HPT is proud to announce the grand opening of our fourth location in Kenova, WV! Starting today, June 29th, you can find us at 907 Oak Street, across from Evaroni’s Pizza. You may recognize Derrick White, DPT, from our Huntington and Barboursville locations, and Staci Elmer, PTA, from our Huntington clinic. Derrick will be in Kenova on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00am-5:00pm, and Fridays from 8:00am-4:00pm. If you would like to make an appointment, you can call our main office at 304-525-4445, or the Kenova clinic at 304-697-9589. HPT is looking forward to this new journey, and helping you get back to what you love. Thank you for all your support as we continue to grow!

We all have been through challenging and unprecedented times these last few months. Changes in work routines, family routines, social activities and the like have made it inconvenient at the least for all of us. However, now that restrictions are beginning to ease, and rules are slowly changing, many of us are anxious to return to the physical pursuits of our choosing. As we return to our favorite activity let us keep some sound principals in mind.
ADJUSTMENT:
Regardless of the chosen activity one should not expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. The longer one has been off, potentially the more critical. This may include such ideas of decreasing the resistance if weight training, shortening the distance of your run or simply the time of your workout period. Keeping some type of record as you return can serve to make this adjustment easier. This record can serve as a starting point from which one can adjust.
PREPARATION:
Given the fact that your activity level has diminished, preparation is crucial. As one returns to any activity from which they have been away, keep in mind a few prudent ideas. Warm up should be a vital part of any activity. Take that few minutes to perform adequate stretching of the muscle groups of involved. Full preparation should include attention to dietary concerns. These would include proper nutrition and most importantly making sure you are fully hydrated long before you start the activity. As summer blooms and the heat index rises this is of critical  concern.
EQUIPMENT:
If appropriate, one should make sure that any equipment to be used should be checked to ensure that all is in proper order. This may be considering your footwear, life vest if water skiing or rafting and perhaps making sure your bike is in proper working order as you return to the road or trail. One should make sure you are wearing the best clothing appropriate for the activity and climate.
CONCLUSION:
We all should remember as we return to our respective activity that we should be aware of safety measures already established. Although inconvenient and a deviation from the norm, we all must adapt. One should consider still wearing mask where and when appropriate. These may include gyms or weight rooms. Consider the size of the facility and proximity of the group in that given workout area. Social distancing should still apply. Hand washing as well as washing of equipment when warranted. These rules will be in effect for the foreseeable future until medical authorities deem otherwise. Keeping these ideas in mind will help ensure a safer return to activity for all.