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# The Bridging Institute

Resetting Muscle Coordination

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://thebridginginstitute.com/blog/)
- [Say Goodbye to Neck and Jaw Pain After Dental Work ☺️](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/08/14/say-goodbye-to-neck-and-jaw-pain-after-dental-work/) - Most of us know the feeling: sitting in a dental chair with your mouth open for what feels like forever while the dentist works, adjusts your head position, and then asks you to open even wider. Afterward, your jaw, neck, and head can feel tense, uneven, or simply “off.” Why? That's what we'll get into Most of us know the feeling: sitting in a dental chair with your mouth open for what feels like forever while the dentist works, adjusts your head position, and then asks you to open even wider.
- [One Year Ago, I Fell. Recovery Insights to Share.](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/08/07/one-year-ago-i-fell-recovery-insights-to-share/) - This is the scene of the incident. The gap from pavers to concrete. The height difference is nearly an inch. With tree shadows that morning, I didn't accurately read the grade change and my new shoe snagged. (I was breaking them in. Ugh!) Before I knew it, I was face-to-face with concrete, and quickly aware Falling gets a lot of attention in the health and wellness space, as well as in the aging and senior care space. Much of the focus revolves around fall prevention (great in theory!), bone density, and mortality statistics.
- [Athletic Performance Factor Hidden in Plain Sight](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/07/31/athletic-performance-factor-hidden-in-plain-sight/) - You train, get new gear, but still aren't quite able to match the speed or skill of your peers. Or, maybe you seem more prone to injuries. That's what Sam struggled with. He plays high level club baseball yet, already at age 15, has had two big knee injuries. He and his parents wondered how Repetitive Injuries or Performance Limits Frustrating You?
- [Hand Strength Missing After a Cast?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/07/24/hand-strength-missing-after-a-cast/) - Broken bone after a fall? You know the drill -- a cast, time, and therapy. You might have had an experience like Jae. Five months after she broke her wrist, she still didn't have her grip strength back. She did all the exercises working with specialized hand professionals in this area but wondered, "What else Why function after a cast needs more specific support, especially after wrist fractures.
- [Slip and an Oops! A Young Adult's Balance Can Also Be Impacted](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/07/17/slip-and-an-oops-a-young-adults-balance-can-also-be-impacted/) - Most of us think of poor balance as something only for older folks. This week I'm sharing Ryan's story to illustrate what we often find when a pain is your main concern: balance is also affected, no matter your age. Returning from his semester abroad, Ryan had a persistent, annoying heel pain. He was curious, Most of us think of poor balance as something only for older folks. This week I'm sharing Ryan's story to illustrate what we often find when a pain is your main concern: balance is also affected, no matter your age.
- [ACL Replacement: Solving Nagging Hip Pain and Balance Concerns](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/07/10/acl-replacement-solving-nagging-hip-pain-and-balance-concerns/) - Balance testing is so helpful to narrow down the factors involved in an individual's challenges, and to provide feedback about recovery progress. This week we look at how balance testing played a role in refining Courtney's ACL recovery. After an ACL tear and rehab, what was still missing? How did balance testing play a role This week we look at how balance testing played a role in refining Courtney's ACL recovery.
- [Balance Testing: One of the Surprises So Far](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/06/26/balance-testing-one-of-the-surprises-so-far/) - This week I'm sharing more about the balance testing I've been doing of late, including: One of the surprise insights (hint: it's related to a common surgery!) How these results translate to tangible actions. Also, I'll be doing more of the free balance testing. The sign-up for July 1st times and a waitlist are below. The first week that I began testing balance using the Balance Tracking System (BTS) at-large, it became apparent that there are, indeed, a wide variety of balance skill gaps.
- [Balance Tests: What Gets Measured? How Can it Help Me?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/06/19/balance-tests-what-gets-measured-how-can-it-help-me/) - I'm writing about balance testing lately, and think you may be asking, "Cara, why should I care?" Using my own test results as examples, I'll go over each test to answer the following questions: What about balance is being tested? And, how can this information be helpful? I'm fascinated by the variation in balance skills What about balance is being tested? And, how can this information be helpful?
- [Broken Bones: More to Recovery Than the Cast](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/06/12/broken-bones-more-to-recovery-than-the-cast/) - Three friends have fallen in the past six months and broken their wrists. One had surgery and a cast, another had a series of casts, and the other had a cast and splint. Each bone was healed according to common metrics in the orthopedic world. And yet, they each feel that their wrist function and There is something to keep in mind when a broken bone is casted ... the cast immobilizes the bone AND it also immobilizes muscles and connective tissue
- [Balance and 3 Sensory Systems -- Bill's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/06/05/balance-and-3-sensory-systems-bills-story/) - Over the past two weeks I've been testing the balance of volunteers to put our new Balance Tracking System device to work (read more here). What's been fascinating is two-fold: First, each person tested actually had an accurate sense of what made them feel better or worse. We were able to validate this intuition and I've been testing the balance of volunteers to put our new Balance Tracking System device to work
- [What's New? Congrats, Training Info, and Balance Insights](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/05/29/whats-new-congrats-training-info-and-balance-insights/) - A few short updates to share today ... Congrats to professionals recently completing their Bridging® Technique training. Upcoming Training info for the next Level 1 and 2 Bridging cohorts. Balance Testing updates and insights from using the new measurement device. Let's dive in! Congrats to the Newest Bridging Level 2 Professionals! Congrats to such a Congrats to the Newest Bridging Level 2 Professionals!
- [Active Traditions ... Are Your Balance and Coordination Ready?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/05/22/active-traditions-are-your-balance-and-coordination-ready/) - It’s a Holiday weekend! For many of you it’s a time to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and family, often as part of a tradition. Please take care to be safe as you travel and play. Traditions I have a 20+ year tradition of visiting dear friends in CA. The memories of hiking, art, culture, The balance, stamina, and strength needed to enjoy this variety of demands are incredible. They are also the reasons I am passionate about the power of the Bridging® Technique.
- [Fall and Break A Hip? Recovery Often Overlooks These](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/05/08/fall-and-break-a-hip-recovery-often-overlooks-these/) - Hip Fractures The stats about full recovery are alarming! The implications have two types of impacts depending upon who you are in the scenario. Are you the default caregiver? If so, a fall puts you one slip away from significant life change with caregiving needs and potential living situation changes. This can be as a A hip fracture is one of the most common (about 300,000 per year) and life-changing injuries for adults over 65, not just because of the injury itself, but because of what comes after.
- [Balance: Many Facets to a Complex Skill](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/05/01/balance-many-facets-to-a-complex-skill/) - Balance ... Such a simple term for a complex set of skills which start developing from the time we are born. Pursuit of better balance led me down this path to create the Bridging® Technique. A simple sway control assessment is the first thing I do in a session to observe your balance. This is Pursuit of better balance led me down this path to create the Bridging® Technique.
- [Annie’s Story: What Gets Off-Track After Minimally Invasive Infant Surgery](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/04/24/annies-story-what-gets-off-track-after-minimally-invasive-infant-surgery/) - In the last part of this series about the disruptions from minimally invasive surgeries we bring it all together with a case study. Meet Annie to see how her early life surgery has impacted her throughout childhood, and how Bridging® resets have helped her. (Much gratitude to Annie and her mom for helping me share The story of Annie, who had infant surgery 14 years ago
- [Minimally Invasive Surgery; Kids are Affected Differently!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/04/17/minimally-invasive-surgery-kids-are-affected-differently/) - Each day at the Bridging Institute we see a variety of people with pain and movement concerns. It's uncanny how many of them have a minimally invasive procedure in their past. Although the scar is minimal, the surgery is deceptive in terms of how the core muscle coordination can be disrupted. ESPECIALLY for CHILDREN who Why the implications for children vs. adults differs concerning minimally invasive surgery
- [Minimally Invasive, with Major Muscle Impacts!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/04/10/minimally-invasive-with-major-muscle-impacts/) - Each day at the Bridging Institute we see a variety of people with pain and movement concerns. It's uncanny how many of them have a minimally invasive procedure in their past. Although the scar is minimal, the surgery is deceptive in terms of how the core muscle coordination can be disrupted. In this series, we’ll Although the scar is minimal, the surgery is deceptive in terms of how the core muscle coordination can be disrupted.
- [Common Pains. Common Procedure. There’s a Connection.](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/04/03/common-pains-common-procedure-theres-a-connection/) - Three clients in two days. Three different pain profiles. Each day at the Bridging Institute we see a variety of people with pain and movement concerns. Recently I met three people in two days with mystery pains. At first glance, the pain issues from all three clients seemed unrelated. But there ended up being a Recently I met three people in two days with mystery pains. At first glance, the pain issues from all three clients seemed unrelated. But there ended up being a common thread.
- [Invisible After-effects From a Car Accident](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/03/27/invisible-after-effects-from-a-car-accident/) - Rear-ended, but "I Feel Fine" Past Vehicle Accidents: Why Your Pain May Be Connected Auto accidents are more common than we realize — especially in the wild-west of post-COVID driving. (Yes, its a thing!) Statistically, 29-30% of all vehicle accidents are a rear-end impact with another 20-25% being side-impact (T-bone). Does this include you? Regardless Auto accidents are more common than we realize — especially in the wild-west of post-COVID driving.
- [Rear-ended or T-boned, and You Were Fine?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/03/20/rear-ended-or-t-boned-and-you-were-fine/) - Rear-ended, but "I feel fine." Vehicle Accidents: Why Your Lingering Pain May Be Connected As we move out of winter, everything seems to speed up — including drivers. With that speed (and plenty of distraction) comes accidents. If it happens, you may walk away thinking, “Thank my lucky stars.” Or, maybe you feel shaken, but As we move out of winter, everything seems to speed up—including drivers. With that speed (and plenty of distraction) comes accidents.
- [Reasons We Stay Active ... to Play! 👟 🎒](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/03/13/reasons-we-stay-active-to-play-👟-🎒/) - The 'Why' Behind Staying Active Those of you who have been with me a little while know I'm passionate about being able to be strong and active. The specific 'Why' varies from person to person, including: Playing on the floor with grandkids or pets Playing golf or pickle with friends/colleagues Hiking or biking to explore, I'm passionate about being able to be strong and active. The specific 'Why' varies from person to person
- [24 Years ... A Generation of Bridging®!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/03/06/24-years-a-generation-of-bridging/) - Celebrating A Generation of Bridging! March 1st is an anniversary date -- 24 years since I set off on a new path combining systems engineering with my passion for being active and strong. Annually it's a time of reflection, which I want to share with you. It's easy to get lost in the day-to-day appointments My days are filled with helping people move better by solving mysteries of how the events of their lives impacted their muscles' ability to support and move them.
- [Falling -- What Else Can You Do to Help Yourself Recover?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/02/27/falling-what-else-can-you-do-to-help-yourself-recover/) - Quick Overview: Part 4/4 in a series on how a fall affects movement This month's series explores how a fall can quietly affect your ability to move. We’re diving into what most recovery models miss: How falling creates hidden disruptions in your movement system (Link to part 1.) The physics of impact — and how When your recovery from falling is not per expectations, but scans are clear, there is usually a torque associated with the compression from your landing.
- [When Kids Fall … Sometimes They Don’t Fully Bounce Back](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/02/20/when-kids-fall-sometimes-they-dont-fully-bounce-back/) - Quick Overview: Part 3 in a series on how a fall affects movement This series explores how a fall can quietly affect your ability to move. In this series, we’re diving into what most recovery models completely miss: How falling creates hidden disruptions in your movement system (Link to part 1.) The physics of impact Generally we expect kids to fall as part of playing and being a kid. When they fall, a kiss and some ice usually help it feel better. Sometimes it doesn't.
- [The Hidden Physics of Falling as Experienced By Your Body](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/02/13/the-hidden-physics-of-falling-as-experienced-by-your-body/) - Quick Overview: Part 2 in a series on how a fall affects movement This is the second in a series exploring how a fall can quietly affect your ability to move. In this series, we’re diving into what most recovery models completely miss: How falling creates hidden disruptions in your movement system (Link to part Falling, whether it’s a slip, a trip, or being knocked over, often leaves us rattled. Most of the time we bounce back. But not always.
- [It Was ‘Just a Fall’… So Why Aren’t You Back to Normal?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/02/06/it-was-just-a-fall-so-why-arent-you-back-to-normal/) - Quick Overview: Part 1 in a series on how a fall affects your ability to move Falls don’t just cause bruises. They can markedly change how your body moves and reacts for years. In this series, we will explore what most recovery models completely miss: How falling creates hidden disruptions in your movement system The Falls don’t just cause bruises. They can markedly change how your body moves and reacts for years.
- [Respiratory Illness: What You Can Do to Help Yourself and a Recap of the Series](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/01/30/respiratory-illness-what-you-can-do-to-help-yourself-and-a-recap-of-the-series/) - Quick Overview: Part 4 in a series on how respiratory illness affects movement This is the fourth, and final, article in a series exploring how respiratory illness can quietly affect your ability to move, even years later. In this discussion, I’ll summarize: How breathing relates to restrictions in the rest of the body Why a Respiratory illness can leave lasting effects on how your body moves, breathes, and produces energy — even long after you’re “better.”
- [Respiratory Illness: The Physics of Breathing Explain So Much!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/01/23/respiratory-illness-the-physics-of-breathing-explain-so-much/) - Quick Overview: Part 3 in a series on how respiratory illness affects movement — sometimes for years This is the third article in a series exploring how respiratory illness can quietly affect your ability to move, even years later. In this discussion, I’ll cover: How breathing relates to the rest of the body Why “recovered” Time and again, I’m surprised to find that the only unusual event in a client’s history with ongoing movement challenges is an extreme respiratory illness years earlier.
- [Coughing Went Away … Shoulders and Hips Still Paying the Price?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/01/09/coughing-went-away-shoulders-and-hips-still-paying-the-price/) - Tis the Season for Coughs, Colds, Flu, and Pneumonia I write about movement … so how the heck do respiratory illnesses tie into movement issues? Bottom line: after you’ve been sick, your body will always find a way to keep you breathing. (It’s kind of essential!) But you may not realize the physical and structural After you’ve been sick, you may not realize the physical and structural impacts that linger — sometimes for years.
- [Early Life Respiratory Illness: The Effects No One Talks About 😷](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/01/16/early-life-respiratory-illness-the-effects-no-one-talks-about-😷/) - Quick Overview: This is part 2 of 4 discussing respiratory illness Included today are: Why early respiratory illness affects posture, strength, and behavior—and what can still change. The long-term movement impacts from childhood illnesses are real—even years later. Understanding the invisible impacts to upper body development from an early respiratory event. Early-Life Respiratory Bugs Are If you — or your kids — had a significant respiratory illness at any point in your early life, that experience may still be influencing how you (or your kids) move, breathe, coordinate, and even self-regulate today.
- [What Comes Next? A New Year of Movement, Insight, and Connection](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2026/01/02/what-comes-next-a-new-year-of-movement-insight-and-connection/) - Welcome to 2026! Thanks for being here and sharing in this journey of learning about how the body moves! Over the past months and years, we’ve explored the many ways muscle coordination gets disrupted — and how the Bridging® process uniquely offers a gentle, quick, and lasting reset allowing you to get back to your As we move into a new year, I want to share more relevant insights
- [Feeling Snow-related Soreness? You’re Not Alone](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/12/12/feeling-snow-related-soreness-youre-not-alone/) - Snow, Being Active, and Your Muscles Have you had a chance to be out playing in the snow? This is the season to rediscover your inner child, and enjoy the magic that snow and winter activities bring! Me, I've been out a couple of times with my snow shoes. The time in the pristine woods This is the season to rediscover your inner child, and enjoy the magic that snow and winter activities bring!
- [Finding Gratitude in the Struggle to Move](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/11/28/finding-gratitude-in-the-struggle-to-move/) - As I was running the 5k at a comfortable pace (at my 13:30 minutes per mile pace, lol) in the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot this year, my mind wandered. Suddenly, I was back in high school — trying to run a mile. Then back in 5th grade — struggling through the 50-yard dash. In those moments, As I was running the 5k at a comfortable pace (at my 13:30 minutes per mile pace, lol) in the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot this year, my mind wandered.
- [Why Strength, Not Steps, Predicts How You’ll Age](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/11/14/why-strength-not-steps-predicts-how-youll-age/) - Last week at the Medical Fitness Association annual conference, I had the privilege of hearing some of the newest insights in fitness — especially around aging and wellness. Yes, I was also there sharing my own findings about how life events and medical procedures derail our ability to move freely. (If you missed it, I Last week at the Medical Fitness Association annual conference, I had the privilege of hearing some of the newest insights in fitness — especially around aging and wellness.
- [The Hidden Cost of Every Medical Procedure](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/10/31/the-hidden-cost-of-every-medical-procedure/) - Are Medical Procedures Interfering with Your Movement? We've all had them -- some of us more than others. From the “routine” (blood draws, IVs) to the major (C-sections, appendix removal, knee replacements). I write about staying active and pain-free, so why am I writing about medical procedures? Because EVERY SINGLE ONE — large or small Are Medical Procedures Interfering with Your Movement?
- [Reset, and Then What? Staying Active ... What Should I Be Doing?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/10/17/reset-and-then-what-staying-active-what-should-i-be-doing/) - Are You Exercising the Best Way for Lifelong Health? One of the most common questions I hear after a Bridging® session is: “Now that I can move … what should I do next?” The simple answer: stay active. But if you’re like most people, you want more: ✅ More strength to keep up with kids Are You Exercising the Best Way for Lifelong Health?
- [Biopsies and 'Spot' removals leave lasting impacts beneath the surface](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/10/03/biopsies-and-spot-removals-leave-lasting-impacts-beneath-the-surface/) - The hidden impact of biopsies and skin procedures on your muscles Most of us expect the scars from dermatology procedures to heal and fade over time. What we don’t expect is how these procedures can quietly disrupt our muscles, leading to changes in strength, posture, and even joint health over the years. As we age, Most of us expect the scars from dermatology procedures to heal and fade over time. What we don’t expect is how these procedures can quietly disrupt our muscles, leading to changes in strength, posture, and even joint health over the years.
- [Yes, kids fall too! The weirdest things happen to kids.](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/09/19/yes-kids-fall-too-the-weirdest-things-happen-to-kids/) - Kids Fall Afterward, Do They Just Need Time to Heal, or a Reset? We all know kids fall — a lot! Whether it’s learning new skills, testing limits, or being goaded into taking risks by friends, falling is part of childhood. Younger kids fall because they haven’t yet developed a sense of boundaries or safety. Whether it’s learning new skills, testing limits, or being goaded into taking risks by friends, falling is part of childhood.
- [Rethinking the Role of Balance Exercises and Fall Prevention](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/09/05/rethinking-the-role-of-balance-exercises-and-fall-prevention/) - Why I’m Questioning Balance Exercises July 31st. A date etched in my memory because I fell that day. Nothing broke, but if you saw my bruises, you’d wonder who I picked a fight with. (Spoiler: the concrete won.) Coupled with my fall from the "hit from behind by cyclist" last year, these experiences got me As I think differently about falling and fall prevention, perhaps, it might be more productive to look at improved recovery to enable staying active.
