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…
Ice vs. Heat: Which Therapy Should You Use for Pain Relief? Whether to use ice or heat for pain depends on your injury type, stage of recovery, and symptoms. While ice is known to reduce inflammation, swelling, and bruising, heat is best known for increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. A general rule of thumb—use ice for…
Understanding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), often referred to as “runner’s knee,” is a common condition characterized by pain in the front of the knee, around or behind the patella (kneecap). It affects people of all ages and activity levels, but it is particularly prevalent among athletes, especially those…
Aquatic Therapy in Arizona for Knee Osteoarthritis Relief Are you or a loved one struggling with knee osteoarthritis (OA)? While OA is a progressive, irreversible condition that may eventually require surgery, starting physical therapy early—especially aquatic therapy in Arizona—can significantly delay the need for surgical intervention and improve quality of life. Why Physical Therapy for…
5 Benefits of Strength Training to Prevent Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures—especially in the spine, hips, and wrists. This condition is a major health concern for postmenopausal women, largely due to decreased estrogen levels after menopause. One of the most…
Julie’s Shoulder Recovery Success: Finding the Best Physical Therapy in Gilbert When Julie came to AzOPT Gilbert after her rotator cuff surgery, she was ready to overcome years of shoulder pain and return to doing what she loves — paddle boarding, exercising, playing pickleball, and spending time with her grandson. With the help of her…
Dizziness is a common complaint that describes various sensations, including feeling like you are spinning, faint, unsteady, lightheaded, floating, weak, or disoriented. It is especially prevalent among older adults, with approximately 30% of the elderly population affected—more commonly in women (36%) than men (22%). Dizziness is often linked to increased fall risk, fear, anxiety, and…
Pickleball Injuries: Understanding Risks and How to Prevent Them Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years, with an estimated 13.6 million players in the U.S. in 2023.¹ This sport’s popularity is largely due to its inclusivity, making it accessible to nearly all ages and athletic abilities. However, like any sport, pickleball…
