Aurora Physical Therapy & Wellness

There are many behaviors and routines a person can engage in which can significantly improve one’s overall health situation. You've likely heard of the regular refrain of eating healthy, fresh food and getting plenty of exercise as being a primary path to staying in peak physical health. It’s no secret that some of the most simple activities practiced on a regular basis can have seriously profound results for you and your body. Sometimes the most simple actions are the ones which need to be practiced the most. This is certainly true when it comes to stretching, as this simple, but extremely important activity can have many health benefits for both injured and healthy individuals alike. Here are some of the biggest benefits of stretching from your Denver physical therapist.

Increased Flexibility

We’ve probably all seen individuals walking around who are noticeably stiff and in need of more flexibility. Often, these individuals are older, as a lack of stretching and regular physical activity tends to build up and compound as a person gets older. However, being stiff and immobile person is not simply limited to people who are elderly, as younger people can also begin to show signs of not being limber, especially if they are not staying up to date with their workout routine and stretching exercises.

Being flexible has many health benefits, both in terms of posture as well as overall functionality when it comes to one’s health. If you are stiff and are not especially flexible, any kind of physical activity will present issues for you and you will likely be less capable of completing the activity if you are not stretching on a regular basis. It can not only help you when you are competing in strenuous exercise, but regular stretching can also improve your most basic physical activities. 

Increases Blood Flow

In terms of maintaining your overall health condition, one of the best ways you can achieve this goal by increasing your blood flow, as improved circulation is one of the most important things you can do. A lack of blood flow in your body can lead to a whole host of serious health complications, such as a heart attack, stroke, and decreased physical alertness and responsiveness. 

By performing regular stretches, you not only improve your overall physical flexibility, but you accomplish the goal of increasing your blood flow. By doing this, you will shorten your recovery time after intense workout sessions, as blood flood is an important component to aiding in your physical recovery time. It can also help you reduce your muscle soreness in the even that you exert yourself too much during a workout, for the same reasons. 

Helps Prevent the Onset of Chronic Pain Conditions

When it comes to developing chronic pain conditions, one of the worst things you can do in addition to not regularly working out is to also forgo regular stretching exercises. By regularly stretching, a person is able to improve their overall range of motion, allowing you to loosen your muscles much easier, which in turn prevents you from feeling cramped and lacking mobility. Stretching will reduce the likelihood of chronic pain, as you will be much less tight and not as vulnerable to injuring yourself. A muscles strain can affect many aspects of your life, as you may not be as capable of performing regular activities, especially those which require a large amount of physical exertion and movement. 

Improved Mental Clarity

In terms of improving your overall health, regular stretching can not only benefit your body but can also improve your overall soundness of mind. This is one of the big reasons yoga has seen a massive rise in popularity in recent years, as it is not only an activity done to improve one’s physical flexibility, but it also improves mental clarity and can calm the mind. Yoga is one of the best and most widely-practiced forms of stretching, and yoga studios are a dime a dozen in the Denver area. 

While stretching is not always something which is easy to practice, as it can be intimidating to jump into an intense stretching exercise, the benefits of stretching can improve one’s focus as well as make one feel more confident and less depressed. Often, individuals can find themselves getting stuck in a rut because they are too focused on their mental processes. Stretching allows a person to get out of their head and into their body in a very simple, quick fashion. 

Great For Stress Relief

If you’ve been keeping up on your regular workout routine, one of the things you may find is that your body will build up a certain amount of stress. This is also true in general, as we tend to hold our stress in our body, no matter if it originated from a workout or simply a stressful day at the office. Regularly stretching our body can be a great way to relieve this stress, as it will cause your muscles to lighten up and to release this stress in the form of a particular stretch. Stretching is not just to stay limber, it is also a great way to stay sane!

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.

 

If you have recently been injured in a serious accident, you are undoubtedly thinking about the ways in which you can return to your original glory as soon as possible. Being out of action is never a pleasant experience to have to navigate through, whether it be your preferred physical activity or simply doing basic activities around the house. The rehab process can often be a painful, grueling affair which can lead to plenty of heartache and endless frustration, as you grapple with your new reality and figure out how to adjust to your present predicament. However, there are certain techniques and strategies you are able to employ which can help speed up and expedite the healing process. With that in mind, here are some of the things you can do to help recover as fast as possible from your Denver physical therapist.

 Receive Professional Treatment Immediately

When it comes to serious injuries, one of the most important things you can do as an individual is to be as proactive as possible and seek professional help as soon as possible. On that point, one of the worst things a person can do is to not address the issue and let it linger a long time before receiving treatment. If you are hurt, you can certainly make things worse by not taking the necessary steps to restore your health. If you have injured your foot but are not addressing the issue, you can exacerbate the situation by continuing to walk on it without treatment.