- [Behind the Scenes: New Learning Options and Insights](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/08/22/behind-the-scenes-new-learning-options-and-insights/) - Behind the Scenes ... It’s been a busy summer here at the Bridging® Institute! A lot has been happening behind the scenes to make education more accessible and to share new ways of explaining how Bridging helps you move and feel better. Whether you’re curious for yourself or know a friend who could benefit, here A lot has been happening behind the scenes to make education more accessible and to share new ways of explaining how Bridging helps you move and feel better.
- [Tight Neck and Shoulders After Sinus Surgery? You’re Not Alone](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/08/08/tight-neck-and-shoulders-after-sinus-surgery-youre-not-alone/) - Can Sinus Surgery Affect Your Neck and Shoulders? Welcome to Jenny’s world. Several years ago, she had sinus surgery to repair a deviated septum. The results weren’t quite what she’d hoped, so she went through a second procedure recently. This time, it worked! Her breathing finally improved. But her muscles didn’t get the memo. Her Many people assume that the effects of facial or dental procedures are limited to the face. But there’s often a ripple effect throughout the body — especially in the neck and shoulders.
- [Still Struggling After Knee Injury or Surgery? Here’s What’s Missing](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/07/25/still-struggling-after-knee-injury-or-surgery-heres-whats-missing/) - How Should Your Knee Really Move? And Reasons Post-surgery Recovery Often Falls Short It’s an active time of year — but many people are sitting on the sidelines with knee trouble. Whether it’s a strain, ACL or meniscus tear, or even a total knee replacement, recovery can leave you wondering, “Why doesn’t my knee feel Whether it’s a strain, ACL or meniscus tear, or even a total knee replacement, recovery can leave you wondering,
- [Knee Injuries: When Your Knee Doesn’t Bounce Back Completely](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/07/11/knee-injuries-when-your-knee-doesnt-bounce-back-completely/) - When Your Knee Gets Injured — and Doesn’t Bounce Back You don’t realize how much you rely on your knees — until they stop working the way they should. Walking, standing, getting into a car, navigating stairs, even just lying down. Suddenly, everyday activities become painful. You find yourself wincing over the simplest things: Putting You don’t realize how much you rely on your knees — until they stop working the way they should.
- [Angelica’s Story: When Early Life Disruptions Shape a Lifetime of Pain](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/06/27/angelicas-story-when-early-life-disruptions-shape-a-lifetime-of-pain/) - Early Life Movement Glitches — and Their Impact Years Later Angelica’s hips had “felt wrong” for years. The discomfort became something she simply lived with — until her mom wondered if early-life movement disruptions might offer an explanation. She suggested Angelica reach out to the Bridging® Institute to explore whether the developmental framework of Bridging Fetal movement develops in a series of predictable, layered patterns—just like infant milestones. These foundational patterns create the muscle coordination and symmetry we rely on throughout life.
- [The Key to Your Mystery Pain and Coordination Challenges](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/06/13/the-key-to-your-mystery-pain-and-coordination-challenges/) - Movement begins long before birth, from the first multiplying cells to the complex coordination of a growing fetus.
- [Transitions, Graduates, and a Book in the Making](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/05/30/transitions-graduates-and-a-book-in-the-making/) - Transitions Everywhere The seasons are shifting. So are many of the roles and routines around us. Spring gives way to summer School shifts into camp and new activities High school becomes college or work One job ends, another begins Transitions often come with celebration, but also with uncertainty. Roles change, expectations change — and we The seasons are shifting. So are many of the roles and routines around us.
- [When Your Body Has It's Own Story to Tell ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/05/23/when-your-body-has-its-own-story-to-tell/) - Your body holds the story of your life — whether you remember it or not. Some common examples include: Tightness in the hip from a long-forgotten medical procedure. A twist in the forearm from a lingering sports injury. Instability in an ankle from a sprain during a late-night college mishap. These disruptions often go unnoticed Your body holds the story of your life — whether you remember it or not. Some common examples include:
- [Is Your Stamina Off After Being Sick? Your Breathing Muscles Might Be the Reason](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/05/16/is-your-stamina-off-after-being-sick-your-breathing-muscles-might-be-the-reason/) - As We Move from Cold and Flu Season to Allergy Season ... The Surprising Muscle Group Affected by Respiratory Conditions Once you recover from an illness you may still be fatigued and not sleeping so well. Most people do not attribute those things to the lasting impact on your muscles from being sick. Allergies, bronchitis, Allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia … they don’t just affect your lungs. They wear down your muscles — specifically, the intercostals muscles in your chest.
- [It's Travel Season ... Is Your Body Travel-Ready?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/05/09/its-travel-season-is-your-body-travel-ready/) - Long flights, heavy bags, endless walking … when you travel there are some very real physical skills and stresses to worry about. The Hidden Physical Demands of Travel Whether you're flying across the country or adventuring overseas, your body will face a host of unique challenges. Are you worried about any of the following? In Long flights, heavy bags, endless walking … when you travel there are some very real physical skills and stresses to worry about.
- [Tight Shoulders from Stress — or Something Deeper? ](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/05/02/tight-shoulders-from-stress-or-something-deeper/) - Is It Just Stress? Or Something Deeper Behind Neck and Shoulder Pain? We often assume a stiff neck or tight shoulders are just the price we pay for busy, stressful lives. Sometimes that's true … and sometimes, there's more to the story. Meet Lori: Stressed Shoulders, Busy Life, and a Hidden Clue Lori is a We often assume a stiff neck or tight shoulders are just the price we pay for busy, stressful lives. Sometimes that's true … and sometimes, there's more to the story.
- [What Bungee Cords Teach Us About C-Sections and Movement](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/04/25/what-bungee-cords-teach-us-about-c-sections-and-movement/) - How Can the Shoulders be Impacted By a C-section? How Theresa’s Shoulder Issue Traced Back to Her C-Section Imagine trying to fix a frayed bungee cord. You might reach for glue, thread, or elastic, and a YouTube video to guide carefully weaving it back together. If the fray is in the middle, you’ve got room Each C-section involves cutting through multiple layers of tissue — including structures connecting to the key core muscles.
- [Could Your Neck Pain or Migraines Be Related to Your C-Section?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/04/18/could-your-neck-pain-or-migraines-be-related-to-your-c-section/) - Migraines and Tight Muscles, Oh My! How Ellie’s C-Section Muscle Tension Was a Missing Link to Her Daily Headaches Ellie originally came to us hoping for help with her daily migraines. She had already worked with headache specialists, tried various medications, and was still taking something almost every day. Her migraines weren’t just annoying — Ellie originally came to us hoping for help with her daily migraines.
- [New Podcasts, Fresh Perspectives, and a Spring Reset for Your Movement](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/04/11/new-podcasts-fresh-perspectives-and-a-spring-reset-for-your-movement/) - More about Bridging® in the News, and Why You May Be Interested We’ve had some exciting things happening lately, and I wanted to share them with you — not just because it’s news, but because these stories and insights may help you or your loved ones feel better, move better, and understand more about how We’ve had some exciting things happening lately, and I wanted to share them with you — not just because it’s news, but because these stories and insights may help you or your loved ones feel better, move better, and understand more about how your body really works.
- [The Sprained Ankle That Just Doesn't Recover](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/03/21/the-sprained-ankle-that-just-doesnt-recover/) - Sprained Ankles: It Isn’t If You’ve Had One, but How Many! Ankle sprains are incredibly common. Often, it’s not a matter of if, but how many times it has happened. For more perspective on sprained ankles: Emergency Departments report over 2 million ankle sprains per year. 45% of athletic injuries are ankle sprains. 90% are Ankle sprains are incredibly common. Often, it’s not a matter of if, but how many times it has happened.
- [Think New Shoes Will Help Your Pain? Not So Fast ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/03/14/think-new-shoes-will-help-your-pain-not-so-fast/) - The Link Between Your Feet and Whole-Body Movement Your Feet Play a Bigger Role Than You Think Yes, your feet have a LOT to do with how you move — far beyond just what shoes you wear. Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared two real-life stories about how foot injuries and surgeries affected pain, Your feet have a LOT to do with how you move — far beyond just what shoes you wear.
- [When a Wrench Gets Thrown Into the Body’s Gear System](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/03/07/when-a-wrench-gets-thrown-into-the-bodys-gear-system/) - How Your Big Toe Impacts Your Hip & Lower Back If it’s happened to you, the sensation is unforgettable. If you’ve seen it happen, it’s just as shocking. And if you’ve ever thought about doing it to someone out of spite — I hope you reconsidered. What am I talking about? Putting a stick into Your structural system works with mechanical efficiency to make movement smooth and effortless.
- [Back Pain? Sometimes You Wouldn't Believe What's Really the Culprit](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/02/28/back-pain-sometimes-you-wouldnt-believe-whats-really-the-culprit/) - Her back pain had been a ‘thing’ for years. Yes, she had tried the usual gamut of professionals for help. Daily back pain was just part of life. Mara had seen countless professionals — yet nothing offered lasting relief. Then, at a business event, she heard me discussing the surprising link between C-section surgeries and Her back pain had been a ‘thing’ for years. She had tried the usual gamut of professionals for help. Daily back pain was just part of life.
- [It Was Just a CAST. What’s the Big Deal? Ask Your Muscles. 😶](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/02/21/it-was-just-a-cast-whats-the-big-deal-ask-your-muscles-😶/) - Your Cast and an Elusive Recovery Immobilized muscles are a BIG DEAL! Recently I’ve written about how the area affected by the cast can be the source of your aches and pains, stiffness, or poor coordination. Link here. And, about how a cast impacts growth patterns of children’s muscles. Link here. But you’re still thinking, You may think your arm or leg look fine, and can move, but we find there is more to feeling good — a case of what’s missing.
- [Kids and Broken Bones. Their Muscles Need Help Too! 😵](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/02/14/kids-and-broken-bones-their-muscles-need-help-too-😵/) - When kids have had a cast ... Every time we left (the Bridging® Institute) we had relief for everything--fears, balance, etc., and the best night of sleep! Milestones would happen shortly after the session." Erica S. (mom) From struggles to success Today, Erica's son is a thriving 12-year-old — excelling in basketball, doing well in Every time we left (the Bridging® Institute) we had relief for everything--fears, balance, etc., and the best night of sleep! Milestones would happen shortly after the session."
- [Broken Leg? The Cast Helps Bones. Muscles, Not So Much. 😩](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/02/07/broken-leg-the-cast-helps-bones-muscles-not-so-much-😩/) - Getting back to normal after having your leg cast Tom was frustrated. His leg and lower back hurt in ways he couldn’t explain. He had tried everything—orthopedic specialists, neurologists, pain management, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Every medical test came back "normal." At 42, keeping up with his kids, home, work, and Getting back to normal after having your leg cast
- [Q&A for Post-surgical Recovery. When, Why, and What to Expect?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/01/31/qa-for-post-surgical-recovery-when-why-and-what-to-expect/) - Q&A About Your Post-surgical Recovery and Bridging® After surgery, your muscle coordination and micromovements are often disrupted. These disruptions thwart your recovery efforts. The good news is Bridging® offers unique help for a faster and more complete recovery. How? Well, before diving into your questions, let’s review common muscle glitches during and after recovery: Disrupted After surgery, your muscle coordination and micromovements are often disrupted. The good news is Bridging® offers unique help for a faster and more complete recovery.
- [Had Surgery? Still Waiting to Get Back to Normal?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/01/24/had-surgery-still-waiting-to-get-back-to-normal/) - Ellie’s Surgeries: A Journey Back from Pain So often when you’ve had a surgical procedure you successfully navigate your recovery only to find you’re not quite back to your “old self.” Stiffness, pain, and restricted movement may linger, making it hard to feel truly well. So, what can you do? Unlike massage, rehab exercises, chiropractic So often when you’ve had a surgical procedure you successfully navigate your recovery only to find you’re not quite back to your “old self.” Stiffness, pain, and restricted movement may linger, making it hard to feel truly well.
- [Is Being Active Post-surgery Not What You'd Expect?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/01/17/is-being-active-post-surgery-not-what-youd-expect/) - The Surgery Was Successful … But Are You Truly Recovered? Whether your surgery was planned or unexpected, robotic, laparoscopic, or open incision, healing doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “back to normal.” Why? Because even after the scars fade, surgery can have long-lasting effects on your movement and ability to stay active. Let’s dive into why surgery Whether your surgery was planned or unexpected, robotic, laparoscopic, or open incision, healing doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “back to normal.” Even after the scars fade, surgery can have long-lasting effects on your movement and ability to stay active.
- [A Formula for Being Active, and It's Not What You'd Think!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2025/01/10/a-formula-for-being-active-and-its-not-what-youd-think/) - Welcome to 2025: New Year, New Movement and Strength Goals! As the year begins, you’ve probably seen plenty of exercise tips about what to do, how much, and how often. Let’s skip all that. Instead, I want to focus on topics that don’t often get enough attention — insights to help you move better, feel I want to focus on topics that don’t often get enough attention — insights to help you move better, feel stronger, and achieve your goals by removing the pain or frustration.
- [Year-end Reflections on Being Active and Our Wellness](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/12/20/year-end-reflections-on-being-active-and-our-wellness/) - Thoughts on Wellness and Movement Goals ... As the year winds down, do you find yourself reflecting on your wellness journey? Yes, I write weekly about the importance of movement and balance for long-term health, but ... confession time ... I have to think about it too! To help you with your reflection and planning, To help you with your reflection and planning, I’m sharing the changes I made to my personal wellness practice and two recommendations for your 2025 health goals.
- [A Bike Fall and Bonnie's Residual Balance Impacts](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/12/13/a-bike-fall-and-bonnies-residual-balance-impacts/) - Injuries and Their Impact on Balance Life has no shortage of ways to throw off your balance — whether it’s a car accident, a trip and fall, being knocked over, or slipping on something unexpected. The list is endless. It’s easy to blame poor balance for getting you into trouble. But more often than not, Life has no shortage of ways to throw off your balance — whether it’s a car accident, a trip and fall, being knocked over, or slipping on something unexpected.
- [Movement Myth: Falling is Prevented by Better Balance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/12/06/movement-myth-falling-is-prevented-by-better-balance/) - Balance and Falls: Is Falling a Result of Bad Balance? As winter approaches, many of us become more mindful of our balance skills. We might think that practicing standing on one leg is all it takes to avoid falling. But is that really enough? When the Unexpected Happens The truth is most of us don’t As winter approaches, many of us become more mindful of our balance skills. We might think that practicing standing on one leg is all it takes to avoid falling. But is that really enough?
- [Stretching? Sue's Wasn't Helping Much Anymore. Now What?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/11/22/stretching-sues-wasnt-helping-much-anymore-now-what/) - Movement is so important to maintaining or improving our health! Stretching? It may help, but finding the root cause of the tightness or pain is the real opportunity. Sue's story is the perfect example, which also shows how well the body can disguise its compensations. Read on ... Getting to the Root of Sue’s Back Stretching? It may help, but finding the root cause of the tightness or pain is the real opportunity.
- [Movement Myth 3: "I Need to Stretch More."](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/11/15/movement-myth-3-i-need-to-stretch-more/) - Movement is so important to maintaining or improving our health! When it comes to mobility, we are generally good at finding relief with tools such as stretching. But, does it really work? And, what else can we do when it doesn't? Read on ... Movement Myth: "I just need to stretch more." Self-help methods like Self-help methods like stretching can certainly go a long way in keeping your body moving and minimizing discomfort. But there comes a point when stretching alone just doesn’t cut it.
- [Movement Myth 2: I'm Getting Old and Everything Hurts!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/11/02/movement-myth-2-im-getting-old-and-everything-hurts/) - Movement is so important to maintaining or improving our health! However, our brains are filled with stories of why we are limited to the way we are. This series will discuss common myths and the micromovement counter-perspective. This week's myth is about aging, and ease of movement when we're older. Movement Myth: "It must be This week's myth is about aging, and ease of movement when we're older.
- [Movement Myth 1: Time Heals All, or Does It?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/10/25/movement-myth-1-time-heals-all-or-does-it/) - Movement is so important to supporting or improving our health! However, our brains are filled with stories of why we are limited to the way we are. This series will discuss common myths and the micromovement counter-perspective. Read on ... Movement Myth: "After an injury I just need some time to let things settle, and This series will discuss common myths and the micromovement counter-perspective.
- [Behind the Bridging Framework: Why is Early Development so Integral?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/10/11/behind-the-bridging-framework-why-is-early-development-so-integral/) - This week we want to share more about the components of the Bridging® process. Recent posts laid out the problem-solving process, the reset process, and what a session is like. Another cornerstone of Bridging® is the early developmental framework used for both problem solving and the reset process. Hint: The framework's origins reside in fetal Another cornerstone of Bridging® is the early developmental framework used for both problem solving and the reset process.
- [Behind the Bridging® Magic: What Does a Session Look Like?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/10/04/behind-the-bridging-magic-what-does-a-session-look-like/) - This week we want to show you how the parts of the Bridging® process come together. Recent posts laid out the problem-solving process and the reset process, but what does this really look like when you are in a session? Depending upon your age it will vary, but here are the basic elements of a We want to show you how the parts of the Bridging® process come together. Recent posts laid out the problem-solving process and the reset process, but what does this really look like when you are in a session?
- [What's the Magic in How Bridging® Helps Your Pain, Balance, and Anxiety?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/09/27/whats-the-magic-in-how-bridging-helps-your-pain-balance-and-anxiety/) - This week we dive into how changes happen to the body with the Bridging® process. When your muscles have had some type of trauma, or are upset, this is how Bridging® calms, supports and guides them back to working together. The key words to remember are Hug, Rock, and Wiggle. Read on ... Bridging®: How When your muscles have had some type of trauma, or are upset, this is how Bridging® calms, supports and guides them back to working together.
- [What is Bridging®? Uniquely Helping 😁 Your Pain, Anxiety, and Balance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/09/20/what-is-bridging-uniquely-helping-😁-your-pain-anxiety-and-balance/) - Now it's time to look at Bridging® itself, beginning with "What is the Bridging® Technique?" In coming weeks we will explore why Bridging® works, and what a session looks like. Read on ... Bridging®: What is it? When you have pain or a hard time moving the way you want to, there is a different When you have pain or a hard time moving the way you want to, there is a different perspective to shed light on your situation and find relief -- the insights from your micromovements!
- [Arm Fractures: Do You Have Lingering Shoulder or Neck Pain?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/09/06/arm-fractures-do-you-have-lingering-shoulder-or-neck-pain/) - The theme for this week ... What happens with your bones directly affects the muscles as well. When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active. This week we look at how breaking your arm may be haunting you years later. Read on ... Arm broken? When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active.
- [Prior Broken Leg Still Causing Issues? Some New Perspectives on Why](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/08/30/prior-broken-leg-still-causing-issues-some-new-perspectives-on-why/) - The theme for this week ... What happens with your bones directly affects the muscles. When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active. This week we look at how a prior broken leg can still impact you years later. Read on ... Leg fracture + When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active.
