Wellness Blog

October 16, 2026 This spring, the New York Times spotlighted a fascinating discovery about the human body. In March, they ran an article titled “Is this Tissue a New Organ? Maybe. A Conduit for Cancer? It Seems Likely.” Then in … Read More

September 23, 2026 Go with the flow! Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic, hands-on therapy designed to support the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. A therapist applies light, precise skin-stretching techniques that encourage the lymphatic … Read More

September 14, 2026 One of our favorite moments as physical therapists is when we tell a patient, “You don’t need physical therapy anymore.” It means you’ve worked hard, gain strength and are moving better. Your pain has improved and you’ve … Read More

September 1, 2026 Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, but the good news is that many falls can be prevented. At Sadhana Health, we believe that … Read More

August 13, 2026 Zzzzzz… In today’s busy world, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets hectic. However, quality sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health, supporting recovery, managing pain, and optimizing … Read More

07/29/26 Understanding the Balance When patients come to our clinic with pain, stiffness, weakness, or movement limitations, one of the most common concepts we discuss is the relationship between mobility and stability. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they … Read More

July 15, 2026 Dizziness isn’t Normal! If you’ve ever experienced dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or a constant feeling of being “off,” you know how disruptive these symptoms can be. They affect more than your ability to walk—they can impact your confidence, … Read More

July 1, 2026 Bringing a baby into the world is a remarkable experience, but pregnancy and delivery place significant physical demands on the body. During the postpartum period, many women experience weakness, fatigue, pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation, back pain, … Read More

June 12, 2026 When you’re seeking care for pain, injury recovery, stress-related conditions, or long-term wellness, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should I use insurance—or choose a cash-based healthcare practice? At our integrative healthcare clinic, we … Read More

June 3, 2026 – Global Running Day Today is Global Running Day and many runners are gearing up for upcoming 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, ultras, and trail races. Whether you’re chasing a personal record, training for your first race, … Read More

May 27, 2026 If there’s one thing that doesn’t need exaggeration, it’s this: tools like ChatGPT are everywhere right now. In a short span of time, they’ve gone from novelty—cranking out poems and jokes—to something people rely on for real, … Read More

May 5, 2026 If you’ve spent any time around physical therapy clinics, you’ve probably seen it: hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations, soft tissue work, or myofascial release being used to reduce pain and improve movement. At the same time, there’s … Read More

April 23, 2026 What is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM)? Instrument‑Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy approach used to address myofascial restrictions and soft‑tissue dysfunction. Physical therapists as well as other certified practitioners (ie. manual therapists, massage … Read More

Sadhana Health Service Animal Policy At Sadhana Health, our priority is to provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for all patients. To comply with California State law and to ensure access to care for individuals who rely on trained … Read More

April 05, 2026 Goals and Intention At Sadhana Health, we offer a range of allied healthcare services—including Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Integrative Bodywork. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How is Manual Therapy different from Massage … Read More

March 02, 2026 You will remember that in our December 2025 post about far-infrared heat therapy, we mentioned that the far-infrared therapy mat we use also utilizes negative ion therapy. You now may be wondering, “What the heck is negative … Read More

March 1, 2026 March is roaring in like a lion with these warm temperatures! Here at Sadhana, we are jumping into the month by supporting our athletes who have been training through the winter for spring fitness events. Between Hyrox … Read More

February 1, 2026 Please welcome back Dr. Cindy! She has returned from her maternity leave and is accepting new patients. Please be aware that Cindy does have a new schedule. She will be seeing patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays … Read More

January 29, 2026 Compression boot therapy (also known as intermittent pneumatic compression) uses air-filled boots that gently inflate and deflate around the legs to support circulation and recovery. It’s a non-invasive, relaxing treatment widely used in athletic recovery, rehabilitation, and … Read More

January 1, 2026 Far-infrared light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, uses a safe form of light energy to gently warm the body and support natural biological processes. This light is part of the infrared spectrum and is naturally present in sunlight, … Read More

December 22, 2025 Dr. Cindy will be back from maternity leave! We are so excited to announce that Dr. Cindy Leckington, DPT will be back from her maternity leave at the end of January. She will be seeing patients on … Read More

