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How to Succeed in PT following ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Paige Gibbens, PT, DPT, MHA

"I don’t really have the words right now, definitely not the right ones at least,” this was the quote from Odell Beckham Jr. following his 2nd ACL tear during Superbowl LVI. Most people know that an ACL tear is a common knee injury that requires a long, tenacious recovery. Once an ACL is torn, the risk of re-tear or tearing the opposite side is 20-35% more likely4. The above statistic may be alarming and is why ACL reconstruction rehabilitation needs to be taken very seriously. (more…)

Do I Need to Stretch My Ankles?

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Rebecca Pudvah PT, DPT, CSCS, OCS

If you have been inside a gym or physical therapy office, you may have heard the phrase “stretch your calves.” This phrase can mean so many different things to so many different people. Let’s take a few minutes to clear up the confusion, and ensure everyone gets the most out of their exercise routine. (more…)

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Ankle Pain Choose PT Stretching ankle stretches calves dynamic stretches plantar flexion

The Bare Hand Necessities for Grip Strength and Function

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Erik Krol, MOT, OTR/L

Tools and technologies can help complete our daily routines, but they are only as skillful as the user. In some instances, our bodies, specifically the hands, are the required tools, yet one might have physical limitations impeding performance and independence. Often, muscle weakness can be the main limiting factor for getting work done. To increase performance, improving one’s grip strength can be most beneficial. (more…)

Heat or Ice for Low Back Pain? Why You Should Choose Movement Instead

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Andrew C. Thomas PT, DPT, OCS, TPS, CSCS, COMT, CEEAA, FAAOMPT

Society has trained us that when we get an injury, or have an ache or pain, we should always choose either heat or ice to try and relieve the discomfort. One of the most common questions that physical therapists get is whether someone should use heat or ice to relieve back pain. The issue with both modalities is that they are passive, and one study found the depth of therapeutic levels of tissue temperature change is one cm. Most tissues that individuals are looking to target with their heat or ice are much deeper, so you are not effectively applying the modality to the depth you want. So, what is the best thing that we can do for our low back pain? Movement! (more…)

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Back Pain chronic pain lower back pain movement

Importance of Work Conditioning For Employers and Employees

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Brian Whittington, PT, DPT, CMTPT

In 2019, the CDC estimated that 2.4 million workers sustained work-related injuries. Work injuries carry a unique set of stress for the injured worker combining the recovery challenges with the unknown ability to return to work. Many patients are prescribed physical or occupational therapy to address pain and loss of function associated with their injury. Often, the injured workers can fully recover and return to their prior physical ability. Yet achieving this goal only addresses one of the two concerns for the injured worker. After regaining function, the injured worker is often left wondering if they will be able to make a full return to work. (more…)

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Men’s Health Specialists

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Nate Mancillas, PT, DPT, MS CSCS

When someone thinks of men’s health, most people’s first thought is a magazine with the newest Avenger on the cover. For others, the definition of men’s health may be a yearly prostate screen. Still, for others, it might be making time for mental and physical health with exercise and self-care. These are certainly important aspects of men’s health, though maybe not the magazine cover. (more…)

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Back Pain Men's Health Physical Therapy incontinence pelvic pain

Exercises to Strengthen Your Golf Swing

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Owen Campbell, PT, DPT, OCS

“If I just got into the weightroom four times a week and lifted a bunch of weights, I’d be driving the ball 300 yards like the pros!” Raise your hand if you have ever had that thought run through your head. The funny thing about the best drivers and ball strikers on the PGA tour is that some of them look like they haven’t seen the inside of a weightroom in years, yet they still hit it straight and far. The reason is that brute strength is far less important than timing and control in the golf swing. Thankfully, you don’t need bumper plates and kettlebells to get another few yards. (more…)

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Golf Physical Therapy hip mobility improve golf swing wrists

Why You Should Choose PT First for Low Back Pain

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Andrew C. Thomas PT, DPT, OCS, TPS, CSCS, COMT, CEEAA, FAAOMPT

Low back pain is a common disorder that affects 84% of adults at some point in their lives. The good news about this is that most back pain gets better without needing imaging (Xrays, MRIs). In most cases, imaging is an unnecessary intervention, particularly in the first six weeks, that costs a significant amount of money to patients. One study found no long-term difference between patients who underwent surgery and those who only did conservative management (therapy) for sciatica. Also, it was found that low back fusion surgery was not more effective than conservative management (therapy) when treating chronic low back pain in patients with lumbar spine pathologies and leads to greater long-term complications such as instability above and below the level of fusion. (more…)

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Back Pain Choose PT Physical Therapy back pain tips low back pain