Denver Physical Therapy & Wellness

The summer is nearly here and with it comes plenty of physical activities. For residents of Colorado, the summer is one of the best times of the year for getting outside and remaining physically active. Whether it’s hiking, biking, rafting, or backpacking, the centennial state offers almost endless options for individuals looking to up their physical activity regimen levels. Indeed, summer is a great time for people who enjoy the outdoors, as warmer weather can allow people the opportunity to engage in plenty of activities they can’t do during the winter months. With that in mind, here are some tips to help keep you safe and healthy during the summer months from your Denver physical therapist.

Stretch Often Before Strenuous Activities
If you’re getting ready to engage in serious physical exercise, it’s always a good idea to stretch before handhttps://people.com/health/we-tried-it-nyc-stretch-relief/. This is not only to keep you limber and loose for whatever activity it is you are about to engage in, but it is also recommended for your safety and as a way to avoid injuring yourself. Indeed, stretching is one of the best ways you can prevent injury and avoid situations where you may trip and fall as a result of being tight. This is the reason yoga has seen a rise in popularity, as it is viewed as a fantastic way to limit injury and remain loose. 

Don’t Try to Do Too Much Too Fast
One of the biggest traps people fall into during the summer months of the year in the state of Colorado is they end up engaging in activities which they are totally unprepared for. If you’ve never hiked in your life, it’s probably not a good idea to start with a 14,000 foot peak. These types of hikes should only be taken after you’ve gained a certain level of experience and feel confident in your ability to navigate this type of terrain. Taking risks and engaging in activities which are outside of your skill level not only puts yourself at danger, it also risks the chance of having to have someone else come rescue you, which can actually cost you a serious amount of money. 

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’ve recently been injured in a serious accident, whether it be from a sport or in an auto accident, one of the things you will have to deal with throughout your recovery process is a number of practitioners telling you what you should do. This will come in the form of lawyers telling you where you can and can’t go, doctors telling you to get a certain treatment or procedure, and insurance companies telling you what will and will not be covered throughout the recovery process. It can be akin to being put through the ringer, an unfortunate reality when it comes to personal injury situations. If you’re in this predicament presently, here are some of the reasons why it’s always best to be your own advocate from your Denver physical therapist.

Practitioners are Not Always Looking Out for Your Best Interest

Although the vast majority of doctors and medical professionals have the best intentions when it comes to your treatment, there are still a handful of people who see your situation as a way to cash in and milk your insurance for all that its worth. If you are seeing a doctor of physical therapist who makes you feel like they care more about the number of billable services they can charge for instead of looking out for your best quality of care, you should seriously consider seeking out alternatives, as you don’t deserve this level of care.

There are many clinics which see accident victims, particularly individuals who are going through auto insurance, as nothing but dollar signs. These clinics are looking for every possible service they can charge your insurance for, as they know you likely won’t have to pay for anything out of pocket. While it can be tempting to jump on every service they offer, it may not always be in your best interest when it comes to your quality of care. For instance, some practitioners may push chiropractic services when your particular situation may not call for it. Always remember to trust your best instincts when it comes to your treatment so as to avoid being put through the recovery gauntlet.

Research Your Options and Don’t Always Stick With the First Choice

So you’ve been referred to go to physical therapy and you’ve been given a preferred provider which your insurance would like you to go to. Often, these type of clinics may not always be the best possible option for your particular situation, and they can actually be less than ideal when it comes to your particular condition. It is always best to consider researching your options in your area to see what other clients have said about their treatment and what type of reviews particular practitioners have. Your insurance may refer you to a clinic which has less than favorable reviews, a situation you probably would like to avoid as much as possible.

In the course of researching a clinic, it’s best to take a couple of different factors into account before making a final decision. First, you should seek out the opinion of trusted professionals, if you happen to know any in that particular area, as you will want to consult with every outlet before deciding on a clinic. If you have a friend or family member who was in a similar situation as you, you may want to ask how their experience was with the clinic and if they would recommend them for your situation. You will also want to research if their clinic specializes in your particular condition, as certain physical therapists may be better suited to treat your condition than others. It’s always best to find multiple options to pick from, so you don’t feel too limited when making your final decision.

Find Support as Much as Possible

If you’ve been involved in a serious accident or have suffered a significant injury, you haven’t just experienced a traumatic incident to your body; you’re likely also dealing with emotional and mental trauma as a result. Your accident may prevent you from engaging in the activities you find the most joy from and which are crucial to your overall identity and life’s purpose. For instance, a serious leg injury can significantly alter your life if you are a runner or are involved in an activity which is dependent on your leg functioning at a high level. An injury can cause you emotional stress, as you may no longer be able to fulfill your highest desired activities as well as you once did.

