Age Is Just a Number, Not a Diagnosis

September 18, 2025

We live in a culture that often equates aging with decline. Wrinkles, gray hair, or an MRI report showing “arthritis” or “disc degeneration” are sometimes seen as proof that something is wrong. But here’s the truth: age is not a pathology. Getting older is a normal part of life, and many of the changes that

How to Meal Plan and Prep for the Family on the Go

September 3, 2025

It’s the beginning of a new school year and you have made a resolution to eat more healthy foods. You take the step to go grocery shopping and stock up with healthy options. You get home after a long and busy day and you feel tired, need to get something together quickly so you can

Recovery Expectations: Why Healing Takes Time

September 3, 2025

When pain has been around for three months or more, recovery often takes longer than most people expect. The simple truth is this: the longer your body has been dealing with an issue, the more time and consistency it usually takes to truly heal. At New Life PT, our goal isn’t just to reduce your

IT Band Syndrome: Is It a Real Thing?

August 5, 2025

You’ve probably heard someone say, “My IT band is so tight!” or maybe you’ve felt that ache or sharp pain along the outside of your thigh or knee yourself. It’s often labeled as “IT Band Syndrome,” and many runners, cyclists, or weekend warriors are told to stretch or foam roll it endlessly. But here’s the

Is Your Balance as Good as You Think? Simple At-Home Tests to Check

July 29, 2025

As we age, maintaining good balance is crucial to staying independent, active, and safe. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults—but the good news is many falls are preventable. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to regularly assess your balance and strength. Below are three simple,

Top 5 Exercises to Relieve Lower Back Pain at Home

July 9, 2025

(And How to Know Which Ones Are Right for You) Lower back pain is incredibly common. In fact, it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide. If you’re struggling with back pain, you’re not alone. But here’s the tricky part: back pain often responds very differently from person to person. That means there really isn’t a

Don’t Lose What Matters Most: Protecting Muscle During Weight Loss

June 17, 2025

You’ve probably heard of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Originally created for diabetes management, these drugs have quickly become popular tools for weight loss. And for many people, they’ve made a big difference—helping to curb appetite, lower blood sugar, and shed pounds. But there’s something you may not have heard about: Up to one-third of the weight

Ice or Heat? What the Latest Research Says About Pain Relief and Recovery

June 9, 2025

One of the most common questions we hear at New Life Physical Therapy is: Should I use ice or heat? For years, ice has been the standard recommendation immediately following an injury—but emerging research is shifting that perspective. While ice can still offer temporary pain relief in the short term, new findings show that heat,

What I Learned from My Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery Tips That Help After Any Surgery

June 3, 2025

By Mary Rose Strickland, PT, DPT, OCS As a physical therapist, I’ve helped hundreds of people navigate post-surgical recovery. But recently, I became the patient. I underwent gallbladder surgery, and while it went well, it gave me a fresh perspective—and a renewed sense of empathy—for what my patients go through. This isn’t just about gallbladder