December 13, 2025 Carrying your baby is one of the most intimate and joyful parts of parenting. But it can also take a toll on your body. From lifting baby out of the crib at 3 AM to hours of … Read More

December 1, 2025 We had a busy November with multiple visiting physicians who had the opportunity to meet a few of our patients and learn about why we are so special in the field of allied healthcare. Dr. Daniel Karlin, MD a … Read More

November 10, 2025 Proper Warm-Ups for Runners: 7 Key Exercises to Prevent Injury and Boost Performance Whether you’re gearing up for a long-distance run or a quick jog around the block, a proper warm-up is essential. It primes your muscles, … Read More

November 1, 2025 Well friends, we have officially entered the holiday season! 2025 has been a particularly challenging year for so many people and we find ourselves holding immense gratitude for so many things. Did you know that practicing gratitude … Read More

October 9, 2025 Happy Fall Everyone! Pumpkin spice season has arrived. Scroll down for our most recent blog post, updates, reminders and important announcements. Cancellation Policy – PLEASE READ Our standard policy has not changed in years. It is part … Read More

September 23, 2025 Pain around the shoulder blade—also known as scapular pain—is surprisingly common, yet often misunderstood. People may blame the wrong muscle, ignore deeper issues, or over-treat the wrong area.  In this post, we’ll unpack some of the most … Read More

September 5, 2025 Hi Sadhana Family! We hope everyone enjoyed their long Labor Day weekend. Just like everyone else, we lament the fact that 2025 has been moving along at the speed of light. Pumpkin spice lattes and fall weather … Read More

August 15, 2025 If you’ve ever experienced a deep ache in your buttock that radiates down the back of your leg, you may have heard someone mention piriformis syndrome. But what exactly is it? Is it the same as sciatica? … Read More

August 7, 2025 If you are like us, we would bet that you just can’t believe it’s already August! The clinic has been humming along, and we are happy to welcome all our new patients that have joined our community … Read More

July 23, 2025 6 Gentle Prenatal Stretches to Relieve Tension Pregnancy is an amazing journey, but as your body grows and changes, it’s common to experience tight hips, a sore back, or general discomfort. The good news? Gentle stretching can … Read More

July 5, 2025 Summer is now in full swing here at Sadhana Health. Lauren is busy rock climbing. Daejon can be found skateboarding and working out in the gym. Dr. Philip has been busy playing soccer; Heather is training for … Read More

May 25, 2025 What is Integrative Healthcare? “Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate … Read More

May 2, 2025 April had our staff re-certifying their CPR + Basic Life Saving skills, welcoming Jamie Williams, B.S., CMT to our team, and planning our first annual FREE community event Move smarter. Live better! at the end of the month. … Read More

April 2, 2025 JOIN US MAY 31, 2025 from 10:00am – 2:00pm SPONSORED BY BODYHEALTH, THE GROUNDED BAR, & MAGIC MIND On Saturday May 31st we are hosting our first annual Move Smarter. Live Better! event. Please join us for … Read More

April 1, 2025 Hi friends! Our team concluded March by sponsoring Empowered Yoga’s Yoga on the Hill event at the Baldwin Hills Overlook. It was a great opportunity for our team to get outside and connect with our local community. We … Read More

March 1, 2025 As we step into Springtime, our team wants to remind you that movement is medicine! Walk, run, dance, swim. Lift weights, take a yoga class, ride a bike! Move in a way that makes you happy and … Read More

February 1, 2025 UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE Navigating the world of insurance can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. Whether you’re dealing with health insurance, auto insurance, or any other type, understanding the key terms and … Read More

January 22, 2025 Experiencing a traumatic event, like a fire, can have a profound impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether you lost your home, personal belongings, or even just witnessed the destruction, the aftermath of such an … Read More

August 2, 2023 Find your balance Exploring the Benefits of Balance Training in Physical Therapy: Finding Stability Balance is a fundamental aspect of human movement and functionality, influencing our ability to perform daily activities, engage in sports and recreational pursuits, … Read More