With regards to these situations, it’s always best to seek out a support system outside of your close family and friends. If you are a victim of an auto accident, there are likely support groups available in your area which target this particular situation. Receiving peer support from people who have been through or are still going through a situation similar to yours can make your recovery process less intimidating and less isolated. Understanding that you are not alone and that there are others going through the same type of situation as you can provide tremendous benefit to your overall recovery. You don’t need to go through this situation alone, and it’s best to find the support you need.

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.
 

There are many reasons you should stretch, and as our team at Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness knows, they aren’t all workout related. Stretching can help improve circulation, increase range of motion, reduce stress, improve coordination, and even relieve joint and muscle pain. By taking time to stretch, you are increasing the blood flow to your muscle groups, just another reason that stretching can, and should, be incorporated into your daily routine. 

Your Denver physical therapist is here with the most important stretching dos and don’ts when stretching. Always remember, that when it comes to physical exercise during recovery always abide by your physical therapist’s recommendations. 

Dos: 

• Remember that static stretching is important in maintaining flexibility but it is most helpful after working out, not prior. By stretching after a workout you can help with prevent extreme muscle soreness in the days following your workout. 
• Stretch sore muscles throughout the day, even during a workout. For example, while you are working out your legs, stretch your arms in between sets. Stretching between workout sets in general can help stretching become part of your routine. 
• Use traction (such as resistance bands) to help stretch joints and increase your range of motion when stretching. 
• Always control your stretching. It’s important to be careful to control stretching to make sure you are stretching the appropriate muscle groups as intended. 
• Stretch your tightest muscle first. Tight muscles can inhibit your full range of motion, making it difficult to get the most out of your full workout. 
• Continue stretching throughout your workout, and stretch surrounding muscle groups. By doing this you will achieve a greater range of motion and help to strengthen your body. Rolling on a foam roller and utilizing resistance brands and cords can help achieve this.
• Hold each stretch for at least thirty seconds. Holding stretches for at least thirty seconds will give your body time to relax and lengthen muscles. 
• Never bounce when stretching! Bouncing can cause microtears within your muscles and cause greater problems later with flexibility and range of motion.

Don’ts: 

• Avoid stretching first thing in the morning, instead we recommend stretching after being awake for a few hours.
• Do not hold your breath while stretching! Holding your breath will cause your muscles to tense, which is the opposite of what you are wanting to do. Taking deep breaths while stretching and maintaining a normal breathing pattern will help to keep your body relaxed. 
• When working out, don’t workout the muscle you just spent time stretching. Stretch with the goal in mind to help loosen your muscles, not to use them again. 

If you are experiencing any pain during exercise it’s extremely important that you discuss your symptoms with your doctor or physical therapist. 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. Our extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. 
 

When you get into an accident, the hardships and stress you will suffer as a result of this accident can be difficult enough. Dealing with and adjusting to a new reality can present all sorts of challenges to you as you begin the recovery and healing process. It’s not just a matter of getting well physically; often, a great amount of mental and emotional pain can accompany any sort of serious injury and it’s important to be aware of this when you begin this journey. A huge part of your recovery will be guided by the physicians and medical professionals who assist you in your recovery process. It’s incredibly important to choose trusted professionals when you are in the process of forming your recovery team. Here’s why from your Denver physical therapist.

Your Physical Therapist Will be Crucial to Your Overall Recovery Process
In the course of embarking on this long, potentially intimidating journey to get back to optimum physical health, one of the most important factors will be which physical therapist you decide to go with. As with many medical professions, there are a ton of physical therapy options on the market to decide from as a consumer, as it’s important to be aware of what to look for when making the ultimate decision of who you would like as your primary practitioner. 

Unfortunately, not all physical therapists are created equal, and it’s definitely a smart idea to be mindful of what practice you decide to go with. A physical therapist will play a crucial role in your recovery process, perhaps even being the most important factor when it comes to your overall recovery timetable. These professionals will undoubtedly be working with you extensively, likely many times per week during the initial phase of your injury. Selecting someone who will work well with you is key if you are going to select the Denver physical therapist who is right for you and satisfies your individual and specific needs.

