Idiopathic Toe Walking and Bracing 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 child is able to touch the heel to the ground…
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…
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…