June 25, 2024 Oh my aching back! Basic Hip Opener Stretches for a Stiff Lower Back A stiff lower back can be a common complaint, especially for those who spend long hours sitting or engaging in activities that involve repetitive … Read More

May 23, 2024 The Infraspinatus muscle (on bottom portion of your shoulder blade) is one of your rotator cuff muscles. It originates from the medial two-thirds of the infraspinous fossa of the scapula, and the internal surface of the infraspinous … Read More

April 30, 2024 Integrative Health & Wellness In the pursuit of optimal health and wellness, individuals often seek solutions that address their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and … Read More

March 1, 2024 MEET Lauren! Lauren earned her B.A. from UC Santa Barbara in Cultural Anthropology and received her CMT from National Holistic Institute in Santa Ana, CA. As a neuromuscular therapist she specializes in orthopedics, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), … Read More

February 21, 2024 Physical Therapy | Manual Therapy | Traditional Chinese Medicine Cindy Liang Leckington, DPT has joined the Sadhana Health leadership team as a co-owner and is our new Director of Physical Therapy. Some of the modalities we provide … Read More

February 17, 2024 MEET DR. CINDY! Cindy Leckington is a highly accomplished orthopedic specialist dedicated to providing excellent care and expertise in the field of physical therapy. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with honors from Indiana University and went … Read More

02/07/2024 See JANE run! We are excited to announce that we have changed our EHR (electronic health record) platform. JANE allows us to streamline our online scheduling service as well as provide an optimized experience for our healthcare providers and … Read More

January 25, 2024 Food is medicine! The conversation with many patients recently has turned to a “Food is medicine” theme. Here at Sadhana Health, we are firm believers in this mindset, and we often promote and anti-inflammatory diet which can … Read More

January 15, 2024 “I noticed that your brochure mentions you use “evidence-based” care. What exactly does this mean?” Sadhana Health is an evidence-based clinical practice. This means that the modalities we employ to achieve a specific outcome have data based … Read More

December 2, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Suggested by Our Patients We get so many fantastic suggestions by our patients that we just have to share them with you! A common theme we encounter when discussing health and lifestyle with … Read More

September 23, 2023 Equal Breath 5:5 with Dancing Fingers Mudra Inhale for a 5 second count, exhale for a 5 second count Touch your thumbs to your index fingers (on same hand), inhale/exhale for a count of 5:5. Touch your … Read More

September 16 2023 Do you have TMJD? Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be quite painful. Common causes of jaw pain include clenching and grinding one’s teeth (think stress & anxiety!), overuse of the jaw muscles (Are you a gum chewer?), trauma … Read More

September 9, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. We love this easy-to-use … Read More

September 4, 2023 …and relax. Courtesy of Mindfulness Center – Brown University This is a type of meditation that that focuses your attention on various parts of your body. Starting with your feet you work your way up. Instead of tensing … Read More

August 30, 2023 Do you have poor posture? This exercise can gently strengthen the upper back muscles along with other exercises to improve posture and reduce upper back and neck pain. While performing this exercise imagine that you are trying … Read More

August 25, 2023 Sadhana Health masking requirements remain the same. Currently, there has been an uptick in the number of Covid cases. Sadhana Health is monitoring this to ensure that our policies continue to protect our patients and staff. At … Read More

August 19, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used by Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation … Read More

August 14, 2023 Do you have a sinus headache or congestion? If you have a sinus headache or congestion, massaging or holding pressure on the red points pictured above for 30-60 seconds can be helpful in alleviating pressure. Start with … Read More

August 9, 2023 Don’t wear your shoulders as earrings! The Levator Scapulae muscle laterally flexes the head and neck as well as rotates it ipsilaterally, elevates the shoulder blade (scapula), and rotates the scapula in a downward movement. This muscle … Read More

August 4, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. We love this Pure … Read More

August 1, 2023 ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? REQUIREMENTS Part-time 2-5 years’ minimum clinical experience Pay commensurate to experience ($60-$85/hr) CAMTC certification required (non-negotiable) Must carry personal liability insurance RESPONSIBILITIES Patient care SOAP Notes Check patient in/out/reschedule Sanitize … Read More