A doctor will be able to help determine the severity of your injury and set a course for how you can recover from the injury. Depending on the severity and specifics of your injury, you will likely have multiple health professionals advising you on each particular part of the process. In addition to your primary care physician, you will also be working with a trusted Denver physical therapist to ensure you take the steps needed to achieve your health goals. 

Follow the RICE Method

With regards to the things you can do on your own to help speed up the injury recovery process, one of the best and easiest things to remember is to follow the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Regardless of what kind of injury you have and the severity of it, you will likely benefit from following this type of protocol, as it is a tried and trusted method for helping to aid in the recovery process.

First, rest and don’t overdo it when it comes to physical activity. Rest can allow your body to recover instead of continuing to put strain and stress on it. Putting additional stress on a serious injury can cause it to get worse and make the overall recovery process much longer as a result. Instead, take the necessary precautions and stay off the injured part of your body as long as possible. Ice the area on a consistent basis for about 20-30 minutes during each occasion as a way to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain. 

Compression is also a recommended activity to engage in regularly, as it can help prevent additional swelling in the affected area. You will want to do this especially in the first 48 hours of the injury, as this is when swelling can be at its worst and most painful. Finally, you should definitely think about elevating the affected area, as this will also cause a reduction in swelling in the areas around the injury. For the lower limbs of the body, keep your ankle above your hip and for upper limb injuries, make sure to use a pillow or type of sling to elevate the affected area.

Determine a Plan of Action and Stick to It

When it comes to recovering from a particular injury, one of the things you will inevitably face is the need for a change in behavior. Let’s be honest: change is hard and isn’t a straightforward, easy path. Often, it requires continued persistence and willpower in the face of old, less beneficial habits which will need to be overcome. This is magnified when you are recovering from an injury, as your bad habits will often make things worse. 

For instance, if you are dealing with an injury which has persistent inflammation, you may need to change your diet and physical activity regimen, as this can be contributing to your overall inflammation levels. Recovering from an injury quickly can require making a plan of attack for how you can overcome the situation as fast as possible. Although it can be incredibly difficult to get beyond long-term habits, it can be absolutely essential to make a change as a way to achieve a much faster recovery. 

In terms of helping to speed up the recovery process, making positive health changes which impact our overall health outcomes can have the most profound effects on our recovery process. Often, an injury can force us to finally get beyond the nagging habits which have persisted and continued to cause us harm. Instead of bemoaning your current predicament, try to use the injury as a valuable tool towards achieving overall health goals. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.

 

When it comes to your health in 2019, there are several trends which are important to be aware of. If you’re looking to stay physically fit and healthy, there are a number of things which every person should make themselves aware of. It’s not just a matter of eating fresh, whole foods and getting plenty of regular exercise anymore. No, in 2019, there are quite a few health trends which are breaking the mold of the average refrain and are making interesting for anyone looking to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack. With that in mind, here are some of the most important health trends to be aware of in 2019 from your Parker Physical Therapist.

Bio-Hacking Galore

This may not be a term you are familiar with, but the idea of bio-hacking has taken off in recent years, as people look to find ways to optimize and improve their mental and physical health using helpful tricks, supplements, and other ways of achieving improved performance. One such way is through the use of legal nootropics, which can provide the brain with increased performance as well as an increase in clarity of mind and focus. 

Another popular trend which has continued to gain in popularity is the practice of intermittent fasting, which is where a person will regularly fast, usually at least 16 hours of every day, as a way to improve one’s particular health situation. Fasting allows the body time to regenerate cells and has shown incredible benefits in almost every area of life, showing how this slightly lost art is actually a very important part of human health. Many people have also taken this to the next level and are also performing multiple day fasts to achieve the maximum benefit of this activity.

The Importance of Mindfulness

Many people have begun to see the benefit of a regular mindfulness practice in terms of their overall health. It’s not just a way to zen out and feel at peace; it can have profound benefits which can lead to improved overall well-being, as a person is able to be more present and attentive to things in their life they value and care about. This is definitely something every person should look into in some form or another, no matter your experience level. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.
 

The prospect of heading to the rocky mountains during the summer time is something that is almost on every person’s mind in the nearby vicinity of the mountain range. Getting to the mountains is a staple for people who live in Denver, whether it’s for a nice morning trail run, a mid-day hike, or simply to visit one of the many cute mountain towns which offer people plenty of recreational activities. Indeed, one of the biggest perks about living in the mile high city is the easy access to endless amounts of outdoor activities, activities which provide both fun and fitness. It’s no secret that Colorado is one of the most fit states in the nation because of this fact. But before you head out to take advantage of our state’s natural beauty, here are some things you should be aware of from your Denver physical therapist.

