Review of: Effects of integrating Feldenkrais method with dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on clinical outcomes

When most people hear the word scoliosis, they think about a curved spine. However, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is more complex than a curve seen on an X-ray. It is a three-dimensional change in the shape and position of the spine that develops during growth. Depending on the individual, scoliosis can affect posture, balance, muscle control, movement, and confidence with physical activity. A 2026 systematic review and network meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living compared different scoliosis-specific exercise programs to see which approaches may be most helpful for improving spinal curvature in adolescents.  The research suggests that exercise may play an important role in conservative scoliosis care, especially when treatment focuses on more than strength alone. What the Study Found Researchers reviewed 24 randomized controlled trials involving 1,149 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The participants were between 8 and 18 years old and had mild to moderate spinal curves. The researchers compared several types of scoliosis-specific exercise, including Schroth exercises, core stabilization, Pilates, balance training, strengthening, task-oriented exercise, and other specialized rehabilitation programs. One combination stood out in the analysis. Schroth exercises combined with sensory integration training ranked highest for improving Cobb angle, which is the measurement commonly used to describe the size of a scoliosis curve. The researchers also evaluated different exercise schedules. Programs lasting approximately 12 to 18 weeks, performed around three times per week for about 30 to 60 minutes, ranked highly in the analysis. However, these results need to be interpreted carefully. The Schroth and sensory integration combination was supported by only one study. Several other comparisons were also based on limited or indirect evidence. The researchers did not conclude that there is one perfect scoliosis exercise program for every patient. Instead, they emphasized that exercise should be individualized based on the patient's curve, physical abilities, risk of progression, tolerance, and access to care. Study Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2026.1847841/full What Is Sensory Integration? Movement depends on more than muscles. Your brain constantly receives information from your joints, muscles, eyes, and inner ear to understand where your body is in space. This process helps control balance, posture, coordination, and movement. Sensory integration training challenges the body to use this information more effectively. Exercises may involve balance, coordination, changes in visual input, or movements that require the arms, legs, and trunk to work together. For someone with scoliosis, this may be important because maintaining a corrected posture is not simply about being told to "stand up straight." The body must learn to recognize its position and control that position during everyday movement. Why the Schroth Method Is Different Schroth exercises were developed specifically for people with scoliosis. Unlike a general strengthening program, Schroth exercises are designed around the individual's spinal curve. They may include: Three-dimensional postural correction Specific breathing techniques Core muscle activation Spinal elongation Balance and postural control Learning how to maintain improved positioning during daily activities The goal is not simply to strengthen the back. It is to help the patient develop better awareness and control of their posture while moving, breathing, sitting, standing, and performing normal activities. The new research suggests that combining this type of active correction with sensory and balance training may be worth studying further. Why This Matters for Adolescents With Scoliosis Scoliosis is often discovered during childhood or adolescence, when the body is still growing. That makes proper monitoring important. Some curves remain relatively stable, while others may progress during periods of rapid growth. Treatment also depends heavily on the severity of the curve. Some patients may only require monitoring and exercise. Others may require bracing, and larger or rapidly progressing curves may need evaluation by a spine specialist. Exercise should not replace appropriate medical monitoring. Instead, scoliosis-specific rehabilitation may be one part of a larger treatment plan designed to improve movement, strength, posture, function, and confidence. This research also reinforces an important point: scoliosis rehabilitation is not simply about trying to make an X-ray look better. Helping an adolescent move well and feel confident using their body matters too. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, scoliosis care begins with understanding the individual patient rather than treating every spinal curve the same way. A patient's age, growth stage, curve severity, symptoms, mobility, strength, balance, and daily activities can all influence the treatment plan. Depending on the patient's needs, care may include: Rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise to improve core strength, postural control, coordination, balance, and movement awareness. Occupational therapy to help patients apply better movement and body awareness to school, sports, exercise, and everyday activities. Chiropractic care to evaluate joint mobility and address mechanical discomfort or movement restrictions when appropriate. Chiropractic care should be viewed as supportive care and is not intended to straighten or eliminate a structural scoliosis curve. Patient and family education to help adolescents understand their condition, stay active, and become more confident with movement. Medical or orthopedic referral when a curve requires additional imaging, bracing, monitoring, or specialist evaluation. Acupuncture or other conservative treatments when appropriate for patients experiencing muscular discomfort or pain alongside their scoliosis. The goal is to support healthy movement while making sure patients receive the level of care their individual curve requires. Building Better Movement, Not Just Better Posture Scoliosis is more than a curve on an X-ray. It can influence the way a person controls posture, distributes movement, and interacts with the world around them. This new research suggests that scoliosis-specific exercise, particularly programs that combine active postural correction with sensory and movement training, may offer meaningful benefits for some adolescents. At the same time, the research is still developing. The highest-ranked exercise combination was supported by limited evidence, so treatment should not be based on one study or one exercise program alone. The best approach starts with a proper evaluation and a plan built around the individual patient. At Thrive Sports & Spine, our goal is to help adolescents with scoliosis build strength, improve movement control, stay active, and receive the appropriate monitoring they need as they continue to grow. Reference: Wang P, Xi Y, Wang X. Comparative efficacy of different scoliosis-specific exercise protocols on Cobb angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2026;8:1847841. doi:10.3389/fspor.2026.1847841.