- [Feet Issues from Childhood Still Haunting You? (Casts, Braces, Shoes?) 👟](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/08/23/feet-issues-from-childhood-still-haunting-you-casts-braces-shoes-👟/) - The theme for this week ... What happens with your bones directly affects the muscles. When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active. This week we look at how the treatment for improperly formed feet may be haunting you years later. Read on ... Foot When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline impacting your ability to be active.
- [Fracture in Your Foot? Four Resets Needed for Recovery that Exercise Alone Doesn't Do](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/08/16/fracture-in-your-foot-four-resets-needed-for-recovery-that-exercise-alone-doesnt-do/) - The theme for this week ... What happens with your bones directly affects the muscles. When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline. This impacts your ability to be active, which is where Bridging® comes to the rescue. By resetting muscle relationships you can, once again, be active. This month we'll What happens with your bones directly affects the muscles. When bones are immobilized for healing, the muscles tend to go offline.
- [Infant/Early Surgery? It Impacts Developing Movement in These Five Ways ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/08/02/infant-early-surgery-it-impacts-developing-movement-in-these-five-ways/) - The theme for this week ... Oh, the many ways that medical procedures can get our muscles confused! This week we look at the impact of surgery on young children. Early medical interventions can affect movement development in ways you may not realize. Read on ... Did your child have surgery at a young age? Early medical interventions can affect movement development in ways you may not realize.
- [Knee Replacement? Still Have Pain, Stiffness, or Feel Weak?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/07/26/knee-replacement-still-have-pain-stiffness-or-feel-weak/) - The theme for this week ... Oh, the many ways that medical procedures can get our muscles confused! This week we zero in on a popular topic on our YouTube channel -- knee replacement recovery beyond the flex and extend goals of typical rehab. Bridging® addresses some often overlooked muscle interconnections around the knee. Read This week we zero in on a popular topic on our YouTube channel -- knee replacement recovery beyond the flex and extend goals of typical rehab.
- [Jaw or Neck Issues After Major Dental Work? Often There Is a Connection](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/07/19/jaw-or-neck-issues-after-major-dental-work-often-there-is-a-connection/) - The theme for this week ... Oh, the many ways that medical procedures can get our muscles confused! This week we zero in on the impact of dental procedures to the jaw and neck muscles. When these muscles are tight the ease and your performance of activities can be impacted. Read on ... Insight of This week we zero in on the impact of dental procedures to the jaw and neck muscles.
- [Weird Abdominal Aches and Pains? 😞 Might Be After Effects from Surgery](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/07/12/weird-abdominal-aches-and-pains-😞-might-be-after-effects-from-surgery/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I've written about the many benefits of being physically active. Now we switch to the medical disruptors which may challenge your ability to be active. This week ... the after-effects of minimally invasive surgery. Although minimal, it often disrupts how your muscles work together, and Robyn's story shows Now we switch to the medical disruptors which may challenge your ability to be active.
- [Oh, the Things That Can Happen!!😳](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/06/28/oh-the-things-that-can-happen😳/) - The theme for this week ... Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being, but there are so many opportunities for something to happen. I didn't set out to be a case study, but that's just what happened. A biker ran into me. Yes, accidents do happen, and Bridging® can be a Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being, but there are so many opportunities for something to happen.
- [Avoiding the Outdoors Because You Feel Accident Prone?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/06/21/avoiding-the-outdoors-because-you-feel-accident-prone/) - The theme for this week ... Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being! That said, there are inherent risks primarily related to falling. This is the third is a series about being active outdoors. You can read the first, which outlined benefits of being active outdoors, and the second, on how Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being! That said, there are inherent risks primarily related to falling.
- [Outdoor Play is Magical for Child Development! 🙌](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/06/14/outdoor-play-is-magical-for-child-development-🙌/) - The theme for this week ... Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being! It's also amazing for the sensory-motor development of our kids at each age and stage. This is the second in a series about being active outdoors. You can find the first, which outlined benefits of being active outdoors, Physical activity in the outdoors is so amazing for our well-being! It's also amazing for the sensory-motor development of our kids at each age and stage.
- [Physical Activity Outdoors -- Wow, the Benefits!! 💚](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/06/07/physical-activity-outdoors-wow-the-benefits-💚/) - The theme for this week ... In the Chicago area we have entered the best months of the year for outdoor activity. A bonus to being outside, in addition to being fun, are the benefits to our health -- both physical and mental. This is the first is a series about how being active outdoors A bonus to being outside, in addition to being fun, are the benefits to our health -- both physical and mental.
- [Five Reasons We Should Be Lifting Heavy Things 👍](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/05/31/five-reasons-we-should-be-lifting-heavy-things-👍/) - The theme for this week ... My passion related to being active and well-being includes the role of muscles and strength. (You can follow my own strength training journey on Instagram.) I want you to be clear about why strength training is one of the MOST important things you can do for your health. Here My passion related to being active and well-being includes the role of muscles and strength. Here's why strength training is one of the MOST important things you can do for your health.
- [Want a Healthy Brain? Focus on Your Muscles!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/05/24/want-a-healthy-brain-focus-on-your-muscles/) - The theme for this week ... Concerned about brain health? Yes, me too! I've been adding more strength training to my fitness routine. Muscle and activity have an impact on your brain health. Read on ... Brain and muscle -- the connection Turns out what is good for the body is also good for the Concerned about brain health? Muscle and activity have an impact on your brain health.
- [Want to Strength Train But Have a Shoulder or Arm Issue?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/05/10/want-to-strength-train-but-have-a-shoulder-or-arm-issue/) - The theme for this week ... I wrote several articles about the importance of strength training for our metabolic and bone health earlier this year. You can reference them here. The reality of adopting best practices can be a challenge, especially when you have pain or restricted range-of-motion. How can you lift weights when you The reality of adopting best practices can be a challenge, especially when you have pain or restricted range-of-motion.
- [Want a Quick Fitness and Longevity Hit? Add This to Your Day](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/05/17/want-a-quick-fitness-and-longevity-hit-add-this-to-your-day/) - The theme for this week ... Sometimes a simple act can have a big impact. That is true with health and longevity too. A recent study looked at simply taking the stairs on a daily basis. What they found was mind-blowing! Read on ... Stairs for the WIN! In many regions of the US and A recent study looked at simply taking the stairs on a daily basis. What they found was mind-blowing!
- [Caregivers Benefit from Exercise Too!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/04/26/caregivers-benefit-from-exercise-too/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I shared about the benefits of exercise on cancer survivorship, cancer treatment, and cancer prevention. In the background though, we need to remember the supporting role of caregivers! How can exercise support their well-being? Read on ... Caring for the caregiver! It's crucial to prioritize self-care as a We need to remember the supporting role of caregivers! How can exercise support their well-being?
- [Cancer Prevention? Yes, Exercise Has an Important Role](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/04/19/cancer-prevention-yes-exercise-has-an-important-role/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I shared about the benefits of exercise on cancer survivorship and the benefits of exercise during treatment. This week, the focus is on the role of exercise with cancer prevention. Exercise can be so important to overall physical and mental health, including the prevention of cancer. Read on Exercise can be so important to overall physical and mental health, including the prevention of cancer.
- [Exercise DURING Cancer Treatment has Many Benefits 💚](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/04/12/exercise-during-cancer-treatment-has-many-benefits-💚/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I shared about the benefits of exercise on cancer survivorship. (If you missed it, check the post out here.) This week the focus is on exercise during cancer treatment. Exercise can be so important to overall physical and mental health during cancer treatment. It is significant enough that This week the focus is on exercise during cancer treatment.
- [Post-Cancer Exercise Has Big Benefits!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/04/05/post-cancer-exercise-has-big-benefits/) - The Theme for this Week ... A bevy of research has been published in recent years on the topic of exercise and cancer including prevention, treatment impacts, and survivorship. The topic is personal for me as my son (pictured) recently celebrated his birthday, 22 years after being diagnosed with leukemia. Beginning with survivorship, let's dig Beginning with survivorship, let's dig into how exercise can be so important to staying healthy after cancer treatment.
- [Creating New Habits for New Strength Training Goals 👍](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/03/22/creating-new-habits-for-new-strength-training-goals-👍/) - The theme for this week ... You may be wondering how to add recently discussed strength and balance recommendations into your daily life. It can be a challenge, so here are some tips to building new habits. Read on ... Creating new habits -- how? Yes, frequent readers have now learned that you should be how to add recently discussed strength and balance recommendations into your daily life.
- [Balance and Turning ... Kids Can Have Challenges Too! 😳](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/03/15/balance-and-turning-kids-can-have-challenges-too-😳/) - The Theme for This Week ... Recently I wrote about balance being more than standing on one leg, and the challenges of balance in the dark. Keeping steady while turning is one more important aspect of your physical balance abilities. Turning balance can be as challenging for children as it is for older adults. Continuing Keeping steady while turning is one more important aspect of your physical balance abilities.
- [Balance in the Dark ... It Can Be a Challenge](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/03/08/balance-in-the-dark-it-can-be-a-challenge/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I wrote about balance being more than standing on one leg. Continuing with the theme of balance, nighttime brings unique challenges due to limitations of our visual sensory feedback. Read on ... Balance at night A lesser known aspect of physical balance is related to the impact of Continuing with the theme of balance, nighttime brings unique challenges due to limitations of our visual sensory feedback.
- [Functional Balance -- What, Why, and ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/03/01/functional-balance-what-why-and/) - The theme for this week ... Recently I wrote about bone health and that the real health risk is from falling, not osteoporosis. Balance is essential for fall prevention, and much more. But what is balance? And how do you know if you have an issue? Read on ... Balance basics When we talk about Recently I wrote about bone health and that the real health risk is from falling, not osteoporosis. Balance is essential for fall prevention, and much more.
- [Bone Density Concerns? Exercise Has a Role!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/02/23/bone-density-concerns-exercise-has-a-role/) - The theme for this week ... Bones and aging. If you've had a DEXa scan and were told you are losing bone your physician may only have you begin taking a new med. Exercise can also play a key role in your bone health. How? Read on ... Bone health 101 Let's take a step If you've had a DEXa scan and were told you are losing bone your physician may only have you begin taking a new med. Exercise can also play a key role in your bone health.
- [Muscle Loss With Age? How to Best Target Your Exercise to Keep Your Muscle Strength](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/02/17/muscle-loss-with-age-how-to-best-target-your-exercise-to-keep-your-muscle-strength/) - The theme for this week ... Muscles and aging. Vibrant strong muscles are important for strength, balance, metabolism, and how we feel about ourselves. Do you know how to best target your strength training? This week we turn to research to provide some guidance. Read on ... Muscle, the foundation of our being! Muscles are Vibrant strong muscles are important for strength, balance, metabolism, and how we feel about ourselves.
- [Agelessly Truly Means ALL Ages 😍](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/02/09/agelessly-truly-means-all-ages-😍/) - Keeping four generations moving -- what a great Bridging® story! Throughout the past year we've shared many specific examples of how our clients' pain and movement challenges have been helped by Bridging, no matter their age. Each discussion and topic sought to include a multi-age perspective. The Collins' family story brings the multi-age aspect of The Collins' family story brings the multi-age aspect of Bridging® to life. Read how we were introduced to all four generations
- [Directionally Challenged? Your Early Movement Holds a Key](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/02/02/directionally-challenged-your-early-movement-holds-a-key/) - The theme for this week ... Yes, we work with little ones too. They are learning to be active, and being active helps them learn! Crawling is a well-known milestone in infant development, and for some it doesn't quite come together. Does crawling still matter? Research says yes! Read on ... Crawl now so your teen We work with little ones too. They are learning to be active, and being active helps them learn!
- [Activity + Foot Pain is a Tough Combo 👟](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/01/26/activity-foot-pain-is-a-tough-combo-👟/) - The theme for this week ... By some estimates foot pain bothers 20% of people over the age of 50. Podiatrists must be very busy! Because our focus is on being active, which is hard to do when your feet hurt, we wanted to further understand the relationship of foot pain and quality of life. By some estimates foot pain bothers 20% of people over the age of 50.
- [Back Stiffness. Is It All in Your Head, or Is There More?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/01/19/back-stiffness-is-it-all-in-your-head-or-is-there-more/) - The theme for this week ... A common issue that might be holding you back from being more active is a stiff back. Although a stiff back can be linked to many medical conditions, a stiff back can also be related to what's happened to you in life. To the traditional medical community, these causes A common issue that might be holding you back from being more active is a stiff back.
- [Weird Chest Pain Interrupting Exercise ... What Could It Be?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/01/12/weird-chest-pain-interrupting-exercise-what-could-it-be/) - The theme for this week ... A common cause for weird or chronic pain is often a long-forgotten accident or injury. This week's case study includes an injury which is one of the wildest we've seen in awhile! Read on ... Weird chest pains...it's a thing! Physical activity is your goal for better health, but A common cause for weird or chronic pain is often a long-forgotten accident or injury.
- [Chronic Pain ... Can Exercise Really Help? and Why?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2024/01/05/chronic-pain-can-exercise-really-help-and-why/) - The theme for this week ... You want to be more active, but chronic pain creates a hurdle that's pretty challenging to get over. Surprisingly, adding activity may be just the thing you need to help with your chronic pain. Read on ... Activity and chronic pain Physical activity is so magical for the body, You want to be more active, but chronic pain creates a hurdle that's pretty challenging to get over.
- [Brain Health and Exercise -- What, Specifically, Should I Be Doing?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/12/15/brain-health-and-exercise-what-specifically-should-i-be-doing/) - The theme for this week ... Yes, brain benefits from exercise are real. (If you missed the recent post discussing this, you can find it here.) In general, higher intensity or longer duration are key. But why, and what are some real strategies for prioritizing how you use your precious exercise time? Read on ... what are some real strategies for prioritizing how you use your precious exercise time?
- [Exercise and Brain Health -- So Many Benefits!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/12/08/exercise-and-brain-health-so-many-benefits/) - The theme for this week ... A lesser known benefit of being active has to do with brain health. At every age, we all desire to stay at our cognitive best. Moving has so many powerful boosts for the brain! Read on ... Your brain on exercise Staying active is important for your muscle and A lesser known benefit of being active has to do with brain health.
- [Weekend Walking Health Benefits? Yes There Are! 😁](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/12/01/weekend-walking-health-benefits-yes-there-are-😁/) - The theme for this week ... Weekend walking health benefits When the demands of life keep you from being active during the week, what do you do? If you're like many people, you make up the time over the weekend. Is there still a health benefit to this approach? Read on ... Weekday schedule too When the demands of life keep you from being active during the week, what do you do?
- [Autoimmune Conditions and Exercise? So Many Health Benefits for You!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/11/17/autoimmune-conditions-and-exercise-so-many-health-benefits-for-you/) - The theme for this week ... the role of activity with autoimmune conditions Being active is important for just about every aspect of your physical, mental and cognitive health. Physical activity is especially important when managing the ups and downs that come along with autoimmune conditions. Read on ... Keeping active with autoimmune conditions -- Being active is important for just about every aspect of your physical, mental and cognitive health.
- [Wow! I Can't Believe What You Were Able to Do with My Hip/knee Situation!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/11/10/wow-i-cant-believe-what-you-were-able-to-do-with-my-hip-knee-situation/) - The theme for this week ... keeping stress off knees Being active takes a hit when your knees hurt. Even though studies show movement helps knee pain, it still hurts to move! Often stress at the knee is from an unrelated source such as the hip or the foot, so targeting the knee fails to Being active takes a hit when your knees hurt. Even though studies show movement helps knee pain, it still hurts to move!
- [Does Your Child Struggle, Act Out or Avoid PE/Gym/Wellness Class? 🏀 ⚾](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/11/03/does-your-child-struggle-act-out-or-avoid-pe-gym-wellness-class-🏀-⚾/) - The theme for this week ... kids' love-hate relationship with PE class As school gets into mid-semester, how many of your kids are struggling with doing the requirements of the PE (wellness) class? If you are frustrated with ways to help and wonder why they struggle, read on ... What are the requirements of PE As school gets into mid-semester, how many of your kids are struggling with doing the requirements of the PE (wellness) class?
- [Were You Born Preterm? Your Muscles May Still Have More to Learn!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/10/20/were-you-born-preterm-your-muscles-may-still-have-more-to-learn/) - The theme for this week ... the implications on adult well-being from being born premature Being born preterm sounds like a rare occurrence. In reality about 10% of you were born early and research shows that can relate to some long-term health implications. The good news is that being physically active is a great antidote The implications on adult well-being from being born premature
- [Balance: Why Do We Assume that Our Kids Have Good Balance?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/10/06/balance-why-do-we-assume-that-our-kids-have-good-balance/) - The theme for this week ... kids and their balance Balance is something we don't usually think about for children. But when their behavior or effort at school frustrates us, you might consider balance. There is a link. Read on ... Poor balance in kids looks like a lot of other things It is well
- [Balance Off After COVID? It's Actually a Thing!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/09/29/balance-off-after-covid-its-actually-a-thing/) - The theme for this week ... finding your balance Is your ability to exercise impacted by a sense of instability or even a fear of falling? Poor balance can be a side effect from being sick, especially COVID. For children this instability may present as reluctance or refusal to participate. Read on ... Balance challenges
- [Research Blog: Strength Training ... Your Metabolism (Kids and Adults) Will Thank You!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/09/22/research-blog-strength-training-your-metabolism-kids-and-adults-will-thank-you/) - Research Insights share a variety of new or topical research findings on the relationship of being physically active, and why being active is essential to our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. The theme for this week ... strength training health benefits Intuitively we know it's easier to enjoy daily activities when we improve our muscle
- [What's Zone 2 Training? And, Why Is It Metabolically Important?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/09/15/whats-zone-2-training-and-why-is-it-metabolically-important/) - The theme for this week ... moderate exercise helps too! Once upon a time, conventional thinking was you had to push harder and longer to get benefits from a workout. Current research shows something different and that a less intense workout has its own benefits. This workout level is commonly referred to as Zone 2
- [Returning to Activity After Being Ill? Why Back-to-Normal May Need Help](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/09/08/returning-to-activity-after-being-ill-why-back-to-normal-may-need-help/) - The theme for this week ... when 'back-to-normal' may need help As we enter the cooler seasons, the risk of significant respiratory illness increases. Often when we get sick all of our good activity habits and goals go out the window. It happens. What's important is to find a way back to them. Read on
- [Why Is the "WHEN" So Important to Helping us Help You?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/09/09/why-is-the-when-so-important-to-helping-us-help-you/) - Check out this diagram (click to enlarge) "When?" is one of the most important pieces of information we consider You have pain, balance, coordination concerns, or anxiety. As part of our process of getting you back on track physically or developmentally, we want to know what happened and when in order to understand how your
- [Freak Injuries and Getting Back to 'Normal' 🙏](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/08/25/freak-injuries-and-getting-back-to-normal-🙏/) - The theme for this week ... when freak injuries happen Freak accidents, whether a sports injury, auto accident, or just a random thing, happen. Thankfully, the EMT's stabilize us, and surgical teams can put us back together. However, your body often needs more to really feel normal again. Read on ... Being active side-tracked by
- [How Much Walking Do You Need for a Health Benefit?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/08/18/how-much-walking-do-you-need-for-a-health-benefit/) - The theme for this week ... how much activity translates to health benefits? Keeping up on emerging research about the relationship between activity and health is one of the important things we do for you. A new article recently published sheds new perspective on the amount of activity needed for health benefits. Read on ...
