Eagle River PT Offers Health and Fitness Tips for College Freshmen

The struggle new college students experience is real, says Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson. The ability to stay active and lead a healthful lifestyle is such a common challenge to young adults entering college, Wilson points out that it’s often stigmatized up in the term “The Freshman 15.”  “When a recent high school graduate first goes off to college, they’re […]

Mind your Back(pack) during Back-to-School

From homework and tests to extra-curricular activities, students already shoulder plenty of weight during back-to-school time. Their backpacks should be the least of their worries, says Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson.  “Backpacks are so practical, but they’re also so easy to misuse,” said Wilson, owner of Ideal Motion Physical Therapy in Eagle River. “If they’re too heavy or just worn incorrectly, backpacks can cause […]

Muscle Balance, Not Just Strength, is Critical for Health and Athletic Performance

Muscle Balance

While working to build a solid and stable foundation is certainly a critical component to personal health and athletic performance, Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson warns that focusing only on muscle strength can, over time, make a person more susceptible to injury. “Achieving optimal muscle balance, not just strength, is critical both for improving […]

Cycling Tip: Fit Your Bike with Your Body

While cycling offers an incredible alternative to high-compression exercises such as running, an improper bike fit can lead cyclists down a path toward a whole host of different muscular and joint issues, says Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson. “Bike fitting is about more than just making sure the frame fits your size,” said Wilson, […]

Protect your back in the yard & garden this spring

Longer, warmer days mean more time outdoors – and more time in the yard and garden raking, lifting, digging, hauling, spreading, pushing, and so on. Whether you consider this work enjoyable or intolerable, Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson has a message for all who partake in gardening and landscaping this spring: watch your back. […]

Bad posture can ‘sneak up’ as shoulder pain as you age

Shoulder pain in older adults often appears suddenly, as if caused by a sudden trauma or injury. But for many, says Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson, shoulder injuries are often the result of musculoskeletal conditions directly associated with aging and, more specifically, weakening posture. “Some people may think ‘I slept on it wrong’ or […]

Repetitive movements can cause pain, injury in new parents

While injuries such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow — known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) — are often linked to an occupation or some type of sports or recreation activity, Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson points out that the physical rigors of parenting can often lead to a similar level of pain and discomfort.  The continual lifting, carrying, reaching […]

Exercise May Improve Your Memory

Orthopedic professionals such as physicians and physical therapists often refer to the human body’s kinetic chain – the notion that all bones, joints and “links” are connected, and that movement in one area can affect function in all areas.  While not officially part of the kinetic chain, it turns out the human brain is affected […]

Be safe by being aware of the signs of overtraining

As the New Year serves as the starting line for many who are bound and determined to get into shape this year, Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson is quick to remind well-meaning people that overtraining is a real thing – and if it’s not identified early, it can derail your efforts before they truly get started.  “Being a physical […]

Ward off holiday stress through exercise

When the holiday season leaves sleepless and tense from the stresses of commitments, crowds, shopping and entertaining, Eagle River physical therapist Chris Wilson has a suggestion: sweat away that stress by making exercise a part of your holiday tradition. “Pretty much any form of exercise, whether it’s walking, running, lifting weights or taking a yoga […]