Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is an inflammation of the forearm tendons (most commonly the Exensor Carpi Radials Brevis Muscle). This inflammation occurs as a result of hand and wrist overuse. When repetitive gripping and carrying activity occurs over a period of time, micro tears can occur in the tissue causing pain, inflammation and limitations with activity.  The pain is typically describes as “achy” or “sharp” depending on how long you have had it. Symptoms occur on the lateral aspect of the elbow and may radiate into the forearm or into the back of the arm. Tennis elbow occurs in people primarily between ages 30-50.   When evaluating the elbow, proper screening of…

With the warm weather arriving, most will be looking to purchase new summer footwear.  While looking for something stylish is important, I recommend finding a sandal with good support as well.  If your footwear has no contour or support, the body’s foundation is weakened. In turn, this can place increased stress on different parts of the body.   Activestyle PT has researched and found FIVE styles that will give you continuous support throughout the summer.  #1 – Vionic Women’s Bella ll Sandal This sporty, casual sandal has a lightweight, shock absorbing midsole with built in orthotic that hugs the arch. Vionic footwear holds the APA seal of Acceptance Award. It comes…

Tight pectoralis muscles can lead to a variety of issues. If the proper length of these chest muscles is not maintained, it can lead to abnormal shoulder mechanics, rounded posture and ultimately stress to the upper spine. Significant tightness to these muscles can also lead to compression of the blood flow and neural structures that travel across the front of the shoulder. There are multiple ways to stretch the chest muscles. One that I utilize most is the supine pec stretch, either on a platform (as pictured below) or foam roller. The arms are dropped outward using gravitational pull to bring you into a sustained stretch. It’s important to vary…