- [3 Late Effects From a C-section Which Inhibit Being Active](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/08/11/3-late-effects-from-a-c-section-which-inhibit-being-active/) - The theme for this week ... back pain following major surgery Have you had major surgery, not felt like your old self? And especially after a C-section, have you been told that's what to expect? We find the body is able to recover so much more, it just needs specific help. Read on ... How
- [Summer Adventures, Hiking, and Injuries. Sometimes Things Happen ... 😣](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/08/04/summer-adventures-hiking-and-injuries-sometimes-things-happen-😣/) - The theme for this week ... injuries from hiking Have you been outdoors doing an activity you love and suffered an injury? Hiking is such a wonderful way to enjoy nature and be active. It can also be fraught with danger. Read on ... How common are hiking injuries? This 2022 summary from Hikers Daily
- [Summer, Aquatics, and Head Injuries. The Neck Gets Affected Too! 😞](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/07/28/summer-aquatics-and-head-injuries-the-neck-gets-affected-too-😞/) - The theme for this week ... head injuries from swimming impact the neck too Have you bumped your head or gotten your head bumped? Although the impact was to the head, your neck sustained stress too. Getting the neck muscles reset is key to helping you move with less pain and better balance after a
- [Clumsy or Accident Prone? Good Physical Balance Can Be Improved](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/07/21/clumsy-or-accident-prone-good-physical-balance-can-be-improved/) - The theme for this week ... being active needs balance! Do you refer to your kids as clumsy or accident prone? Maybe this describes you too? Poor physical balance can be the reason people opt out of being active. However, there is more to improving balance then just practicing balance exercises. Read on ... What
- [Vision and Hand-eye Coordination Problem-solving](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/07/14/vision-and-hand-eye-coordination-problem-solving/) - The theme for this week ... being active can also involve hands, arms and eyes! Many activities have a visual-motor component which incorporates use of our hands and arms in conjunction with vision. Sometimes the parts could be working together better than we assume they are. Read on ... We assume our vision and hands/arms
- [Boost Your Bone Health: the Role of Exercise Revealed](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/06/30/boost-your-bone-health-the-role-of-exercise-revealed/) - The theme for this week ... Exercise is essential for more than just our cardio-respiratory health. Our skeletal structure needs exercise too! Read on ... Bone health is dependent upon physical activity Recent research highlights various relationships between activity and bone health depending upon age, and/or type of activity. Some of this information seems intuitive
- [Head and Neck Posture: Understanding the Impact on Health and Fitness](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/06/23/head-and-neck-posture-understanding-the-impact-on-health-and-fitness/) - The theme for this week ... Forward head posture impacts people of all ages, affects your ability to be active, and has roots beyond screen time. Read on ... Head posture, neck muscles, and balance When you think of forward head posture, an older person may come to mind. Look around next time you're in
- [Dance ... a Great Alternative to Sports for Physical and Mental Well-being](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/06/16/dance-a-great-alternative-to-sports-for-physical-and-mental-well-being/) - The theme for this week ... dancing and feet Yes, you know being active is important for both physical and mental health, but sports may not be your thing. Many people find dancing, of any variety, to be a better fit. Read on ... Dance and health Dance can be a great alternative to sports
- [Vision and Activity ... Linked in Ways You Wouldn't Think](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/06/09/vision-and-activity-linked-in-ways-you-wouldnt-think/) - The theme for this week ... vision impacts our ability to be active Often your pain, balance, or coordination concerns seem to be a mystery. Sometimes your vision is part of the puzzle. Read on ... Vision and movement You likely take for granted how your vision affects your confidence and/or ability to be active.
- [Crawling -- a Surprising Implication for Every Age!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/06/02/crawling-a-surprising-implication-for-every-age/) - The theme for this week ... crawling's importance to health at all ages! How does crawling benefit my child, and even me? Crawling is generally thought of as a notable milestone for your baby as they grow, transforming from stationary wigglers to little individuals able to explore. The following study discusses the many facets of
- [Relief for Ann's Neck and Shoulder ... Another Piece of the Puzzle!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/05/26/relief-for-anns-neck-and-shoulder-another-piece-of-the-puzzle/) - The theme for this week ... the body tells its story! Often your pain, balance, or coordination concerns seem to be a mystery. One of the most common sources of the physical micromovement disruption that we find is a forgotten fall. How do we find it? Our problem-solving process deciphers the body's story. Read on
- [Yoga Breathing ... Claire's Quest for Deeper Breathing](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/05/19/yoga-breathing-claires-quest-for-deeper-breathing/) - The theme for this week ... better breathing, from the beginning! There are myriad interactions between the many muscles used for breathing. These interactions can get off track before birth, during birth, and in the weeks following. This insight played a key role in helping this week's video guest, Claire. So, how DO we begin
- [How Much Activity? And, What Kind? Judy's Choice, Dancing](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/05/12/how-much-activity-and-what-kind-judys-choice-dancing/) - The theme for this week ... being active daily How much activity should you get daily and weekly? The gold standard of activity guidelines by American Council of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and published by the Department of Health and Human Services were updated in 2019. You can find the full report here. Here are the
- [Recovery From an Injury is Often a Journey ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/04/21/recovery-from-an-injury-is-often-a-journey/) - The journey of recovering from an injury ... This week we share the saga of Cindy's thumb, which is a good reminder that the body CAN put itself back together with a little support and guidance. And time! A refresher of the series of events ... We featured Cindy last fall in one of our
- [5 Reasons Your Micromovements Benefit from a Spring Tune-up](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/04/14/5-reasons-your-micromovements-benefit-from-a-spring-tune-up/) - Is a Spring micromovement tune-up on your calendar? It should be! Warm weather is finally here! Are you ready to do all the things you dreamed about all winter long -- softball, soccer, lacrosse, biking, gardening, running, or a simple walk with friends? Or, is something holding you back? Outdoor activity has so many benefits,
- [Knee Replacement Left You with Pain and Stiffness?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/04/07/knee-replacement-left-you-with-pain-and-stiffness/) - Micromovement disrupter: knee replacement surgery With over 600,000 performed in the U.S. in 2020, knee replacement surgery has become a somewhat routine surgical procedure. A common issue for many following their knee replacement is stiffness. We find the primary contributors to the knee stiffness are swelling and poor multi-dimensional function at the joint. Luckily, Bridging®
- [Problem-solving Ann's Neck and Shoulder Pain](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/03/31/problem-solving-anns-neck-and-shoulder-pain/) - When neck pain makes it harder to be active ... Staying active is the key to both physical and mental health at ALL ages. But what if daily activities aggravate your neck pain? This is Ann's dilemma -- she is hoping for less pain so she can get through her day more comfortably. Let's take
- ["I walked away from the rear-end accident. Now my neck is not right."](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/03/24/i-walked-away-from-the-rear-end-accident-now-my-neck-is-not-right/) - "I walked away from the accident. Didn't need to go to the ER, so no major injuries." This is a common response from clients when we ask about past injuries and physical trauma. Neck trauma from a rear-end auto accident is a bit sneaky. There's nothing broken so you think all will be ok after
- [Three Uncommon Reasons for your Stiff or Painful Neck which Keeps you from Being Active](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/03/17/three-uncommon-reasons-for-your-stiff-or-painful-neck-which-keeps-you-from-being-active/) - Two things concurrently caught my attention this morning-- 1 - New statistics about head and neck injuries becoming more common in high school sports. 2 - A tweet about strength declines by age 70 (from Dan Go, @fitfounder) and exercises to counteract this decline. He is 43. I recognized how we often find neck trauma
- [Back Stuck in a Painful Twist?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/02/24/back-stuck-in-a-painful-twist/) - Too much twisting has Liz's back in a knot Sometimes the way we need to use our bodies at work can cause stress and strain, especially to our backs. In this YouTube session, we meet Dr. Liz who helps her patients' feet feel and function better. However, the positions she has to maneuver herself into
- [Hip Replaced? There May Be More to Do for Strength and Balance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/02/17/hip-replaced-there-may-be-more-to-do-for-strength-and-balance/) - New hip needs more help for balance A little while ago we met John, who had a hip replaced in October 2022. His leg strength was uneven and he had more fatigue than he expected. In this YouTube session, we check back in to see what John has been up to since the first Bridging®
- [New Goals, New Workout. Are You Ready?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/02/10/new-goals-new-workout-are-you-ready/) - Her new workout plan was challenging. How did Bridging® make sure she was reaping all the benefits? In the latest Bridging® Insider video we meet Kim, who has some ambitious plans with her new workout routine. As she embarks on her new mix of activity she wanted to make sure she wasn't going to aggravate
- [Exercise Plans Side-tracked? Do Past Injuries Make Things Harder?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/02/03/exercise-plans-side-tracked-do-past-injuries-make-things-harder/) - She wanted to get back to exercising for her health. How did Bridging® help? In the latest Bridging Insider video, we meet Zakiya whose exercise routine has been side-lined while caring for her son who has special needs. She's had two key physical traumas over the years and she wants to make sure she is
- [Neck and Hip Pain? Maybe There's More Than One Cause ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/01/27/neck-and-hip-pain-maybe-theres-more-than-one-cause/) - Long-time neck and hip pain? Why? What other reasons might be involved? In the latest Bridging Insider video, we meet Allison who has chronic neck and hip pain. With a lifetime full of movement disruptors she is bothered by pain. Although she works with several other professionals, she is hoping for a new perspective and
- [Strength and Balance Off? Might Be More Aspects to Your Surgical Recovery!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/01/20/strength-and-balance-off-might-be-more-aspects-to-your-surgical-recovery/) - Fatigue, strength, and balance concerns In the latest Bridging Insider video we meet John who wants to get back into a healthier lifestyle after being side-lined over the past few years with a degenerated hip. A new hip got rid of the source of his pain, and he was ready to get moving again! However,
- [Your Body Doesn't Move Correctly? Might Be Prior Injuries](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/01/13/your-body-doesnt-move-correctly-might-be-prior-injuries/) - Coordination between your core, arms or legs have you feeling less than confident? At The Bridging® Institute, we find disruptors to movement fall into consistent categories. As you accumulate more of these over the years, your body is less able to bounce back and find a way to keep going. Life can easily become a
- [Health and Longevity? Physical Movement is Critical](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2023/01/06/health-and-longevity-physical-movement-is-critical/) - But Does Your Body Move Right? Welcome to 2023!!! Thank you to the New York Times for this week's timely article about exercise. The overall takeaway from the story is about staying active for health and well-being. Bottom line -- making time daily to move is a must do for health and longevity! Looking at
- [Checking Back In on Knee and Feet Issues](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/12/16/checking-back-in-on-knee-and-feet-issues/) - Yes, you have pain and mobility concerns that keep you from being as active as you'd like to be. You keep searching for help, and would love things to be fixed immediately. In reality, most of the traditional approaches you may have tried ask you to come in 6, 18 or 30 times to get
- [Poor Balance: Was It Age or Hip Replacement?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/12/09/poor-balance-was-it-age-or-hip-replacement/) - Hip replacement surgery has changed so much over the years. With simpler approaches, the average age of for hip replacement is 65, making it a more common procedure. The primary goal of the procedure is improved mobility and activity with less pain. However, sometimes there isn't as much improvement as you'd hoped for. At the
- [Balance Not Quite Right, But You Can't Figure Out What's Wrong?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/12/02/balance-not-quite-right-but-you-cant-figure-out-whats-wrong/) - Balance, what is it? From a hard core physics perspective, balance is "the ability to maintain the body's center of mass over the base of support." From a practical perspective, balance is what gives you the confidence to move, both in sports and daily life. From a human perspective, balance has both neurological and physical
- [Post-chemo Pains? Katie Had Foot Pain; See How Bridging Helped](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/11/18/post-chemo-pains-katie-had-foot-pain-see-how-bridging-helped/) - Chemo is often your best shot at clearing cancer, yet sometimes the treatment itself leaves another set of issues. Common long term post-treatment issues include: swelling nerve pain bone loss To alleviate these, activity is a key part of your overall wellness plan. Bridging has a unique role by resetting your body making it easier
- [Knee Still Painful or Uncertain After ACL Repair?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/11/11/knee-still-painful-or-uncertain-after-acl-repair/) - ACL sprains and tears are among the most common types of knee injuries in the U.S., with more than a quarter million people injuring their anterior cruciate ligaments every year. Most people have some surgery-related pain and discomfort for the first week or so. Not surprisingly, pain from knee surgery decreases with time. By the
- [Neck or Back Pain? Had Hip Replacement or Abdominal Surgery?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/11/04/neck-or-back-pain-had-hip-replacement-or-abdominal-surgery/) - Wow! Did you know this about pain levels after hip replacement recovery? "... your pain levels should slowly decrease to about 1 or 2 in 12 weeks after the hip replacement," per Johns Hopkins recovery Q&A information. I think most people expect to be completely out of pain 3 months later! Back pain after surgical
- [Families, Trauma, and How Micromovements Help](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/10/28/families-trauma-and-how-micromovements-help/) - There are so many ways trauma can impact us! Obvious traumas are injuries and accidents. Less obvious traumas include: medical procedures emotional trauma birth trauma illness How many traumas have you or a family member experienced? Recently we shared our model of how Bridging helps to quickly get your body back on track after these
- [Been Sick and Now Have Tight Shoulders or Neck Pains?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/10/21/been-sick-and-now-have-tight-shoulders-or-neck-pains/) - Flu and cold season is upon us! Once you get over the main virus what's left behind may still be bugging you: coughing dripping nose stiffness rounded shoulders Often a session or two of Bridging is helpful to restore the ease of your muscles working, and allow your to breath better. Quickly clearing up the
- [Moms, Still Bothered by Back Pain, Weak Core, Leaking or Odd Ab Sensations?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/10/14/moms-still-bothered-by-back-pain-weak-core-leaking-or-odd-ab-sensations/) - Following childbirth moms are told that time and exercise will help their core return to its original function. Our clients tell a different story. They have been frustrated with slow or plateaued recovery in many ways, especially if they had a C-section. They are so happy to finally begin feeling like their former selves with
- [Bicycling Feet, Meet Your Power Player, Pedaling Legs](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/09/30/bicycling-feet-meet-your-power-player-pedaling-legs/) - "Foot pain is experienced by 17% to 42% of the adult population. It is disabling in nearly half of these cases and can impair mood, behavior, risk of falls, self-care ability and quality of life." Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (2009) Foot Function Flummoxed Many of
- [Post-surgical Recovery Incomplete? See How Bridging® Helped this Hockey Player](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/09/23/post-surgical-recovery-incomplete-see-how-bridging-helped-this-hockey-player/) - “An estimated 12 million individuals between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sport-related injury annually, which leads to 20 million lost days of school and approximately $33 billion in health care costs.” Common Sports Injuries: Incidence and Average Charges | ASPE (hhs.gov) Post Surgery: Will I ever be back to normal? This
- [Runner's Hamstring Has Him Sidelined. Why?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/09/16/runners-hamstring-has-him-sidelined-why/) - Runner hamstrung over hamstring issue Our YouTube guest this week had a weird running injury which wasn't getting better with rest and the usual stretching. The pain limited his ability to get through the day, to enjoy summer, and let off his work stress via exercise! The best comment came after we finished and took
- [Is a New Mom's Childbirth Trauma Linked to Anxiety and Sports Performance Challenges?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/08/26/is-a-new-moms-childbirth-trauma-linked-to-anxiety-and-sports-performance-challenges/) - Anxiety and trauma resulting from childbirth, especially for C-section moms In a prior BLOG post I shared how the diaphragm, breathing, and lower body interconnections are all related, and most importantly, impact anxiety. One of the most common reasons we find for moms to feel anxious, as well as reluctant to restart activity, relates to
- [Anxiety, Breathing, and Lower Body Traumas?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/08/19/anxiety-breathing-and-lower-body-traumas/) - https://twitter.com/i/status/1558098935465533442 This illustration of breathing is so cool! I follow Slava Bobrov on Twitter for his amazing visualizations of the body and cells. Last week he shared this animation of breathing. I was in heaven! This animation (click on the image) shows how the lungs, ribs, heart and DIAPHRAGM are supposed to move with respect
- [Anxiety a Concern? How Activity Helps](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/08/12/anxiety-a-concern-how-activity-helps/) - Trying to get back into working out? ps - It also helps to calm anxiety! Do you have a goal of getting back into working out after two years of COVID-related inactivity? Is the 'getting started' part hard? Many excuses come to mind -- busy schedule, too hot, too cold. In reality, these can all
- [And Then Life Happens! Injured When Running](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/08/05/and-then-life-happens-injured-when-running/) - Keeping you active at every age to support your best physical, mental and cognitive health is our goal at The Bridging® Institute. You want to stay active, yet life can hand you challenge after challenge. Staying active is really about how we pick ourselves up and keep going when things in life happen. Often a
- [Old Knee Injury? See the Crazy Ways It Can Impact You](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/07/29/old-knee-injury-see-the-crazy-ways-it-can-impact-you/) - Wanting to stay active, but ... Sometimes you are doing your best to get into healthier habits yet your body doesn't want to cooperate. Often we assign the sensations to being out of shape, needing to try harder, or being more consistent. Sometimes there is something basic, yet overlooked. Here's an example. Sound familiar? I
- [Back to School Time: Is Your Child Ready?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/07/22/back-to-school-time-is-your-child-ready/) - School begins soon. Is your child positioned to do their best? Are you and your child excited about the new school year or dreading it? Do you hope each year will be the year things click into place for your child to excel? Did you have a tough time with school, so you give your
- [Long Term Back Pain Gone in Minutes. How?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/07/15/long-term-back-pain-gone-in-minutes-how/) - Chronic Back Pain Back pain impacts so many people on a daily or periodic basis! I had the recent pleasure to meet a local internet media personality and former U.S. Marine who has had back pain for about 10 years. The chronic pain was just wearing him down. He was able to get through the
- [Restoring Inner Peace and Calm](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/07/08/restoring-inner-peace-and-calm/) - The Fourth of July holiday turned out to be a time of chaos and tragedy in our community. Our Northbrook office is a short distance from Highland Park, and we serve many families there. Our hearts are heavy with the sadness and loss. The most fundamental human need, that of safety and security, was rocked.
