Halloween Themed Outdoor Activities for Children By the Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapists As snow and cold weather sweeps through many parts of the country, this time of year is a perfect reminder to why we live in Arizona. The beautiful weather outdoors plays host to many possibilities of games and activities. In the spirit…
Could Your Child Have Tactile Defensiveness? By Jenn Gile, OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist Our sense of touch: Our sense of touch is registered through various receptors in our skin making up the tactile system. The tactile system provides us with information about touch sensations: pressure, vibration, movement, temperature and pain. Within this…
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients By Brooke Smith, DPT AZOPT Physical Therapist Breast Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women today. Approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Research and treatments continue to make advancements, and today, there are many treatments available…
There are two main types of stretching: static and dynamic. Static stretching is the type of stretching most people are familiar with. It typically consists of getting into a position until you feel a stretch on a specific muscle or muscle group, then holding that position for a given period of time. Dynamic stretching involves…
Stretch of the Week: Plantar Fascia Stretch by Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Place one hand on the heel and the other at the great toe. Gently bend the ankle and at the same time you pull the great toe back. Hold for 60 seconds and…
Stretch of the Week: Rocking Ankle Mobilization by Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Dynamic How to Perform: Place a small towel roll under the ball of the foot. Keep your heel on the ground, and rock your knee forward over the toes. Repeat 20-25 times. Why Perform This Stretch: This is dynamic…
Using the Hula Hoop for Indoor Activities By Teri Roberts, DPT, PCS AZOPT Kids Place Owner and Pediatric Physical Therapist As a pediatric physical therapist, I am always looking for inexpensive and fun, yet safe activities to perform indoors. One that I would like to share is playing with a basic hula-hoop. Of course, your 2-5…
Stretch of the Week: Posterior Shoulder Mobilization by Amanda Gallow, DPT, SCS AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist Stretch Type: Static How to Perform: Lie on your stomach propped up on your forearms. Be sure your elbows are slightly in front of your shoulders, and your forearms are parallel to one another. Thumbs should be placed up. Drop…
How Does the Vestibular System Affect My Child? By Brittany deRoche, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist The vestibular system is a small group of organs located in our inner ear which is responsible for helping our body figure out where it is in space. The vestibular system detects movement (linear and angular) of…
Physical Therapists Treat Balance Issues Did you know that seventy five percent of Americans older than 70 years are diagnosed as having “abnormal” balance? That is 3 out of every 4 people! Balance problems increase by almost thirty percent in people at least 80 years old.2 According to the Center of Disease of Control, more…
