How Physical Activity Improves Brain Health Most people know that regular exercise is good for their heart, muscles, and joints. But did you know it can also improve brain health? Research shows that regular physical activity helps keep your brain healthy at every stage of life. Exercise can improve attention, memory, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.…
The Hidden Benefits of Plyometrics Training We all know the benefits to staying healthy through exercise. However, knowing what specific exercises are needed to accomplish our goals is often challenging. A quick online search is overwhelming, with results varying from cardio to lifting weights to body weight and stretching exercises. It’s confusing to figure out…
How Chronic Stress Quietly Changes Your Body—and How Physical Therapy Can Help Everyone experiences stress. While we often think of it as something that only affects our minds, ongoing stress can have a significant impact on the body as well. When stress lasts for weeks, months, or even years, it can affect how your muscles,…
Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists – What’s the Difference? There are many misconceptions regarding the similarities and differences between physical therapy, chiropractors and massage therapy. Patients often believe they are the same thing. In fact, the three professions have very different theories regarding the preferred method of treatment, the benefits of each treatment, and the…
Preventing Overuse Injuries from Pistol Shooting Tips for Maintaining Accuracy, Performance, and Long-Term Joint Health Written by Dr. Damon Grandy, PT, DPT, COMT, CKTP, TPI-C FBI Qualified Pistol Shooter Whether you shoot for self-defense training, law enforcement or military duties, competitive shooting, or recreational target practice, repetitive pistol shooting can place significant stress on your…
The Power of Diaphragmatic Breathing: Why the Way You Breathe Matters Is There a “Wrong” Way to Breathe? It may sound like a strange question, but it’s one I discuss regularly with patients in physical therapy—especially those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or diastasis recti. You might be thinking, “I don’t…
How Physical Therapy Can Support You Through Depression No one chooses depression. It often arrives quietly, building over time or appearing when life feels overwhelming. It can affect how you think, feel, and move through your day. Many people experience symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in…
What is Osteoarthritis? Your primary care physician diagnosed you with Osteoarthritis and now you’re wondering, “what is that?” More importantly, what are your options? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in adults that results from the progressive wearing down of your joint tissue. This process is not to be confused with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which…
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 you consume does…
Why Am I Not Recovering Faster? The Role of Sleep and Nutrition in Physical Therapy Recovery One of the most common questions patients ask during physical therapy is “Why am I not getting better faster?” At AzOPT, we focus on individualized treatment plans, hands-on care, and targeted exercise programs to help you recover safely…