- [Your Child's Knee Pain: Is There Something More to Check?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/06/24/your-childs-knee-pain-is-there-something-more-to-check/) - A child's knee pain can be frustrating to you and to them! Summer is a time when your child is both very active, and often, growing! When knee pain strikes it can be concerning and frustrating if it lingers. Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? Your child awakens at night with knee pain. You
- [Is Knee Pain and/or Arthritis a Concern?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/06/17/is-knee-pain-and-or-arthritis-a-concern/) - A recent study from Baylor University discusses findings relating activity, osteoarthritis and knee pain. The study highlighted that walking helped prevent and reduce pain. Although the study followed people over the age of 50, it shows that people who walk frequently had less pain at the outset. In other words, get moving! In an effort
- [It's Travel Season: Are You Steady and Ready?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/06/10/its-travel-season-are-you-steady-and-ready/) - Yes, you are on the move again! You've planned, waited and re-planned. Finally, the trip is about to become reality. You have the packing lists, bought new equipment, and your pet care arranged. But are you physically ready for your trip? Here are just a few of the concerns our clients have had as they
- [New Experiences ... 😳 and 😁!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/06/03/new-experiences-😳-and-😁/) - Sharing a peek behind the scenes ... A first experience in a new adventure My experience with shooting the first episode of a new YouTube show reminded me of the feelings our clients have when they first come in. Yes, I was nervous! No, I didn't really know what to expect. Yes, I left pleasantly
- [Butter Melting ... It's the Sensation We Feel When Muscles Change](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/05/20/butter-melting-its-the-sensation-we-feel-when-muscles-change/) - "What do you feel when the muscles change?" Inquisitive clients have posed this question over recent weeks. My response? To those of us doing Bridging®, the change feels like the muscles and movements soften and melt, similar to butter. The movement become easier for us, and for you! Butter can have many states from hard
- [Hard Time Learning to 🚲 Ride?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/05/13/hard-time-learning-to-🚲-ride/) - There are FOUR aspects of coordination required. I've written about biking before, but usually from an injury perspective. This is the time of year that younger children are testing out new bikes, and parents are trying to teach bike riding skills. With success, the joy is unbelievable. When the skills just don't happen, the frustration
- [Playground Success? Yes, They Did!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/05/06/playground-success-yes-they-did/) - It's the season for being outdoors which often means exploring playgrounds. Playground exploration is an essential part of childhood for learning new physical skills, and learning to take risks. These are vital aspects of development! Sometimes your child needs a little help, then they figure it out. Sometimes a little help doesn't work and your
- [Cancer Journey? Yes, There Are So Many Aspects to This](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/04/29/cancer-journey-yes-there-are-so-many-aspects-to-this/) - Cancer treatment support is a personal topic for me. This month marks 20 years since my son was diagnosed with leukemia at age 6. During his 3+ years of treatment he endured 2 surgeries, 38 lumbar punctures, countless IV's and hospital stays. He was messed up from treatment, and because of treatment. I found out
- [Recent, or Not So Recent, Surgery? And Recovery Isn't Quite What You Expected?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/04/22/recent-or-not-so-recent-surgery-and-recovery-isnt-quite-what-you-expected/) - A number of clients in the office recently have wanted help with pain or limited range of motion. We found these had a relationship to prior surgeries. These surgeries included: Abdominal structure repair Cancer treatment C-section Dental Hysterectomy Wrist (following fracture) In each case Bridging® was able to help with pain, ease of motion, and
- [Original? Delta? Omicron? Long? 😵](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/04/01/original-delta-omicron-long-😵/) - Omicron, Delta, or Original? Almost sounds like drink orders at a bar, right? But which version you contracted wasn't really a choice. For those of us who got Covid, we pretty much ended up with the catch of the day. I had Omicron. It wasn't nothing, but it wasn't terrible. And, thankfully, no lasting effects
- [Your Leg Was in a Cast. Still Painful, Weak, or Unsteady?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/03/18/your-leg-was-in-a-cast-still-painful-weak-or-unsteady/) - Over 2 million legs are fractured each year in the U.S. The three most common types of leg fractures are: Patella (knee cap) Tibia/Fibula (lower leg) Ankle The most common cause of fractures is falling, or being hit, such as in sports injuries. Foot injuries and fractures can result in a cast also. You broke
- [3 Non-Sports Benefits of Seasonal Tune-ups!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/03/11/3-non-sports-benefits-of-seasonal-tune-ups/) - I recently wrote about the benefits of tune-ups between sports seasons. Life also has its seasons such as: Holidays Vacations Performances Cleaning Recovery For each of these you often need different physical coordination and strength, as well as coping abilities. Kind of interesting that each also offers the opportunity of a fresh start! Seasonal tune-ups
- [It's Been 20 Years!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/03/02/its-been-20-years/) - I sat in my kitchen 20 years ago with a grand idea of helping women move better to stay healthier. So much has changed since then, although fundamentally so much is the same. Join me in some reminiscing! Here are some of the highlights of The Bridging® Institute's evolution: The mission expanded to helping everyone,
- [3 Benefits of Seasonal Tune-ups for Your Kids](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/02/25/3-benefits-of-seasonal-tune-ups-for-your-kids/) - Winter sports have wrapped up their season -- hockey, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming and basketball. Did your athlete get injured, minor or major, during the past season? Spring sports will be starting soon -- softball, baseball, badminton, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, and track. Has your athlete grown? The seasonal transition can cause stress when layered on top
- [Slip and Fall? 😩 2 Aspects of Falling Where You Feel Off or Sleep Poorly](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/02/18/slip-and-fall-😩-2-aspects-of-falling-where-you-feel-off-or-sleep-poorly/) - According to the CDC in 2017, approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually as the result of falling on ice and snow. You were careful, but ... down you went. 🙁 Nothing was broken, but you just don't feel yourself. You might have gone to the urgent care to make sure all was ok. What
- [Fractured Arm is Healed. Still Painful or Weak?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/02/11/fractured-arm-is-healed-still-painful-or-weak/) - Over 590,000 arms are fractured each year in the U.S. The three most common types of arm fractures are: distal radius distal ulna proximal humerus The most common cause of fractures is falling, or being hit, such as in sports injuries. The majority of forearm (radius, ulna) fractures occur in children under the age of
- [Rear-Ended and You're Ok, But Are You? 5 Common, Yet Hidden Issues](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/02/04/rear-ended-and-youre-ok-but-are-you-5-common-yet-hidden-issues/) - Nearly 2.5 million rear end collisions are reported in the United States every year and are responsible for 28% of all crashes – making this type of collision the most common type of crash. You were rear-ended. You walked away, but don't feel quite right. Getting hit from behind at moderate to high speed is
- [Feeling Off? Kids' Behavior Off? Here Are Some Reasons at This Time of Year ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/01/28/feeling-off-kids-behavior-off-here-are-some-reasons-at-this-time-of-year/) - This week we're seeing an uptick in ... Kids needing a regulatory reset. They are having a tough time with: sleep behavior sensory sensitivity Adults needing a post-covid or flu reset. They want help with: shallow breathing poor sleep low energy achy joints Is this you or your family? We can help. Bridging®'s gentle micromovements
- [Foot Surgery and Still Have Pain, Swelling, or Balance Concerns?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/01/21/foot-surgery-and-still-have-pain-swelling-or-balance-concerns/) - Facts about feet issues and surgeries Bunions affect approximately 25-30% of adults. Most common foot surgeries are to address: bunions hammer toes tendon release neuroma metatarsal repair Feet still hurting after surgery? Your feet may have been hurting so bad that surgery seemed like the best solution. Surgery is finished, your foot is healed, and
- [Feet Pain? How Does Understanding Early Development Help You Feel Better?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/01/14/feet-pain-how-does-understanding-early-development-help-you-feel-better/) - Fun facts about feet Feet have no bones at birth! The bones are still forming, and what we think of as bones is actually cartilage. The bones form later in the first year, which is why shoes aren't recommended at this early age. 200,000 nerve endings! You have so many nerves and types of sensory
- [We've Been Working with Babies! What We've Learned ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2022/01/07/weve-been-working-with-babies-what-weve-learned/) - Happy New Year! Sharing some reflections ... The most amazing part of 2021 began in late January with a text from a friend. "Can you help my friend's baby?" Helping one newborn led to helping several, which we followed developmentally over the past year. The experience has been both insightful and inspirational. Watching weekly and
- [Sharing Something to Help You to Calm and Sleep](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/12/17/sharing-something-to-help-you-to-calm-and-sleep/) - What a year it's been! Thank you for trusting us to help with your pain, anxiety, balance, coordination, or your child's development and behavior. Whether in the office, virtually, or through an online course, we are honored to have helped improve your quality of life. 2021 saw big changes! We started the year as Kinetic
- [Sleep ... the Magic Elixir of CALM](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/12/10/sleep-the-magic-elixir-of-calm/) - Finding more calm has been a frequent theme for us this year. Even so, sometimes we forget the obvious. Sleep is 25-33% of our day, and it has a huge impact of our ability to stay level-headed. It's a big deal. In fact the sleep industry is a $30B industry! Some reminders about the physical
- [Asking For Your Help ... to Spread the Word!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/12/03/asking-for-your-help-to-spread-the-word/) - You and your family know first-hand how much Bridging® has helped -- put your pain in the past, keep a parent vibrant with improved balance and mobility, keep family peace with a calm and regulated child, or catch your little one up with developmental milestones. We are grateful for the opportunities to keep you and
- [Connecting Hands Brings Us Together in So Many Ways!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/11/22/connecting-hands-brings-us-together-in-so-many-ways/) - Hands ... the bond of a simple grasp Grasping -- what a connection! As we greet each other in person after so many months, or years, a grasp of the hands is so deeply connecting. Even more than a hug or kiss, the hands connect us in ways felt but unseen. The skin contact and
- [Hands + Age = Arthritis? No!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/11/12/hands-age-arthritis-no/) - Arthritic hands: what else may be the cause? As the weather gets cooler it seems that our adult joints get stiffer. We tend to blame our age or the cold, but reduced activity is likely the cause. There are many studies that show movement is the most effective way to lower pain and improve function,
- [Fidget Toys: Helpful or Annoying?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/11/05/fidget-toys-helpful-or-annoying/) - As we shift to spending more time indoors, little things like fidgety fingers become more pronounced and, likely, more annoying. Sensory fidgets and stress balls can be found everywhere in many shapes, colors, and sizes. But what do these gadgets really do? And do they even help? This time I'm not turning to research because
- [Walking for Calming? Yes!!!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/10/15/walking-for-calming-yes/) - The past 18 months have been stressful in ever-changing ways. How have you managed to keep yourself pulled together mentally and emotionally? I found myself walking or running outdoors. Everyday, and often 2-3 times a day. Anytime I feel a little edgy or unfocused I throw on some shoes and head outside. 15 minutes is
- [Does Your Child Have a Challenging Time with Preschool?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/10/08/does-your-child-have-a-challenging-time-with-preschool/) - How can preschool be hard? It's a time you and your child have been waiting for -- going to preschool! But after a month, things are not going so smoothly and you're wondering, "What can be so hard about preschool, and what can I, as a parent, do?" Your preschool's staff can be a great
- [Is Your Child Struggling in the New School Year?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/10/01/is-your-child-struggling-in-the-new-school-year/) - School called: Refusals, anxiety, poor attention? It's that time of year, and I've lived it. I dreaded seeing the school on caller ID because it was never good news. The emails and calls come from school to discuss performance and behavior. By now the students should have settled into their routines. Each year, I was
- [Bike Falls: Are You Still Feeling the Effects?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/09/24/bike-falls-are-you-still-feeling-the-effects/) - Bike fall in your past? When people come in with mystery pain, a common incident in their past is a bike fall. They often say, "I was fine, nothing was broken." However, nothing broken doesn't mean the incident was without lasting consequences. Often a bike fall, whether recent or a long time ago, is the
- [Pain and Swelling Still an Issue After Your Surgery or Procedure?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/09/17/pain-and-swelling-still-an-issue-after-your-surgery-or-procedure/) - Lots of summer surgeries! We meet people who are frustrated with the status of their recovery. These are the most common surgeries they have had: Did an accidental bone break need repair? Was the knee or hip replacement, or hysterectomy planned? Was the appendix or gallbladder surgery an emergency? Was the surgery part of cancer
- [Kids Feeling Anxious This Fall?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/09/10/kids-feeling-anxious-this-fall/) - 5 Reasons Your Kids May Be Feeling Anxious The statistics are startling! Nearly 1 child in every 10 in the US suffers from anxiety! Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in children and adolescents. Do you know what is normal vs. excessive anxiety? Some anxiety is normal. Here is a quick discussion about
- [Three Injury Types and How They Impact Self-calming](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/08/27/three-injury-types-and-how-they-impact-self-calming/) - We typically think of falls, being hit by something, or being in a motor vehicle accident as a cause of pain or mobility concerns. These types of injuries are the leading causes of nonfatal preventable injuries treated in hospital emergency departments: (United States, 2019) Falls - 8,049,8822 Struck By/Against - 3,183,7723 Motor Vehicle-Occupant - 2,108,1474
- [Anxiety: What If It Comes From a Past Sports Injury?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/08/20/anxiety-what-if-it-comes-from-a-past-sports-injury/) - Three sports scenarios that may play a role in your anxiety. Sports injuries are common! According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019 there were: 468,000 injuries from general exercise 417,000 injuries from bicycling 404,000 injuries basketball 292,000 injuries from football Injury prone activities From CDC data, activities associated with the highest number of
- [Yes, Long COVID and Diaphragm Have a Connection 😵](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/08/13/yes-long-covid-and-diaphragm-have-a-connection-😵/) - How can long COVID have so many lingering issues? According to the CDC, new or ongoing symptoms of long COVID may include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath tiredness or fatigue difficulty thinking or concentrating cough chest and/or stomach pain headache heart palpitations joint and/or muscle pain pins and needles diarrhea sleep problems Many of
- [Anxiety, Calming, and the Diaphragm](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/08/06/anxiety-calming-and-the-diaphragm/) - Gaining a new sense of calm You have a hard time staying calm, and new situations get you ramped up pretty quickly. Sound familiar? These are common feelings for many of our clients, young and not so young. A common way to help find calm is to lie down with your legs flexed and focus
- [More Reasons the Diaphragm is Key to Your Pains, Fatigue, and more...😳](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/07/30/more-reasons-the-diaphragm-is-key-to-your-pains-fatigue-and-more-😳/) - Insights to the many ways your diaphragm should support you ... The diaphragm affects everything! When I teach Bridging® we spend a lot of time discussing diaphragm connections and function, as well as the events in a person's background which likely impact diaphragm function. This is why: "The diaphragm affects everything in the body, AND
- [Does Your Breathing Cause Your Body Stress?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/07/23/does-your-breathing-cause-your-body-stress/) - Pain? Tight hips, low back? Rounded posture? Fatigue? Is breathing the root cause? We breathe over 1 million times a day! For something that should be automatic and easy, it's been amazing how many people we meet whose breathing mechanics don't work correctly. We meet because you are looking for pain relief at the knee,
- [Breathing, Posture, and Endurance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/07/16/breathing-posture-and-endurance/) - "Feels good to be able to fully breathe in again!" - Runner training for 2021 Chicago marathon Breathing and the Marathon Training Plan My friend is training for the Chicago Marathon, not her first, but she has been struggling for her breath after 4-5 miles. Since her training plan calls for a 10-12 long mile
- [Sharing Some Summer Fun 🍦](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/07/09/sharing-some-summer-fun-🍦/) - What are you doing for a change of pace this summer? Sometimes our summer activity is about competing (sports camps, summer leagues, backyard bags, etc.), and sometimes it's simply spending time together with friends and family. Have you ever taken note of the movement and self-control/regulation required for an activity? Even a simple a match
- [Kid's Behavior Getting on Your Nerves Already?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/06/25/kids-behavior-getting-on-your-nerves-already/) - Kid's behavior challenging? Perhaps it's a core activation issue. Summer has just begun, and believe it or not, these are some of the challenging behaviors we are already hearing about from parents. Do any of these describe your child? General lack of interest in physical activity Whiny and overly sensitive to pains and textures Argues,
- [Crazy Question: What If Your Core Never Really Worked the Right Way?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/06/18/crazy-question-what-if-your-core-never-really-worked-the-right-way/) - Core activation fiction Do you have to work harder than others to keep a strong and active core? Looking for clues to unresolved pain, stiffness, or anxiety -- all common when the core activation isn't fully developed? The sports industry, exercise world, and pop culture would have us believe that all we need for a
- [Core Exercise vs. Activation](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/06/11/core-exercise-vs-activation/) - Have you been told you need to activate your core muscles before exercising or lifting? You are returning to your active lifestyle and workout routines. A common part of a well-rounded workout routine focuses on your core. Great core function is much more than doing a bunch of crunches. However, when choosing any core exercise
- [Your Foundation to a Strong Core](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/06/04/your-foundation-to-a-strong-core/) - A mom recently wrote us to ask a question... Her son was told he needed better core strength to swim faster. In the past, they had considered using a device to activate his core, but opted not to. Did they lose their window of opportunity to help his core? The answer is no, they didn't.
- [Parents of Graduates: Make Time to Do This for Yourself](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/05/27/parents-of-graduates-make-time-to-do-this-for-yourself/) - Parents, take a moment to celebrate! At some point in time during the graduation festivities, pause and pat yourself on the back. Take a moment to savor what a great job YOU did. You persisted, when others doubted and criticized. You kept a pulse on the needs of your child, while giving them the space
- [Have Chronic Pain? Here's Another Cause](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/05/21/have-chronic-pain-heres-another-cause/) - Chronic Pain? Often a long forgotten or key injury is at play Chronic pain is the top reason clients (teens and adults) seek out Bridging® for relief. What does chronic pain look like to you? Pain that keeps you from sleeping Pain that keeps you from daily life activities Pain that keeps you from fun
- [Post-Operative Pain: Our 3 Stages to Relief](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/05/14/post-operative-pain-our-3-stages-to-relief/) - Three Stages to Clearing Chronic Post-Op Pain Chronic post-operative pain is the top reason teens and adults seek out Bridging for pain relief. The Mystery Not only is post-operative chronic pain a noted outcome of surgery, it is often a mystery to the traditional medical community as to why it occurs. There are many studies
- [Pain -- The #1 Reason Teens and Adults Seek Out Bridging® Relief](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/05/07/pain-the-1-reason-teens-and-adults-seek-out-bridging-relief/) - Insights about Chronic Pain 80% of childhood chronic pain continues into adulthood. Many study* participants reported the pain was the result of a sports injury. (*Source: Chronic Pain in Adolescents Children (Basel) Dec 2016 Freiedrichdorf et al.) 17% of adults with chronic pain had it as a child. Chronic pain is also a significant post-operative
- [Medication Not Your Type of Solution for Behavior?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/04/14/medication-not-your-type-of-solution-for-behavior/) - Yes, you can also change your child's behavior with movement. "I've done the first movement for a few days and already he's calmer." Carrie, mom of 4-year old. 7 Steps to Calm is a seven-week on-demand program needing only minutes a day for specific movements to help calm your child and restore peace at home.
