. You also can’t do too much salt when pregnant or you will swell. Again, my weekly PT sessions worked on my legs and the cramping was reduced. I can’t say enough about the staff at TOPS. I love them!

-Lindsey B.

At the beginning of my second trimester I started to have pain in my back and hips. Thinking this was normal pregnancy pain I just dealt with it for a few months. Finally, it got to the point where my belly brace was no longer helping and I went to see Amy at TOPS. She did a few manipulations, re-positioned my hips, and showed me some stretches which my husband could help with at home. This one appointment saved me lots of pain throughout my third trimester and I wish I would have gone in sooner. They even helped me after my C-section, with some strengthening moves, to build my core and pelvic floor back up. I defiantly recommend them to all of my pregnant friends now!!

-Ruth P.

To all of the new and soon-to-be-moms, hope this article helps! I’ve been working with my therapist to strengthen my core postpartum, but have been surprised that many women just jump into a workout routine without any help. Who knew crunches can be bad postpartum?? I didn’t, until I spoke with my therapist. Here is another article that supports and breaks down the benefits of physical therapy for new moms!

-Jenny B.

Abdominal Rehab article from Baby Center:
https://www.babycenter.com/0_abdominal-rehab-tone-your-postpartum-belly_10419294.bc

Pregnancy & Physical Therapy 101- Week 3

Based on these previously mentioned tips, here is first-hand experience from anew mommy, and her road back to running! Her story tells it all…

As a new Mom and runner, I was excited and anxious to get back to running. I knew I was in no physical shape to compete after giving birth to my son but I was anxious to use running as an outlet to have some “Mommy” time alone. I can vividly remember my first run. I knew it was not going to be pretty and only set my goal to complete two miles. Little did I know that that was a lofty goal! I made it half way and was ready for a walking “break.” Since my first run postpartum, I have gradually increased my mileage.

Here are some of her helpful tips that have helped her back out on the road (and treadmill)! You’re missing the road, the trail, the exhilaration and the freedom of going for a run. You’ve spent several months off from this activity due to your pregnancy and delivery. It’s time to return to running but where do you start?

  • First thing first, get your physician’s permission. Typically, you will follow up with your doctor 6-8 weeks postpartum. At this visit, ask your physician if it is okay to begin running again.
  • Start slow, run a short distance, and remember… it is okay to walk! Did you run or workout during your pregnancy? If you did, you may have a better base than someone who did not, but you should still take it slow as your body has gone through several changes. It only takes 48-hours of inactivity or decreased activity to start losing muscle so you most likely have lost muscle mass, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Walking is ok! You can also do 1-minute on/off of run/walk. Cycle through 5-10 times based on how you are feeling.
  • Your body will feel different. While pregnant your body produced increased hormones: estrogen, progesterone, relaxin along with several others, which lead to ligament laxity. And if you breast feed you may continue to experience increased ligament laxity due to increased levels of progesterone. This laxity creates more mobility in the joints, especially in the pelvis, which may lead to pain in the lower back, glutes, pelvis, or pubic bones. Physical therapy can help you through these dysfunctions should they arise.
  • Once you begin running you may experience urinary incontinence or leaking. Do not be afraid to talk to your physician or physical therapist about this! While this is very common among new Moms it is not normal and can be addressed with exercise and/or physical therapy. Kegel exercises are a good place to start to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to address the incontinence (see last week for detailed instructions on how to do this).
  • Talk to your pediatrician about running with your little one in a jogging stroller. Generally, you are able to start jogging with your little one when they have good head control, which is anytime between 4-6 months. Try to stay on a smooth surface and minimize bumps as your baby’s head control is still developing.
  • Remember to hydrate! Hydration is very important, especially if you are breastfeeding your little one. Many jogging strollers have a place for you to put a water bottle or if you don’t carry one then plan your route so there is a water fountain available.
  • Last but not least, enjoy this time!

Pregnancy & Physical Therapy 101 – Week 2

As promised, this week’s pregnancy blog focuses on exercises that are safe to perform while pregnant, and the week’s following the birth of your little gem. **Please check with your doctor before performing these exercises!

Regular exercise after having a baby can help decrease stress levels, increase energy, and improve quality of sleep. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly.

Most physicians and physical therapists recommend waiting six weeks before starting a formal exercise program if you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, or eight weeks if you had a C-section.

Over the course of pregnancy, abdominal muscles and the surrounding connective tissue stretch to accommodate your growing baby. Unfortunately, they don’t magically snap back into shape a few weeks after you give birth. In fact, it can take months to recover and you may need some guidance along the way.

Abdominal rehab is a type of physical therapy to strengthen and tone weak stomach and pelvic muscles to help postpartum women regain core strength and return to their pre-pregnancy body.

The following are a group of exercises you can perform in the comfort of your own home:

Kegels

  • Contract your pelvic floor muscles (those that you would use to stop urinating) by pulling them in. Act is if you were sitting on a cold block of ice pull your pelvic muscles away from it.
  • This is a subtle motion so keep all other muscles relaxed, including your buttocks, legs, and abdominal muscles
  • Don’t forget to keep breathing
  • Practice short, quick contractions as well as longer, sustained contractions
  • As you feel more comfortable try doing kegels in different positions such as sitting/standing and eventually walking/hiking.

Pelvic Tilts

  • Lie on your back with both legs bent, feet flat on the floor, and tighten your stomach. Tilt your pelvis backwards to flatten your back on the floor. Repeat sets of 10 repetitions.
  • When this feels easy, advance by performing the tilt, then slowly lifting one foot a few inches off the ground, place your foot back down and repeat with the other leg, maintaining the pelvic tilt
  • Further advance by straightening one leg, sliding along the table and slowly returning to your staring position, repeat with the other leg, maintaining pelvic tilt.

