6 Stretches and Exercises to Improve Low Back Pain by Brooke Smith, PT, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Clinic Director Low back pain is often complex. There is no simple way to diagnose each individual’s root cause for the back pain. Even two people with pain in the exact same location may have different causes for the…
The Importance of Stabilizing Your Core By Brooke Smith, DPT, PT AzOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager You have some pain and your doctor tells you to strengthen or stabilize your core. What does strengthening your core even mean? Where do you start with strengthening/stabilizing your core? And how can you strengthen your core without causing more…
Addressing Knee Pain by Brooke Smith, PT, DPT AzOPT Clinical Co-Director The knee is a very mobile structure that relies on surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments as well as the joints above and below to provide stability. When those joints are not working properly – that is to say they are either not as flexible…
Common Misperceptions About Physical Therapy By: Brooke Smith, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager Should you do physical therapy? There are many common misperceptions about what physical therapy entails. Let’s discuss a few common misperceptions and explain how physical therapy can help you get back to the activities you love, without pain! Myth #1: Physical therapy…
The Role of Social Media in Pain Management by Brooke Smith, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT AZOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager and Doctor of Physical Therapy Often in the clinic, I hear patients tell me “I really thought my pain would just go away,” or “I looked online, and it said to do…fill in the blank.” Admittedly, I…
How Yoga Challenged This Crossfitter with Unrealized Benefits By Brooke Smith, DPT, FAAOMPT, CERT DN, CCI AZOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager As an avid Crossfitter, I enjoy a challenging workout with immediate results. So, I was skeptical when I was invited to participate in my first yoga class. Would it be difficult enough? Would I even…
Why Does My Muscle Cramp? By Brooke Smith, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Everyone, at some point, has experienced a muscle cramp. Whether it’s at night, after a workout, or randomly throughout the day, a muscle cramp comes without warning. It can be located along the front or back of the thigh, hands, arms, calves, abdomen,…
The Benefits of Cross Training by Brooke Smith, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Injuries happen in sports, but how can you help prevent them? Today, I am going to be discussing the benefits of cross training to help prevent overuse injuries that can occur if you play only one sport. Cross training is…
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month By Brooke Smith, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager and Physical Therapist Do you or someone you know have pain in their joints? You may have symptoms of arthritis. Today, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is often misunderstood as minor aches and pain associated with getting old. …
Squatting Technique Is Everything by Brooke Smith, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Clinic Manager Have you ever wanted to increase strength and tone your gluts and legs? If so, squatting is one of the core exercises most fitness instructors will recommend. Not only does squatting increase muscle mass but resistance strength training will improve your body’s ability…