- [Struggling With a Child's Behavior?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/04/07/struggling-with-a-childs-behavior-2/) - It's here! Your special invitation... Be the first to experience our new on-demand program to support children. 7 Steps to Calm is a seven-week on-demand program needing only minutes a day for specific movements to help calm your child and restore peace at home. What is the basis of the program? Over the past 15
- [March 19th: Changing to New Scheduling System](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/03/12/march-19th-changing-to-new-scheduling-system/) - New, easier way to schedule ALL types of appointments Why and when are we changing our scheduling tools? As you are able to experience Bridging in more ways, we found different technology was needed to support easy and integrated scheduling, especially for virtual appointment access. Friday March 19th after 5pm we will be transitioning to
- [Struggling with a Child's Behavior?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/03/05/struggling-with-a-childs-behavior/) - The Link between Micromovements and Behaviors Behavioral Reactions: Even-tempered? Anxious? Quick-tempered? Your child's temperament should be able to shift up and down to meet the changing situations of their days and weeks. Their reactions should rise to meet the occasion and then calm back down. This is known as modulation. Stress happens when a child's
- [The Story of Your Life: Micromovements Tell It All!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/02/19/the-story-of-your-life-micromovements-tell-it-all/) - Micromovements and the stories they reveal ... Your movements tell your story One of the primary principles in the Bridging® Technique is to analyze a set of passive movements where we do the moving, not you. These movements tell the story of how your body is actually getting you through the day. When we find
- [What is Bridging?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/02/12/what-is-bridging/) - Bridge /ˈbrij/ noun: A time, place, or means of connection or transition. You most commonly think of a bridge as, literally, the structure connecting two points. In my electrical engineering coursework (way back when), a 'bridge' was a connection between circuits, or audio systems. Most people think separately of the body's structural and nervous (electrical)
- [Kinetic Konnections is Evolving!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/02/05/kinetic-konnections-is-evolving/) - Evolving to a new name and focused mission! Kinetic Konnections is transforming into The Bridging Institute. After 15 years we're growing into our next phase with a new name and more tightly focused mission -- helping more people, in more ways. Why? To sharpen our focus on what creates the magic -- Bridging! As we began
- [Is Your Arm Aching Following the Vaccine? ????](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/01/26/is-your-arm-aching-following-the-vaccine-😫/) - Have you gotten your Covid vaccine yet? Does your arm or shoulder have pain, swelling, and stiffness? At Kinetic Konnections we find vaccines (flu or Covid) tend to block micromovements in your arm and shoulder area. When the micromovements change, the pain and stiffness go away. It's that straight forward. I made the video below
- [Pain, Injury, or Behavior Got You Stressed Out?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/01/15/pain-injury-or-behavior-got-you-stressed-out/) - What's stressing you out these days? Is 2021 off to a painful or stressful start? In pain and still searching for help? Recovering from surgery or an injury and wondering when you'll get back to normal? Stressed and worried about your child's behavior? At Kinetic Konnections we find these all tend to have one thing
- [Slip and Fall? Three Ways Bridging® Can Help](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2021/01/08/slip-and-fall-three-ways-bridging-can-help/) - Two days, three clients with falls. 'Tis the season! Only two days back in the office in the new year and we've seen three clients recovering from injuries related to falls. So many ways to slip and fall -- stairs, sidewalk, and tripping. Please be careful! As we worked through the Bridging movements with each
- [Traditions and Taking New Steps ???? ???? ????](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/12/31/traditions-and-taking-new-steps-🍪-👟-💙/) - The old and the new! Traditions ... how you build bonds and memories with special people in your lives. Knowing what to expect and letting it happen in the same old, yet unique way each year. Your traditions may have been challenged this year, but hopefully they've transitioned to something new and better for the
- [Three Quick Ways to Calm Your Child, or Yourself](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/12/11/three-quick-ways-to-calm-your-child-or-yourself/) - ???? You feel exhausted. ???? You're feeling stuck, and struggling to get anything done. ???? Your child seems to be spinning out of control. And, there are more weeks of at-home time staring you down. At Kinetic Konnections we specialize in helping you and your family with the micro-movements needed for your nervous system to
- [Keeping Each Other Safe, Calm, and Moving!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/11/19/keeping-each-other-safe-calm-and-moving/) - Amidst rising Covid positivity rates and the usual flu season, here is a reminder of some of what we do each day to keep us all safe: Information gathering the day before your appointment via our health and travel survey Staggered schedules to minimize chances of encountering anyone else when you are coming or going
- [Lasting Effects from Injuries. Who is Easier to Help -- Kids or Adults?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/11/06/lasting-effects-from-injuries-who-is-easier-to-help-kids-or-adults/) - How is helping an injury different between kids and adults? Recently we had a client ask, "Is it easier to help kids, or adults?" My answer, "It depends." We recently explored this question related to surgical recovery. However, injuries are a more common event at all ages so let's explore the differences between helping adults
- [Do Kids or Adults Change More Easily?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/10/30/do-kids-or-adults-change-more-easily/) - Recently we had a client ask, "Is it easier to help kids, or adults?" My answer, "It depends." Why? It depends on what event derailed the movement and regulation continuum, and when in time the derailment happened. Like the trains our children play with, a train on tracks is a useful metaphor to explain this
- [Still Recovering from a Surgery or Medical Procedure?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/10/16/still-recovering-from-a-surgery-or-medical-procedure/) - Recent Surgical Procedure? We have many clients who are finally able to get their Covid delayed procedures done, or have had test results requiring new procedures. Knees, hips, biopsies, moles, shoulders and feet. Oh my! Being such a timely topic, post-surgical support will be the focus for our quarterly professional Bridging® learning event next week.
- [Pain, Anxiety and Balance Concerns? Consider a Virtual Session](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/10/09/pain-anxiety-and-balance-concerns-consider-a-virtual-session/) - Virtual session for adults - What's different? From a client's wife in Kansas City, MO - "He was moving much better during our walk that followed your session. He walked more quickly as well. Cara easily navigated us through simple movements virtually. These movements resulted in more fluidity and flexibility for his body after a
- [What Does a Virtual Session Look Like?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/10/02/what-does-a-virtual-session-look-like/) - Virtual session for your kids: What does it look like? From a mom from Southern California- "Charles has made so much improvement- so grateful for your help. He was so much more regulated after the session and he’s jumping for the first time! Those are the major noticeable changes - but I can go on
- [Would My Child Benefit from a Virtual Session?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/09/25/would-my-child-benefit-from-a-virtual-session/) - Why should you consider a Virtual Bridging® Session? There are several reasons why you might want to give a virtual session a try. Distance: You literally can not get to our office because you are geographically distant. Schedules: The ever-changing hybrid schedule with school doesn't allow you enough time to plan for a visit to
- [What Do You Find Yourself Missing These Days?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/09/18/what-do-you-find-yourself-missing-these-days/) - Taking a lesson from our kids As parents we are so busy trying to hold it all together. We worry about our parents, our children, our friends, our jobs, the animals, etc. It's. So. Overwhelming! Part of the pity party referenced in our last post might include acknowledging what we are missing. I thought this
- [Parents, Do You Have Back-to-School Stress Too?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/09/04/parents-do-you-have-back-to-school-stress-too/) - It's OK not to be OK Transitions are hard! Every year we hear of families going through the stress of back to school. For some, the addition of the daily structure is a godsend. For others, the rigidity of the school day is a nightmare to navigate. This year brings much of the same but
- [Do You Struggle with How Your Child Sits for E-learning?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/08/28/do-you-struggle-with-how-your-child-sits-for-e-learning/) - Maybe your child knows what works best for them It's already started. You set up the perfect virtual school space so they can focus. But your child just won't sit properly. They prefer to sit on their knees, sit cross legged, sit on the floor, slouch on their bed, or half stand. Now what? Don't
- [Is Your Child Struggling to Concentrate?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/08/21/is-your-child-struggling-to-concentrate/) - Concentration challenges? Five reasons why behavior may not be to blame You've put your best foot forward for the start to an unusual school year. You've done all you can to sort through so many emails to put together the daily school schedule. You've set up a school work space with laptop or iPad, chair, and
- [Non-Covid Reasons Your Child (and You) May Be Dreading a Return to School](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/08/15/non-covid-reasons-your-child-and-you-may-be-dreading-a-return-to-school/) - School focus challenging? Or is it really a fine motor challenge? Beyond all the environmental and logistical challenges related to returning to school, some more fundamental challenges can also add to your child's frustrations -- focus and fine motor skills. Does your child seem lazy or resistant to doing their work? There is often more
- [Downtime and Silver Linings](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/07/31/downtime-and-silver-linings/) - Loosen your bone, Wilma. This was the quote on my calendar yesterday, "Loosen your bone, Wilma." This reference to Wilma from the cartoon, The Flintstones, was quite fitting as I was heading off for a short get-away to "loosen up." A little change of scenery helps to refresh the mind, body, and spirit. I like
- [Nighttime Sobbing? Daytime Behavior Challenges? ????](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/07/24/nighttime-sobbing-daytime-behavior-challenges-😵/) - Sobbing or acting out? Growth may be the culprit The sun, warmth, and outdoors are the perfect catalysts for growth in your children. With that growth comes two common challenges to being a parent -- pain and dis-regulation. As a parent, there is nothing more heart breaking to have a sobbing child in the middle
- [Do Your Running and Walking Shoes Feel Great? Or Just Ok?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/07/17/do-your-running-and-walking-shoes-feel-great-or-just-ok/) - All the miles of walking and running has got you wondering if it's time to get new shoes. I know, the shoes you have are so comfortable! It's so hard to find a pair that feels right. Despite all of the technology and expert advice at the sports stores, I find there are two, more
- [What's the Odd Light in the Office?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/07/10/whats-the-odd-light-in-the-office/) - UVC Lamps- What do they do? The coronavirus continues to be a concern and your safety is of utmost importance. This UVC lamp (pictured) is a way we are going the extra mile for you. Are you sensitive to chemical cleaners? This space age looking lamp is another way we keep everything as sterile as
- [Holiday How To's](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/07/03/holiday-how-tos/) - So much to celebrate! This great nation turns 244 You've survived three+ months into the Covid altered world Summer is here, with full-on heat and humidity! For some of you the holiday weekend is a time to kick back and relax, for others its a time to get outdoors on a trail. I'm re-sharing the
- [Is Your Post-Quarantine Body Feeling Stiff, Tired, and a Bit Puffy?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/06/26/is-your-post-quarantine-body-feeling-stiff-tired-and-a-bit-puffy/) - As the weather warmed you emerged from corona quarantine. Over the past few months, you've been coping with work and school transitions for yourself or family. The working from home thing meant stuck in a chair for hours. Your newfound baking skills have resulted to the infamous "quarantine 10/15/20" pounds. As our clients have returned
- [Is Your Child Struggling with Learning to Ride a Bike?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/06/19/is-your-child-struggling-with-learning-to-ride-a-bike/) - A positive outcome of the stay at home time has been a resurgence in bicycle riding. Are you trying to teach your child to ride so they can enjoy the thrills of bike riding too? For a child, a bicycle represents freedom. The ability to get out and about on their own is a significant
- [Adapting to Change? It Can be Hard!!!????](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/05/15/adapting-to-change-it-can-be-hard/) - Bridging®-based moves to organize growing bodies While it may seem like life has been stuck on the 'pause' button, your children keep growing. This growth can cause both physical and emotional stress. To help your family stay on track, we created this video showing you how to use Bridging-based movements to keep young, growing bodies
- [Legs Talking Back with All the Walking and Running Happening?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/05/08/legs-talking-back-with-all-the-walking-and-running-happening/) - Active time causing new aches and pains? The weather is warming! Your newly organized day has active time planned in. You are out and about more. Great! Your legs, however, are protesting. In recent weeks I've heard from people that their legs are not so happy with all the walking and running happening. Kids' leg
- [Security, Cleaning, and Organizing - Yes, They Go Together](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/04/24/security-cleaning-and-organizing-yes-they-go-together/) - Organization is calming to the senses, literally. What's with all the cleaning and organizing? Did Marie Kondo drop a new show? The organizing bug finally got me. I'd avoided the big closet organizing project in my home office for over a year. I even explained to a friend via photos to show why it was
- [Sometimes the Best We Can Do Is Survive](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/04/17/sometimes-the-best-we-can-do-is-survive/) - Bridging®-based Primal Movements for Survival Most days it feels like all we're doing is merely surviving. Sometimes that's ok. Every day I think I'm doing better, then some random news story throws me back into worry. In the Maslow hierarchy of needs we find ourselves having our security challenged daily. Security is in the bottom
- [WFH Aches? Here Are Some Alt-stretches](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/04/10/wfh-aches-here-are-some-alt-stretches/) - How are you faring with the new ways of working (and learning) from home (WFH)? Does your daily routine look like a BINGO card filled with ZOOM, webinar, online workspaces, or classes? Have you left space in the day to get outdoors? Over the past few weeks the variety in my day consists of which
- [Three Simple Bridging-based Movements to Calm You and Your Family](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/03/30/three-simple-bridging-based-movements-to-calm-you-and-your-family/) - How are you faring in these strange times? I've been using many tools to keep my composure -- run, walk, journal, healthy cooking, and sleep. I'm also checking in with friends, family, and neighbors. The one common calming activity that challenges me is meditation. When I stop, my mind doesn't -- it kicks into high
- [It's Been a Peanutty Year -- Celebrating 18! ????](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/03/05/its-been-a-peanutty-year-celebrating-18-🎂/) - Eighteen years on this journey Reflections ... I could never have imagined where this journey helping people overcome their movement and developmental challenges would take me. Such a long way from my earlier career in engineering and power systems! Surprisingly, there are so many similarities. The power system principles and physics are my go-to when
- [Dear Mom ... I Know I Should Wear Socks](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/02/27/dear-mom-i-know-i-should-wear-socks/) - Early life traumas surface in some unsuspecting ways Clothing sensitivity It makes parents crazy when their children only wear one type of shirt and pants, or refuse to wear underwear or anything on their feet. The emotional or behavioral reactions spiral downward quickly. The level of stress in the entire family is palpable. From an
- [Did You Ever ... Break a Leg?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/02/20/did-you-ever-break-a-leg/) - Sometimes our clients tell it best ... A freak fall got this mom surgery and weeks off of her feet A client who sees us annually for a tune-up let us know she had fallen before the holidays. The freak fall fractured her lower right leg (tibia) and left foot, requiring surgery to repair her
- [Post Procedure -- Many Times Your Recovery Needs One More Step](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/02/13/post-procedure-many-times-your-recovery-needs-one-more-step/) - You've done what you were supposed to do to take care of your medical or structural condition. You did the prehab and rehab, and still have pain, stiffness, or really odd sensations. These keep you from sleeping, feeling your best, and functioning at your best. Read how Bridging was able to help a variety of
- [Post Procedure - Achilles Repaired, Ready to Compete?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/02/06/post-procedure-achilles-repaired-ready-to-compete/) - Medical Procedures: Adding Bridging® for a Full Recovery "Wow! - now my leg feels light! The tightness in my ankle is gone; it's moving like it used to! And my calf muscle has some strength again!" Last March, the high school track star landed his long jump but couldn't get back up without pain. Off
- [Post Procedure - Leg, Meet Your New Knee!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/01/30/post-procedure-leg-meet-your-new-knee/) - Medical Procedures: Adding Bridging for a full recovery "Kinetic Konnections was different than my Physical Therapist. They looked at the bigger picture of how my knee had to work, including with the hip, foot, and other leg." Even with thorough planning, and pre-op exercises, the reality of post-surgical pain and discomfort is surprising to most
- [Post Procedure - After the Cast is Gone ...](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/01/23/post-procedure-after-the-cast-is-gone/) - Medical Procedures: Setting a broken bone is a procedure too Our client had been working out, finished, and was getting off the equipment when her pant leg got caught. Down she went. The good news was she caught the fall; the bad news -- her wrist took the brunt of the impact and broke. Injuries
- [Post Procedure - Hip Repair and Still in Pain](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/01/16/post-procedure-hip-repair-and-still-in-pain/) - Medical Procedures: Add some Bridging for Additional Recovery Injuries happen any time of the year, whether from sports, accidents or daily living. When the pain is bad enough, an MRI may show a tear. This type of injury generally needs some surgical help for repair. We recently met a college athlete who still had pain
- [Post Procedure - Old Veins Gone, New Veins Yikes!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2020/01/09/post-procedure-old-veins-gone-new-veins-yikes/) - Unexpected Post-procedure Outcomes Medical Procedures: Add Some Bridging for Full Recovery January is a time for medical procedures. Insurance plans kick-in with new options, and post-holiday downtime is a good time to take care of elective issues. The trauma from procedures, even if elective, is enough to mess up your movement fundamentals. This often is
- [Finding Calm Amidst Chaos: Dad's Going to Fly!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/12/19/finding-calm-amidst-chaos-dads-going-to-fly/) - Worried about how to keep parents involved with family celebrations? Feeling stressed just thinking about the details of flying a parent? Is your parent so anxious that they are opting out? If this describes the reality of this season for you, keep reading. We are here to help. Making Participating and Traveling Easier You want
- [Finding Calm Amidst Chaos: Blocking In Activity](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/12/13/finding-calm-amidst-chaos-blocking-in-activity/) - Feeling stressed just looking at the calendar? Worried about how to juggle the holiday activities on top of everything else? Challenged to sleep well? If this describes the anxiety of this season keep reading. We are here to help. Making Time for Activity Keep everyone healthy and sane by blocking in time for activity. Research
- [Finding Calm Amidst Chaos: 'Tis the Season for Sensational Sensory Challenges](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/12/05/finding-calm-amidst-chaos-tis-the-season-for-sensational-sensory-challenges/) - Parents, does your child's behavior easily derail given the special activities this time of year? Do you plan a strategy to both attend and escape normal holiday events? Does it seem like you spend more time feeling frustrated and guilty than enjoying? If this describes the fragile margins you live within, keep reading. We are
- [Travel Travails: Gratitude and Calm](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/26/travel-travails-gratitude-and-calm/) - Traveling to spend time with loved ones? It's the busiest time of the year to travel and weather can be a bit unpredictable. How we make the most of the time involves so many choices - Travel style -- leave early or cut it close? Packing styles -- be flexible and light or prepared for
- [Travel Travails: Push, Pull, or Carry?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/21/travel-travails-push-pull-or-carry/) - Luggage: Which style to minimize body stress? Does the thought of travel make your back or shoulder cringe? Each type of luggage has its own pro's and con's related to stress to your body. Which is right for you? Depends on several factors. Some of the pro's and con's are discussed below to help guide
- [Travel Travails: Overhead, Uh-oh!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/14/travel-travails-overhead-uh-oh/) - Flying and bags overhead: a recipe for many an injury Traveling this holiday season? Believe it or not, how you use the overhead space on a plane is essential to maximizing time with loved ones. There are so many ways that putting a bag overhead can lead to an injury which can ruin holiday plans.
