Stretch of the Week: Knee to Chest By JD Fields, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Type of Stretch: Dynamic Note: Many dynamic stretches require good balance and coordination to perform. First, begin to march in place or while walking forward. After a few warm up marches, you should be ready. Bring your right knee up…
Reading Strategies for Increased Speech and Language Skills Kids Place Pediatric Speech Therapists Reading. This word generally carries an automatic association with school and academic learning. However, many parents may not realize that in addition to academic growth, reading can also help develop a child’s speech and language skills. Here are some of the ways…
Week 11: The Calf Stretch (Gastroc) By Trent Brooke, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Type of stretch: Static Standing Calf Stretch: Start by standing and leaning both hands against a wall or table. Put one foot back and the other forward. Bend the front knee and keep the back knee straight with your heel firmly…
Week 10: The Hip Flexor Stretch By Trent Brooke, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Type of stretch: Static Supine Hip Flexor Stretch: Start by lying on a table or a bed. Let one leg hang off the side and slowly lower towards the ground until a mild/moderate stretch is felt in the front part of…
The Benefits of Crawling (Before Walking) By Nikki Robinett, PT, DPT and Amanda Bruce, OTR/L AZOPT Kids Place Central Therapists In the ever changing world of pediatrics, where new evidence and opinions are constantly telling us what our children should (or should not) be doing, parents can be understandably confused. One recent discussion revolves around…
Week 9: The Piriformis Stretch Type of stretch: Static The piriformis stretch is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing pain and improving mobility. Whether you’re dealing with tightness in your hips, lower back discomfort, or sciatic pain, incorporating this stretch into your routine can make a significant difference. At AzOPT, we often recommend the…
Are You A Sloucher? By Pamela Guevarra, PT, DPT AZOPT Buckeye Physical Therapist “Sit Tall!” “Straighten up!” “Stop slouching!” Do these sound familiar? Some of you may hear this frequently while working, playing video games and now, even texting. These constant reminders feel like nagging, and can be very irritating, BUT…. they are right! If…
Week 8: The Quad Stretch By Trent Brooke, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Type of stretch: Static Standing Quad Stretch: Start by standing up straight. Bend one knee behind you and grasp your ankle/foot with the same side hand. Pull your foot/ankle towards your buttocks until a mild/moderate stretch is felt in the front of…
Animal Walking: Building Strength, Balance, and Coordination By Nicole Campbell, PT, DPT Kids Place West Pediatric Physical Therapist Gross motor skills are an important aspect of child development. When participating in gross motor activities, children are able to release their energy in addition to building strength. A fun and easy way to incorporate gross motor…
Week 7: The Hamstring Stretch By Trent Brooke, DPT AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist Type of stretch: Static Seated Hamstrings Stretch Begin sitting towards the edge of a chair. With one leg bent, straighten the other leg with your toe pointed at the ceiling. Keep your back straight and lean forward at the hips until a…
