The Best Toys for Children by Ian Larson, DPT AzOPT Tempe Doctor of Physical Therapy As a fellow parent of four children under five years old and a physical therapist, the types of toys and devices my wife and I allow in our home has received more and more attention. I think most parents can…
Understanding and Improving Upper Cross Syndrome by James Poupongtong PT, DPT AzOPT Buckeye Doctor of Physical Therapy Upper cross syndrome is something that typically occurs due to bad posture. Muscles in the shoulders and chest tighten and other muscles in the neck and back weaken over time. This tightening and weakening of certain muscles can…
The Vestibular System and Balance Balance is a complex interaction of systems. It has both internal (inside our bodies) and external components (outside). These components work together in healthy individuals to maintain or regain balance. These components also know which way is up, what direction and how fast you are moving and can make posture…
Ask the Therapist: How Does Nutrition Affect My Physical Therapy? Often time’s patients will ask if the food they eat before and after their physical therapy appointments will affect their rehabilitation results. Regardless of whether you are healing from a surgery, recovering from a sprain, or managing chronic pain – yes, the food and drink…
Physical Therapy in Arizona: A Proven Approach to Managing Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32 million adults in the United States. Often called “wear and tear arthritis” or degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteoarthritis develops when cartilage in the joints breaks down and underlying bone begins to change.…
The 411 on Massage Guns by Nick Travers, DPT AzOPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Have you recently turned on a sporting event and seen an athlete on the sideline with a massage gun? Maybe you have watched the thousands of slow motion videos on social media. Regardless, massage guns, which are a form of percussive…
Back Pain During Pregnancy It is not uncommon to experience back pain during pregnancy. In fact, 50-80% of women will experience some type of back pain during their pregnancy. Back pain can occur anytime during the pregnancy but becomes more likely later in the pregnancy, as the weight of the baby increases. As the baby…
When Can I Return to My Sport/Activity? Whether you are participating in a highly competitive sport league or having fun with friends, activities are important to you and your overall health. However, injuries happen all the time that could limit your ability to participate. Many of you may even undergo orthopedic procedures or attend physical…
What is the Importance of a Home Exercise Program? Now that you have completed your initial evaluation, your first step to feeling better, functioning better and living better is complete. Your physical therapist and you have developed a plan of care that will get you back to doing what you need and love to do…
Using Blood Flow Restriction to Maximize Physical Therapy Results By Rina Ishii, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is a method of physical training in which you restrict blood flow to a limb or limbs via a tourniquet while exercising or at rest. By restricting blood flow to a specific area,…