Tendon pain can show up in many different places. It may feel like shoulder pain when reaching overhead, elbow pain when gripping, or pain around the knee or ankle during exercise. Tendon problems are especially common as we get older, but age is not the only factor that may affect tendon health. A 2026 study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine looked at whether hormone replacement therapy, also called HRT, was associated with certain tendon injuries in women age 45 and older. The researchers found that women using systemic HRT had higher rates of several tendon conditions compared with similar women who were not using HRT. The findings do not mean that HRT directly causes tendon injuries. However, they add to growing research showing that hormones may play an important role in how tendons respond to stress, exercise, and injury. What the Study Found Researchers used a large healthcare database to study women age 45 and older with tendon-related diagnoses. After matching patients for factors such as age, body mass index, health conditions, medications, and other possible risk factors, the researchers compared 63,836 women using systemic HRT with 63,836 women who were not using HRT. Several tendon problems were more common in the HRT group. These included: Rotator cuff tears Bicipital tendinitis Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow Medial epicondylitis, commonly called golfer's elbow For example, rotator cuff tears were reported in 39.2% of the HRT group compared with 37.9% of the non-HRT group. Lateral epicondylitis showed a larger difference, occurring in 27.8% of HRT users compared with 22.7% of non-users. Not every tendon condition showed the same pattern. Rates of Achilles tendinopathy were almost identical between the two groups, and differences in patellar tendinitis were small and not statistically significant. The researchers also found slightly higher rates of several tendon repair surgeries among women using HRT. However, the overall differences between the groups were generally modest. Study Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13213144/ Why Hormones May Matter for Tendon Health Tendons connect muscles to bones and help transfer force when we walk, run, lift, throw, or perform everyday activities. They are made largely of collagen, which gives them strength while still allowing them to handle repeated loading. Estrogen appears to play a role in collagen production, tendon stiffness, and tissue remodeling. During perimenopause and menopause, hormone levels can change significantly. These changes may affect how tendons respond to exercise and recover from repeated stress. Hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed to help manage menopausal symptoms. HRT can provide important benefits for many women, but researchers are still learning how different hormone levels, doses, and treatment methods may affect muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. The authors of this study suggest that tendon health may have a complex relationship with estrogen. Very low estrogen levels may negatively affect collagen production and tendon strength. At the same time, prolonged exposure to higher hormone levels may change tendon stiffness or how the tissue remodels after stress. More research is needed to understand this relationship. What This Means for Active Women This study does not mean women should avoid hormone replacement therapy. HRT is prescribed for many different reasons, and decisions about hormone treatment should always be made with the healthcare provider managing that medication. Women should not stop or change HRT because of this study alone. Instead, the research gives us another factor to consider when evaluating tendon pain. A woman experiencing persistent shoulder, elbow, knee, or ankle pain may have several contributing factors, including: Training volume Repetitive activity Muscle weakness Previous injury Joint mobility Movement mechanics Age Metabolic health Medications Hormonal changes Understanding the full picture can help guide treatment and reduce the chance of simply treating the painful area without addressing other contributing factors. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, we look at tendon pain from both a local and whole-body perspective. The painful tendon is important, but we also evaluate how the surrounding joints, muscles, and movement patterns may be affecting the amount of stress placed on that tissue. Depending on the condition and the patient's individual needs, care may include: Chiropractic care to evaluate joint mobility and biomechanics that may affect how forces move through the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle. Occupational therapy and rehabilitation to improve strength, tendon loading tolerance, coordination, and movement patterns while gradually returning patients to normal activity. Soft tissue treatment to address surrounding muscle and connective tissue restrictions that may affect movement. Shockwave therapy when appropriate for certain chronic tendon conditions to help support the healing process and improve pain and function. Acupuncture as part of a conservative treatment plan to help manage pain and muscular tension. Medical care when symptoms may be influenced by medications, hormonal changes, metabolic conditions, or another health issue requiring further evaluation. Tendon rehabilitation is rarely about complete rest. In many cases, tendons need the correct amount of progressive loading to regain strength and improve their ability to tolerate everyday activity, exercise, and sports. Tendon Pain Is Not Always Just an Overuse Problem It is easy to blame tendon pain on one workout, one repetitive movement, or simply getting older. The reality is often more complicated. This research highlights another piece of the puzzle by suggesting that hormonal factors may be associated with certain tendon conditions in women over age 45. That does not mean hormones are the only reason an injury develops. It means tendon health can be influenced by many factors at the same time.  