Bridging

  • Begin lying on your back, both knees bent, feet flat on the floor
  • Contract your glutes, lifting your hips off the floor towards the ceiling
  • Hold for 5 seconds, slowly lower hips back down to the floor
  • Repeat 10 times, perform 2-3 sets

Side Planks

  • Start lying on your side with your body in a straight line.
  • Prop up on your elbow, lifting your hips, so that you maintain a straight line from your nose to your toes.
  • Hold 30 seconds, repeat 2-3 sets each side

Chest Press

  • Start lying on your back, both knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
  • Hold your baby right above your chest, elbows bent
  • Contract your abdominals, performing the pelvic tilt from above, slowly straighten your arms, lifting baby up toward the ceiling and slowly lower back down to starting position
  • Repeat 10 repetitions for 2-3 sets.

Shoulder Press

  • Start standing with feet about shoulder width apart, hold your baby so you are face to face.
  • Contract your stomach and lift your baby up toward the ceiling, pause and slowly lower back down to starting position
  • Repeat 10 repetitions for 2-3 sets.

Squats

  • Start: standing with feet shoulder width apart, wearing your baby in their favorite carrier.
  • Lower your hips down and back, like you are sitting in a chair, making sure to push your knees out so that they stay aligned over your feet.
  • Tip: perform these in front of a mirror to make sure your knees are in alignment.
  • Repeat 10 repetitions for 2-3 sets.
  • Variation: Wall Squats – squat to 90 degree knee bend with your back against the wall and hold 3 x 30 seconds.

Lunges

  • Stand up tall, wearing your baby in his/her favorite carrier
  • Step one foot forward, bending both knees
  • Make sure your front knee doesn’t go forward past your toes, ideally both knees will be at 90 degrees
  • Return to your starting position
  • Repeat 10 times, perform 2-3 sets each leg

Walking

  • Often overlooked, walking can by a simple yet effective form of exercise.
  • Take your baby with you in the stroller starting with 10-15 minutes and gradually increasing.

Exercises to avoid – forward planks, crunches/sit-ups, leg lifts

Crunches won’t fix the problem and will likely make it worse.

Why don’t crunches help?

Traditional sit-ups and crunches target the rectus abdominis (6-pack muscle). But after pregnancy, the connective tissue between these bands of muscle is stretched out, causing each side to pull apart and no longer support your core. Doing regular crunches tends to make the muscles tighter, pushing them further apart and stretching the connective tissue even more so that it grows thinner and weaker.

It may be beneficial for you to see a professional prior to starting exercise. Dysfunctions that may develop and require treatment after pregnancy/delivery include:

  • Diastasis Recti – As mentioned above, the rectus abdominis gets stretched out during pregnancy. If it stretches enough the muscle may separate, leaving a vertical gap that allows your belly to sag through.
  • Low back/Pelvic Pain – Experts estimate that anywhere from 24% to 90% of women experience low back or pelvic-region pain when they are pregnant. Many women find that this pain goes away when the baby is born. However, more than a third of women still have pain 1 year after giving birth.

Damage to the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy or delivery may cause:

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse – This occurs when the organs of the pelvis are not well supported against gravity and cushioned against pressure, causing them to literally begin to drop.
  • Dyspareunia – or pain with intercourse. This can occur when the pelvic floor muscles spasm and/or if scar tissue is present following an episiotomy.
  • Incontinence – difficulty evacuating or retaining the contents of the bladder or bowel. This occurs if the superficial sphincter muscles grow weak or are impaired by labor and delivery.

In many cases, insurance will cover the cost of evaluation and treatment for these dysfunctions. Check with your insurance provider to see if you need a physician’s referral to visit a physical therapist.

Pregnancy & Physical Therapy 101 – Week 1

Our next blog series has been inspired by one of our former bada$$ employees! She decided to start a family, which many of you may remember, because she worked through much of her pregnancy!

Carolyn brings an amazing perspective because she understands the physical therapy side and can bring that knowledge, as well as personal experience, to these entries. We hope you find these as informative and helpful as many other pregnant and new moms have!

From Carolyn: 10 months ago I did not feel like I would ever get my abs back. I had diastasis recti, separation of the abdominal wall. After having two babies so close together, my stomach still looked pregnant months after giving birth. Finally it is going away because I modified my workouts. If you have diastasis recti make sure that you do NOT do traditional sit-ups or planks as they will make it worse. You need to strengthen your core from the inside out.

There is a test you can do to check to see if you have it so you can heal yourself without doing any further damage. The test is: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and the soles of your feet on the floor. Place one hand behind your head and the other hand on your abdomen, with your fingertips across your midline – parallel with your waistline – at the level of your belly button. With your abdominal wall relaxed, gently press your fingertips into your abdomen. Roll your upper body off the floor into a “crunch”, making sure that your ribcage moves closer to your pelvis.

Move your fingertips back and forth across your midline, feeling for the right and left sides of your rectus abdominis muscle. Test for separation at, above, and below your belly button.

If you suspect that you have it, come talk to us at TOPS to see how to best manage this situation. You can also talk to your health care provider on how to proceed further.

Take care of yourself first!!!

Next week we will be posting about safe exercises to perform, and in the future, we will post on a safe return-to-run program.

*For more information and constant updates/inspiration, please follow Carolyn Frye on Facebook. Also check back in with our blog, as we will be doing a series of information regarding this topic!

**Disclaimer: these posts are meant to be informative, but not diagnostic. If you have any further concerns, you can reach out to us, or to your medical provider. We will do our best to help.