All posts tagged: therapist

I’m a yoga therapist and I love doing these three poses in bed before getting up

I’m a yoga therapist and I love doing these three poses in bed before getting up

Published by Jenni Sidey

It’s not unusual to wake up with tight muscles, stiff joints and sluggish energy—after all, your body has been relatively still for hours. There are a few simple yoga poses I do myself to release built-up tension—no need for a yoga mat or to find time for a morning yoga routine. These three yoga poses ease tension in your spine, hips and shoulders, and stimulate circulation gently, all in just a few minutes. It also creates a few calming, mindful moments before the day begins. You may like I recommend them to others, too. I’m a yoga therapist and I’m always looking for simple ways to help my clients integrate wellness practices into their lives, especially if they’re managing a health condition. 1. Bridge Reps: 3 Why it’s good: It releases tension in your back and hips, boosts blood flow and strengthens muscles in the back of your body. How to do it: Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox. Lie on your back with your knees …

I asked an occupational therapist why being on my feet all day makes my back hurt—here’s what she had to say

I asked an occupational therapist why being on my feet all day makes my back hurt—here’s what she had to say

Published by Jenni Sidey

Anyone who has worked in hospitality, healthcare or retail will probably agree that being on your feet all day can be painful. The odd thing is that it isn’t always your feet that feel it. I used to wear a good pair of walking shoes when I worked in retail, which kept my feet fatigue-free, but three hours into a shift, my lower back would be screaming. These days, I know that sitting for long periods can cause stiffness, but standing in one position for several hours—while I’m cooking one recipe after another for work—sometimes leaves me with even more aches. You may like I was curious about this, wondering if I was somehow standing wrong, so I asked occupational therapist, Kayleigh Little-Parks of Cape Concierge Physical Therapy for her opinion. Why does standing for long periods cause backache? “Staying in one position can be damaging to your muscles and joints, especially the hips,” says Little-Parks. She explains that repeatedly using the same muscles can cause damage to the muscle fibers. An upright posture without …

The ascent of the AI therapist

The ascent of the AI therapist

Published by Miika Tikkanen

AI therapists could flatten humanity into patterns of prediction, and so sacrifice the intimate, individualized care that is expected of traditional human therapists. “The logic of PAI leads to a future where we may all find ourselves patients in an algorithmic asylum administered by digital wardens,” Oberhaus writes. “In the algorithmic asylum there is no need for bars on the window or white padded rooms because there is no possibility of escape. The asylum is already everywhere—in your homes and offices, schools and hospitals, courtrooms and barracks. Wherever there’s an internet connection, the asylum is waiting.” Chatbot Therapy:A Critical Analysis ofAI Mental Health TreatmentEoin FullamROUTLEDGE, 2025 Eoin Fullam, a researcher who studies the intersection of technology and mental health, echoes some of the same concerns in Chatbot Therapy: A Critical Analysis of AI Mental Health Treatment. A heady academic primer, the book analyzes the assumptions underlying the automated treatments offered by AI chatbots and the way capitalist incentives could corrupt these kinds of tools.   Fullam observes that the capitalist mentality behind new technologies “often leads …

Three stretches to do if you wake up with a sore neck and shoulders, according to a physical therapist

Three stretches to do if you wake up with a sore neck and shoulders, according to a physical therapist

Published by Miika Tikkanen

Soreness in the neck and shoulders is a common problem, and you may find yourself noticing it most when you wake up. Often this is due to sleeping in an odd position, improper mattress support or disrupted sleep. If it happens frequently, troubleshoot your sleep setup to see if there is an obvious cause and consider incorporating a stretching routine into your morning. “Movement helps to keep our joints lubricated and our muscles flexible,” says physical therapist Susan Winograd, owner of Pelvicore Rehab & Wellness. “If you find yourself waking up achy, get moving—movement is the best medicine!” If you’re not sure where to start, try these three recommended stretches from Winograd to loosen a stiff neck and shoulders in the morning. The stretches 1. Neck rotation Man sits with crossed legs on a yoga mat and performs neck rotations. His hands are on his knees and his eyes are closed. He wears a white shirt, grey shorts and has dark hair and a beard. (Image credit: Getty Images) Stand or sit with your back …