Medical, Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Blog


A frequent question that we receive here at the clinic is how to check a child for scoliosis. Defined as a lateral curvature of the spine, scoliosis affects 3-5% of children with varying severity. To screen, we start with the patient standing up straight facing away so that the back is visible. Starting from the feet upwards to the head, take a look at each joint line noting areas of discrepancy. First, take a look at the ankles and feet, note excessive rolling in at the ankle which tends to red… Read More

Cupping

Nov 02, 2016
Cupping in its most basic form is one of the oldest and most universally practiced medical treatments in the world. Cupping is used widely in the world for many different reasons and the origins of cupping can be dated back to at least 3,500 years ago. Typically when we think of cupping we think of the round marks on people that are often associated with cupping. Recently at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio many of the U.S. swimmers including Michael Phelps were seen with cupping marks on them… Read More

Shoulder Impingement

Mar 24, 2016
Shoulder Impingement and Shoulder Bursitis Shoulder Impingement is shoulder pain that involves compression (impingement) of the bursa (a lubricating sac) and/or rotator cuff tendons by the shoulder blade. Either the bursa can become irritated which is known as bursitis, and/or the rotator cuff tendons can become irritated or have degeneration known as tendonosis. If left untreated, degenerative tearing of the rotator cuff may occur. Shoulder impingement is very common- particularly in peopl… Read More

Typically the first thing we look for after crossing the finish line or ending our workouts are the fluids. All too often we turn to the nearest Gatorade table to “replenish our electrolytes” in order to rehydrate. Due to the successful marketing campaigns of a variety of sport drink companies, we’ve fallen into this trap thinking that these colorful drinks are actually good for us. But you would be mistaken.If you take the time to look at the ingredients, don’t be surprised if you find upwards … Read More

Early Specialization

Dec 22, 2015
In a world with stories of the Russians and Chinese training their children for the Olympics starting at the age of 3-4, we often hear parents asking “When should my child specialize in just one sport?” The pressure to specialize is one that appears to be increasing- particularly with this year being an Olympic year. Coaches are asking parents for their children to participate in 2-3 hour practices 5-6 days week. If they don’t, their child may fall behind the pack.But the research supports wa… Read More

Out of all of the common repetitive injuries out there, IT band pain ranks pretty high on the list. Your iliotibial band (better known as your IT band) is like your youngest sibling growing up, innocent and easy to blame for everything. Yes your IT band hurts when you run, but who is the real culprit here? I often explain to patients that the source of chronic pain is rarely where the actual problem lies. It takes a village to raise a child right? Well, similarly- it takes many muscles to … Read More

Let me guess, you already know how to breathe and you've been succeeding at it since you came into this world? I'm willing to bet that you're wrong. Chances are good that at some point throughout your life you stopped breathing with your belly and morphed into the all-too-common chest breather. Quick, find a baby, any baby will do. Now watch how that little baby's belly moves high to the sky and back down with every breath. Does your belly move when you breathe- because it should. The diaphr… Read More

Ladies, how much does your ponytail swing when you run? Men, do you have trouble hearing your music through your headphones through your feet pounding the pavement or treadmill so loudly? These are just a few observations that you may notice that indicate your running form and strength need a tune-up. For example, a “swinging ponytail” could be a sign that your hips are unstable as you land on one foot after another causing abnormal strain and force on the knee leading to knee pain. Alternat… Read More

Shopping Around for Healthcare in the New Year?Do all of the recent changes in healthcare policies and healthcare reform have you shopping around for providers that fit your new insurance plan and healthcare needs? Whether you are currently in good health, have a pre-existing condition, or plan to have a major change in your health status (such as a surgery or the birth of a child), it is important to shop around for your health providers for various reasons. Unfortunately, there are certain… Read More

The Truth about Kegels and Urinary Incontinence-Physical Therapy in ArvadaPicture this: You are in the middle of your new favorite workout class at the gym. It’s fun, it’s giving you great results, and (uh oh), it’s time for that one maneuver (burpees, kettle bells, insert the move here). You know… the one part of the class you dread because, like clockwork, you leak urine during THAT move. You are frustrated, embarrassed, and now wet and uncomfortable. If this sounds like you, or like someth… Read More