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Heart Rate Variability: A Window Into Your Health

Have you ever noticed that your heartbeat is not as steady as a ticking clock? This is perfectly normal—and actually a good thing! The time between two heartbeats changes from moment to moment. This natural variation is called heart rate variability (HRV). A flexible heart rhythm shows that your body can adapt to stress, rest, and activity. In fact, a higher HRV is usually a sign of a healthier, more resilient body.

How HRV Reflects Your Nervous System

Your HRV is directly connected to your autonomic nervous system. This system controls many automatic functions of your body—like breathing, digestion, blood pressure, and heartbeat. It has two main parts:

  • Sympathetic system: activates your body in stressful situations (“fight or flight”).
  • Parasympathetic system: calms your body and supports recovery (“rest and digest”).

In a balanced state, these two systems work together smoothly, keeping your heart rhythm adaptable. But if this balance is disturbed, HRV can drop.

Signs of Autonomic Dysfunction

When the autonomic nervous system is out of balance—also called autonomic dystrophy or dysfunction—you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Sleep problems
  • Dizziness when standing up
  • Digestive issues
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Feeling stressed or unable to recover properly

These symptoms are your body’s way of signaling that the nervous system may not be working at its best.

Why HRV Is Relevant for Your Health

Measuring HRV gives us important insights into how well your body can handle stress and how quickly it recovers. A lower HRV doesn’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong right now—but it can be an early warning sign that your body is overloaded. That’s why HRV is increasingly used as a marker for prevention, therapy, and monitoring progress.

Interval Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Therapy (Cell Training)

One modern method to improve HRV and restore nervous system balance is interval hypoxia-hyperoxia therapy (Cell Training). During this therapy, you breathe air with alternating lower and higher oxygen levels in a safe, controlled way. Think of it as a gentle “workout” for your cells and nervous system. This training helps your body adapt better to stress, improves energy production in your cells, and can strengthen your circulation.

How Cell Training Can Help You

Many patients report that after several IHHT sessions, they feel more energetic, sleep better, and cope with stress more easily. Over time, HRV values often improve, reflecting a more flexible and resilient nervous system. In other words: by training your body with controlled oxygen intervals, you can regain balance and support long-term health.


Tip: A simple way to support your HRV every day is through breathing exercises, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest. Combined with therapies like Cell training, these lifestyle habits can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.

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Breathe Freely – Why Your Diaphragm Matters More Than You Think

Breathing is automatic—but that doesn’t mean we’re doing it well. How we breathe affects everything from energy and posture to digestion and stress. At the center of it all is an often-overlooked muscle: the diaphragm. In this article, you’ll learn why the diaphragm is vital to your health, how to spot a possible dysfunction, and what you can do to support better breathing.

The Diaphragm – Your Most Underrated Muscle

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest from your abdominal cavity. It plays a central role in breathing: every inhale and exhale involves its movement. But the diaphragm does more than just support respiration. It also influences posture, circulation, digestion, and even emotional balance. A well-functioning diaphragm promotes calmness, stability, and improved overall vitality.

What Happens When the Diaphragm Gets Stuck?

Stress, poor posture, shallow breathing, or prolonged sitting can cause the diaphragm to lose its mobility. When this happens, breathing becomes shallow—mostly in the chest—and the diaphragm stops moving freely. This can lead to neck and back tension, fatigue, digestive issues, or feelings of anxiety and unease. In our clinic, we often see how restoring diaphragmatic function brings noticeable improvements in both physical and mental health.

Selbsttest: Wie gut ist Ihre Atmung?

A simple tool to check your breathing efficiency is the BOLT score (Body Oxygen Level Test). Breathe in and out normally, then hold your breath after a regular exhale. Time how long it takes until you feel the first natural urge to breathe in. If your score is under 20 seconds, it may indicate dysfunctional breathing and poor diaphragm activity. This test isn’t a diagnosis, but it’s a valuable starting point for deeper awareness.

How We Can Help – Breathing Is the Gateway to Healing

If your BOLT score is low or you recognize yourself in the symptoms described, we’re here to support you. We combine breathing techniques such as the Buteyko Method, manual treatment through osteopathy, and nervous system resets like RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset) to help you activate your diaphragm and improve your breathing patterns. When you breathe better, you feel better—physically and emotionally.

👉 Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward easier, deeper breathing.

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Recharge Your Energy with IHHT – The Gentle Answer to Chronic Fatigue

Many people feel persistently tired and drained, even with enough sleep, healthy food, and exercise. Often, the cause is mitochondrial fatigue – the “power plants” of our cells are no longer working efficiently. Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Therapy (IHHT) addresses this by alternating sessions of low-oxygen (hypoxic) and high-oxygen (hyperoxic) air to stimulate cellular regeneration and improve energy metabolism.

