Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Although I promote fitness and regular exercise, I have never been to an aerobics class. Some of my patients have come to me with injuries sustained in aerobics classes, so I have promoted safer forms of exercise such as walking, swimming, water exercises, yoga, tai chi and stretching.

I did, however, attend a course teaching physical therapists how to conduct a safe aerobics class for people with spinal problems and other special needs. It was based on sound biomechanical principles and how to exercise safely while having a good time.

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in a safe aerobics class, feel free to call. Or check out our Qigong classes starting in May.

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Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.,
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100,
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591 / FAX: 626 576 5890

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QIGONG - CHINESE ENERGY CLASSES
More Energy, Less Stress. Rid yourself of Aches & Pains.
Gentle, No-Impact Movements.
Monday Evenings: 7:00-8:30 p.m. - Starts on May 10, 2010,
Saturday Mornings: 9:00-10:30 a.m - Starts on May 15, 2010,
Classes held at YPT. Call for more info.
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Labels: Aerobics, biomechanics, Monterey Park, Pasadena, QiGong, safe aerobic exercise, san gabriel, San Marino, target heart rate, Yonemoto physical therapy alhambra

Stress incontinence is the loss of control of urine during simple activities. Any increase in intra-abdominal pressure, like laughing, coughing, sneezing or sudden movement, can cause a loss of control. Urinary stress incontinence can be found in all ages and in both men and women. Generally, over 4% of the American population may be incontinent. It is very common with women, especially those who have had children. Leading obstetricians and gynecologists have found that 50% of their patients are at high risk for experiencing incontinence.

In many cases, urinary stress incontinence can be treated with physical therapy. This approach focuses on increasing a person’s control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. At your first appointment, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist who will assess the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles with special equipment that picks up the electrical activity in a muscle (Electromyography) or EMG for short. After review of your evaluation results, an individual therapeutic program will be designed for you. Significant results are usually obtained within 4-6 weeks. If you have incontinence or other musculoskeletal problems, speak with your doctor about a referral for physical therapy services.

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Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.,

Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100,
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591 / FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/- Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

Labels: Aging, coughing, elderly, loss of bladder control, Pasadena, pelvic floor muscles, physical therapy Alhambra, san gabriel, San Marino, sneezing, south pasadena, stress, Urinary Incontinence, urine

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a fairly common disorder especially among women approaching middle age. Changes in the balance of female sex hormones may lead to an accumulation of fluid and consequent swelling in the wrist at the time of menopause.

A common cause is swelling due to an inflammation of the tendon and its sheath. This may follow repeated flexion of the wrist with hand held extended, as when using computers. It may also follow prolonged use of the wrist by arthritic patients using a walking stick. Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur during the last trimester of pregnancy or as part of the premenstrual syndrome, presumably due to fluid retention. Various metabolic diseases have also been described as a cause.

If you feel you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or know someone who does, call us for more information, and have them consult with their physician immediately.

Click here to read this article in full: http://ow.ly/188jc

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100,
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890
Links: http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

Labels: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, CTS, female sex hormones, Los Angeles, Menopause, Monterey Park, numbness, painful tendons, Pasadena, physical therapy Alhambra, PMS, pregnancy, San Marino, wrist pain

Is there a fountain of youth? Probably not, but there are things you can do to keep functioning optimally, stay young and stave off the deterioration of "aging." Undoubtedly nutrition, sleep, balanced living and exercise are essential in keeping our body functioning optimally.

But, can anything be done to prevent the typical strength losses that seem to occur with age? Documentation shows people 50-60 years old experience a 15% decline in strength; 60-70 years a 15% decline; 70-80 years a 30% decline; and 80-90 years a 30% decline.

Aerobic training is essential for good cardiovascular functioning, but strength is also necessary, especially since we may not be challenging our bodies to maximize strength in routine living. Sedentary jobs require little physical exertion, so the muscles conserve resources and decrease muscle mass to match the activity level.

To read the rest of this article, click here: http://media.yonemoto.com/info.php?include=136287

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: active seniors, Aging, decreased activity level, Fountain of Youth, loss of muscle mass, loss of strength, Pasadena, physical therapy Alhambra, senior citizens, senior health, south pasadena

Years ago, someone convinced me to run a 5-mile race soon after the birth of my first child. I finished that race in a respectable time but ended up having a hip problem, which still bothers me at times. Even physical therapists with their extensive knowledge can harm themselves in new situations.

There are lots of good fitness classes and videotaped exercises designed to educate new moms in fitness. Find a book or program directed specifically towards new moms. Certain exercises may be too vigorous and can be harmful within the first 6 months postpartum.

Click here for full article: http://media.yonemoto.com/info.php?include=137662

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: abdominal strength, back care, body posture, childbirth, fitness classes for new moms, Highland Park, New Mom Fitness, Pasadena, pelvic floor strength, Post natal exercise, postpartum pelvic pain

Everyone goes through life with the intent of making a mark on this world. How many times have you wanted people to notice you, to appreciate what you’ve done, to make someone smile or laugh, or to be effective with whatever you do? How does it make you feel when you do make a difference or create an impact? It depends on how much effort you have to put out to create the impact and what you create. It certainly feels differently when you crash a car versus hearing thunderous applause after a thrilling performance.

