George Lescher Physical Therapy

08/09/2023

Very interesting study...

July 26, 2023

The Power of Isometric Exercise in Lowering Blood Pressure


Regular exercise has long been acknowledged as a key factor in maintaining overall health and well-being. Besides its well-known benefits for weight management and cardiovascular health, exercise also plays a vital role in managing high blood pressure (hypertension). A recent study conducted by researchers from Canterbury Christ Church University and Leicester University has shed light on the potential of isometric exercise in significantly reducing resting blood pressure and its implications for overall cardiovascular health.

The Study: Exercises and Blood Pressure

The researchers conducted a study that involved analyzing data from 15,827 individuals who participated in 270 clinical trials between 1990 and 2023. The trials aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training modes on resting blood pressure. The trials reported reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) following an exercise intervention of at least 2 weeks, with a control group that did not receive the exercise intervention.

The study found that various exercise training modes were associated with reductions in resting blood pressure. The reductions observed (from largest to lowest) were as follows:
◾Isometric exercise training (e.g., planks and wall squats): Reduced resting blood pressure by 8.24 mmHg for SBP and 4.00 mmHg for DBP.
◾Combined training (a combination of aerobic and weight training): Reduced resting blood pressure by 6.04 mmHg for SBP and 2.54 mmHg for DBP.
◾Dynamic resistance or weight training: Reduced resting blood pressure by 4.55 mmHg for SBP and 3.04 mmHg for DBP.
◾Aerobic exercise training (e.g., running or cycling): Reduced resting blood pressure by 4.49 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 2.53 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
◾High-intensity interval training (short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest in between): Reduced resting blood pressure by 4.08 mmHg for SBP and 2.50 mmHg for DBP.

They further run another analysis to identify the most effective submodes for reducing SBP and DBP:
◾Isometric wall squat for reducing SBP (90.4% effectiveness)
◾Running for reducing DBP (91.3% effectiveness)

Key Findings: Isometric Exercise and Blood Pressure

The study revealed that among the different exercise training modes analyzed, isometric exercise demonstrated the most substantial impact on lowering blood pressure. Isometric exercises involve static muscle contractions without changing joint angles and are known for their ability to strengthen specific muscle groups effectively. The most popular one are plank and wall squat.

Despite the seemingly modest drops in blood pressure, the cumulative impact of isometric exercise on cardiovascular health is noteworthy. Even a few millimeters of mercury reduction in blood pressure can have a profound effect in lowering the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke, and lowering blood pressure through regular isometric exercise can prove instrumental in preventing stroke-related disabilities or fatalities. Moreover, managing blood pressure is essential for overall heart health, reducing the risk of heart disease and related conditions.

Isometric exercise provides a valuable addition to the arsenal of non-pharmacological interventions for managing hypertension. When combined with other lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular aerobic exercise, isometric training can contribute to an effective and holistic approach to blood pressure control.

07/05/2023

Most recently, my Reiki practice has started to BOOM! If you've never experienced Reiki, allow me to introduce you to this practice of deep relaxation and body/mind healing. I became certified in Reiki by a Master in Rishikesh, India while volunteering at an orphanage and leading Rites' of Passage Journeys. The subtle energy channels of our body are like an onion, with many layers, the most tangible ones being those closest to the skin. Trauma, stress or even lifestyle can lead to our energetic channels becoming blocked or deficient. Using Reiki, we can recreate balance and restore harmony to the body and mind. I usually recommend a series of three sessions to gain FULL vitality...these sessions are 75 min. in length...feel free to book here: https://brianagullo.setmore.com

Ayurvedic wellness coaching and yoga class instruction

05/31/2022

Sad to have to part with this.

Hi-Low 4-section treatment table with traction unit which can perform cervical and/or lumbar traction with settings for static and/or intermittent traction. Lowest height is 21", maximum is 39"....

04/20/2022

So proud of my daughter and her expertise!!

by Briana Gullo

01/25/2021

Scheduling is now available on my website, simply go to www.georgelescher.com and click 'BOOK NOW'. This way you can manage all of your appointments without having to wait for a call from us! Of course, Joanne and I are still by the phone and happy to assist you with anything you may need. Be well and let's get you back to being able to live again.

12/17/2020

At this time in my career, I’ve decided to strive for more simplicity and efficiency. I wish to spend the time I have with patients treating them, rather than addressing the requirements of the insurance industry. Therefore, in 2021 I will no longer be accepting insurance and will be devoting all of our treatment time to returning you to your optimal functional activity level. I will also likely be able to see you within 5 days of your initial request! Let’s get you feeling wonderful in 2021

10/08/2019

I have treated several patients whom I referred back to their GP to seek alternative medications to lower their cholesterol because I believed the current statin medication they were taking was causing or at least contributing to their muscle pain. This recent study offers an alternative for those experiencing muscle pain as the result of their statin meds. It is a good read!!

An international team of researchers may have discovered why some people experience muscle pain after taking statins and have shown that moderate exercise may be a good way for people taking statins to avoid these symptoms.

11/13/2018

How many people do you know that talk about their back with confirmed "disc degeneration" or "degenerative disc disease"? It's a common reason we're told that we have back pain, disability, or unrelenting symptoms. The vast majority of the time we find people's pain and symptoms are actually from muscular imbalances (tightness and weakness), compensated movement patterns, and decreased comfortable joint movement. It is common to have "something wrong" on imaging. What's important is whether the symptomatic tests correlate with the imaging, and to not just take imaging at face value.

This includes more serious issues we commonly see: sciatica, other nerve radiculopathies, chronic pain, etc. Much of the time these serious issues are easily addressed, but it's a matter of figuring out the root cause of the issue and correctly loading or unloading that area of the body - something most people can do independently at home with the right training, and save on clinic/therapy costs.

If you have sudden, acute, progressive, neurological pain and/or weakness from an accident, that's a serious safety issue. If you have something that's onset for "No Apparent Reason" (the most common reason we see) or that's slowly onset over a long period of time, very often PT can get you back to normal without looking at the extremes of surgery that are too commonly the first round of defense.

If you have a question, give us a call!

01/30/2018

Here is a quote I have borrowed from Tom Ockler, PT regarding one of my preferred techniques:

Muscle Energy Technique is one of the most effective and valuable manual techniques for the identification and correction of somatic asymmetry and hypomobility. These techniques can be used immediately to find and correct the causes of all types of pain. These are not cover up procedures, but rather techniques that cure the problem with dramatic results.

Unlike manipulative techniques, MET works via evidenced-based neuro-physiology using the muscle spindles to release tight muscles and decrease tone and excitability, thus restoring the bones and joints to normal mobility and returning them to symmetrical, smooth function.