Shade Yourself From the Sun and Stay Hydrated!

Ok, you’ve probably had a few situations in the past where you were so excited to go on a hike during the weekend that you dashed out of your house without considering all of the things that you need. It can be easy to want to get to the mountains as fast as humanly possible, as there will be many other individuals looking to do the same thing during this time. But it’s important to gather up all the necessary items you will need to make your trip to the mountains a success. There’s nothing worse than getting to the mountains and realizing you didn’t bring an essential item which can turn your trip into a less than desirable experience.

Essential items to remember to bring include things such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water. Without a doubt, the most important item you can bring with you is to have plenty of water, especially if you are going to an area which is far away from any town or city with amenities. One of the worst situations you can find yourself in is to be on a long mountain hike and realize you don’t have enough water. Having to hurry down with a parched throat can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be extremely dangerous, as dehydration can lead you to pass out and turn a fun afternoon hike into a nightmare.

In addition to water, having protection from the sun, whether in the form of adequate clothing to cover your skin or sunscreen can be vital to making this experience enjoyable. Even if you are a person who tans relatively easy, it’s a good idea not to bask in the sun to excess, as it can leave you tired and drained the rest of the day. The sun at higher altitudes can burn your skin much faster, as there is less atmosphere between you and that giant ball of fire in the sky which keeps this whole life thing going.

Stretch and Remember Not To Overdo It

If you’re heading into the mountains, whether for a hike, a bike ride, or any other physical activity, it’s always wise to remember to stretch before you engage in this activity. Although hiking may seem like a tame activity at first, hiking in the mountains can actually be very strenuous, especially if you are coming from a lower elevation area. It’s not a good idea to simply go on a mountain hike or other activity without first properly stretching. Focus primarily on your legs, as this will be the thing which will likely experience the most amount of exertion during your time in the mountains. 

In addition to stretching, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to remember not to overdo it when you head into the mountains. It can be easy to want to push your limits, as that is what mountain adventures are all about, but it’s not a good idea to overdo it, especially if you haven’t exercised in a long time. It’s always good to scale up to larger hikes, as you don’t want to feel wrecked as a result of pushing it too hard. Although fourteen thousand foot peaks are one of Colorado’s most favorite outdoor activities, this is something that should not be pursued by someone who hasn’t been exercising regularly. 

Go With Friends, And Make Sure to Let Someone Know Where You’re Going

Heading to the mountains can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have outside, as this massive formations can remind anyone of their place in this world. Staring up at the peaks of the rocky mountains are both awe-inspiring and humbling, and should also include a fair amount of reverence. Although mountains have a spiritual and warm component to them, they can also be extremely hazardous to people who are not careful.

For this reason, it’s definitely a good idea to go into the mountains with at least one other person, as doing activities by yourself can lead to getting caught in a situation which can quickly turn into an emergency. You certainly don’t want to have to call search and rescue just because you lost your route and are now lost in the wilderness. If possible, go with friends who are also into the outdoors as much as you. If you’re a novice, think about going with someone who is more experienced and can guide you in the right direction. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.
 

Summer is almost fully upon us, and with it will come endless amounts of outdoor activities to engage in. Colorado is one of the healthiest, most fit states for a good reason: the number of ways a person can engage in physical exercise outdoors is almost endless. Hiking, biking, rafting, mountain climbing, and bouldering are just a few of the popular activities which individuals in the centennial state will engage in during the summer months. Indeed, these are truly beneficial activities to keep you in a positive physical state, but they’re not the only things. There are many simple steps a person can take to keep themselves healthy. Here are a few of them from your Denver physical therapist.

Balance Your Diet, Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption

We said simple steps, didn’t we? Indeed, one of the best things that you can do for your health is to eat a balanced diet, complete with all of the proper micro and macro nutrients you body needs. Whenever possible, it’s best to eat a diet which is composed primarily of whole foods with ingredients you can pronounce. Even if you make the decision to eat our regularly, it’s best to choose an option such as a salad or bowl which contains plenty of fresh ingredients. You can still indulge in the occasional unhealthy meal, but it’s definitely wise to eat a balanced diet whenever possible. 

And although Colorado is loaded with craft breweries and distilleries, this doesn’t mean you need to be frequenting one every single night of the week. Alcohol consumption can impact your health in a multitude of ways, both physically and emotionally, and finding ways to reduce your consumption will have a huge impact on your overall health situation. You don’t necessarily have to abstain from alcohol altogether, as this can be particularly difficult for individuals with an active social life. But finding ways to reduce consumption can go a long way towards reaching your health goals and living the kind of life you deserve. You can still drink booze on weekends and have a great time, but one helpful approach to consider is to simply restrict your drinking to certain nights of the week in order to reduce your overall consumption levels. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.