Which Physical Therapists You Should Definitely Consider Avoiding
As we stated earlier, there are a wide range of physical therapists to choose from, which can be an overwhelming decision to make early on in your recovery. It’s important to be aware that although the vast majority of Denver physical therapists will be competent, knowledgeable and caring professionals who will sufficiently guide you towards wellness, there are also a handful of professionals who will not be the best option for you. Simply put, there are a few physical therapists you should definitely avoid, which is why it is good to recognize the characteristics of a less than ideal option.

If your physical therapist is ignoring you in the treatment process and isn’t listening to your needs, you should seriously consider utilizing the services of another professional. Remember, your medical professional is working on the behest of you and what is best for you, and your opinion and perspective should never be devalued or overlooked. You are the one living your life in your body, and a smart and considerate Denver physical therapist will definitely value your input when formulating your treatment plan.

Another type of physical therapist you should seriously consider avoiding is the one who will constantly pester you into accepting a wide variety of treatments which you feel are unnecessary. These types of practices are often trying to bill your insurance as much as possible, especially if you were injured in an auto accident or another type of personal injury situation. If you believe your physical therapists is valuing their payout from your treatment over your treatment itself, you should definitely think about going elsewhere. 

Choose the Therapist Who Works With You
In treatment situations, it can be easy to simply fall back and rely solely on the opinion of the medical profession who is providing you with their expertise, but it’s also crucial to remember that your perspective and input are a serious and essential component in the journey to become well. A physical therapist who is committed to working for their patients’ best interest will certainly and unequivocally advocate in support of their client and acknowledge the value of their perspective. 

You should never feel overlooked or ignored throughout your treatment process, and this also includes the formulation of your specific treatment plan. A physical therapist who is trusted will likely ask their patients a series of questions which provide insight into what that particular client values and what sorts of exercises and treatments will best help their overall treatment goals. If you haven’t partaken in the goal-setting process with your physical therapist, you should consider bringing it to their attention.

The road to getting well again can be fraught with professionals who are not the most knowledgeable or are not fully advocating for their clients, an unfortunate reality that many people should keep in mind during their process of searching for the right physical therapist. Throughout the process, you should always remember to remain your own best advocate, as no one else can truly tell you what is best for you and your unique situation. Seek out a physical therapist who will help you fulfill your treatment goals and be someone who works for you instead of against you. 

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.
 

Pain is something that thousands of people ignore on a daily basis - but should you? Body aches and pains can oftentimes be indicative of a greater physical problem that might require you to see a doctor or Denver physical therapist. 

There are a few pains that you shouldn’t worry about, including workout pain and soreness. Workout pain, such as the soreness and burning that comes from lifting weights, isn’t something to be concerned about. This pain is caused by lactic acid buildup, and it should stop almost immediately upon putting down your weights or jumping off the treadmill. 

Days after a workout you might still experience muscle soreness, this is also common and nothing to be concerned about. Muscle soreness post-workout means your body is still recovering and that you worked your hardest throughout the workout! However, there can be a few things you should worry about when it comes to muscle aches and pains.

Pains you should worry about
Pain that decreases your range of motion. If you are experiencing pain that decreases your full range of motion, then you should seek the counsel of a healthcare professional. When evaluating this, be sure the pain is restricting your motion and not just something that is uncomfortable for you because of post-workout soreness. 

Pain that does not go away. If you are experiencing pain that does not go away, even after treatment and care, than you should seek a doctor’s assistance. Pain that doesn’t better after treatment could be the sign of something more.

Pain that is accompanied with additional symptoms. If your pain is accompanied with pressure, bruising, fever, and chills you need to speak with a doctor. 

Pain that is intense and constant. This is an important one. If you are experiencing constant pain, or the pain is so intense you feel nauseous and experience vomiting it is extremely important that you seek the care of a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Pain in your wrist, forearms, and fingers. Pain in your wrist, forearms, and fingers that is numbing, tingling, and consistent could indicate carpal tunnel which will require additional treatment. 

Pain in your chest. If you experience any out of the ordinary chest pain, especially pain that migrates into your jaw or neck, you should call an ambulance immediately or visit your nearest hospital/urgent care facility.

Pain in the lower right abdomen. Pain in your lower right gut, when accompanied by nausea, fever and/or vomiting means you could have appendicitis. Appendicitis is a life-threatening infection and should be taken care of immediately. 

If you are experiencing any pain, it’s extremely important that you discuss your symptoms with your doctor or physical therapist. 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. Our extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry.