AzOPT’s physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who help our patients reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function. When health problems make it hard to move around and do everyday tasks, we help you move better and relieve pain. Our goal is to prevent expensive surgery and reduce the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. We can also help improve or restore your physical function and your fitness level.
Do I Really Need to Get an X-Ray or MRI? by Casey Rightmyer, DPT AzOPT Prescott Doctor of Physical Therapy Are you confused about imaging? Your doctor suggested an X-Ray or MRI based on your symptoms. But what does each analyze and how do they help understand your condition? Let’s break down the most common…
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10 Benefits of Physical Therapy What is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a health profession that uses evidence-based assessment, exercise, joint mobilization and education. Physical therapy treats conditions such as chronic pain, acute pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, physical impairments and gait disorders typically of musculoskeletal and neurological origins. We…
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The Importance of Strength Training for Endurance Athletes by Taylor Rock, PT, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Doctor of Physical Therapy Strength training and weightlifting are imperative to maintaining good health and reducing injury risk in all athletes. But while strength training is crucial for all athletes throughout every sport, the benefits are still debated by many…
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The Power of the Sit to Stand (Squat) Do you… find it hard to get out of a chair? have difficulty bending down to pick things up from the floor? feel like your legs have become weaker over time? Many people know the importance of strengthening and conditioning for maintaining your physical health and well-being.…
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Sandals and Foot Pain: How to Prevent a Summer Shoe Flop Nothing says summer quite like breaking out the flip flops and shades, however; regular flip flop wearing can put you at risk for developing foot pain. So how can you keep your feet healthy and happy this spring and summer? First, we must define…
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Why Is Balance So Important? We’ve all heard the expression “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. That expression especially rings true for our sense of balance. We’ll talk about what balance is, the role that balance has on our daily lives, and consequences of falling. What is balance? Balance is made up of…
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What Can You Do About Nagging Heel Pain? by Drew Satterfield, PT, DPT AzOPT Gilbert Clinic Manager Heel pain is one of the more aggravating injuries for those of us who are on their feet for most of the day. At its worst, it prevents us from accomplishing our tasks throughout the day and keeps…
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Using the Pool for Exercise during the Summer Are you wondering how you can use the pool for exercise this summer? One of the benefits of living in AZ in the summer, other than sweating off ten pounds of water weight, is our access to swimming pools and other forms of water activity to keep…
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The Benefits to Heart Rate Training for Runners by Tyler Guymon, DPT AzOPT Buckeye Clinic Manager Over the years, my wife and I have turned to running for the majority of our physical fitness. We enjoy the simplicity of running. You really only need a decent pair of running shoes and you are ready to…
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Dynamic Warm Up Exercises for Overhead Athletes Overhead Athletes Injury Prevention Athletes who perform repetitive movements overhead, such as softball and baseball players, are at a slightly higher risk of injuries to the shoulders and/or elbows. Injuries may include labral tears, rotator cuff injuries, and lateral epicondylitis, to name a few. A proper warm up…
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