Denver Physical Therapy & Wellness

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.

Fall allergies can be frustrating enough. Itchy eyes, stuffy and/or running notes, sneezing… they are quite an uncomfortable nuisance. When you also suffer from TMJ disorder, the two paired together can make for an unpleasant fall. Don’t worry, there are things you can do to help. Take advantage of these allergy and TMJ treatment tips for relief. 

Allergies and TMJ Disorder

The TMJ is located in and around the same place as allergies. Sinuses line around the nose, between one’s eyes and along cheekbones. When working properly, sinuses stop bacteria from getting into the lungs. Allergies can cause those sinuses to swell or become infected. During the fall, many types of allergens in the air can confuse the body. 

The immune system takes allergens like pollen or ragweed for invaders. To combat them, it causes all of the unwanted symptoms. All of this can make things even more painful for a person with TMJ disorder. Allergies can increase inflammation in problematic areas, worsening TMJ disorder symptoms. The key to relief is to combat allergies and take precautions to calm the TMJ. 

Reducing Allergies

If you suffer from fall allergies, use some of these techniques for relief: 

• Take an antihistamine 
• Reduce your time outside on days the pollen count is high
• Keep windows shut so outdoor allergens do not get inside
• Purchase a furnace filter that helps combat allergens in the air
• Wash your bedding regularly, using a hot sanitizing wash that will kill any allergens
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air that can harbor allergens
• Protect your eyes outside by wearing glasses instead of contacts or sunglasses
• Keep your house clean and do a routine dusting daily or almost every day
• Vacuum or sweep floors regularly
• If you spend the day outdoors, change immediately after you get home and preferably take a shower too (to rid yourself of allergens)
• Do not leave clothing or towels outside to dry
• Ask your doctor or allergist if you are an ideal candidate for allergy shots

TMJ Disorder Comfort

In addition to finding techniques that help you reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms, use these resources to reduce pain due to TMD: 

• Do not eat foods that are overly chewy that cause an added strain on your jaw (steak, gum, crunchy foods, etc.)
• Depending which works better for you, use hot or cold packs on your face to reduce inflammation and calm muscles
• Use a mouth guard when you sleep to help you from clenching or bruxism
• Ask your doctor about anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers to calm tense muscles
• See a physical therapist to learn what temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exercises relieve pain

As you seek ways to find relief for your TMJ pain while combatting fall allergies, Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness can help. Our staff is experienced in treating TMJ disorder, helping you to reduce swelling and pain. We strive to help you feel your best so you can perform best at work, home, and exercising. Contact Peak PT & Wellness Center closest to you today and schedule your appointment. 

When many people think about Parker physical therapy, it’s associated with recovering from an injury. However, physical therapy is crucial for preventing injuries too. This applies to everyday injuries doing normal activities, as well as sports. With millions of sports injuries and issues from the workplace, it is important to speak with a physical therapist to learn best practices. 

Preventing Injuries with Physical Therapy

Did you know you can avoid painful and costly injuries simply by seeing a physical therapist? Also, did you know that you do not have to be an athlete to learn ways to avoid injuries? From workplace mishaps to exercising, seeing a local physical therapist can help you avoid an injury in any environment. This does not mean you need a weekly visit as you may with an injury, but a yearly check-in similar to one with your primary care physician. 

At this appointment, you can discuss with a physical therapist your day-to-day. Tell them about your favorite activities, how you function at work, exercises you do, sports you participate in, and anything else you do during the day. From there, the physical therapist can learn your existing form and routine. They will be able to spot any issues that can be detrimental longterm and develop a plan for you to correct those behaviors. In addition, your physical therapist can introduce you to exercises and stretches to reduce minor aches and pains that you may be treating with medications or topical creams. Your physical therapist can help you work through any old injuries and give you techniques and exercises to do to avoid re-injuring yourself again. 

Training for an athletic event in the future, such a marathon? Include a physical therapist into the conversation. They will provide valuable tips for training to ensure your strength and success. When you begin to think proactively rather than reactively with your health, you can avoid costly visits to the doctor. Plus, you will physically feel better under the guidance of a physical therapist—helping you be more productive and happier. 

General Common Reasons Physical Therapy is Used

Physical therapy is incredibly beneficial in a multitude of ways, not just for injury recovery or avoidance. Therapy can help in the following ways: 

• Balance issues: Senior citizens or people who struggle with balance issues can benefit from physical therapy. Through a specialized plan of exercises, a physical therapist can identify some of the critical issues and develop strategies that prevent dangerous falls. 
• Arthritis: Those suffering from arthritis can see a physical therapist to learn exercises and techniques to reduce pain. These techniques can also help a person become stronger and have a better range of motion in areas they struggle with. 
• Avoid surgery: If you have an ailment that your doctor thinks may be best to have operated on, try physical therapy first. In many cases, physical therapy can help a person regain strength and eliminate the need for surgery. Or, if you must have a surgery, see a physical therapist in the weeks leading up to the operation. This can help speed up recovery time and reduce pain. 
• Headaches and migraines: Physical therapists can help individuals suffering from debilitating headaches and migraines. How? Often times, these issues are caused by tenseness and bad posture. A physical therapist can correct these issues. 
• Strains: When a person strains a part of the body, it can take a long time to recover if you do not take care of it properly. In addition, using the same repetitive movements can re-injure and area—something your go-to physical therapist can help you learn how to avoid. 
• Women’s issues: From incontinence to pelvic floor issues, women can see a local physical therapist for relief. Various muscles can be worked and strengthened to reduce or eliminate pain and take the stress out of certain situations. New mothers can also benefit from visiting a physical therapist to regain strength. 

Top Injuries to Seek Therapy

In the event you sustain an injury, whether it be carpal tunnel syndrome from a desk job to tearing your ACL, a physical therapist will do wonders for your treatment. Upon sustaining an injury, one of the first things you should do is practice the “RICE” method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Immediately stop putting pressure and/or weight on the injured area and apply ice or something frozen to help reduce swelling. Using compression around the affected area will help to also reduce swelling as well as elevating it. In addition to “RICE,” call your primary care physician or contact 911 if extremely serious and painful. After you have received care, contact a local physical therapist to aid in your recovery. 

Some of the top injuries include: 

• Achilles tendonitis: When the Achilles tendon, which connects your heel bone to your calf muscles, is overused or injured, it can be incredibly painful. It is common in sports or routine daily activities that incorporate jumping or running. In addition to care under a professional, a physical therapist will help you regain strength and avoid repeating motions that could cause it to become damaged again. 
• General sprains and strains: Sprains and strains can occur almost anywhere. Ensuring you take proper care to heal and seeing a physical therapist will help you avoid re-spraining in the future. 
• Shoulder injuries: Sports or activities where a person is repetitively rotating the shoulder joints can lead to injuries. They can happen with repeated use that causes extra strain, leaving them to become irritated, inflamed, or other issues. 
• Plantar fasciitis: The band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the feet can become painful when it tears or become inflamed. It can become irritated when you introduce new exercises or routines putting added strain on your feet, gain weight or have a job that requires you to be on your feet for hours at a time. Physical therapists can help you develop strategies to reduce inflammation and make this condition manageable. 

If you have never been to a physical therapist before, now is the perfect time to start. Peak Physical Therapy will help you when it comes to preparing for your Denver physical therapy appointment. With several locations, you can visit the Peak Physical Therapy location near you. We will help you identify any potential issues and help you correct them to avoid injury!