IHHT acts like a gentle workout for your cells. During the therapy, patients inhale alternately low- and high-oxygen air through a mask while lying down. This controlled stimulus triggers the mitochondria to renew themselves, replacing weak and inefficient cells with stronger, more effective ones. The result: more energy, reduced fatigue, and a noticeable improvement in overall well-being.

Especially in cases of stress-related fatigue, burnout, or Long Covid, many patients report improvements after just a few sessions. IHHT may also stabilize the immune system, enhance sleep quality, and boost mental resilience – all without medication or side effects. Even athletes use it for faster recovery and performance enhancement.

The therapy is pain-free, deeply relaxing, and most patients find it highly pleasant. Each session lasts about 40 minutes and fits easily into a busy schedule. If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue and looking to restore your vitality, IHHT offers a modern, evidence-based solution for activating your cells and reviving your energy.

Take Back Your Energy – Book Your IHHT Session Now

Give your cells a fresh start! Call us at 0211 94 21 25 43 or book your consultation directly online with Doclib.
We look forward to guiding you on your path to more energy, clarity, and resilience.


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Dry Needling: Fresh Power for Tired Runner’s Legs

Runners know the struggle: despite consistent training and stretching, stubborn muscle tension and pain points keep popping up. This is where dry needling comes in – an effective treatment method that uses fine needles to target specific trigger points in the muscles. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling is based on modern pain physiology and aims to deactivate overactive muscle zones.

The benefits for runners are clear: targeted tension release improves mobility, enhances circulation, and accelerates post-run recovery. Chronic issues like runner’s knee or shin splints can also be positively affected. Many athletes report noticeable relief and improved performance after just a few sessions.

Dry needling should always be performed by trained professionals. For performance-focused runners, it can be part of a holistic treatment approach that includes physiotherapy, strength training, and mobility work. If you’re looking to boost your running performance while preventing injuries, dry needling might be the missing link – and the effects are often felt immediately.


Runners, Ready to Go the Extra Mile?

Experience the power of dry needling for yourself! Book your appointment today – by phone or through our Doclib. We’re here to support your journey toward easier movement and pain-free performance.

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The American PT concept for runners regeneration

Winter is characterized by cold, early darkness and inconsistent weather conditions. These conditions often interfere with running training and force regular runners to take long breaks during the cold months. Whereas in summer long laps are performed after work, in the winter regeneration phase the focus is increasingly on short but effective runs and additional indoor training.

We have developed a sophisticated training plan to guide you through the winter months and treat minor instabilities from the previous season that can rob you of your strength and performance and in the long term lead to dysfunctions and injuries. In order to find and eliminate these dysfunctions, we pay increased emphasis on your breathing, movement and fitness.

Breathing

Before we can move properly, we must breathe properly. Breathing gives us stability and at the same time guarantees full mobility. A dysfunctional breathing can cause painful tension and back pain. The result is pain, careful movement and lost training days. To avoid this, we work specifically on your breathing technique for more energy and performance.

Movement

Movement is the foundation of all sports. To move freely, we depend on mobility and stability. If any of these are missing, energy leaks occur. They rob us of a lot of strength and lead to unnecessary wear and tear of our joints and ligaments. With the so-called runner’s TÜV we can recognize injuries and dysfunctions and correct them with specific exercises.

Fitness

In order to achieve optimal performance in training and competition, we need to be sufficiently fit. Running requires strength and stability in our posture, a lot of endurance to maintain this strength over several kilometers and explosive power when the finish line is in sight. During the quiet winter months, the focus for runners should therefore be on stabilizing the back and trunk muscles, so-called core training, functional and joint-gentle muscle building and fascial training to prevent shortening of the tendons and muscles in the legs.

  • First we treat all pain and movement restrictions (e.g. blockages) with
    Chiropractic, dry needling, fascial treatment and various physiotherapeutical
    techniques.
  • Next we test breathing, movement and fitness. In case of dysfunctions, corrective
    exercises offered.
  •  If we can‘t find any dysfunctions, we offer individual training, training plans and group training to prepare for the next season.

American PT will help you enjoy running again and optimize your performance so you can get back on track in spring.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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EMS- intense, effective and time-saving

What is EMS?

Electrical muscle stimulation (or EMS) is a new training method in which the muscles are made to tense up by electrical impulses. A special suit equipped with electrodes directs the impulses to the specific muscle groups and causes them to contract. This principle, in contrast to normal training, allows deeper lying muscles to be accessed. Sports scientists and physiotherapists use this method to build up strength, increase performance or to recover after an injury.

