Unusual Causes of Low Back Pain By Pamela Guevarra, PT, DPT AZOPT Physical Therapist There is no one, specific cause of low back pain. Several reasons, including a herniated disc pushing on a nerve, the normal aging process (osteoarthritis), and faulty posture, can contribute to pain in the low back. These are only a few…
Static Lower Body Stretches Description of stretches Half kneeling hip flexor stretch Begin by placing one knee on a soft surface or a pad with your opposite foot positioned forward on the floor Lunge your weight forward until a mild/moderate stretch is felt on the hip that is down on the mat Hold for 20…
Why Do Our Joints Pop, Click, Crack and Make Noise? By JD Fields, DPT, Cert DN AZOPT Glendale Clinic Manager and Physical Therapist Have you ever noticed your joint popping, clicking, cracking, or making some other type of noise? I commonly hear this symptom described in my physical therapy evaluations. Naturally, it is very concerning…
Sitting Ourselves to Death by Trent Brooke PT, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Throughout history, people found themselves standing, walking, and generally being on their feet more often than not. However, in 2017, sitting has become the position people find themselves in more often and for longer throughout the day. We sit when we drive,…
AZOPT’s Patient of the Month Mike had been training for months to prepare for a triathlon with his family. One day, after a vigorous ramp up to his training, he experienced significant pain in his right knee. Overuse injuries are common in athletes from the increased stress being placed on their body. Mike was in need…
Incorporating Proper Body Mechanics By Pamela Guevarra,PT, DPT AZOPT Physical Therapist Often times, patients will ask me if the combination of physical therapy and exercise will be enough to heal their neck or back problems. Don’t get me wrong, treatment by a physical therapist and a specialized home exercise program contribute heavily and play a…
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…
Case Study: Minimally Invasive Muscle Sparing Patient Specific Total Knee Replacement By Brooke Smith, PT, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Recently, I had the opportunity to observe a total knee replacement surgery performed by Dr. Brandon Gough, MD, of Hedley Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Gough performs a newer procedure that is less invasive with a shorter…
What is Frozen Shoulder? Like back pain, shoulder pain can be caused by many things — stress, exercise (or the lack thereof), working in the same position for a long period of time. But if you have chronic shoulder pain and stiffness, as well as limited movement in your shoulder joint, especially over a longer…
