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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2012 — With the first day of spring right around the corner (March 20), it’s as important as ever to make sure your body is ready to head outside and take advantage of the warmer weather. Remember though, many of us have been lying semi-dormant all winter, and it’s likely that our bodies are experiencing some aches and pains that should be identified and treated before we become fully active again.
Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers–the largest physical therapist owned and managed practice in the U.S.–offers a complimentary injury evaluation, which is the perfect first step of your spring “tune up.” Whether you are an individual who is experiencing pain, has suffered a specific injury, or would like to improve your physical performance, Accelerated can help. The injury evaluation is a hands-on, musculoskeletal assessment that includes muscle strength testing, specific joint testing, a total body flexibility evaluation, injury prevention consultation, and physician referrals.
After the evaluation is complete, Accelerated’s talented team of highly qualified clinicians discusses with you treatment options and the recommended course of care. Accelerated ensures that you will have access to the information you need to make the best health care choices for you and your family. From start to finish, we are focused on improving your health, your well-being, and most of all, your quality of life.
“Many of us are over-ambitious, and tend to do too much to make up for the more sedentary winter months,” said Liz Yerly, physical therapist, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers. “As a result, we over-exert and wear ourselves down before we know what’s happened. I am very excited that Accelerated offers the free injury evaluation, as it is a great way to promote wellness, help our patients build themselves up physically, and ultimately, be better prepared to start moving.”
In addition to taking advantage of the free injury evaluations, the well-trained, professional staff of Accelerated also recommends that you take some other “steps” to start building up your body and energy level for the longer days of spring that will surely be filled with more activity:
Start slowly and build up gradually. If you’re just beginning to exercise, start cautiously and progress slowly. Warm up and cool down with easy walking and stretching. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. If you have an injury or a medical condition, consult your doctor or Accelerated physical therapist for help designing an appropriate fitness program.
Walk, walk, walk. Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. This form of exercise is accessible to just about everybody, and most importantly, there are many health benefits; so do it whenever you can.
Build activity into your daily routine. Walk on the treadmill while watching television, ride a stationary bike while reading, and climb stairs while doing your chores at home.
Be creative. Different activities can help you avoid exercise boredom as well as reduce your chances of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. It’s a good idea to include in your workout routine various activities, such as walking, bicycling, swimming, rowing, strength training, and even dancing.
Listen to your body. If you feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, take a break. You may be pushing yourself too hard. It’s also important to take days off, as your body needs time to rest and recover. A realistic goal for most adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week.
The Accelerated team of more than 760 physical and occupational therapists, along with other rehabilitation specialists, is certified in many specialties, and continue to advance their skills through continuing education and specialized training. So if you’re feeling unprepared for the transition to spring, or recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, you can be certain that you will receive exceptional care that is guaranteed to meet your very specific needs. Let the well-trained, professional staff of Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers give you their expert opinion on your next move.
About Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers
Chicago-based Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers is a premier provider of a wide array of comprehensive patient services and specialized rehabilitation programs. Since 1989, Accelerated has grown to over 230 outpatient rehabilitation centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Arizona, becoming the top choice for many professional athletes, large employers, and busy professionals. For more information about Accelerated, call 1-877-97-REHAB, or visit www.acceleratedrehab.com.
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