Education Articles
Long-Term Musculoskeletal Effects of HIV Medications and the Role of Metabolic Optimization
Advances in HIV treatment have transformed the condition from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable illness. However, the long-term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lead to adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. These include loss of lean body mass, increased visceral adiposity, reduced bone mineral density, and sarcopenia. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we use an evidence-informed strategy that includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and metabolic optimization to preserve muscle, reduce fat, and support immune function.
Lifting Weights vs Cardio for Weight Loss: Why Resistance Training Wins
When it comes to weight loss, most people immediately turn to cardio workouts like running, biking, or swimming. While cardiovascular exercise has clear health benefits, it may not be the most effective strategy for long-term fat loss. Increasingly, research supports resistance training as the superior method for losing fat while preserving or even gaining muscle mass.
Optimizing Vitamin D for Health and Wellness
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone essential to the health and function of nearly every system in the body. While it’s best known for regulating calcium and maintaining bone density, vitamin D also plays a direct role in muscle strength, pelvic floor function, immune response, metabolic health, and hormonal balance. Despite Arizona’s abundant sunshine, vitamin D deficiency remains common, often due to indoor lifestyles, consistent sunscreen use, higher melanin levels, and age-related changes in synthesis and metabolism. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we routinely evaluate and optimize vitamin D levels as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal and metabolic care.
Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Health While Using GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have changed the treatment landscape for people struggling with obesity and metabolic disease. These medications mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. When you eat, your body naturally releases GLP-1 to slow down how fast your stomach empties, promote insulin release, and reduce feelings of hunger. These drugs extend the effects of GLP-1, making it easier to feel full with less food, control cravings, and reduce overall calorie intake.
Sleep: The Missing Link in Performance Optimization
Most people focus on nutrition, supplements, or training to improve their health and performance. But the foundation of strength, endurance, recovery, mood, and metabolic health is high-quality sleep. Even when workouts and diet are optimized, sleep dysfunction can quietly sabotage progress—lowering testosterone, slowing recovery, impairing memory and focus, and increasing cravings and body fat.
PEMF Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction, Bladder Disorders, and Pelvic Pain
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is an emerging non-invasive treatment that has shown promise in addressing pelvic health conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), bladder disorders, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). By enhancing circulation, nerve function, and tissue healing, PEMF therapy offers a natural and effective alternative to traditional treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Class IV Laser Therapy For Musculoskeletal Healing and Pain Relief
Class IV laser therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that delivers high-powered laser energy to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Unlike lower-power laser therapies, Class IV lasers penetrate deeper into musculoskeletal tissues, making them highly effective for treating joint pain, muscle injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This technology has become a valuable tool in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management, helping individuals recover faster and restore mobility.
Dry Needling: A Targeted Approach for Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
Dry needling is an evidence-based therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain, tightness, and dysfunction by inserting thin, monofilament needles into myofascial trigger points—areas of muscle tightness that contribute to pain and restricted movement. This minimally invasive treatment is commonly used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and sports medicine professionals to enhance muscle recovery and relieve chronic pain conditions.
VO2max Testing To Optimize Cardiovascular Fitness and Performance
VO2max is widely regarded as the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. It represents the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise and is a crucial metric for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize performance. Understanding VO2max and how it is tested can provide valuable insights into training adaptations and athletic potential.
PEMF Therapy: Enhancing Musculoskeletal Health and Recovery
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive, science-backed treatment that utilizes low-frequency electromagnetic fields to stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance musculoskeletal recovery. This technology is widely used in sports medicine, orthopedic rehabilitation, and chronic pain management, offering a natural and effective solution for individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.