At Thrive Sports & Spine, our goal is to identify those factors, reduce unnecessary stress on the injured tissue, and help patients rebuild the strength and movement needed to return to the activities they enjoy. If shoulder, elbow, knee, or ankle pain keeps returning or is limiting exercise and daily activities, a thorough evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the problem and what type of treatment is appropriate. Reference: Bcharah G, et al. Association Between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Incidence of Tendon Injuries and Surgical Repair in Perimenopausal Women: A Propensity Score-Matched National Cohort Study. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026;14(5):23259671261428457. doi:10.1177/23259671261428457.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve problems affecting the hand and wrist. Many people know it for causing numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hand. Symptoms often become worse at night or during activities that involve repeated hand and wrist movements. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. For years, treatment and research have focused mainly on this mechanical pressure. However, new research suggests there may be more happening inside the body than compression alone. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome also showed differences in several inflammatory and tissue-repair markers in the blood. What the Study Found Researchers reviewed seven observational studies involving 609 adults with and without carpal tunnel syndrome. They compared blood levels of several inflammatory markers between people diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and healthy control groups. The researchers found higher levels of several markers in people with carpal tunnel syndrome, including CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, IL-4, VEGF, and TGF-beta. These substances are involved in processes such as inflammation, immune activity, blood vessel growth, tissue repair, and fibrosis. Not every inflammatory marker was elevated. Several commonly studied markers, including IL-6 and TNF-alpha, did not show consistent differences between the groups. The researchers concluded that carpal tunnel syndrome may be associated with a more complex inflammatory and pro-fibrotic profile than previously understood. However, this does not mean inflammation has been proven to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. All of the studies included in the review were observational. The researchers could not determine whether these inflammatory changes contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, develop because of nerve compression, or are related to other health conditions. Study Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/14/5545 Why This Matters for People With Hand Numbness and Tingling Carpal tunnel syndrome is still considered a compression problem involving the median nerve at the wrist. The new research does not change that. Instead, it suggests that the condition may involve more than pressure alone. Nerves are living tissues. When a nerve is placed under repeated pressure, its blood supply, movement, and ability to function normally can be affected. Over time, the surrounding tissues may also change. This may help explain why two people with similar wrist positions or work demands can experience very different symptoms. Some people may have mild tingling that comes and goes. Others may develop constant numbness, grip weakness, hand fatigue, or difficulty performing normal activities. Symptoms can also be affected by other health factors. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis, obesity, pregnancy, and menopause have all been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This is one reason a proper evaluation is important. Hand numbness should not automatically be assumed to be carpal tunnel syndrome. Problems involving the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, or other peripheral nerves can sometimes produce similar symptoms. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, our goal is to look beyond the location of pain and understand what may be contributing to the problem.  For someone experiencing hand numbness, tingling, weakness, or wrist pain, the first step is determining whether the symptoms are actually consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. A treatment plan may include: Chiropractic care to evaluate joint mobility and mechanical problems involving the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and spine when these areas are contributing to the patient's symptoms. Occupational therapy and rehabilitation to improve wrist and hand function, grip strength, movement patterns, nerve mobility, and the ability to perform work and daily activities. Soft tissue treatment when tight or irritated muscles and connective tissues in the forearm and upper extremity may be affecting movement or increasing stress around the nerve. Acupuncture as a conservative option that may be used to help manage pain and other symptoms as part of a larger treatment plan. Activity and ergonomic changes to reduce repeated wrist stress and improve positioning during work, exercise, and everyday tasks. Medical evaluation when symptoms are severe, persistent, or progressing, especially when significant weakness, muscle loss, or other neurological changes are present. More advanced cases may also require nerve conduction testing, electromyography, injections, or a surgical consultation depending on the severity of nerve compression. The important part is matching treatment to the individual patient rather than assuming that every case of hand numbness should be treated the same way. Looking Beyond the Wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome may seem simple at first: a nerve gets compressed at the wrist and symptoms develop in the hand. Research is showing us that the full picture may be more complicated. This new review suggests that inflammatory and tissue-remodeling processes may also be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. More research is needed before these findings change how the condition is diagnosed or treated, but they give us a better understanding of what may be happening around an irritated nerve. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we use current research along with a thorough examination to help determine what is contributing to each patient's symptoms. If numbness, tingling, weakness, or hand pain is interfering with work, exercise, sleep, or normal daily activities, getting the correct diagnosis is the first step toward building the right treatment plan. Reference: Walaszek I, Giżewska-Kacprzak K, Grochans S, Rachubińska K, Grochans E, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Cybulska AM. Inflammation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Immune Profile. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2026;15(14):5545. doi:10.3390/jcm15145545.

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare. It can affect athletes, active adults, people who sit all day for work, and older adults trying to stay independent. With so many treatment options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. A 2026 review published in The Lancet Rheumatology looked at clinical practice guidelines from around the world to see how experts currently recommend treating non-specific low back pain. The researchers also compared how these recommendations have changed over the past 30 years. What the Research Found Researchers reviewed 32 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of non-specific low back pain. For acute low back pain , commonly recommended treatments included staying active, heat therapy, spinal manipulation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when appropriate. For chronic low back pain , recommendations placed a greater focus on exercise, psychological approaches, multidisciplinary care, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation, often as part of a larger treatment plan. One of the biggest themes across the guidelines was that low back pain should not always be treated with one single approach. Treatment should be based on the patient's symptoms, health history, function, and individual needs. The guidelines also support properly evaluating patients before treatment and avoiding unnecessary testing or treatment when it is unlikely to improve care. Study Link: The Lancet Rheumatology: Towards Global Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care Why This Matters for People With Low Back Pain When your back hurts, it is natural to want one treatment that will fix the problem. However, low back pain can be influenced by many different factors. Joint mobility, muscle strength, movement patterns, physical activity, work demands, sleep, stress, and previous injuries can all play a role in how someone experiences and recovers from back pain. This is why modern guidelines increasingly support active and conservative care rather than relying on one treatment alone. For many patients, getting better may involve reducing pain while also restoring movement, rebuilding strength, and gradually returning to normal activities. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for low back pain. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient to determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and which treatments are appropriate for their individual needs. Our approach may include: Chiropractic care to improve joint mobility, movement, and spinal mechanics when manipulation or mobilization is appropriate. Occupational therapy and rehabilitation to improve mobility, strength, stability, movement patterns, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Acupuncture as a conservative option for helping manage pain and supporting a more complete treatment plan. Exercise and patient education to help patients become more confident with movement and build the strength needed for long-term improvement. Medical care when appropriate to evaluate more complex conditions, discuss medication options, or determine when additional testing or referral may be necessary. The goal is not simply to make your back feel better for a few hours. We want to understand why you are having difficulty moving, identify the factors we can change, and help you return to work, exercise, sports, and everyday life with greater confidence. Better Low Back Pain Care Starts With the Right Plan Low back pain is common, but that does not mean every patient should receive the same treatment. This review of modern clinical guidelines reinforces something we see every day at Thrive Sports & Spine: successful low back pain care often combines appropriate hands-on treatment with movement, exercise, education, and other conservative options based on the patient's needs. Whether your pain started recently or has been bothering you for months, the right first step is a thorough evaluation followed by a treatment plan built around your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. Reference:  Oliveira CB, Koes BW, Pinto RZ, Traeger AC, Machado GC, Lin C-WC, Hayden JA, Hartvigsen J, Jones CMP, Chen Q, Chiarotto A, Maher CG. Towards global clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain in primary care: a review of current guideline recommendations and how they have changed over the last 30 years. The Lancet Rheumatology. 2026;8(6). doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(26)00077-9.

