Denver Physical Therapy & Wellness

Nothing is more frustrating when you are training for a race—whether it’s a 5k or a full marathon—than being sidelined by constant injuries. If you are a Parker runner who is constantly plagued with problems in your shins, calves, or hips, you might want to consider a running analysis. 
Also referred to as a gait analysis, once the problem has been identified, you can be treated—and back on the road (or trail) feeling better than ever. Getting a professional gait analysis by an experienced clinician means a more efficient and accurate diagnosis. What this means for you is that you are running pain-free in a shorter amount of time.

What Does It Mean to Have a Gait Dysfunction?

When you have    a gait dysfunction, it means that the way you are walking or running is abnormal in some way. In some cases, they can be related to some kind of disorder of the inner ear, diseases of the muscle or nervous system, or musculoskeletal abnormalities. When these underlying disorders are treated, often the problem with gait is normalized.
There are common classifications of gait dysfunction, as follows:
Anatalgic. This is commonly referred to as a limp, meaning people are putting more weight on one leg than the other. This is usually because they are in some kind of pain.

• Cerebellar ataxia. This gait dysfunction is displayed by erratic foot placement, such as in someone who is intoxicated.
• Parkinsonian. These short, shuffled steps are often seen in those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
• Steppage. With this dysfunction people cannot lift their ankle so they frequently lift the leg higher at the knee and hip
• Vestibular ataxia. This is usually related to vertigo or inner-ear conditions and causes people to walk in an unsteady manner. 
• Waddling. People with this pattern of dysfunction often walk on their toes, with a side-to-side movement.
• These are some of the most commonly known dysfunctions. Yours might be different than what is listed here. You can find a more comprehensive list of gait abnormalities published by Stanford Medicine that offers a bit more insight.

How Is a Gait Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Although running shoe stores often offer a running analysis to determine the best type of running shoes, nothing compares to a gait analysis screening by a professional physical therapist. When you go in for an analysis, you will likely be asked a series of questions first, including:
Are you experiencing any pain while walking or running?

Did you recently have a fall?

When did you start to notice you were not walking the way you always have?
Is the problem with walking or running getting worse?
The physical therapist will also talk to you about your medical history, including whether or not you are on any medications. 
When you first meet with the physical therapist, be prepared to describe your pain and symptoms in as detailed a manner as possible. Before your first appointment, in fact, it might be a good idea to keep a journal that outlines what activities you are doing when you are experiencing pain—whether it’s just while you are running or if the pain exists while you are walking and doing other things. Try to be as detailed as possible.

• The physical therapist will conduct certain assessments to help determine the cause of your gait problems, including:
• The physical therapist will have you walk back and forth so he or she can observe any abnormalities in your gait simply by watching you. 
• The physical therapist will check your balance to determine if you are at undue risk of a fall.
• The physical therapist will see how fast you walk.
• The physical therapist will test your strength and range of motion.
• The physical therapist will test your reflexes.
• The physical therapist will conduct sensation screenings.

Based on these assessments, he or she will try to diagnose the reason for the gait problems.

Can I Do Something to Prevent Gait Problems?

Whether or not your issue is preventable depends on the reason for it. But often getting treatment early means further issues can be prevented 

What Can a Physical Therapist Do to Improve Gait?

Physical therapy is crucial in helping people improve their gait so they can walk and run again without pain. Each treatment plan is different, depending on the issues you are having the reasons behind them, but a treatment strategy might include any of the following items:

• Pre-gait training. These include activities and exercises that have nothing to do with, such as standing and lifting your leg. But they can give you insight into improving your gait. 
• Gait training. This includes retraining the way you walk based on the underlying condition for your gait problems.
• Balance and coordination training. These activities can help you get better balance, which will help stabilize the way you walk.
• Neuromuscular reeducation. Your inactive muscles might need to be activated to improve your walking pattern.
• Bracing or splinting. If a weakness in a ligament is part of your gait problem, a brace or splint might be able to help.
• Manual therapy. Depending on the reasons for your gait problems, we might also recommend manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization.
• Dry needling. Dry needling is crucial for pain control, muscle tension reduction, and improved biochemical motor functions.

Don’t be sidelined because of pain or discomfort. Talk to Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness about a Parker running analysis and treatment plan for runners of all ability levels. Our comprehensive running analysis has three goals: (1) tell you what you need to do to reduce your pain, (2) lower your risk of injuring yourself in the future, and (3) improving your running performance. At Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness, we will also talk to you about an appropriate training plan to help you achieve your running goals with a lot less pain.
Contact us today to find out more about a running analysis. With offices throughout the Denver metro area, including south Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lowry, Parker, Aurora, and Englewood, you can be sure that one is conveniently located near you. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a healthy, pain-free lifestyle!

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes plenty of time spent with friends and family, travel, lots of food and drink binging, and endless amounts of holiday music you may prefer not to hear. But beyond the cheery moments present around this time of year, there are also some unfortunate instances which can rear their ugly head if you aren’t careful. These occurrences range from minor to serious, and everyone should be mindful of them during this time of year as a way to avoid this from occurring. Here are some of the common accidents and injuries that occur during the holidays from your Denver physical therapist.

Alcohol Related Accidents

The holidays brings many time spent with family and friends, which also can include a significant amount of alcohol consumption as well. While many people engage in drinking responsibly, there are still a handful of individuals who imbibe in a few too many beverages and then get behind the wheel of an automobile. The time between Christmas and New Years tends to see a higher percentage of drunk drivers on the road, which is why many police departments mobilize their units to increase drunk driving policing tactics. 

