Simpatico Physical Therapy, Health and Wellness

12/31/2025

12/18/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
Diaphragmatic breathing involves the descent of the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity during inhalation, pulling air into the lungs, then the passive relaxation back into a dome shape at the base of the ribcage during exhalation to expel air. This pattern often gets disrupted by shallow and/or mouth breathing, poor posture, and stress, where breathing starts to shift dependence to the neck and shoulder muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing combined w/ nasal breathing stimulates the parasympathetic (rest & repose) system, facilitating a counterbalance to the sympathetic (fight or flight) system. It impacts ventilatory efficiency, circulation, pelvic floor function, and stress management.

11/14/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

ROLLING
This month’s movement is simple: rolling. The ability to perform this motion requires trunk mobility and control. Attempt to complete this motion without or as little assistance from the arms or legs. The less assistance you need from your limbs, the stronger and more stable the trunk.

10/31/2025

Women over 65 who started strength training for the first time didn't just slow the decline of bone density — they actually increased it, according to a randomized study cited by Dr. Peter Attia. Attia says it's proof it's never too late to start.

YOU READ THAT RIGHT!

10/10/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

PRONE TO STAND SEQUENCE
This flow of movement stems from the developmental sequence in early childhood. It encompasses full body mobility and all body strength combined with balance to move from lying down to standing position. Because it requires so many factors, it can expose brewing limitations in our mobility, strength, and balance that we otherwise may not see on a day-to-day basis. The ability to preserve control over this motion reduces fall risk and ensures fall recovery capability.

09/06/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

JUMP (soft landing)
Jumping is fundamental in our ability to run, avoid obstacles, and balance recovery (fall prevention). It also stimulates bone regeneration, assisting in preservation of bone density. As adults, we often lose the playful spontaneity of jumping and lose the consistent stimulation from jumping activities. Consequently, we experience a gradual decline in strength, balance, and mobility before we realize the extent of the changes. So, jump, jump, jump around!

08/08/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

EXTENDED ARM HANG (dead hang)
This month’s movement brings us back to the playground. Extended arm hangs require us to hold our body weight using our upper body strength, especially our grip. Research shows that grip strength is linked with healthy aging and longevity. The mobility of the neck, shoulder, and thoracic spine, as well as body weight, are all factors that impact a person’s ability to hold this position. The preservation of this skill promotes strong grip strength, good upper body mobility, and healthy body weight. Optimal hang time varies by age and gender, but generally, the longer you can hold it, the better. So, the next time you see a playground, check out those monkey bars!

07/10/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

CONTROLLED STEP
The ability to control ascending and descending a step requires trunk stabilization to position our center of gravity over the ankle. It also requires activation of the hip muscles to maintain the knee in line with the hip and ankle to minimize rotational motion and uneven motion. While day to day household steps do not enlist this level of control and stability, especially when railings are used, the ability to perform this movement pattern with control ensures adequate lower quarter mobility, core stability, leg strength, coordination, and balance necessary for the preservation of function, as well as joint protection and injury prevention.

06/05/2025

At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.

PELVIC TILTS
Pelvic tilts involve moving the pelvis slowly forward and back to move the lumbar spine (low back) from an extended and flexed position without using upper body movement. This slow controlled segmental motion gives us awareness and control over every degree of motion available within the low back. The ability to do this enables us to make subtle adjustments to our back position during activity to provide stability, as well as relieve pressure and tension for injury prevention.

06/01/2025

Simpatico Physical Therapy, Health and Wellness is about helping EVERYONE, no matter who you are, who you love, what you believe, or where you come from. Happy Pride Month! Wear it proudly and take care of yourself ❤️

05/17/2025

Stop using age as a diagnosis or excuse. You can always get better. Don't know where to start? Something hindering you? Come see us at Simpatico. We will find your obstacles, knock 'em down, teach you well, and get you going!

05/11/2025

Tom Kalka from Sarge Boot Camp Studio came to Simpatico after noticing some movement problems while teaching an exercise class. He doesn't have any pain, but wants to know why he can't move. Our Functional Movement Screen can find the hidden issues. Check out his session with us!