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.
Stretch of the Week: Posterior Shoulder Mobilization by Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Lie on your stomach propped up on your forearms. Be sure your elbows are slightly in front of your shoulders, and your forearms are parallel to one another. Thumbs should be placed up. Drop…
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Physical Therapists Treat Balance Issues Did you know that seventy five percent of Americans older than 70 years are diagnosed as having “abnormal” balance? That is 3 out of every 4 people! Balance problems increase by almost thirty percent in people at least 80 years old.2 According to the Center of Disease of Control, more…
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Stretch of the Week: Genie Stretch for Posterior Shoulder By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Bring your right arm up to 90 degrees with elbow bent. Lean your right shoulder into a corner to assist in stabilizing the shoulder blade. Bring the left arm over top…
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Stretch of the Week: Thoracic Extension with Rotation By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Dynamic How to Perform: Place a small towel roll or foam roller along the upper portion of your back. With your knees bent and hands behind your head, gently arch your upper back over the roller.…
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Stretch of the Week: Side Lying Thoracic Rotation Stretch By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Dynamic How to Perform: Lie on your side. Pull your knees towards your chest. Grab your knees with your bottom arm. Keep your top arm across your chest. Rotate your torso down towards the ground so…
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Stretch of the Week: Active Hamstring Stretch By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Dynamic How to Perform: Lie on your back. Keep one leg straight on the floor or table. Hold the opposite leg behind your knee with both hands. Gently alternate straightening and bending your knee so you feel…
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Stretch of the Week: Hands and Knees Posterior Hip Stretch By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Dynamic How to Perform: From your hands and knees with your core engaged, shift your buttocks back towards your heels about half way. There should be no pinching in the front of your hip. …
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Stretch of the Week: Hip Flexor and Mobilization By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Secure a band inside a doorway or to a sturdy object. Place the band around the right leg, up toward the thigh. Then, kneel on right knee with your left foot in…
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Stretch of the Week: Side Lying Quadriceps Stretch By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS A ZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Start by lying on your left side. Pull your left (bottom leg) up towards your chest. Reach behind and grab your right (top) leg. Hold 30 seconds and repeat 3-4 times.…
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Stretch of the Week: Sleeper Stretch By Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Start by lying on your side on a firm surface. Reach your bottom arm out straight. Roll over on top of your shoulder and bend your elbow to 90 degrees. Using your other hand,…
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