Ask the Therapist: Shoes or No Shoes? by Brittany Ricciardi, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Is it better for my child to walk with shoes or barefoot? When should my child start wearing shoes? What shoes are best for my child to wear? These are all questions we often receive from new parents.…
Keep on Pedaling: How to Saddle Up and Reduce Back Pain By Matt Flanigan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that is also great for developing quadriceps and calf muscles. However, cycling does not promote good posture. In fact, it promotes terrible posture. This poor posture leads…
My #SuccessStory AZOPT is dedicated to providing quality, personalized care by enthusiastic and passionate physical therapists. But don’t just take our word for it. Our patients tell their story best. Like Barbara, who for more than 20 years had unbearable back pain. Read more about her successful experience… My name is Barbara, and for more…
Are You a Fall Risk? Falls are a serious health concern in the United States that bear significant monetary and physical costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of adults, 65 and older, fall each year. Statistically, over 2.5 million fall injuries are treated every year in emergency…
Ask a PT: “What Sport Should my Child Play?” by Nicole Campbell, PT, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Often, as pediatric physical therapists, we are asked which sport we recommend. The answer is simply – ANY! Every sport has benefits, some different than others. Swimming is a low impact sport that improves strength,…
Play Ball – Using a Therapy Ball Therapeutically by Andy Albrecht, DPT, PCS Kids Place Central Clinic Manager Of the many pieces of equipment used on a daily basis as a pediatric physical therapist, one of my absolute favorites is the therapy ball. Not only is the ball fun and exciting for kiddos to use,…
Post-Partum Strengthening and Return to Exercise After nine months of carrying your baby to maturity, it is time to get into a healthy routine of physical activity and wellness. During pregnancy, your body produces increased levels of estrogen and relaxin hormones, resulting in loose ligaments throughout the body. Increased slack at a joint can result…
To register for Stop Back Pain NOW Workshop, please click here. Description of stretches: Trunk rotations Start by standing tall with your arms together and out in front of you Swing one of your arms like you are opening the page of a book, keeping the other pointed straight forward Go as far as you…
Protecting Your Child’s Back from Their Own Backpacks By Tyler Guymon, DPT AZOPT Physical Therapist It is the time of year again when we trade our kid’s swimming suits and flip flops for uniforms and backpacks. The beginning of the school year brings with it an increase in back pain by school-aged children. Unfortunately, many…
The Difference Between Outpatient Therapy and School Therapy By Jeanette Mangano, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist As children are preparing for the start of a new school year, parents often ask about the difference between school-based therapy and Kids Place, an outpatient therapy clinic. The answer can be somewhat confusing. In the simplest…
