The Movement Blog
How much do you REALLY know about your body?
We spend our whole lives in one body, but very few of us are educated on just how that body is built and how it’s supposed to run. I’d like to change that…
THE AUTHORElsa Gould PT, DPT
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I am a physical therapist with 15 years of experience in the field of outpatient orthopedics, working in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2005 from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Growing up, I was an aspiring and very serious ballet dancer. I spent the bulk of my youth in front of a mirror, wearing a leotard. Every line, every movement I assessed, adapted and practiced until, frankly, I got pretty good at it. At age 16, I was accepted to spend part of my summer studying at the Juilliard School in New York. It was one of the great honors of my life, and the culmination of years of work. About 3 weeks into that program, when I was so sore that I couldn’t even get up from a chair without groaning, I found myself sitting on a studio floor with my left kneecap completely dislocated. It was that moment that changed the trajectory of my life, and pointed me in a new – but entirely complementary – direction.
My introduction to the field of physical therapy was as a patient. But, to be honest, my art as a physical therapist was developed all those years ago in front of a mirror. One of my most honed skills as a practitioner is in the careful analysis of movement. Sometimes that movement is in the context of treating dancers or skaters, which I very much enjoy, but most of the time it’s in the context of everyday movements – walking, rising from a chair, turning over in bed.
These days, in addition to my work, I have the honor of mama-ing my 8 year-old son. Trust me – I enjoyed every single moment of his early motor development in a really nerdy way. And as he’s ready, I teach him about the body I made for him. I want him to own his body, to understand his body, and to never have to blindly put it in the hands of someone else.
Are You Doing Your 80%?
As much as we all might like a “miracle pill” to fix our pain, often times it’s a lot more complex and the solution isn’t just some exercise or massage, it’s being intentional with your everyday decisions.
Are You Breathing Incorrectly?
We breathe all day long. But are we doing it correctly? Learn about the diaphragm, what it does and how to use it.
Set Your Muscles Up For Success
Is it simply exercise that makes muscles STRONG or WEAK or is there more to it? Dive into the concept of the length-tension relationship and how you can best set your muscles up for success.
To Stretch Or Not To Stretch?
Is the stiffness you feel indicative of something more insidious than simple tightness? Learn about the concept of MICROINSTABILITY, which often lies at the root of pain and arthritic change, as well as what you can do to combat it.
Are You Intrinsically Motivated?
Explore a simple way of thinking about the musculoskeletal system as composed of 2 groups of muscles: the intrinsics, or deep muscles, and the extrinsics, the big guys. Which are you working?
The Truth About Posture
We all know good posture is important, and yet it eludes so many of us. Explore how the spine is meant to work and some common postural pitfalls.
Do you live in the Evanston area and want to work with a physical therapist through a Pilates lens?
Elsa Gould is a Doctor of Physical Therapist with a passion for Pilates and experience as a performing artist.
Her combined experience gives you the unique chance to work with someone who will treat the whole you, not just your symptoms. To work with Elsa, and to learn more about all of Collective Motion’s offerings, click on the link below.
