HEALTHY BODY

NOW Live Your Best Life

Everybody knows that stress is bad. High levels of daily stress cause your body to release Cortisol, the stress hormone that leads to weight gain, depression, and inflammation in the body which negatively affects every organ system in the body, and on top of it all a weakened immune system. And with all the craziness the past 2 years, stress levels are at an all time high, and its time to take care of yourself and start living your best life now. As a Physical Therapist for over 25 years, I can tell you that one of the symptoms of stress is muscle tension leading to that neck and back pain that we all know so well. If you go see your doctor he will most likely put you on a cocktail of drugs that really do not solve the problem or change your pain at all. On the bright side, there are solutions.

A good Physical Therapist is trained to locate the source of your pain, whether it is tension in the muscles, stiffness in the joints or in the vertebrae in your spine and then release it. Physical therapists have a wide variety of techniques they can use to melt the muscle tightness, improve the mobility of the spine, stretch the muscles, and incorporate specific exercises into your program designed to correct posture and keep the tightness from coming back. Choose a Physical Therapist that works with you one-on-one and is hands-on. One session

of really good therapy from a skilled PT is better than 12 sessions of just exercises you "could have done at home." In addition to hands-on muscle releasing techniques from your expert Physical Therapist, the right kind of exercise is key to stress elimination. One of my favorite stress busting workouts is Pilates because it stimulates the mindbody connection, stretches your back out, and leaves you feeling energized and ready to take on the day! Each movement involves engaging your core muscles, aligning your spine, and lengthening your muscles and the result is toned arm, leg, back and core muscles, improved flexibility, better posture, enhanced spinal mobility, and decreased stiffness and tension in the body. All of these benefits will leave you feeling better, sleeping better, and being happier. Pilates is also known to improve libido and strengthen your pelvic Michele Gust floor muscles which is always a good thing, especially for the

Owner, Physical Therapist aging body. And why not age gracefully while you are at it! It South Miami Physical Therapy sure beats the alternative! and Pilates At South Miami Physical Therapy & Pilates, we specialize in hands-on therapy, one-on-one attention with our clients, incorporating a Pilates-based rehab into treatment. So isn't it time to live your best life now?

9028 SW 152nd St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 305.661.1612 www.SouthMiamiPTPilates.com