 

How does EMS work?

With every movement we make in everyday life, the brain sends a command to tense the corresponding muscles by means of bioelectric impulses. During EMS training, this principle is amplified many times over, meaning that the muscles are put under much greater tension. Various training modules can be used to train individual muscle groups or stimulate the metabolic process. When used regularly, this time-saving and highly effective whole-body training does not only have a positive effect on general fitness and performance, but can also strengthen the back muscles in a targeted manner. The skin and connective tissue also benefit from EMS training. The contractions stimulate the blood circulation and thus demonstrably reduce cellulite.

 

How often is training performed?

Only twenty minutes of EMS training per week are sufficient to achieve training success. The pulse strength can be gradually adjusted according to the fitness level. To increase the training effect, we combine conventional training with weights or TRX bands with EMS training in a wireless suit. This allows freedom of movement and expands the training possibilities a lot.

 

What are the advantages of EMS-Training?

EMS-Training is versatile and is particularly suitable for strengthening back muscles, which are often neglected in everyday life. It can also be used to eliminate muscular imbalances. Through targeted training of the deep muscles, EMS-Training loosens tension and stimulates blood circulation. This in turn strengthens the connective tissue and ensures a finer skin texture – and all this with only 20 minutes of training per week.

Have we aroused your interest? Then book an appointment for EMS training today. We look forward to meeting you!

 

Your American PT Team

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Physiotherapy – The holistic healing method

Head, shoulders, knees and toes: physiotherapy is used for numerous illnesses, injuries and functional disorders and makes an important contribution to the healing process. Especially when it comes to healing procedures for rehabilitation, for example after an accident or a stroke, physiotherapy is indispensable. However, it can also be used preventively to avoid physical limitations or pain. The different areas of application of physiotherapy make an important contribution to the amplitude of movement and functionality of the musculoskeletal system, and help to restore or maintain mobility.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is mainly understood as the so-called movement therapy. It is a useful alternative or supplement to surgery or drug treatment. Physiotherapeutic applications can be carried out actively or passively. In active therapy, the patient’s independently performed movements are used to prevent or cure complaints. In passive therapy, this is done through treatment by a trained therapist.

What are the areas of application of physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is mainly used for prophylaxis, therapy and rehabilitation. For the prevention of dysfunctions or injuries, for example, occupational malpositions can be counteracted with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy also helps to accelerate the healing process of orthopedic diseases and thus improves the quality of life. In addition, physiotherapy treatments are used for rehabilitation after prolonged illnesses or after accidents.

What effect does physiotherapy have on the body?

  • Support of metabolism and blood circulation
  • Pain relief or even relief from pain
  • Increase of physical fitness, coordination and mobility
  • Restoration and strengthening of mobility

Known tools in physiotherapy

 

Massage

Massage can be used to relieve all forms of tension in the muscles. Using special massage techniques, pain is reduced while blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated.

Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage uses special massages of the lymphatic system to activate the lymphatic vessels and reduce swelling or water retention. The healing process is accelerated, the tissue can be better supplied with blood and mobility is restored.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy remedies functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, such as restrictions in mobility or pain during movement. Mobility can be restored with targeted mobilization as well as stretching exercises to relieve pressure.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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Pelvic floor training

Why the pelvic floor muscles support our entire body center

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions are widespread in our society, but are still kept out of public talk. Women are most often affected, especially after one or more pregnancies. But the muscles of the pelvic floor also slowly weaken in men over the age of 75. Targeted exercises can provide relief and help those affected to enjoy a better quality of life.

What is the pelvic floor?

In medicine, the pelvic floor is the area in the pelvic cavity between the pubic bone and the coccyx, which is interwoven with connective tissue and muscles. The pelvic floor consists of several layers of muscles, tendons and tissues, holds the organs in place and ensures controlled opening and closing of the body’s orifices.

What muscles are there in the pelvic floor?

The muscles in the pelvic floor are arranged in three layers that effectively close the entire pelvic outlet. These three layers stabilize the position of organs in the abdominal cavity and the back. If the pelvic floor is overly stressed, problems such as bladder weakness can occur. This happens, for example, during childbirth, but can also be triggered by obesity or heavy lifting.

How does a weak pelvic floor feel?

In women and men alike, the pelvic floor can be weakened by obesity, physical overload, poor posture, pelvic surgery and, in some cases, medication. The most common symptoms that occur with a weak pelvic floor include, urinary incontinence and lower abdominal pain.

What are the possible consequences of weakened pelvic floor muscles?

