Kathi Fairbend MS RPT

11/04/2025

BodyMind Physical Therapy is revolutionizing treatment programs by focusing on the whole person rather than just specific body parts or diagnoses. Our certification program prepares you to understand the intricate connections between the musculoskeletal system, brain, and mind, allowing you to provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being. By becoming a Certified BodyMind Physical Therapist, you gain a competitive edge in the field, enabling you to enhance your patients' posture, movement, mood, and overall self-confidence. Join us in leading the evolution of the physical therapy profession. Enroll now: https://bodymindphysicaltherapy.thinkific.com/products/courses/ai-placeholder-1

10/15/2025

As a strong advocate for Body Mind Physical Therapy , I encourage more physical therapists and the profession to incorporate, the body mind approach as an established norm. The powerful connection between the musculoskeletal system , the brain and the mind, are the basic ground works for complete recovery from a minor, or common diagnosis, such as low back pain to complex diagnoses and from the non athlete to the professional athlete. Complete recovery is essential for physical and emotional wellbeing.
Embracing this approach embraces the understanding that movement affects emotions and emotions affect movement.

08/11/2025

FOOTWEAR AFFECTS POSTURE
READY FOR SCHOOL ? New tablet, new back pack and new shoes.

Shoes provide the platform for standing, allowing natural foot and ankle movement when there is a secure fit. Shoes for school should require tieing and have a heel support.

A proper fitting shoe provides stable balance and protection while walking up and down stairs and walking all day on cement and tile floors.

Most students even through high school are growing, perhaps not in height, but bone, muscle, tendon and ligament tissues are all developing.

Wearing a supportive shoe that fits influences foot development and gait.

Feet grow according to stress and function. The proper shoes can prevent foot abnormalities and ensure mobility for all the bones and joints of the foot and ankle.

Shoes that you wear all day should be different than the shoes you use for sport activity.

Shoes should be for function first then fashion.

BACK PACK ADDED

BACK PAIN AND NECK PAIN are very common daily complaints for students, requiring thousands of emergency room visits each year.

Keep in mind that the backpack weight adds work for your feet and legs.

Many back problems are created not by the back pack alone but the lack of support for body from inadequate foot wear. More support from footwear allows the extra weight from back pack and contents to be evenly supported through the entire spine and legs.

If possible have a back pack that fits the length of your back and has an abdominal strap, to use when waiting for bus or walking to and from school.

Clearly the back pack is meant to be over both shoulders and packed with the heaviest items close to your spine.

With your backpack on- look in the mirror, and see if your ears are over your shoulders, and your shoulder are over your hips for standing and walking.

Sound posture affects mood and mood affects posture. Sound posture also prevents fatigue. Sound posture creates confidence and affects physical performance--- on and off the field!

Bonus for some School Health Programs:

If there is Scoliosis screening at your school. (it is mandatory in 26 states) Don't miss it. Those 10 minutes can call attention to how the spine is growing ,and prevent many health issues throughout life and insure you grow as straight and tall as possible- in comfort.

I'm available for consultation. Contact me at fairbendpt@aol.com or kathifairbend@bodymindpt.com


-HealthyBody

08/11/2025

POSTURE AFFECTS LEARNING

Numerous scientific studies affirm Sound Posture positively impacts how students learn. Classroom success builds confidence.

Sitting upright can improve cognitive skills by boosting concentration, preventing fatigue, as well as preventing back and neck pain.

Sound sitting posture should be a homework essential.

A proper ergonomic setup to allow sound posture at home starts with:

*A sturdy chair, that allows the student to sit way back in the chair with both feet flat on the ground or foot stool.

*Next, A desk the student can pull close to and at a hight that does not require reaching -up to read or write.

*Adequate lighting is important.

*When using tablets or computers , eyes should focus in the center of the screen.... without causing the neck to drop forward on front of the spine.

*A Homework place should not be in the middle of household confusion.

If you need more pointers about setting up the space, do look at my website ergoworkplace.co , where you will find helpful pictures. and articles.

Also see the ergonomics chapter in my book Stand Up To Depression.

