Kathleen McDonough

If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and losing a significant amount of weight, it is important to think about more than the number on the scale. In my previous blog, GLP-1 Muscle Loss: Why Maintaining Muscle and Strength Matters, I discussed why maintaining muscle, strength and bone health deserves attention…

GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound have received a great deal of attention for helping people lose significant amounts of weight. In my physical therapy practice, I have seen firsthand what that can mean for people who have struggled with their weight while also dealing with type…

When you hear the words “strength training,” you might picture lifting weights at a gym. But strength is also what helps you get out of a chair, climb stairs, carry groceries, maintain your balance, reach overhead, and participate in the activities you enjoy. Pilates offers a different approach to building…

Breathing is something we all do automatically, but the way we breathe can have a surprising effect on how we move and feel. One of the things I enjoy teaching my patients is how breathing affects the way the body moves. Most people are surprised to learn that efficient breathing…

Road trips, flights, and long days of sitting can challenge your back. Here is how to travel more comfortably this summer. Summer often brings road trips, vacations, family visits, and opportunities to explore new places. It can also bring long hours of sitting, heavy luggage, unfamiliar beds, and changes in…

This time of year tends to bring changes in routine. There’s often more time spent walking, traveling, working in the yard, or simply being more active day to day. Along with that, it is common for neck, shoulder, or back discomfort to become more noticeable. One factor I often look…

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular ways to stay active. It is fun, social, and easy to get started, which is exactly why so many people get hooked. However, with that excitement often comes a common issue—jumping into play without properly preparing the body. Whether you are…

Sciatic pain is something I see frequently in my San Anselmo physical therapy practice. Many people come in describing pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg. Sometimes it feels sharp, sometimes like burning, tingling, or numbness. Sitting for long periods, driving, or even…

This is a question I hear all the time. Often it comes after someone has tried everything else. Stretching, foam rolling, rest, even cortisone. The pain may ease for a short time, but it always seems to return. If you have found yourself asking, “Why should I try physical therapy?”…