SPOONER BLOG
Do You Really Need a Scan Before Physical Therapy?
By: Parker Hirsch, PT, DPT, FAS
One of the most common concerns I hear from patients is, “Don’t I need to get a scan first?”
Honestly, most of the time, you don’t.
Quick Facts to Know Before You Get a Scan
- You can start physical therapy without a referral or scan in most cases.
- Physical Therapists are trained to look at the[…]
What Do I Do If My Child Walks on Their Toes? A Physical Therapist Explains
What Is Toe Walking?
Toe walking is when kids prefer to walk up on their toes rather than stepping through their heels. Sometimes it’s just part of play, but when it becomes their main way of walking, whether it’s 50% of the time or 100% of the time, it’s something we want to take a closer[…]
The Overlooked Muscle Group Every Male Athlete Needs to Train
By: Sydney Stevens, PT, DPT, PRPC
You train hard. You lift heavy. You run fast. You give everything to your sport.
But lately, something’s off. Maybe it’s a deep ache in your hip or groin. Maybe it’s high hamstring pain that just won’t go away. Maybe you’ve noticed leakage during heavy lifts or sprints.
A lot of athletes try to push through[…]
A Dynamic Warm Up For Turkey Trot Runners
By: John Kline, PT, DPT, CSCS, FAFS
Every Thanksgiving brings time with loved ones, gratitude, and plenty of good food. It’s also a season for movement! Whether you and your family are preparing for the school “Turkey Trot” or you’re running in a city race, staying safe and ready is key. Try these 3 dynamic warm-ups, prescribed by[…]
The Training Formula Every Triathlete Needs
I am a physical therapist and a triathlete, and I know firsthand how easy it is to get sidelined by training. When I prepared for my first marathon, I developed Achilles tendonitis. That experience revealed to me the effects of overtraining and the need for cross-training and strength work to keep me doing what I[…]
Why Does My Hand Fall Asleep at Night?
Waking up with a numb or tingling hand is a common complaint. It might be more than an awkward sleeping position if it happens often. Depending on the nerve being compressed, your symptoms may vary.
Common Causes:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The median nerve is susceptible to compression at various points along the upper extremity. When the nerve[…]
Gymnasts: How Do You Know It’s Time To See A PT?
By Kenzie Fauset, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
You’ve hit your kip a thousand times, but today it feels off. Your beam series is shaky, your landings aren’t as solid, and skills you’ve nailed for months suddenly feel harder. That’s not just a tough mental day in the gym, it could be your body telling you it’s time to see a[…]
Returning to Sport After Knee Surgery: It’s Not Just About the ACL
Everyone loves to talk about ACL injuries, and truly, we as physical therapists unfortunately see a lot of them. But if you’ve had knee surgery for a different kind of injury of the knee, (like a MCL or PCL injury), your recovery matters just as much. These injuries come with their own challenges, and the[…]
How do I do a self-breast exam?
As a breast cancer rehab specialist, I encourage women to check their breasts once a month to stay familiar with how their bodies normally look and feel. Finding changes early gives you more options for care and a better chance at positive outcomes.
A self-exam only takes a few minutes, and it’s an effective way to stay[…]
What Is Fascia, and Why Should You Care About It?
By: Brad Day, PT, DPT, FAFS
When most people think of physical therapy, they think about muscles, joints, and bones. But there’s another system in the body that plays a major role in how we move and feel, and it often flies under the radar. It’s called fascia.
Understanding fascia can help explain why some patients feel restricted even when their[…]
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