- [Falls, Balance, and Brain Health: Yes, There is a Relationship!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/13/falls-balance-and-brain-health-yes-there-is-a-relationship/) - Proactive work on your balance can reduce the impact of a fall, and help your brain health! Wow, it has been slippery outside! Short story to share about a client who had a close encounter with a sidewalk. Letting the dog out one night, he was victim to the random tug of the leash. On
- [Beyond Concussion: Recap of Recent Head Injury Stories](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/07/beyond-concussion-recap-of-recent-head-injury-stories/) - Miss one of the recent head injury discussions? Here are the links to our blog. Cleared, but still struggling The call came three months after the injury. "My daughter is still having headaches. She also says that her vision is blurry sometimes. We saw the neurologist and she was cleared." Find the full article
- [Beyond Concussion: Return to School and Play](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/11/01/beyond-concussion-return-to-school-and-play/) - The case of the high school Volleyball Concussion “Thank you for seeing M last week! She is feeling much better and was cleared from her concussion on Friday! Thanks so much for your help.” On a recent Tuesday evening a high school volleyball player took a powerful bump to her head from a ball during
- [Beyond Concussion: Head Injuries at Birth](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/10/24/beyond-concussion-head-injuries-at-birth/) - The unexpected head injury -- birth As we explore head injuries this month it is easy to overlook events from our very entry into this world. There are so many ways that a baby's head gets stressed at birth. Yes, there is supposed to be lots of stress at birth. However, in a number of
- [Beyond Concussion: I Keep Falling. Why?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/10/17/beyond-concussion-i-keep-falling-why/) - “I’m 75 and trying to stay active. I keep falling and no one can figure out why. I don’t want to use this walker but I’m afraid to be moving around without it.” Falling, a post-concussion issue? Head injuries don't just happen to children and athletes. Falls amongst older adults are a leading cause of
- [Beyond Concussion: What If It's Just a Head Injury?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/10/10/beyond-concussion-what-its-just-a-head-injury/) - "My daughter fell on the playground at school. The ER says there is no concussion. She took a pretty good hit in the face. Should we come in?" Each year, nearly 200,000 children, ages 14 and under, require emergency room treatment due to playground falls. The most severe playground-related injuries are due to falls. More
- [Beyond Concussion: Cleared But Still Struggling](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/10/03/beyond-concussion-cleared-but-still-struggling/) - The call came three months after the injury. "My daughter is still having headaches. She also says that her vision is blurry sometimes. We saw the neurologist and she was cleared." Fall is a time for lots of outdoor activity. Coupled with slippery rain and leaves the season is ripe with the conditions for the
- [What is Deliberate Practice?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/26/what-is-deliberate-practice/) - Deliberate practice is something we embrace as Bridging® Technique Specialists. Finding ways to help relieve your pain faster and increase function more completely is a passion for us. Breaking down the nuances of your pains or developmental challenges to better understand the causes, effects, and movement relationships is something we love to do. Every two
- [Visual-Motor System Need an Upgrade, or Just an Update?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/19/visual-motor-system-need-an-upgrade-or-just-an-update/) - Shoulder and head strength, hand-eye coordination, hand function, and more -- so many essential postural and motor skills emanate from tummy time! What may not be so apparent? The same fundamental laddered skills related to tummy time support our visual-motor function and are needed at every age. If these skills are so important, how do
- [Trouble with Fine Motor Skills? Why Tummy Time is So Important](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/13/trouble-with-fine-motor-skills-why-tummy-time-is-so-important/) - Do you or your child need better focus and/or fine motor skills? In his 2008 book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell introduced us to the concept of 10,000 hours for mastery. Motor skill development is no different, yet we find so many reasons why infants and young children have missed out on the hours and hours necessary to
- [Children's Motor Skills: When is a Reach more than a Reach?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/11/childrens-motor-skills-when-is-a-reach-more-than-a-reach/) - Early life events are a big deal! Motor skills are actually an essential aspect for all that we hope our children will be -- thriving socially and emotionally. Every sensory-motor skill developed as an infant is essential for building another skill somewhere down the road. This concept is called laddering -- the skills ladder on
- [The Hidden Impact of Medical Procedures on Children](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/05/the-hidden-impact-of-medical-procedures-on-children/) - Beyond the Scar A recent newsletter discussed the considerations of pre- and post-surgical considerations which often leave a lasting imprint of pain, discomfort, and insomnia. When procedures are for a child there is more to consider. The impact of medical procedures upon a child's development is personal -- my son had 38 lumbar punctures and
- [The Magic Eraser for Scars](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/05/the-magic-eraser-for-scars/) - Surgery's Leave-behind, the Scar The scar tissue is at fault they say … Yes, the scar tissue can be a source of discomfort and restricted movement, not to mention how it looks. Different than other professionals, we restore the movement to and across the area affected by the surgery. When the affected area can move
- [Summer, with a Side of Surgery?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/09/04/summer-with-a-side-of-surgery/) - Surgery fixed the issue; Bridging®gets you feeling good again! It’s that time of the year where we freak out saying ‘where did summer go, I still have so many things I want to do!’ However, summer surgery seems to be one of those things that people actually get done. This is commonly so their recovery
- [William's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/williams-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“When he started crawling, we knew we were good. Every time we have a session at Kinetic Konnections, he sleeps better after.” Tricia (mom of William, 15 months) What prompted you to seek help? My son was born with Craniosynostosis, meaning the plates in his skull were fused together and would cause pressure on his
- [Donna's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/donnas-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“I thought it was just regular aging, not anything important. But after my first session I walked out of there saying, “Jeepers, I feel 10 years younger!” Donna B. (80) What prompted you to seek help? I started going because a few normal things started to get out of whack. When I did things
- [Katie's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/katies-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“What I appreciate about the Bridging® approach is that the body is all connected. I may have knee pain, but it might not be the cause but rather the symptom of something else.” Katie O (41) What prompted you to seek help? After a friend described how Kinetic Konnections helped her with a yoga
- [Diane's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/dianes-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“I have suffered from joint pain for years, maybe decades… After just one session I was relatively pain free.” Diane Y (55) What prompted you to seek help? I have suffered from joint pain for years, maybe decades, and had tried all kinds of different things from drugs, physical therapy and injections. Nothing helped.
- [Vic's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/vics-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] “I was skeptical about the process itself until I found out that it does work.” Vic B (91) What prompted you to seek help? I’m 91-years-old and had been having dizziness issues related to a lack of balance. I see a chiropractor once a month for various reasons, but it wasn’t helping with the
- [Lisa's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/lisas-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Bottom line, what changed was that I had a faster, easier recovery time so I was able to get back to work and my daily activities.” Lisa P. (51) What prompted you to seek help? I was scheduled for a hysterectomy and fearful that the recovery time would be long and affect my ability
- [Rachel's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/13/rachels-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Rachel is pain free for periods of time and she is able to do more activities. She is less fatigued. We have had phenomenal results.” Julie (mom of Rachel, 10) What prompted you to seek help? My daughter has had some medical challenges like food allergies, chronic constipation, but the tipping point was when
- [Ann's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2019/05/08/anns-story/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“I took hardly any pain medication at all post-surgery; just a few days of Tylenol and nothing else. Honestly, this was remarkable after a major surgery and made me happy!” Ann (44) What prompted you to seek help? I had major surgery scheduled, a mastectomy, and wanted to go into surgery in tip-top shape
- [Bridging](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2017/04/13/bridging-april-13-2017/) - Spring—a time to see the world anew. Each year, Spring dramatically bursts forth with waves of color and flowers for weeks. We see our clients anew as well, looking at their concerns with a different perspective. We take the view that they are the sum of their experiences beginning before birth, forward to the present.
- [Medical Miracles!--March 13, 2017](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2017/03/13/medical-miracles-march-13-2017/) - Medical Miracles! This year I have been writing about birth characteristics and the related long-term effects we observe. Medical miracles at birth allow most babies born from 24-36 weeks to survive. For many of the families we meet, it is also the beginning of a journey of unknowns. Nine-year-old Megan, born at 27 weeks (left),
- [Transitions and Play--February 16, 2017](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2017/02/16/transitions-and-play-february-16-2017/) - Transitions and Play Last newsletter I mentioned an adventure Becki and I had that involved ping pong. There is so much more to reflect and share! In the midst of our ping-pong game, Becki and I paused to marvel at how much fun we were having! The joy of unexpected, pure, and simple fun. Laughing
- [Transitions--February 2, 2017](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2017/02/02/transitions-february-2-2017/) - Transitions The single most important, yet most complex transition for any of us occurs at birth. Luckily, for most of us things went reasonably ok. For more than a third of us, there was more involved than you can imagine, even if it was planned. Over the past year, we've come to realize how integral
- [Beginning the New Year--January 12, 2017](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2017/01/12/beginning-the-new-year-january-2017/) - Beginning the New Year Many of us set goals for the year and attainment of these goals generally involves an element of change. As the Change Model graphic shows, transition is essential. What If We Are Stuck at The Transition? We consistently find that being stuck in a life transition correlates to being stuck
- [Supporting the Parent Who Supports Their Child--November 10, 2016](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2016/11/10/supporting-the-parent-who-supports-their-child-november-10-2016/) - Baby Development and Play Play is a vital and interactive process of babies learning to excite, engage, and calm in every changing way. Play is also the foundation of communication and self-help. Play is essential for integrated sensory, motor, and cognitive development beginning with rattles and progressing to block building and books. Note from
- [Zoey's Headaches--Not what you'd expect!--October 28, 2016](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2016/10/28/zoeys-headaches-not-what-youd-expect-october-28-2016/) - Headaches with An Unusual Cause For years, 11-year-old Zoey experienced daily headaches. For as long as she could remember, Zoey’s mother said her daughter would comment about her head pain, particularly toward the end of each day. “As the day would go on, the pain would worsen,” she described. Unwilling to take any medicine to
- [Mastering the Dreaded Locker Lock--August 26, 2016](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2016/08/26/mastering-the-dreaded-locker-lock-august-26-2016/) - Mastering the Dreaded Locker Lock! I still have my lock, the combo engraved in my brain from frustration... The fear and frustration of sweaty fingers twirling the dial of the gym locker on the bottom row of lockers, trying not to be late to class. Yes, that's why I remember the combo. Middle schools and
- [Breathing—simple, yet so often wrong!--March 17, 2016](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2016/03/17/breathing-simple-yet-so-often-wrong-march-17-2016/) - Breathing—simple, yet so often wrong! When the muscles supporting breathing don't work well there are many functions of our lives that don't work well either. Anxiety Poor sleep Tight/frozen shoulder Poor digestion Headaches Slumped/rounded posture Low energy levels The coolest thing is experiencing the changes in breathing myself! My colleagues used our Bridging® technique to
- [Slip, Slide, Boom!--February 11, 2016](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2016/02/11/slip-slide-boom-february-11-2016/) - Points....Ice! Winter is not done with us yet! The ice wreaks havoc on many fronts. We’ve seen several people in the past month for help with fall-related issues. Here are three typical injuries and how we are able to help— Head vs. Ice Slipping on ice, no matter how careful, often ends up with
- [A Wild, Weird, Cool Year of Amazing Client Stories--December 31, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/12/31/a-wild-weird-cool-year-of-amazing-client-stories-december-31-2015/) - A Wild, Weird, Cool Year of Amazing Client Stories—2015! Looking back on the stories of new clients this year further reinforces that we are crazy resilient and the myriad of things that affect us before birth makes me wonder how any of us actually grow up and function. Here is a sampling of the reasons
- [A Holiday Without a Headache!--December 10, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/12/10/a-holiday-without-a-headache-december-10-2015/) - A Holiday Without a Headache! Until Dina found herself at Kinetic Konnections in early May, the mother of five was living a life of daily headache pain. "I totally love life without headaches," she exclaims. "I have been limited for so many years and to now actually go back to doing stuff that I could
- [Jordan's Back to School Journey!--October 1, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/10/01/jordans-back-to-school-journey-october-1-2015/) - Jordan's Back to School Journey! "I constantly had a headache, felt seasick, and had shooting pains through my face and neck. I looked completely fine, so people thought I was completely fine. I was far from fine!" Fall 2015: Jordan is in her junior year of college studying abroad for the semester. As typical as
- [Scott and His Body Casts--July 30, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/07/30/scott-and-his-body-casts-july-30-2015/) - Scott and His Body Casts One hot summer an eight-year-old was sidelined with a full body cast bummed at the loss of his budding soccer career. Fast forward 29 years later...Meet Scott, a father of two preschoolers. He has struggled with chronic body aches and pains which limited his ability to play with his little
- [Snakes, Peanuts, and Nano-movements!--June 25, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/06/25/snakes-peanuts-and-nano-movements-june-25-2015/) - Snakes, Peanuts, and Nano-movements! The first of the nano-movements, PEANUT, is such a simple movement, yet we find many whose core movement doesn't pass. Read on to learn more about this movement and how missing it may affect you. Biology Basics Cells are rapidly vibrating, expanding, and dividing. The mass of cells on their
- [Just What Are Nano-movements?--May 14, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/05/14/just-what-are-nano-movements-may-14-2015/) - Just What Are Nano-movements? Nanotechnology, Nanobiology, Nanoparticles...Nano-movements? The prefix 'Nano' is a math term meaning one billionth, or .000000001, which is really small! During the past year we've taken movement down to a whole new level—integrating the smallest observed movements with amazing results! Teeny-tiny movements have been systematically observed via ultrasound during prenatal development. Twenty
- [Connecting to Spring Fun--April 23, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/04/23/connecting-to-spring-fun-april-23-2015/) - Connecting to Spring Fun! What a fun time we've been having the past few weeks. Clients young and not so young have been in to work on a wide variety of sports and recreational skills. Ranging from running, tennis, golf, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, ice skating, ballet, badminton, baseball, and basketball to cartwheels, back bends, and
- [Balance, Biking, and Nano-movements!--March 19, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/03/19/balance-biking-and-nano-movements-march-19-2015/) - Balance, Biking, and Nano-movements! Tommy's mom wondered if her 9-year-old son would ever ride a bike on his own. She pushed the idea of riding for a couple of years but with no success. "It just seemed like he didn't have the core strength or balance," she said. "It was hard for him." When Tommy
- [Colds, Coughs, and Nano-movements--February 19, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/02/19/colds-coughs-and-nano-movements-february-19-2015/) - Colds, Coughs, and Nano-movements Count yourself lucky if you've avoided the respiratory bugs making the rounds this winter. This season's version seems to be accompanied by a long-lasting nagging cough. At first the cough is nagging, annoying, and tiring. The worse the cough, the more likely chest muscles are getting stressed. When coughing lasts for
- [Jimmy's Back in the Game!--February 5, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/02/05/jimmys-back-in-the-game-february-5-2015/) - Jimmy's Back in the Game! "Jimmy walked into your office, slumping and tired, and left a rejuvenated boy." –Jimmy’s Mom A hard fall during a hockey game and nine-year-old Jimmy began to have a headache and experience dizziness. His balance was off-kilter and he even was having a difficult time concentrating on academics. "He was
- [Starry, Starry Night ... and Nano-movements?--January 22, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/01/22/starry-starry-night-and-nano-movements-january-22-2015/) - Starry, Starry Night ... and Nano-movements? Away from the city, I recently found myself outside one evening looking upward and found a marvelous sight. The evening's dark, crisp, clear sky was filled with brightly shining stars! The longer I peered, the clearer the patterns of the stars became. I did not know off-hand which one
- [Updates from Some 2014 Stories--January 8, 2015](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2015/01/08/updates-from-some-2014-stories-january-8-2015/) - Updates from Some 2014 Stories We are working on some amazing stories for you in 2015 and thought you'd enjoy a few updates on some of our 2014 features. Madeline and Reading "Merry Christmas,” as Madeline is singing to her new karaoke machine, “I cannot believe the words she is reading as she sings—wow!"
- [A Parent's Joy in Daughter's Reading--December 18, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/12/18/a-parents-joy-in-daughters-reading-december-18-2014/) - A Parent's Joy in Daughter's Reading Reading... both fun and imaginative, reading is an activity fundamental to all aspects of learning. Often learned quickly and easily, reading can be a struggle for some. "Madeline fought me on reading, and any kind of homework was a fight." Madeline, the third born out of four siblings, was
- [Heads, Helmets, and an Overlooked Injury--December 4, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/12/04/heads-helmets-and-an-overlooked-injury-december-4-2014/) - Heads, Helmets, and an Overlooked Injury Many sports now use helmets for head protection— Hockey Skiing Football Bicycling However, the increase in the use of helmets for head protection has led to an increase in an injury pattern no one much considers—neck trauma. When the head hits, the helmet bounces leaving the neck traumatized, similar
- [Re-Tooling Running--November 7, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/11/07/re-tooling-running-november-7-2014/) - Re-Tooling Running Some of recent updates from our running clients: Qualifying for Boston! Returning from Injury! Setting New PR's! Whether you are a parent watching their child run the bases without looking awkward, a teen making a team, or an adult returning from injury, we find there are many ways running brings joy to people's
- [Rear-End Collisions Create Major Muscle Havoc--October 23, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/10/23/rear-end-collisions-create-major-muscle-havoc-october-23-2014/) - Rear-End Pains No, not pain in the rear-end! A number of our adult clients have significant pains which coincidentally relate to impact patterns matching rear-end auto collisions. The other thing they have in common is the pains don't fit any traditional injury patterns and standard therapeutic approaches yield limited improvement. Our clients want to function
- [Reading Challenges and Growing Pains: A Shared Relationship???--September 4, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/09/04/reading-challenges-and-growing-pains-a-shared-relationship-september-4-2014/) - Reading Challenges and Growing Pains: A Shared Relationship??? A tearful child pulling you from a deep sleep sobbing with leg pains… A tearful child refusing to read because it’s too hard… A tearful child not wanting to go to school because of reading, writing, or recess frustrations… A dreaded call from school because your child
- [EMBC 2014 My Observations and Thoughts about Biomedical Engineering](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/09/02/embc-2014-my-observations-and-thoughts-about-biomedical-engineering/) - Biomedical Engineering--what a hotbed of innovation and energy! I attended the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference 2014 last week and my head is still buzzing. The language of engineering was familiar but one I don't get to use much on a daily basis--algorithms, smoothing techniques, sensors, modulators, and more. Although topics related to movement
- [Summer Boo-Boo's Summer 2013 post](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/07/09/summer-boo-boos-summer-2013-post/) - Amazing that we are halfway through the summer, yet not half way done with summer plans. Whether barbequing, biking, boating or traveling, please be careful! We find summer fun sometimes yields summer boo-boo’s. But you didn’t get seriously hurt, you say? Thank goodness! However big or small, incidents with significant impact still leave their signature
- [Welcome to Kinetic Konnections](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/06/25/test-blog-post/) - Please stay tuned to our blog for the latest in news and updates. More information coming soon!
