Squats – The Ultimate Functional Strength Exercise Typically, knee arthritis (osteoarthritis or OA) is characterized by reduced articular cartilage on the femur and tibia bones that make up the knee, and can lead to increased bony formation. Inflammation is usually associated and present at the knee when this occurs. The good news is, strengthening, flexibility/stretching,…
Why Physical Therapy Is More Than Just a Massage Some patients come to physical therapy with the expectation that their treatment will primarily involve massage. It’s not uncommon for first-time visitors to ask, “When will I get my massage?” or to believe that a massage alone will resolve their pain. While massage therapy can provide…
Patient of the Month: Colton’s Journey to Confident Walking and Running At AzOPT, we love celebrating the hard work and progress of our patients—and this month, we’re excited to recognize Colton as our Patient of the Month. When Colton first came to AzOPT Gilbert in May, he was recovering from bilateral calf surgery (gastroc lengthening).…
Sore? “Who Cares!” Achy? “No problem.” Stiff? “No big deal.” We…are Weekend Warriors, athletes, Crossfitters, exercisers! If we did not like to “feel the burn,” we would still be working out at a local gym using elliptical machines and machine weights. But when the feeling goes beyond the burn and enters into pain, or even…
Physical Therapy Decreases Fall Risk in Older Adults The risk of falling as we age tends to increase, as do the consequences of falling. Conditions such as sarcopenia (loss of muscle strength and mass), neuropathy, arthritis, low blood pressure and cognitive decline can all increase our risk of falling, and if someone falls one time,…
Understanding Pain: A Complex and Subjective Experience “It REALLY hurts.” Pain is a tough subject. It is subjective. Not to say that your pain is not real or to say something does not REALLY hurt. However, pain can be perpetuated, magnified, and catastrophized based on your perspective and attitude towards your pain experience. My Personal…
5 Ways to Prevent Injuries in Youth Sports Sports are a great way to help children develop physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, they also open the door for potential injuries. The following are five components that help prevent sports-related injuries in children. Each should be considered when your child becomes involved in a sport—whether recreationally or…
The Pitcher’s Shoulder: Common Injuries and How Physical Therapy Can Help Who doesn’t like baseball? The distinct sound of the bat hitting the ball just right. The smell of hot dogs and popcorn. The joyful noise kids make when they see their favorite players. Baseball is America’s pastime, which is why most of our kids…
Tips for Ankle Injury Prevention and Recovery Ankle sprains are common injuries that mostly occur in athletes, but even non-athletes of any age are susceptible. Studies show that more than two-thirds of those who have sprained their ankle in the past are at risk for repeated sprains or injuries. Many people believe that resting their…
Is Your Modern-Day Lifestyle Contributing to Your Chronic Pain? According to Dr. Casey Means, MD, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Good Energy, it certainly could be—and in many cases, it’s the root cause of chronic pain, inflammation, and disease. In her book, Dr. Means details the various environmental and lifestyle factors that…