Slip and Falls

During the holidays, one of the most common injuries individuals can experience is to slip and fall on a slippery surface, as the winter is a time filled with blustery, icey, and snowy conditions. Whether you’re walking into your in-laws home for a Christmas gathering or perhaps you’re climbing up a ladder to deck out your home with all of the festive lighting displays common with the season, it’s critical to be as careful as a possible to avoid turning this holiday season into an unfortunate nightmare.

Fires

Another common incident to be aware of during this time of years is the prevalence of fires which can occur during the holidays. This time of year is marked with a large amount of cooking, as families often spend large amounts of time cooking their holiday feast, often for a larger amount of people than normal. This increase in the amount of cooking also boosts the amount of fires which can occur, stressing the importance for proper safety in the kitchen.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation 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.
 

Ski season in Colorado is well underway, as the snow has started to cover the mountains to the delight of skiiers and winter sports junkies everywhere. Indeed, the skiing and snowboard season is seen by many as the highlight of the year, as the thrill of venturing down a mountain at break-neck speeds simply cannot be topped by any other outdoor activity. But with this great activity comes the risk of severe injury for those who aren’t careful. Besides dealing with a collision or some form of broken bone, muscle strains can significantly impact a person’s enjoyment of the sport. That’s why it’s critical to implement stretching as a part of your skiing and snowboarding routine. Here are a few of the ones to stick to from your Denver physical therapist.

Hamstring Stretches

You can perform these vital stretches when you’re in your boots but before you actually hit the slopes. Stand straight and reach down to touch the outside of your boots, trying to keep both of your legs as straight as you can. This stretch targets the hamstrings, but also aids the body to adjust for the additional height you receive when in your boots. The added height you receive when in your boots and skis can cause your body to lean forward slightly, which can lead to a hamstring strain. 

Side Bends

Side bends help to warm up the obliques and the upper back muscles, parts of your body that will likely be working harder than usual when engaged in this activity. In order to prep your body for the additional exertion it will experience, side bends are a great way to prep yourself. To perform this stretch, reach down the side of your leg with one arm while extending the opposite elbow towards the sky. 

Hip Rotations

Keeping your hips limber and loose will make the act of skiing a much more enjoyable experience, as you will be less stiff and more able to make the movements you are required to. Take a small squat position with your knees bent, keeping both feet on the ground, and shift your weight to your left foot as you drive your hip to the left. Rotate from side to side as a way to keep your hips loose and your lower back engaged.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation 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.

Coloradans are one of the most active populations of any state in the nation. This is readily apparent to anyone who has spent time in the mountains on the weekend, as trails are often packed with crowds of people seeking to get physical exercise in the mountains. Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing are just a few of the most popular activities people engage in as a way to improve their physical health. But an active population can also bring with it a series of injuries. Here are some of the most common ways Coloradans injure themselves from your Parker physical therapist.

Running Injuries

A common way that Coloradans hurt themselves is in the form of running injuries. Running is a physically taxing activity which can result in serious complications if a person doesn’t take the necessary precautions. Things such as stress fractures, tendonitis, shin pain, and sprained ankles are just a few of the ways in which a person can injure themselves while on a jog or sprint. 

Coloradans are also able to take advantage of the ample outdoor trails, potentially increasing the chances of experiencing a serious injury as a result. Proper stretching and warm ups as well as sufficient shoes are always recommended as a way to reduce the chances of sustaining an injury. Never underestimate the power of a knowing your limits, as pushing it to far when running can result in chronic knee pain, potentially setting your running back significantly in the process. 

Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

Hitting the slopes is one of the most favored and enjoyable activities for Coloradans seeking both physical activity and a rush, as traversing a mountain on skis or a snowboard is about as iconic as it gets for the centennial state. However, this activity includes a number of risks to a person’s physical health, as a wrong turn or maneuver can result in serious injury or death. Head injuries as a result of running into a tree can result in serious head trauma, and knee injuries are always something to be cautious of when taking in the fresh powder. The mountains may be calling you on a perfect powder day, but never leave your house without a helmet and always stay within terrain that is within your skill level. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation 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.
 

Many people associate a physical therapist with a limited set of therapeutic benefits, primarily for rehabilitation services. While a qualified physical therapist can greatly improve your physical health, especially if you’ve recently experienced a setback due to an accident, there are many other unexpected benefits to seeing a physical therapist in Denver. Here are a few of the ways a visit to a physical therapist can provide you with helpful health benefits.

Physical Therapists Can Diagnose Patients

A physical therapist isn’t just a helpful resource for individuals who have been diagnosed by their primary care physician with a specific condition. Physical therapists are also able to proactively diagnose a condition, and some states allow patients to receive direct access treatment, saving a trip to the doctor in the process. While most physical therapists are doctors, they are able to provide you guidance with regards to what may be ailing you.

Physical Therapy Assists with Neurological Conditions

Utilizing the services of a physical therapist is not just limited to someone who has suffered a broken leg or other debilitating injuries. PT can also help with individuals who are dealing with the effects of a neurological disorder. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, and cerebral palsy can all be treated with right kind of physical therapy. Proper exercises and the right information can allow patients with these conditions to improve their movements. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when treating these types of issues, but physical therapy can actually be an essential part of helping these types of patients receive adequate relief from their health challenges. 

Physical Therapist Formulate and Implement Personalized Treatment Plans

In physical therapy, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. What works well for someone is not necessarily the right course of action for an individual suffering with a similar ailment. A PT will want to consider all of the other health conditions you may be dealing with when formulating an effective treatment plan. Overlooking important aspects of your particular health situation in favor of using a generalized treatment plan will not prove nearly as effective in addressing the problem holistically. The best physical therapists implement a plan which is uniquely tailored to your specific condition. 

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation 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.