Dr. Kristina DeMatas 
Short and simple: stretching improves flexibility. And flexibility enhances performance, reduces injury risk, promotes healing and it feels good to stretch! But did you know there are different ways to stretch to meet specific goals? I’ll explain nine popular types of stretching and offer advice on getting the most out of your stretch. The Benefits … Read more
Did you know gut health affects more than just the way your body processes food? All those good bacteria in your belly can affect stress levels, immune function, sleep patterns, and body weight as well. For years improving gut health has been the number one course of action toward fixing many chronic diseases, rebuilding your … Read more
Ankle sprains are common in athletes, but that doesn’t mean they’re not serious. An ankle injury can take you out of the game for a week or more if not treated properly. Get back on your feet faster by following these treatment tips for healing a sprained ankle ASAP. Sprained ankles make up about a … Read more
Plantar Fasciitis is the number one cause of foot pain seen in my practice. I recommend proper supportive shoes as the first line of defense. I’ve written about the absolute best plantar fasciitis shoes for both genders; Now I want to focus on shoes for women with plantar fasciitis. After all, women are 2.5 times … Read more
Plantar fasciitis can get in the way of everyday activity. When you feel that sharp pain in the bottom of your foot and heel sitting down is the only thing that seems to help. But many people who suffer from foot issues still want to be active. Patients often ask me if it’s okay to … Read more
People often overlook their elbows when designing exercise routines and self-care plans, but these joints take a lot of abuse in the course of a workout. Incorrect repetitive motions in something as simple as push-ups may cause a misalignment in your joints, including the elbows, leading to pain. How can you plan to avoid elbow … Read more
Protein is an essential element of a healthy, balanced diet and is one of the factors which often crops up when we are discussing different types of diet – particularly plant protein choices that eliminate meat and animal sources. To help make sure you never get bored with your mealtimes, we have put together the … Read more
Daily visits to the physical therapist don’t fit into everyone’s schedule. Keeping your body in good working order is all about being proactive. If you have an injury or medical condition, at-home physical therapy exercise programs are the best way to heal and strengthen those painful and overworked muscles. I’ve put together a tried-and-true list … Read more
With all the diving, sliding, and falling in any given match, you’re bound to make some contact with the floor. That’s why you need the best volleyball knee pads possible to prevent pain and injury. Good knee pads for volleyball can give you the confidence to play your best. In my practice I often treat … Read more
Your immune system is your body’s primary defense against things that can make you sick. You can boost your immune system and protect your body by including healthy immune boosting foods in your diet. Of course, the term “immune boosting foods” can be a bit misleading. Actually “boosting” your immune system wouldn’t be a good … Read more
When it comes to playing your best volleyball, basketball or running shoes are no substitute for a good pair of volleyball shoes. Lightweight with gum rubber soles, these shoes support quick cuts and constant jumping. Here you’ll find my recommendations for the top 5 best men’s and women’s volleyball shoes. Playing volleyball can be tough … Read more
The athletic leaps and quick reaction times of volleyball are one of the most exciting features of the game. As a competitive volleyball player, I loved jumping high to block or drive a ball over the net. Unfortunately, frequent intense jumps and landings can have negative consequences for your ankles. As a player, I found … Read more