Ep 89: Physical Activity Needs at Every Age with Dr. Vanessa Cornwell-Chiu, DPT

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What if the way you move your body at 22 could determine whether you're playing with your grandchildren or relying on them for physical help at 70?

Mike Krause and Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN welcome back physical therapist and friend-of-the-show Dr. Vanessa Cornwell-Chiu, DPT, to explore how our physical activity choices today shape our future health and mobility. 

The conversation reveals the critical connection between present-day movement patterns and long-term well-being, challenging listeners to think strategically about their bodies across decades, from youth to mature adults. 

In this Episode
🎧 Chronic diseases and repetitive injuries have things in common: They take consistent behaviors or actions that occur repeatedly over time.  
🎧 Overuse injuries and lack of rest time in young athletes
🎧 The knee often bears the brunt of problems; it’s not just knee injuries but stress and compensation issues from hip and foot injuries
🎧 Common sources of repetitive strain and repetitive use injuries; sitting being a surprising and common cause of repetitive injury
🎧 Desk work and chronic headaches, neck pain, and the universal problem of tight hip flexors
🎧 Your ability to go from sitting on the floor to standing without using your hands as an indicator and predictor of longevity 
🎧 Blue Zones (like Okinawa and Sardinia) and the use of movement/day physical activity, like daily hill-walking, as a key piece to longevity 
🎧7 crucial health habits to establish in your 20s and 30s, from building healthcare relationships to managing the "stressed the f*** out" lifestyle many young adults experience

ABOUT DR. VANESSA
A proud Bay Area native, Dr. Vanessa has been a dedicated Physical Therapist for over 13 years. Her passion for movement began early through dance, which later inspired her to pursue a career in rehabilitation.

Dr. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science from Sacramento State University in 2006 and went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. With a strong foundation in orthopedics, she is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

Throughout her career, Dr. Vanessa has held leadership roles at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where she assisted in leading both the Dance Medicine and Concussion programs. She continues her advocacy as a board member for Concussion Box, a non-profit supporting concussion survivors and their families.

Following the birth of her first child in 2018, Dr. Vanessa developed a deep interest in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, expanding her expertise to better support women through all stages of life. In 2024, she opened her own practice—Imua Physical Therapy in Vacaville, CA—where she offers services in her specialties of Dance Medicine and Pelvic Floor care.  

Website: imupat.com

Insta: @imuapt

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