Overstretching and overloading the stabilizing muscle layers in the pelvic floor can lead to bladder weakness or even lowering of the internal organs. Accordingly, such pelvic floor weakness can have serious consequences. For prevention, regular pelvic floor exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist are advisable.

What treatment options are available?

Regular pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the weak muscles in the pelvic floor. If the symptoms are already present, they can be treated well with targeted exercises for the pelvic floor. The physiotherapist can create an individual exercise program for this purpose and accompany the execution of the exercises accordingly. The pelvic floor can only function properly when load and resilience are in balance.

Yours Michael Boettcher

 

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Autoimmune diseases – when the body fights back

An autoimmune disease is a disease caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system. Autoimmune diseases attack tissues or organs. The symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the disease, and only in some cases can be treated with medication. Autoimmune diseases affect many people and are among the most common chronic diseases in Germany.In Western countries, they affect about five percent of the population, with women being affected relatively more often. The best known and most common autoimmune diseases are:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Hashimoto’s
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Celiac disease
  • Lupus

What happens in the body during an autoimmune disease?

In an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune defense system attacks tissue. Which tissue is attacked depends on the type of immune disease. Normally, the immune system attacks mainly pathogens foreign to the body, such as viruses, bacteria or fungi. In the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system can no longer distinguish between cells that are foreign to the body and those that are the body’s own, and therefore also attacks healthy cells. However, an autoimmune disease should not be confused with an allergy. In the case of allergies, the immune system does not behave in an autoimmune manner, but rather assesses harmless foreign material as threatening and then reacts to it in an exaggerated manner.

How can physical therapy help with an autoimmune disease?

Certain autoimmune diseases affect the skin or internal organs, while others, such as multiple sclerosis, affect muscle tissue and joints. The physical fitness and motor skills of those affected can be impaired, especially after an episode. With targeted exercises, we help maintain mobility and fitness and relieve pain in the long term. Based on a careful assessment, we develop an individual therapy program – adapted to the circumstances, the course of the disease and the personal needs of our patients.

Nutrition is the key to a better quality of life

In some autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease or diabetes, a healthy diet is also an important factor for well-being. With our nutritional counseling, we help those affected to create a balanced diet plan tailored to their needs. Depending on the disease, certain diets can help alleviate symptoms. Basically, the diet should be low in sugar and rich in fiber and contain foods that are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Would you like a consultation or an appointment? Feel free to call us or use our online appointment tool.

Yours Michael Boettcher

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Stretching – lengthen your muscles

Stretching exercises maintain the flexibility of muscles and the mobility of joints, which is a prerequisite for a healthy musculoskeletal system. Stretching can also improve training performance, relieve tension and reduce stress.

An indispensable part of professional sports

That’s why stretching exercises are a must in professional sports. If the sport requires particularly explosive movements or flexibility, stretching afterwards is indispensable. It increases flexibility, reduces muscle shortening and has a positive effect on performance. Stretching should be done for at least five minutes after each fitness session to promote recovery. One-sided movement patterns and incorrect posture can also be corrected through stretching exercises.

Effects on the musculoskeletal system

In the long term, stretching primarily improves the mobility of joints and surrounding structures. Tendons and ligaments are strengthened, and muscular imbalances are corrected in the short term by lengthening shortened muscles, thus reducing tension in the muscle. Additionally, it can reduce stress and restore circulation.

In the field of physical therapy, stretching is used to reduce muscular imbalances and correct problems caused by muscle shortening, as well as speed recovery from injuries.

Stretching correctly

However, to avoid injury, some important rules should be followed when stretching:

  • Stretch dynamically before the fitness session, as the muscles are not yet warmed up and thus injuries can easily occur.
  • The movements should be performed slowly and in a controlled manner
  • It is better to do static stretches after the training session.
  • Do not forget to breathe
  • The pain should be sustainable at all times
  • Always stretch on a non-slip surface

Static and dynamic stretching

Static stretching involves trying to pull the muscle to be stretched as far as possible and holding this position for 20-30 seconds. Static stretching should never be done before a workout, as it can reduce performance and lead to injury. Static stretching exercises are also not recommended if muscle soreness is noticeable.

Dynamic stretching exercises, on the other hand, consist of gentle movements that could also be described as springy. The muscle is stretched for a few seconds, but can always contract again. This form of stretching promotes blood circulation and thus also the oxygen supply to the muscle and is therefore particularly suitable as a warm-up before the fitness session.

If you want to improve mobility and promote health through regular stretching, you should be patient in your approach. The muscles need a few attempts to stretch properly, so it’s better not to rush things.

Your Michael Boettcher