Mirror Neuron Therapy in the Pediatric Setting by Hailee Baryshnikov Student Physical Therapist Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that respond equally when we perform an action and when we witness someone else perform the same action. They were first discovered in the early 1990s, when a team of Italian researchers found individual…
The Importance of Sleep Do you feel tired or fatigued throughout the day? Are you often irritable? Do you have trouble focusing? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may not be getting enough sleep. In today’s fast paced society, often times we put getting the proper amount of sleep…
The Value of Vision by Toriann Maddux, OTS Midwestern University Occupational Therapy Student Did you know that vision accounts for as much as 80% of an individual’s learning process? If there’s a vision problem it will impede learning and development. Vision is not fully mature at birth but continues to develop through a learned process…
What is Direct Access to Physical Therapy? By Ryann Roberts, DPT, Owner Arizona Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AZOPT) It is beneficial for you to receive physical therapy first – before other types of interventions like surgeries or injections. Physical therapists not only reduce pain and improve function, but we provide long-term solutions at a significantly lower…
My #SuccessStory by Sergeant Rich As a 49 year old former college athlete who is very active at work and play, I have suffered my share of injuries. In September, I strained the LCL in my right knee while on-duty. My job requires a lot of knee movement and twisting motions. It hurt to walk,…
Idiopathic Toe Walking and Bracing by Andy Albrecht, DPT, PCS Kids Place Central Clinic Manager Idiopathic toe walking has long been a diagnosis pediatric physical therapists have difficulty treating. On the surface, it seems straight forward. A child has tight gastrocs (calves) and therefore walks on her tippy toes. By stretching out the calves, the…
Type 2 Diabetes, You Have Control As physical therapists, we treat patients for a variety of diagnoses, including Type 2 Diabetes. For the most part, everyone knows “diet and exercise” are important aspects to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, many do not understand how to actually and correctly go about it. Therefore, it is important…
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…