July 30, 2023 Just Breathe. Information sourced from The Cleveland Clinic. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs and is the most efficient muscle for breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) helps you use the … Read More

July 25, 2023 Watch out for that hip hiker! The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) is known as the “hip hiker” muscle because it elevates the hip. More specifically, the QL laterally flexes the spine ipsilaterally, and elevates the pelvis. It originates* … Read More

July 20, 2023 Reduce the physical manifestations of stress! Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a technique that has the individual contract and relax different muscle groups in their body. This not only helps bring awareness to areas of tension that … Read More

July 17, 2023 Are you a Manual Therapist? We are excited to be hosting a GrastonTechinque® Essential Hybrid Training on September 23, 2023 here in our Santa Monica, CA clinic. This course is being taught by Dr. Larry Munger who … Read More

July 15, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. We are LOVING the … Read More

July 10, 2023 Artist: Max Brödel, 1870-1941 Want to know more about these beautiful vintage prints in our waiting room? Drawn by German medical illustrator Max Brödel in 1918, these 5ft tall prints were sold at an estate sale many … Read More

July 3, 2023 Do you have a case of the sniffles? In this case, sharing is NOT caring! Did you know that manual therapy and bodywork when you are sick can actually make you feel worse? Yep, it can! Some … Read More

June 30, 2023 What is cupping therapy? Myofascial Decompression Therapy is commonly referred to as Cupping Therapy or Chinese Medical Cupping. There are different types of cups that can be used to create negative pressure which gently “sucks” the soft … Read More

June 25, 2023 ‘Myo’ means muscle Let’s start with the prefix ‘myo’. This refers to muscle. ‘Fascial’ refers to connective tissue called fascia. Muscle is a band or bundle of fibrous tissue that has the ability to contract, producing movement … Read More

June 20,2023 Pain is the most common reason an individual seeks out medical care.  It is also a common reason why people turn to complementary health approaches. This 50-page eBook provides an overview of complementary health approaches for pain, including … Read More

June 15, 2023 Hara 腹 : translates as abdomen Evolving from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hara Diagnosis is common in traditional Japanese medicine. Using this discipline, an acupuncturist will palpate the patient’s abdomen as a diagnostic method. The feedback the practitioner … Read More

June 10, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. Recommended by one of … Read More

Keep your body moving. Exercise releases endorphins which relieve pain, reduce stress, and boost happiness. In fact, these chemicals secreted in the brain actually work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids. Take a brisk walk – you should … Read More

Breathwork is a fantastic way to slow down, pause, and check in with ourselves. It is a very helpful tool to manage the anxiety and stress you may be feeling during challenging times. Prior to any specific breathing technique try … Read More

May 26, 2023 The Benefits of Magnesium Did you know that approximately 68-80% (depending on the study) of our population is deficient in magnesium? In fact, most adults don’t even get the minimum requirements. This can be due to a … Read More

Studies have shown that creating art reduces cortisol (stress hormone) within 45 minutes. There are lots of ways to be creative, and you can be as elaborate as you would like. There is no right or wrong way to create … Read More

May 18, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would share a few with you each month. We love this R+R … Read More

Stress Management & Self Care This four part series has been updated from our article, Stress Management & Self Care During Uncertain Times, originally shared in April 2020.  With the global health crisis of Covid-19 having tested our communities, families, … Read More

May 2, 2023 Sadhana Health is in agreement with ABMP’s statement to Netflix. In support of our employees, massage therapists, and manual therapists, Sadhana Health ownership stands with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and agree with their statement issued to … Read More

April 15, 2023 Wellness Tools & Products Used By Our Staff We’ve had so many requests recently for items and tools our providers love to use, we thought we would list a few with links to them here. We will … Read More

April 1, 2023 Sadhana Health is relaxing its requirements. The California Department of Public Health has changed its guidelines for healthcare facilities. Masking is no longer a requirement for healthcare facilities and other high-risk settings effective April 3, 2023. As … Read More