Low back pain is something nearly everyone experiences at some point in life. In fact, research estimates that up to 80% of adults will deal with low back pain, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. When back pain becomes chronic, many people wonder: "Should I just strengthen my core?" Or... "Can I still lift weights?" A recent randomized controlled trial suggests the answer may surprise you. The Study Researchers followed adults with chronic low back pain for 12 weeks . Everyone participated in a weekly rehabilitation exercise class. However, half of the participants also completed one additional 45-minute whole-body strength training workout each week using resistance machines. The researchers wanted to know if adding full-body strength training would improve: Pain Strength Function Pain sensitivity compared to rehabilitation exercise alone. The Results Both groups reported improvements in pain over time. But the group performing whole-body strength training experienced several additional benefits. They demonstrated: Increased trunk (core) strength Reduced sensitivity to pressure over the low back Continued pain improvements one month after the program ended Perhaps most importantly, the researchers found that stronger trunk muscles were associated with lower pain sensitivity. What Does "Pain Sensitivity" Mean? Pain isn't always about damaged tissue. When someone has chronic low back pain, the nervous system can become more sensitive over time. Think of it like a car alarm that's become overly sensitive. Instead of only going off when someone hits the car, it starts sounding because of rain or wind. The same thing can happen with chronic pain. Normal movement begins to feel painful even though the tissues themselves may be healthy. The study found that whole-body strength training helped decrease this sensitivity, suggesting it may positively influence how the nervous system processes pain—not just strengthen muscles. Why Whole-Body Strength Matters Many rehabilitation programs focus almost entirely on "core exercises." While core stability remains important, your spine doesn't function in isolation. Everyday activities require your entire body to work together. Whether you're: Carrying groceries Lifting your child Playing golf Gardening Returning to the gym Working a physically demanding job your hips, legs, shoulders, and trunk all contribute to protecting your back. Improving total-body strength allows these muscles to share the workload, reducing unnecessary stress on the lumbar spine. Does This Mean Heavy Lifting Is Safe? For many people—yes. When appropriately prescribed and progressed, resistance training is considered one of the recommended treatments for chronic low back pain. That doesn't mean jumping into maximal deadlifts on day one. Instead, it means gradually building strength with exercises matched to your current abilities and goals. Movement Is Medicine One of the biggest messages from this study is that avoiding movement isn't usually the answer. Many people with chronic back pain become fearful of bending, lifting, or exercising. Unfortunately, prolonged inactivity often leads to: Muscle weakness Deconditioning Reduced confidence Increased stiffness Greater pain over time A structured strengthening program helps reverse that cycle. How Occupational Therapy Can Help At Thrive Sports & Spine, occupational therapy isn't just about reducing pain—it's about helping you return to the activities that matter most. Treatment may include: Progressive strengthening Functional lifting mechanics Core stabilization Mobility exercises Balance training Manual therapy Activity modification Home exercise progression Rather than avoiding movement, we help you build confidence so you can safely return to work, exercise, hobbies, and everyday life. Chiropractic Care Can Complement Strength Training Joint stiffness can contribute to altered movement patterns and muscle compensation. Our chiropractors work alongside occupational therapy to restore mobility where needed, allowing strengthening exercises to be performed more comfortably and efficiently. Acupuncture May Help Manage Chronic Pain For patients whose pain limits exercise participation, acupuncture may help: Reduce pain Decrease muscle tension Improve relaxation Support recovery between therapy sessions This can make it easier to stay active while progressing through rehabilitation. The Takeaway For years, chronic low back pain was often treated with rest. Today's research tells a different story. This study suggests that adding whole-body strength training to a rehabilitation program can improve trunk strength and reduce pain sensitivity, while also supporting meaningful improvements in chronic low back pain. The goal isn't simply having a "strong core." It's building a stronger, more resilient body that allows you to move with confidence again. Ready to Get Stronger? If chronic low back pain has been keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, our multidisciplinary team can help. We'll evaluate how you move, identify the factors contributing to your pain, and create a personalized rehabilitation plan designed to help you get back to living—not just managing your symptoms. Reference Tomschi, F., Meder, K., & Hilberg, T. (2026). Effects of Whole-Body Strength Training on Pain and Strength in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Running is one of the easiest and healthiest forms of exercise. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, running improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, and boosts mental health. Unfortunately, it also comes with a downside. Research shows that 25-30% of all running-related injuries occur at the knee , making it the most commonly injured joint in runners. The good news? Many of these injuries are preventable.  What Causes Running Knee Injuries? A recent systematic review analyzed 20 different studies involving endurance runners to identify what consistently increases the risk of knee injuries. Instead of finding one single cause, researchers discovered that knee pain usually develops from multiple factors working together. The three biggest risk factors were: Previous knee or running injury Training too much or progressing too quickly Biomechanical factors (how your body moves while running) The Biggest Predictor: Previous Injury One of the strongest findings from the review was that runners who had been injured before were much more likely to get injured again. Why? After an injury, many runners return to training before they've fully recovered. Even if the pain is gone, there may still be: Muscle weakness Poor balance Reduced flexibility Changes in running mechanics Decreased shock absorption Without addressing these issues, the body often compensates, increasing stress on other joints and tissues. More Miles Isn't Always Better Many runners believe that more training automatically leads to better performance. Not necessarily. The review found that rapid increases in weekly mileage, longer training hours, and higher overall training loads consistently increased the risk of knee injuries. Your body needs time to adapt. When muscles, tendons, and joints don't have enough recovery time, repetitive stress begins to build faster than your body can repair it. This is when overuse injuries begin to develop. Running Form Matters Researchers also found that movement patterns can influence injury risk. Some runners demonstrated: Increased pelvic tilt Poor hip control Excessive trunk lean Abnormal knee loading Reduced shock absorption These movement patterns may place additional stress on structures around the knee, especially during longer runs. It's important to remember that there is no single "perfect" running form. Instead, the goal is to identify movement patterns that may be contributing to your specific pain. Common Running Knee Injuries The review highlighted three conditions that occur most often. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) Often felt around or behind the kneecap. Pain usually worsens with: Running hills Stairs Squatting Sitting for long periods Contributors include poor hip strength, altered mechanics, and training errors. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome) Pain develops on the outside of the knee. This condition is commonly associated with: Increased training volume Hip and pelvic control deficits Running biomechanics Previous injury history Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee) Pain occurs just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. Risk increases with: High training volume Tight hamstrings Previous knee injury Poor load management How Occupational Therapy Can Help At Thrive Sports & Spine, occupational therapy focuses on helping runners return to the activities they love. Treatment may include: Strengthening weak hips and legs Improving flexibility and mobility Addressing balance and stability deficits Correcting movement patterns during functional activities Building a gradual return-to-running program Reducing pain while improving performance Rather than simply treating symptoms, we work to identify why the injury developed in the first place. Chiropractic Care Can Improve Movement Restricted joints can alter the way forces travel through the body while running. Our chiropractors evaluate spinal, pelvic, and lower-extremity mobility to help restore efficient movement and reduce unnecessary stress on the knees. Acupuncture Can Help Manage Pain For runners dealing with persistent soreness or overuse injuries, acupuncture may help: Reduce pain Decrease muscle tension Promote relaxation Support recovery between training sessions Prevention Is Better Than Recovery The biggest lesson from this review is that most running injuries don't happen because of one bad run. Instead, they develop gradually through a combination of previous injury, excessive training, and movement patterns over time. If you're preparing for a race—or simply enjoy running for fitness—taking the time to improve strength, mobility, and recovery can help keep you healthy for miles to come. Ready to Keep Running Pain-Free? Whether you're training for your next marathon or just getting started, our multidisciplinary team can help you move better, recover faster, and reduce your risk of injury. From gait assessments and strength training to manual therapy and personalized rehabilitation, we'll build a plan that keeps you doing what you love. Reference Senthil, K., Whitaker, S., Goodloe, J., et al. (2026). Common Risk Factors for Knee Injuries in Runners: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