- [This Grad Took a Village!--June 10, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/06/10/this-grad-took-a-village-june-10-2014/) - This Grad Took a Village! Congratulations to my son Dan! To see him in a cap and gown marching as part of the Class of 2014 brings more joy and pride than I imagined possible. Hope Allows for Possibility Four years ago, when Dan was 13, I gave serious thought to Dan's future. A
- [Baby Hannah and Visual-Motor Development--May 20, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/05/20/baby-hannah-and-visual-motor-development-may-20-2014/) - Baby Hannah and Visual-Motor Development Despite everything being “normal” in her development, at 8 weeks Hannah was off track with visual-motor development. An uneventful pregnancy and an easy delivery with a midwife, Hannah was a relatively happy baby who ate and slept within her parents expectations. So why did I have the opportunity to meet
- [The Anguish and Frustration of Being Last--May 6, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/05/06/the-anguish-and-frustration-of-being-last-may-6-2014/) - The Anguish and Frustration of Being Last "Miss Cara," my 10-year-old client asked, "what is your diagnosis?" A benign question from a child well aware of the developmental labels he carries. I laughed, but wondered what label I would have if I grew up in these times. I was terribly uncoordinated so I might indeed
- [Spring Break Slip-Up--April 8, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/04/08/spring-break-slip-up-april-30-2014/) - Spring Break Slip-up Cara's Spring break mishap Day 1- Knee Swollen, throbbing, not bending much. Day 3- Limping badly, not bending much. Day 4- Kinetic Bridging®. Bending! Limping gone. Day 5- Swelling gone! Day 7- Elliptical for 45min. Day 8- Run 5 miles on trail! A wonderful week of hiking on the coast
- [After the Cast is Gone...--March 11, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/03/11/after-the-cast-is-gone-march-11-2014/) - After the Cast is Gone... A Story of Casts, Braces, Pain, and Weakness After the cast comes off, strength has gone on vacation, coordination takes extra effort, and there are weird aches and pains. Sound familiar? It’s a story we hear frequently. In addition to the trauma of a bone break, the cast can be
- [The Collarbone is Connected to the...--February 18, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/02/18/the-collarbone-is-connected-to-the-february-18-2014/) - The Collarbone is Connected to the... You slip and catch yourself with your right arm. Whew, close call but, lately your neck hurts, headaches are more frequent, and it is hard to get comfortable sleeping. Coincidence? Not really. In the past few months we've seen a number of children and adults who have had collarbone/clavicle
- [Pain from winter sports, shoveling, or slipping on ice?--January 14, 2014](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2014/01/14/pain-from-winter-sports-shoveling-or-slipping-on-ice-january-14-2014/) - Pain from winter sports, shoveling, or slipping on ice? We use our Kinetic Bridging® magic to quickly erase your pain and stiffness for good. If your pain is related to your kids (sensory issues being cooped up for many days), we put our magic into quickly teaching their muscles lessons skipped as an infant.
- [Martial Arts for Kids](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/martial-arts-for-kids/) - Want to help build your child's self-esteem and confidence? Improve his balance and coordination? Or maybe you would simply like for your child to participate in a structured and fun atmosphere? For many of our clients Martial Arts training has been an effective way to address these goals. There are a variety of martial art
- [Nicholas' Sports Interest Blooms](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/nicholas-sports-interest-blooms/) - [image url="https://thebridginginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bball.jpg" alignment="left" margin_left="0" margin_right="10" margin_top="0" margin_bottom="10" width="200" height="200"]Last summer, 10-year-old Nicholas showed no interest in playing sports. Muscular coordination and maintaining balance were such challenges for the fifth grader that it was difficult for him to enjoy any athletics, his mother Diane described. "His motor skills were always poor. I'm talking basic skills, such
- [Kinetic Konnections April 2012: Music for the Core, Gifted Parenting Workshop May 22](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/kinetic-konnections-april-2012-music-for-the-core-gifted-parenting-workshop-may-22/) - A Note from Cara What a wonderful spring this year! We hope you are actively enjoying the outdoors. A quick update on some unusual ways improved stability is making differences in lives this spring: • New Drivers having the ability to sign their name on their new driver’s licenses. • Preschoolers not needing to wear
- [Kinetic Konnections January 2012: iPad Apps for Communication & Organization Jan 22nd](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/kinetic-konnections-january-2012-ipad-apps-for-communication-organization-jan-22nd/) - A Note from Cara Happy New Year! So much work we’ve been doing over the winter break with such a variety of clients—so much fun! The winter brings different situations we are able to help. • Youth and HS athletes performing better after injuries • Writing and concentration help for our younger students • Skills
- [Kinetic Konnections December 2011: What do iPads and Lollipops have in common?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/kinetic-konnections-december-2011-what-do-ipads-and-lollipops-have-in-common/) - A Note from Cara How fast the fall has flown, and we are nearly at year’s end. We are enjoying seeing clients for both sports and academic related skills this fall. We have much to share with and hope you will be able to take advantage of some of the opportunities. • Staff Announcements: A
- [Relevant Science: Foot Reflex Pathways & the Lower Back](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/relevant-science-foot-reflex-pathways-the-lower-back/) - The findings of this recent study from the University of Alberta in Canada correlate with our observations at Kinetic Konnections. When the feet function well, the reflexes triggered by ground contact with walking or sitting end up triggering muscles further up in the body to stabilize. Another interesting insight from the research matches one of
- [Apps Beyond Entertainment](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/apps-beyond-entertainment/) - If you’ve had an appointment recently, you have experienced some of the few apps I am using as a tool. And there are also a couple you may catch me playing from time to time. Angry Birds Ok, so it is the current most popular app game, and it is insanely addictive. The game is
- [Jordan Sadler Speaks on Social Smarts](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/jordan-sadler-speaks-on-social-smarts/) - Children and their parents can face a variety of challenges navigating from birth through adulthood. We know we should be watching to ensure our children meet their milestones for crawling, walking, fine motor skills and even speech and language. But are you aware that there are similar milestones for social skills? Jordan Sadler, a speech
- [Exercise & Emotions](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/exercise-emotions/) - by Darcy Nee This time of year can trigger a bit of the “winter blues” for some people. The sun sets earlier, the temperature begins dropping and time spent outside begins to dwindle. Author Julia Ross, M.A., addresses this issue in her book “The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Rebalance Your Emotional Chemistry and
- [Executive Function](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/executive-function/) - Does your child have trouble planning, prioritizing, and organizing information? Well, if he or she does, you may want to put Michael Gladstein’s phone number on speed dial. Gladstein, a school psychologist, special education teacher and educational consultant, specializes in working with elementary to colleged-aged students with Executive Function skills. Michael first conducts a series
- [Exercise & Cognition](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/exercise-cognition/) - by Darcy Nee Have you ever had anyone tell you to go for a walk to clear your head when you were feeling overwhelmed? Well, they were not just saying that to get you of the room. There is an actual reason for that. According to studies, exercise does provide you with the ability to
- [Tummy Time & Handwriting](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/tummy-time-handwriting/) - [image url="https://thebridginginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/200909-baby.jpg" alignment="left" margin_left="0" margin_right="10" margin_top="0" margin_bottom="10" width="200" height="150"]Often, we don't think about how much work is involved in handwriting. However, handwriting is more than grasping an object and scribbling. Although a baby's ability to grasp establishes a developmental foundation for the handwriting skill, the ability to write requires simultaneous movement and work from the
- [Tummy Time & Grasp](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/tummy-time-grasp/) - As parents, we hear the importance of providing your newborn with tummy time from your pediatrician or healthcare provider. Tummy time helps develop core strength and coordination. Well, we also are finding that tummy time is pivotal in the development of the fingers and stability in the hand within the first six weeks of life.
- [Connecting Music & Movement](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/connecting-music-movement/) - Unless you've played a musical instrument you may not realize the level of coordination and postural control required by great musicians. We have had the pleasure of working with many budding musicians at Kinetic Konnections and thought that sharing their experiences might help you regard musical skills in a different light. Parents travel from all
- [Helpful Parenting Resources](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/helpful-parenting-resources/) - Since we last assembled a resource list we have discovered some terrific additions. The following are directed toward understanding the relationships between learning and movement, as well as understanding brain/cognitive function. We have found these resources to be extremely insightful in varying degrees of technical detail and wanted to share them with you. Enjoy! "The
- [Art & Fencing](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/art-fencing/) - By Darcy Nee With spring just around the corner, there are some decisions parents and children will be making this month to ensure an enriched and entertaining summer. One of these decisions stems from the question, "What activities are available for my child this year?" or rather something like "What would my child like to
- [Parent Educational Advocacy](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/parent-educational-advocacy/) - By Darcy Nee In recent months, we have heard from several Kinetic Konnection's parents about the challenges they face when dealing with school-related needs for their children. For many parents, the ability to understand an IEP, a 504 Plan or Triennial Review can be daunting. However, there are local resources parents or guardians can tap
- [The Wii for Kids-at-Heart](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/the-wii-for-kids-at-heart/) - By Darcy Nee Not only are children becoming obsessed with the Nintendo Wii and its plethora of video games, including the Wii Fit program, but also their parents, the medical field and older adults. Cara Lindell, Kinetic Konnections' founder, purchased the Nintendo Wii and the Wii Fit program for her two sons last fall. She
- [The Wii, Kids & Learning](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/the-wii-kids-learning/) - By Darcy Nee As we have seen at Kinetic Konnections®, a well-functioning body contributes to a well-functioning mind. When the body is able to function efficiently, without compensation, it allows for more energy – physical or cognitive – to do other activities, whether that is in a specific sport, to concentrate, or to write more
- [The Wii, Kids & Fitness](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/the-wii-kids-fitness/) - By Darcy Nee With the holidays just around the corner, you may already be listening to your child asking about possible gifts. Or, maybe you're in search of a quality gift for the kids this holiday season: one that will encourage kids to move, improve their coordination and balance. According to a few of our
- [Learning & Sensory Processing: Insights from Marlo Payne](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/learning-sensory-processing-insights-from-marlo-payne/) - Marlo Payne Thurman, M.S., nationally recognized educational consultant, is well known for her work in both public and private schools, and has served in a variety of learning and mental health centers. She founded the Brideun Learning Communities and The Center for Education Enrichment, a private educational consulting company specializing in meeting the needs of
- [Emerson's Coordination & Speech](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/emersons-coordination-speech/) - [image url="https://thebridginginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/emerson.jpg" alignment="left" margin_left="0" margin_right="10" margin_top="0" margin_bottom="10" width="200" height="131"]Meet Emerson, a 4 ½ year-old with an autistic spectrum disorder called PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). Emerson had significant problems with communication and play, and some difficulty interacting with others. However, as with others diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Emerson is too social to be considered
- [Mind/Body Connection Helps Improve Ryan's Reading](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/mindbody-connection-helps-improve-ryans-reading/) - [image url="https://thebridginginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ryan.jpg" alignment="left" margin_left="0" margin_right="10" margin_top="0" margin_bottom="10" width="200" height="250"]In this issue, we meet 8-year-old Ryan and his mother, Sarah, a reading specialist, who heard about Kinetic Konnections through another parent at the school where she teaches. Ryan, who has visual tracking and sensory integration issues, has been working with a pediatric optometrist, Dr. Ireland in
- [Jim & Brian's "Friendly Competition"](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/jim-brians-friendly-competition/) - One thing that keeps people going in terms of working out is having someone to help motivate them. Another way of looking at it could be friendly competition between friends. Meet Jim Maratea and Brian Ahern — workout buddies. Jim has been working out at Fully Fit for several months and Brian for several years.
- [Daniel's Motor Skills: A Journey from Texas to Illinois](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/daniels-motor-skills-a-journey-from-texas-to-illinois/) - Daniel, an energetic 9-year-old, has traveled all the way from Texas on three occasions since the fall of 2006 to meet with Cara Lindell. Daniel has gross and fine motor skill delays in addition to a lack of saccadic movement in his eyes (A rapid irregular movement of the eye as it changes focus moving
- [Client Feature: Micah Gains Classroom Confidence & Coordination](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/client-feature-micah-gains-classroom-confidence-coordination/) - When 9-year-old Micah first came to see Cara, he had severe coordination and balance problems due to retained primitive reflexes, which in normal development are outgrown. As a result, what comes naturally to most children does not come naturally or easily to Micah, which in turn impacted him in the classroom and among his peers.
- [Client Feature: Emily Learns to Adapt & Appreciate her](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/client-feature-emily-learns-to-adapt-appreciate-her/) - [image url="https://thebridginginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/emilyphoto.jpg" alignment="left" margin_left="0" margin_right="10" margin_top="0" margin_bottom="10" width="150" height="200"] Emily K. is an active 9-year-old, who was previously diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction. The symptoms included difficulty responding in an adaptive way to everyday sensations that others hardly notice or simply take for granted; in her case, for example, the ability to walk on an
- [Motor Skill Development Delay and Infant Sleep Positions](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/motor-skill-development-delay-and-infant-sleep-positions/) - I see so many children with poorly developed shoulder stability and function which makes me wonder what these children didn't do to miss this development. My suspicions lie in too little tummy time and too much car seat/bouncy seat/stroller/high chair time. A study from Canada was just released which compared motor development between infants who
- [PelviCore-Sneak Preview](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/pelvicore-sneak-preview/) - Saturday I had the privilege to meet with Christina Christie, PT, who is the brains behind a new fitness gizmo called the PelviCore (www.pelvicsolutions.com ). She specializes in therapy to improve pelvic floor functions which positively impact basic stuff like incontinence and uterine prolapse. Functionally the pelvic floor is tied to the pelvic girdle rotator
- [Muscle Activation: Wow!](https://thebridginginstitute.com/2013/02/08/muscle-activation-wow/) - Attended a workshop last summer to learn Muscle Activation Techniques as a way to get faster and better results for clients. I had noticed some clients just seemed 'stuck' and had a hard time moving to the next level of skill proficiency. The process was developed by Greg Roskopf (www.muscleactivation.com) for use with athletes. From

## Pages

- [Home](https://thebridginginstitute.com/) - Bridging® is an innovative technique which gently & quickly resets your muscle memory so you move & feel better. We create the bridge to restore your movement!
- [For Professionals](https://thebridginginstitute.com/professional-home/) - For Professionals Learning the Bridging Technique Helps You Deliver Better Results, Which Are Faster and Last Longer As a movement/therapy professional you want to provide the most effective options for helping your clients and patients. Trained Bridging professionals report that they use Bridging as “literally the bridge to everything else they do!” Changes to movement
- [Team](https://thebridginginstitute.com/our-team/) - Our team members at The Bridging Institute use innovative Bridging® technique to help clients move better and to be active.
- [Resources](https://thebridginginstitute.com/resources/) - Helpful Tools you can order from Amazon Peanut Balls are the magical tools we use for Bridging. They support your body in a wonderful way and can be used to stabilize. They are also great for adding gentle rocking and pulsing movements to help re-establish your micromovements. We find these items provide the best results.
- [Scheduling](https://thebridginginstitute.com/scheduling/) - We have many scheduling options. Work with with the professional who best fits your schedule. We strive to provide you with a consistent experience.
- [Early Development](https://thebridginginstitute.com/early-development/) - In early development challenges your muscles did not learn to work together correctly with sensory systems way back when you were a baby.
- [Anxiety](https://thebridginginstitute.com/anxiety/) - Calming Anxiety Is your first response to a proposed activity fear or anxiousness. It could be an unease about your body being able to safely do the activity.
- [Past Injury](https://thebridginginstitute.com/past-injury/) - We typically find injuries and accidents from your past are a key factor. Your body has been compensating and, that's why you have pain after injury.
- [Lack of Energy (fatigue)?](https://thebridginginstitute.com/lack-of-energy/) - You might have lack of energy or fatigue when you are always tired or run out of energy sooner than others when playing.
- [The Founder's Story](https://thebridginginstitute.com/cara-lindell/) - Cara Lindell is the founder of The Bridging Institute and her original quest was to help women thrive through strength and balance.
- [Terms Of Use](https://thebridginginstitute.com/terms-of-use/) - This Terms of Use Agreement sets forth the standards of use of the Fully Fit Lifestyles, Inc. d/b/a Kinetic Konnections (“Fully Fit”) Online Service.
- [Privacy Policy](https://thebridginginstitute.com/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy - this policy describes how Kinetic Konnections protects and makes use of the information you give the company when you use this website.
- [Medical Procedure](https://thebridginginstitute.com/medical-procedure/) - The Bridging Institute helps with pain after medical procedure. Your body’s ability to move was compromised as part of the medical procedure & process to heal.
- [Balance and Coordination](https://thebridginginstitute.com/balance-and-coordination/) - The Bridging Institute helps with balance and coordination challenges. Our micromovement assessment quickly surfaces where the cause of the problem is.
- [Contact Us](https://thebridginginstitute.com/contact-us/) - Contact The Bridging Institute - send us a message, call or email us. We want to help you. We are your BRIDGE back to being active at every age and stage.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://thebridginginstitute.com/frequently-asked-questions/) - Do I have to be referred by another professional?You are able to schedule without a referral from another professional. If you would like us to coordinate with any of your team, we will ask for their contact information and your consent. Here is our form for this. When is Bridging not a good fit?Although Bridging

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Exercises](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/exercises/)
- [Studies](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/studies/)
- [Adults](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/adults/)
- [Infants & Toddlers](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/infants-toddlers/)
- [Pre-teens & Teens](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/pre-teens-teens/)
- [Education](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/education/)
- [Sports & Music](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/sports-music/)
- [Blog](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/blog/)
- [biomedical engineering](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/biomedical-engineering/)
- [kinetic Bridging](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/kinetic-bridging/)
- [Injuries & Accidents](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/injuries-accidents/)
- [Newsletters](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/newsletters/)
- [Aches & Pains](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/aches-pains/)
- [Client Updates](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/client-updates/)
- [Fatigue](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/fatigue/)
- [Sickness & Infections](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/sickness-infections/)
- [Academics & Performance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/academics-performance/)
- [Cancer](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/cancer/)
- [Self-Esteem & Confidence](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/self-esteem-confidence/)
- [Social](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/social/)
- [TBI & Concussions](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/tbi-concussions/)
- [Casts](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/casts/)
- [ADD/ADHD](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/addadhd/)
- [Auditory](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/auditory/)
- [Sensory](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/sensory/)
- [Visual Motor Development](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/visual-motor-development/)
- [holiday](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/holiday/)
- [Behind the Science and Research](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/behind-the-science-and-research/)
- [Client Stories](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/client_stories/)
- [Bridging Technique](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/bridging-technique/)
- [Surgical Recovery](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/surgical-recovery/)
- [Deliberate Practice](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/deliberate-practice/)
- [Concussion](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/concussion/)
- [Head Injuries](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/head-injuries/)
- [Older Adults](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/older-adults/)
- [Falls](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/falls/)
- [Travel Stresses](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/travel-stresses/)
- [Children](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/children/)
- [At-Home Bridging](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/at-home-bridging/)
- [Lifestyle](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/lifestyle/)
- [Fine Motor Skills](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/fine-motor-skills/)
- [Emotional Stress](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/emotional-stress/)
- [News](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/news/)
- [Core Strength](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/core-strength/)
- [Breathing](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/breathing/)
- [Sports](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/sports/)
- [Trauma](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/trauma/)
- [Balance](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/balance/)
- [Exercise](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/exercise/)
- [Bone Health](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/bone-health/)
- [Brain Health](https://thebridginginstitute.com/category/brain-health/)