I'm available for home ergonomic consultation at fairbendpt.com or Kathifairbend@bodymindpt.com

05/28/2025

SOUND POSTURE: Foundation for Performance and Well-Being

Body and Mind are one. Posture use isn't just about standing or sitting up straight. The connection is powerful when aligned and enhances everything from daily movement to athletic performance.

* Posture affects mood and mood affects posture. How you hold your body can shift your mindset and your mindset can influence how you move.
*Sound Posture supports effective Body Mechanics, allowing one to move with less strain, more precision and greater energy efficiency.
* When your body moves well and without pain, if frees your mind to focus on strategy, technique and performance and avoid injury.

Sound Posture is a performance tool, and it starts with awareness.

04/15/2025

Spring into recovery! Focus on posture for better performance and mood.

Email from Kathi Fairbend MS RPT KATHI FAIRBEND| MS RPT BODY MIND PHYSICAL THERAPY SPRING SHOTS Along with Spring comes the anticipation of free time, vacations, gardening summer camps and MANY differ

03/18/2025

Embrace spring and boost your mood! Good posture leads to happiness.

Email from Kathi Fairbend MS RPT KATHI FAIRBEND| MS RPT BODY MIND PHYSICAL THERAPY IT'S SPRING, DOES IT SHOW IN YOUR STEP Spring, the season with more light. The light produces serotonin, known to imp

01/02/2025

"DON'T FALL" "DON'T FALL"

We say this to people of all ages, but the falls and consequences are very different between young and old.
FEAR of falling itself can lead to reduced activity and mobility. For the older population a fall can lead to severe consequences such as broken bones, head injuries and even death. Age related, conditions such as poor posture with poor balance, weak muscles and poor vision all contribute to
falls. Frequently long rehabilitation after a fall results in deconditioning and further decline in health.

Young people are not immune to falls. Falls are leading cause of injury among children from playground accidents and sports. They are more resilient and recover faster. However there can be lasting effects if time for proper healing and therapy requirements are ignored .Premature return to activities can lead
to more significant injuries.

Young and old should watch out for environmental hazards, slippery floors, ice, uneven sidewalks, and dark areas and distractions from cell phones.

Be careful! Wear supportive footwear!

Order my book to learn more: https://conta.cc/4gblaX2

Stand Up to Depression: How To Activate THE BODY MIND MIRACLE and Defeat Depression

12/09/2024

Posture Affects Mood, and Mood Affects Posture

Have you noticed that holiday fatigue , stress and anxiety affect your posture?

Learn the Life Skill of Sound Posture from Kathi Fairbend MS RPT and feel how quickly your fatigue lessens and your mood improves.

For a Good Start look in the mirror a few times day. Look at your posture and SEE how you FEEL and you will UNDERSTAND how this simple routine below will help improve your posture and mood.

Are you standing with your weight on both feet and toes on the ground?
Are your hips level?
Are your shoulders open and broad?
Are you arms falling at your sides?
Is your head above you shoulders and your ears over your shoulders?

Enjoy a Christmas and New Year with Sound Posture!

Order my book to learn more: https://conta.cc/4gblaX2

Stand Up to Depression: How To Activate THE BODY MIND MIRACLE and Defeat Depression

10/29/2024

THE LAST LEAF

When the beauty of the fall leaves float to the ground , the air crisp and invigorating , there's a lure to get out in nature and rake leaves.
A simple activity to enjoy nature, clean up the yard enjoy physical activity .

Here are some tips to enjoy leaf raking and use sound ergonomics to prevent neck, back and shoulder pain that can result from an over zealous attempt to get "The Last Leaf".

Have a comfortable rake in weight and height, that allows you to staid up straight with knees relaxed.

Try to wait until most of the leaves are down.

Pick a dry day- wet leaves are heavy.

Wear supportive shoes.

Rake close to you,

Move in the direction of the wind.

Smooth strokes, lift leaves a little and keep stepping the direction you are raking.

Make small piles and move to tarp or container frequently to have a break from raking.

Hydrate- as in any sustained physical activity.

If you are tired , stop before you hurt, you can get the Last Leaf another day.

For more Ergonomic Tips see my website www.ergworkplace.com