In my own line of work, I try to create awareness in how a person can take responsibility for creating good personal health effects. I also use techniques that have a light touch, which is easy on me but has the ability to produce great effects in others. I feel uplifted and lighter when I am able to produce these effects, much better than when I used to use heavy force which caused pain in my hands, fatigue at the end of the day and a feeling of wanting to rest. Now I can’t wait to do more, to create more positive effects and having more energy. My patients also comment they feel lighter, have greater ease of movement and feel more energetic.

So, what kind of mark on the world do you want to make?

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Sheila Yonemoto, P.T
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591 FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: ease of movement, Energy, IMT, increased awareness, increased energy, Influencing people, Pasadena, physical therapy Alhambra, responsibility, san gabriel, San Marino, south pasadena

Many people have heard about the exhilaration and high that often follows long-distance running. This can be attributed to the release of natural pain killing substances called endorphins and enkephalins, very similar to opium. People also report feeling better simply from doing an exercise workout due to getting more oxygen to the brain, moving waste products out of the cells and getting the natural flows of the body moving.

There is another way to feel better, which can be done without special equipment or space requirements. This method comes from the Chinese and is thousands of years old, predates acupuncture and is designed to improve health. One of the many different forms of this method, chi gong or qigong, looks deceptively simple but the movements affect the life force in the body similar to acupuncture without needles. Chi gong improves the function of organs and gets blood, air and other bodily fluids moving more efficiently and effectively.

Click here to read the rest of this article: http://media.yonemoto.com/info.php?include=139330

If you have any questions, please submit them to:

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.

Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: Alhambra, Chi Gong, Endorphins, enkephalins, exercise, Highland Park, Natural Pain Killers, opium, Pasadena, Physical Therapy, QiGong, san gabriel, San Marino, south pasadena

The happiest people I know are passionate individuals with an enthusiasm for living. With positive attitudes and sharp minds they tend to actively pursue their goals and feel in control of their lives. They make things happen. They find life and people interesting. Loving friends and/or family play a big part in their life. They are interested in others and try to learn from everyone. These generous souls work at making this a better world.

Do you have smiling eyes? Are you helping others to have smiling eyes?

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If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: : Happiness, enthusiasm, healthy goals, Highland Park, Pasadena, passion for life, physical therapy Alhambra, positive attitudes, san gabriel, San Marino, south pasadena, Success

These universal concepts embrace the idea of organization, or order versus disorder.

Energy: The Chinese system of Feng Shui says you can harmonize and enhance energy flow by properly arranging your living and working areas and removing clutter.

Business: Business management systems promote organized filing and well-ordered organizational charts to promote smooth flow within the company.

Physical Fitness: Exercise programs often focus on developing specific muscle groups for balanced and coordinated function.

House and Home: Basic closet and garage organization allows for easy access and fast execution of tasks.

Human body: Cell organization is more efficient when cell walls are intact, keeping things that should be in the cell in and keeping things that shouldn’t be in the cell out.

Click here to read the rest of this article: http://media.yonemoto.com/info.php?include=139004

If you have any questions, please submit them to:

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.

Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591FAX: 626 576 5890

Labels: change, chaos, disorder, Energy, entropy, Feng Shui, natural law, order, Pasadena, physical fitness, physical therapy Alhambra, physics, south pasadena, spiraling

7/1/09

People always want an easy way to do things. Life is complicated enough and schedules are packed, so how can we squeeze out another 5-10 minutes for things we should do to improve our health? My patients and students always look downhearted when I suggest they incorporate 20 minutes of exercise into their daily routine. Here are some simple, easy ways to get more out of your body without much effort.

Before getting out of bed, take 3 deep breaths while raising your arms overhead with the inhalation and bringing your arms down with the exhalation. This gives your shoulders a mild stretch and fills your lungs with air.

Before getting out of bed, tighten your abdomen and buttocks, holding for 5 seconds, repeating 5-10 times. This helps flatten your abdomen and buttocks as well as massaging the organs in your pelvic bowl, helping eliminate waste from your digestive tract and bladder.
Sitting at bedside, make circles with your ankles and pump your feet up and down. This pumps the fluid from your feet and legs up to your heart as well as stretching tendons and ligaments around ankles and feet.

During the day, find more opportunities to walk. Park the car further away to get another 1-5 minutes of walking to and from your destination. Walk up and down stairs instead of taking the elevator. Walk up escalators instead of standing still. The increased aerobic workout for the larger muscles in your body (i.e. legs) will tone your body and make your heart and lungs stronger.

When standing in line, rise up on your toes and hold for 8 seconds. This shapes your calves and improves your balance. According to Chinese medicine, this strengthens your kidney system, improving your overall health and longevity. Once during the day, do deep breathing while you walk. Take in a 5-10 second inhalation through your nose and then exhale for 5-10 seconds while blowing out your mouth like blowing out birthday candles, first with arms at your side, then across your chest and finally on top of your head. This gets the air flowing into different parts of your lungs.

Finally, do some ordinary physical activity on a daily basis such as housework, yard work, walking the dog, shopping, doing sports or playing with your kids.

The list is short and could be extended, but you decide whether you can incorporate these simple activities into your daily routine to make it easier to get the most out of what you do on a daily basis. Little bits are often much easier to carve out of your day than one big chunk.


Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links: http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

Labels: Alhambra, deep breathing, Easy Exercise, flatten stomach, Pasadena, San Marino, shoulder raises, standing exercises, tighten buttocks, Walking, Yonemoto Physical Therapy