Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy

Are Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Safe?

Gerstell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:46:53 +0000

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) continues to to be debated. A recent article about a review of the use of these drugs highlights the fact that, despite their widespread use, these drugs have real risks and should be prescribed only after considering the risk vs. benefit of the drug. In the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, we believe that physical therapy should always be considered before drugs because, in many cases, physical therapy will provide superior benefit WITHOUT ANY RISK. In the editorial following this review, one physician specifically suggests considering, “…nonpharmacologic treatment, such as physiotherapy and physical exercise.” We couldn’t agree more!

“No Tricks, Please.”

Gerstell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:46:40 +0000

A recent article in the New York Times examines the issue of “evidence-based practice” for physical therapy. Although the author should be commended for being an educated consumer, the article incorrectly suggests there is poor evidence to support physical therapy. Although we agree that in most cases heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation are of limited benefit, these treatments are rarely (if ever) provided by “evidence-based” physical therapists. The author also correctly points out that there is limited evidence to support physical therapy for conditions like plantar fascitis. However, she fails to point out that there is limited evidence to support ANY treatment for these conditions. When the evidence for ALL treatments is considered, physical therapy can often be considered the best choice. Unfortunately, it is difficult for patients to effectively consider the evidence on their own, and they must trust the provider they have chosen. When considering whether your physical therapist is providing treatment based on “best” evidence, consider this blog. If you are a patient at Kinetic Energy you can be sure you are receiving evidence-based care, but if you aren’t convinced…just ask.

We Couldn’t Have Said It Better.

Gerstell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:46:20 +0000

If you aren’t convinced that physical therapy is the right choice for treating musculoskeletal disorders, check this out!

Kinetic Energy is on facebook

Gerstell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:14:16 +0000

Join the fans of Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy on facebook and let us know what we can do to make this site useful!

Updates on Back Surgery

Gerstell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:12:47 +0000

Colorado public radio recently aired an interview with Dr. Chris Stanley of United Healthcare on a program launched November 1st that is aimed at improving care related to low back pain and specifically reducing the need for surgery. To hear the interview click here, and search “Colorado Low Back Collaborative.”

If you have already had surgery, in our experience, physical therapy can help speed return to function after surgery. In fact, a recently published study demonstrates that individuals who received physical therapy aimed at restoring back muscle strength and endurance after “microdiscectomy” had less disability and more function than those who only received “education” after surgery. To view the abstract of this study click here. Unfortunately, many people do not utilize physical therapy after back surgery. If you, or someone you know, have recently had back surgery and are wondering if physical therapy can help you, contact one of our physical therapists.

Time to get those bikes out!

Nicole — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:03:48 +0000

As the snow melts faster than many of us would like, it may be a good idea to think about your bike and how it fits your body and riding style. We are now offering a “Medical Bike Fit” for individuals who are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms that may be related to their bike setup. The evaluation will include:

· 30 minute physical therapy examination with treatment as warranted

· 30 minute Comprehensive Bike Fit Analysis (road and mountain bikes).

If you are not experiencing symptoms and are only interested in a bike fitting, we do offer comprehensive bike fit alone at a reduced cost.

WHY CAN’T THE BIKE SHOP FIT MY BIKE? They can! However, in addition to being experts in biomechanics, when you are experiencing pain or symptoms related to riding, physical therapists are uniquely trained to treat the musculoskeletal disorders that can occur with riding.

If you are interested call Finn at 879-8026 or email finn@kineticnenergypt.com.

Kinetic Energy Welcomes Emily Harris

Gerstell — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:20:28 +0000

After an extensive search to find an individual who both shares our beliefs about physical therapy and possess’ the knowledge and expertise our clients have come to expect, we are proud to introduce Emily Harris, DPT as our newest physical therapist.

Emily is originally from Johnson City, TN. She received a BS from the University of Alabama and graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2005 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She is now in the process of becoming a certified manual therapist.

Having lived in Steamboat since 1993, Emily has a first-hand knowledge of orthopedic injuries that go along with leading an active lifestyle.

Her clinical interests include management of orthopedic injury utilizing manual therapy and one-on-one personal attention and patient education.

Emily is a former tennis professional and coach at Steamboat Springs High School. Since receiving her physical therapy degree she has been working at TMH Rehab in Craig, Colorado, where she worked in both acute care and outpatient orthopedics.

Emily enjoys playing in the outdoors and traveling with friends and her husband Craig Robinson.

Please join us in welcoming Emily to Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy.

Kinetic Energy is Expanding!!!

Gerstell — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:19:23 +0000

CHECK OUT THE NEW SPACE!

We have essentially doubled the space of the clinic with our recent expansion. We have created a new gym space and added private treatment rooms as well as a large, open space for exercise classes. The expansion of the clinic will allow us to provide several services that we feel will compliment our outstanding physical therapy treatment. Some of these services will include:

Core strengthening classes for patients with low back pain
Progressive classes for patients following ACL reconstruction as well as other knee procedures
Postpartum “Restore Your Core” classes (for women 2-24 months postpartum)
ACL injury prevention classes for adolescent females

If you have any questions about new services we will be providing, call the clinic or email nicole@kineticenergypt.com, and feel free to stop by and check out the new space!

Does it matter who I see for physical therapy?

Gerstell — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:04:41 +0000

A recent study on outcomes from physical therapy in patients with low back pain provides an interesting perspective on who provides physical therapy treatments. One of the findings of this study is that clinics with high utilization of physical therapist assistants see patients longer and yet have poorer outcomes. Although in no way conclusive, this study supports our belief at KEPT that quality, consistent, and effective physical therapy should be provided by physical therapists. We have decided that although the use of assistants and/or aides would likely be financially beneficial for us, our patients would not benefit from delivering treatment in this way.

Knee Injury Prevention

Nicole — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:04:13 +0000

NPR (National Public Radio) recently reported on knee injury prevention in women. You can read the article here. This report highlights the need for focused training for girls who participate in high risk sports like soccer and basketball. Our program, which is based on the Sportsmetrics and highlighted in the NPR report, emphasizes strength and flexibility as well as proper jumping mechanics. Programs like these have been shown to reduce the risk of serious knee injury. If you, your daughter, or your team are interested in this type of training please contact Finn at (970) 879-8026, or email finn@kineticenergypt.com. You can also visit our services page for more information on Sportsmetrics.