Many people think chronic low back pain is simply caused by sore muscles or a "bad back." However, new research suggests that long-lasting back pain affects much more than the spine. It can change how your body processes pain, reduce your physical fitness, and even impact your mental well-being. What Did the Study Find? Researchers compared adults with chronic low back pain to healthy individuals to better understand how pain affects the body. They discovered that people with chronic low back pain had: Higher levels of anxiety and depression More pain catastrophizing (expecting the worst from pain) Greater signs of pain sensitivity, also known as central sensitization Reduced walking endurance during a 6-minute walking test The researchers also found that pain sensitivity and psychological stress explained about 60% of the differences in walking ability , showing that chronic pain affects much more than just the muscles and joints. Your Nervous System Can Become More Sensitive When pain lasts for months, your nervous system can become overly sensitive. This process, called central sensitization , means your brain and spinal cord begin to amplify pain signals. As a result: Normal movements may feel painful. Minor aches can feel much worse than expected. Pain may continue even after tissues have healed. This helps explain why many people continue experiencing back pain even when imaging shows only mild changes. Chronic Pain Can Affect Your Fitness The study found that individuals with chronic low back pain walked significantly shorter distances than healthy adults. This often happens because people begin avoiding movement due to fear of pain. Unfortunately, less movement can lead to: Muscle weakness Reduced endurance Poor conditioning Increased stiffness Greater disability over time The good news is that safely increasing movement can help reverse this cycle. Your Mind and Body Work Together One of the biggest findings from this research is that psychological health and physical health are closely connected. People experiencing more: Anxiety Depression Fear of movement Pain catastrophizing also tended to have poorer walking performance and greater pain sensitivity. This does not mean the pain is "all in your head." Instead, it shows that chronic pain is influenced by both the body and the nervous system. Treating only one piece of the puzzle often isn't enough. How Our Team Can Help At Thrive Sports & Spine, we use a team-based approach to address the many factors contributing to chronic low back pain. Occupational Therapy (OT) Our occupational therapists help patients: Restore strength and endurance Improve movement patterns and body mechanics Increase walking tolerance Reduce fear of movement through graded exercise Return to work, hobbies, exercise, and everyday activities safely Chiropractic Care Our chiropractors help improve: Joint mobility Spinal mechanics Overall movement efficiency This can decrease stiffness and improve how the body moves throughout the day. Acupuncture Acupuncture may help: Reduce pain Calm an overactive nervous system Improve relaxation Support the body's natural healing process Medical Providers Our medical team can: Evaluate persistent pain Rule out underlying medical conditions Coordinate medications or additional treatments when appropriate Ensure you're receiving the right care at the right time The Best Results Come From Treating the Whole Person This study reinforces an important message: Successful treatment of chronic low back pain goes beyond treating the spine alone. By improving: Strength Endurance Movement quality Pain sensitivity Confidence with activity patients can often move with less pain and enjoy a higher quality of life. Don't Let Chronic Back Pain Control Your Life If you've been living with back pain for months—or even years—you don't have to simply "learn to live with it." Our multidisciplinary team works together to identify the factors contributing to your pain and create a personalized treatment plan that helps you: Move better Feel stronger Reduce pain Improve confidence Get back to doing the activities you enjoy Every journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation and a plan tailored specifically to your goals. Study Link https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-026-08634-8  Reference Yeung, M. J. L. C., Fok, F. H. Y., Kwan, J. W. L., Lui, C. W. S., & Tsang, S. M. H. (2026). Profile and association between pain sensitivity and physical fitness in individuals with chronic low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 27, 586.

As we get older, aches and pains often become part of everyday life. Back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness can make it harder to stay active and enjoy the things you love. Many older adults are interested in chiropractic care but wonder if it is safe for their age. A new systematic review published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies helps answer that important question.

Heel pain can make even simple activities like walking the dog, exercising, or standing through a work shift uncomfortable. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition involving irritation of the thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. While many people improve with stretching, supportive footwear, and activity modification, others continue to experience pain for months despite trying multiple treatments. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined how radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) affects patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that had not responded to conservative care.