Ask the Therapist: Is an MRI Necessary for my Low Back Pain? by Alex Bocchi, PT, DPT AzOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Low back pain is something most of us will experience at some point throughout our lives. Some of us recover within days while others may have ongoing pain for years. A licensed physical therapist…
Four Valentine’s Day Activities that OT’s LOVE by Amalia Garcia, OTR/L Pediatric Occupational Therapist We are always looking for fun ways to enhance our activities for the kiddos while still working on important developmental skills. We love to use holidays as inspiration and Valentine’s Day is here! Try these Valentine’s Day themed activities with your…
Physical Therapy and Injury Prevention By Jordan Ribota PT, DPT, DN Cert. AzOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Most people think of attending physical therapy following an injury or surgery. However, physical therapy can also be best utilized in preventative care. Just like you see your primary care physician annually for a health check-up, see a licensed…
The Importance of Addressing Bilateral Coordination Skills at Home by Marisa Fiorentino, OTR/L Kids Place North Pediatric Occupational Therapist Bilateral coordination skills are essential for successful participation in school activities, self-care tasks, participation in play activities, and so much more! Upper extremity bilateral coordination is being able to use both your left and right arms/hands…
Choose Physical Therapy First by Drew Satterfield, PT, DPT AzOPT Gilbert Clinic Manager Physical therapy (PT) is the best first-line option for most injuries, symptoms, and conditions you face. From head to toe, a licensed physical therapist is able to treat pain or limitations and help you return to the activities you need and love…
How is Heavy Work Beneficial for My Child? by Marisa Fiorentino, OTR/L Kids Place North Pediatric Occupational Therapist Are your kiddos constantly running, crashing, and jumping around the house? Do they have difficulty sitting still and sustaining attention to activities at school or home? Does their constant need for movement prevent them from partaking in…
Do I Really Need to Get an X-Ray or MRI? by Casey Rightmyer, DPT AzOPT Prescott Doctor of Physical Therapy Are you confused about imaging? Your doctor suggested an X-Ray or MRI based on your symptoms. But what does each analyze and how do they help understand your condition? Let’s break down the most common…
8 Tips to Support a Positive Mealtime Environment by Kaileigh Nall, CCC-SLP Kids Place North Speech and Feeding Therapist Are mealtimes stressful at your home? Here are 8 tips to help support a positive mealtime environment for the whole family! 1. Involve your child in food preparation and clean up. Parents can do this by…
Each year, to no surprise, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to improve one’s health and get in better shape. How do you succeed with this resolution? What are the keys to getting started, and more importantly, maintaining that focus throughout the year to stay in shape? Here are 5 tips to help you…
Five Toys to Develop Visual Motor and Fine Motor Skills by Kristen Henderson, M.S., OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist Slot Toy Slot toys help to improve wrist dexterity, precision with visual motor tasks, object manipulation skills, and problem solving. These toys also address object permanence, or the ability to know that an object…
