Mountains &
Motion

Tips to optimize movement and well-being,
from a physical therapist's perspective

Mountains & Motion is your place to learn about ways to help yourself reduce pain and move and feel your best, all from the perspective of a physical therapist who teaches these techniques to patients on a daily basis.

Dr. Anna, PT

7 days ago
3 min

Gratitude in Trying Times

Taking a moment to focus on positive elements in your world, no matter how big or small, can shift your perspective to be more positive.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Feb 24
2 min

My Favorite Full-Body Move

This move hits arms, legs, and core all at once, and it'll get your heart rate up quickly too! What more can you ask for in a movement?

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Dr. Anna, PT

Feb 10
3 min

Shoulder Strain Solutions

If you have a minor shoulder strain, simple rehabilitation solutions can get you back to your workouts and life in no time.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Jan 26
2 min

Have a Scar? Here's Why You Want To Rub It

Find out the multiple benefits of manually rubbing a scar and what to consider as you do it.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Jan 16
2 min

The Power of Silence

Sometimes just sitting in silence for as little as ten minutes can make a major shift in the energy of your day.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Jan 10
2 min

Open Book: One Simple Move, Many Great Results

Better movement in your upper back can help your neck and shoulders function better too! Try this move.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Dec 28, 2019
4 min

Yes, You CAN Achieve Your New Years Resolution

Learn how to set SMART goals that allow you to experience success this year.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Dec 12, 2019
2 min

The Trick to Taming Your Neck Spasm

Relieve your muscle spasm with this quick and easy technique. All it takes is a ball, a wall, and your own motion!

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Dr. Anna, PT

Dec 4, 2019
1 min

How to Maximize Your Quad Stretch

People often know to stretch their quads, a group of muscles in the front of the thigh. But learn how to make that stretch even better!

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Dr. Anna, PT

Nov 26, 2019
2 min

Why You Want to Exercise Before That Holiday Feast

The holiday season is upon us! Learn how exercising can rev up your metabolic engine to burn more calories this holiday season.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Nov 22, 2019
4 min

Anterior Knee Pain, Part II: 7 Exercises To Help Kick Knee Pain

Pain in the front of your knee is no fun, but you can change it! Here are 7 exercises to help kick anterior knee pain.

7 viewsWrite a comment

Dr. Anna, PT

Nov 17, 2019
3 min

Anterior Knee Pain, Part I: What Causes Knee Cap Pain?

Pain under the knee cap, or anterior knee pain, can impact work or recreation. Learn what causes this pesky pain.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Nov 8, 2019
3 min

Beat the Daylight Savings Blues

Don't let Seasonal Affective Disorder get you down this winter. Learn how to beat the winter blues with these natural techniques.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 29, 2019
3 min

Tips to Avoid Low Back Pain As You Lift

Avoid low back pain by lifting smarter, not harder. Here are 5 quick tips on how to correctly lift and protect your back.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 21, 2019
4 min

Solutions for Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is pain in the buttock or leg from nerve impingement. You CAN do something to help it! Get relief from these simple stretches.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 13, 2019
3 min

The Go-To Move for Upper Back Tightness

Don't let nagging tightness or pain between your shoulder blades stop you. Just a few minutes a day with this upper back exercise can help!

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 10, 2019
2 min

My Top 3 Physical Therapy Resources for Patients

Physical therapy can accelerate your road to recovery. Here are 3 resources to learn more about how PT can help you.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 4, 2019
3 min

Give And You Will Receive

Sometimes when we give, we actually receive so much in return in terms of fulfilling a greater purpose and practicing selflessness.

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Dr. Anna, PT

Oct 2, 2019
4 min

National Physical Therapy Month: 7 Things You Didn't Know Physical Therapists Can Do For You

October is National Physical Therapy Month! Learn about some not-so-familiar ways physical therapists play key roles in rehab.

38,555 views1 comment

Dr. Anna, PT

Sep 25, 2019
3 min

Rejuvenate with Sun Breaths

Sun Breaths help you rejuvenate when you need a quick pick-me-up. Learn how to get an even greater stretch in your arms with it too!

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Hi! I'm Dr. Anna Skaggs, a physical therapist and your M&M blog author. I live at the base of a 14-thousand foot peak and I love scampering about the mountains. I believe that moving our bodies is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and there is ample evidence out there supporting the physical, mental, and emotional benefits to boot. When we can move in a pain-free way, all the better!

With these elements in mind,