In the realm of physical therapy, there's a therapeutic approach that's making quite a splash: Aquatic Physical Therapy. Utilizing the unique properties of water, this innovative form of treatment offers a plethora of benefits that set it apart from traditional physical therapy methods. We have two expert physical therapists (Lisa Swan and Sara Carpenter) that offer aquatic therapy to our Foothills patients. We are excited to partner with the Idaho Central Aquatic Center to be able to offer this service to our patients and improve their rehabilitation journey.

Let's dive in and explore what aquatic therapy is, its numerous advantages, and why it might be the perfect choice for your rehabilitation journey.

What is Aquatic Physical Therapy?

Aquatic Physical Therapy involves performing exercises and movements in a warm pool under the guidance of a expert physical therapist. The warm water provides a supportive and buoyant environment, reducing the impact on joints and muscles while allowing for a wide range of motion.

The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

1. Low Impact, High Reward: The buoyancy of water reduces the stress on weight-bearing joints, making exercises more comfortable for individuals with conditions such as arthritis or joint pain.

2. Improved Range of Motion: Water's natural resistance facilitates movements that might be challenging on land, helping to enhance flexibility and joint mobility.

3. Enhanced Strength and Endurance: Performing resistance exercises in water helps build muscle strength without subjecting the body to excessive strain, making it an ideal option for those recovering from injuries or surgery.

4. Pain Relief: The hydrostatic pressure of water can alleviate swelling and promote circulation, leading to reduced pain and faster recovery.

5. Balance and Coordination: Water provides a supportive environment for practicing balance exercises, improving stability and coordination, which is beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions or those at risk of falls.

6. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Immersing oneself in warm water can have a calming effect on both the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Why Choose Aquatic Therapy Over Regular Physical Therapy?

While traditional physical therapy undoubtedly offers its own set of benefits, aquatic therapy provides some unique advantages that may make it a preferred option for certain individuals:

1. Gentle on Joints: For individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other conditions causing joint pain, the buoyancy of water can provide relief while still allowing for effective exercise.

2. Faster Recovery: The reduced impact and support offered by water can accelerate recovery from injuries or surgeries by allowing patients to start rehabilitation exercises sooner.

3. Accessible for All Fitness Levels: The supportive nature of water makes aquatic therapy accessible for individuals of all fitness levels, including those who may struggle with weight-bearing exercises on land.

4. Whole-Body Workout: Aquatic therapy engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, offering a comprehensive workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.

5. Therapeutic Environment: The calming properties of water create a therapeutic environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, enhancing the overall rehabilitation experience.

Aquatic Physical Therapy offers a refreshing approach to rehabilitation that harnesses the healing power of water. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, diving into aquatic therapy could be the perfect way to make waves towards a healthier, happier you.

If you are interested in getting scheduled for a aquatic therapy session, talk to your physical therapist or give us a call at (208) 343- 4700.

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get out on the golf course! One major draw to golf is that it is considered a life-long sport. However, it’s a sport that can take a toll on the body. From the repetitive motion of the swing to the various torques placed on joints and muscles, golfers are susceptible to a range of injuries. At Foothills Physical Therapy we have two Physical Therapists (Beau Lockmer and Dave Anderson) with certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) who perform golf specific assessments, analyze body and swing mechanics, and provide tailored exercise programs and physical therapy interventions, that play a crucial role in prevention and recovery. Here are the most common sites and injuries in golf: 

For professional golfers, the most common injuries are typically from overuse. For amateur golfers, injuries are often from improper swing mechanics. Unfortunately, injury incidence increases with chronological age, and it is estimated that more than 50% of golfers will develop some kind of chronic condition. That is why it is essential for golfers to prioritize injury prevention and seek treatment if injuries occur. Now is the time to come in and have one of our TPI certified Physical Therapists assess your injury, perform a TPI movement screen, and provide you with an individualized exercise program to get you playing pain free for years to come. 

As a dedicated physical therapist within an outpatient orthopedic clinic, my commitment to advancing patient care has led me to explore cutting-edge diagnostic techniques. Among these, Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) stands out as a non-invasive imaging technology that is reshaping the landscape of musculoskeletal diagnostics. In this blog post, we will delve into the realm of diagnostic MSK US, highlighting its crucial role as a complementary or alternative method to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Why Choose Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

The appeal of MSK US lies in its distinct advantages over conventional imaging methods. Compelling reasons why it has become a preferred diagnostic tool:

Accessibility for Every Patient: Unlike certain limitations associated with MRI, MSK US is accessible to virtually every patient, making it an inclusive and versatile diagnostic solution.

High-Resolution Detailing Beyond MRI: MSK US excels in providing high-resolution images that often surpass the level of detail achievable through MRI, allowing for a more intricate visualization of anatomical structures.

Dynamic Real-Time Examination: The real-time dynamic examination capability of MSK US enables therapists to observe movement and assess its impact on musculoskeletal structures.

Precision in Probe Placement: The ultrasound probe's precise placement at the site of pain or discomfort enables targeted and localized imaging, a valuable feature for pinpointing specific issues.

Effective Imaging in the Presence of Surgical Hardware: Even in cases with surgical hardware, MSK US remains effective as ultrasound waves easily penetrate metallic implants, offering clear postoperative imaging.

Insightful Doppler Sonography: Doppler sonography, a feature of MSK US, provides vital physiological information, contributing to the assessment of blood flow and vascular dynamics within the musculoskeletal system.

Accurate Fluid-Solid Differentiation: MSK US excels in differentiating between fluid and solid material, enhancing the accuracy of assessments for conditions such as cysts, edema, or hematomas.

Guidance for Therapeutic Interventions: With real-time imaging capabilities, MSK US serves as an excellent guide for therapeutic interventions, ensuring precise needle placements during procedures like dry needling.

Bilateral Comparison Facilitation: MSK US facilitates bilateral comparison, enabling the evaluation of asymmetry or discrepancies between the left and right sides of the body.

Adaptable Field of View: Featuring a more flexible field of view compared to other imaging modalities, MSK US adapts seamlessly to various anatomical regions, ensuring comprehensive assessments.

Indications for Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound:

Moving beyond its technical prowess, MSK US proves invaluable in assessing a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to:

• Pain or dysfunction
• Soft tissue or bone injuries
• Tendon or ligament pathology
• Arthritis, synovitis, or crystal deposition diseases
• Intra-articular bodies
• Joint effusion
• Nerve entrapment, injury, neuropathy, masses, or subluxation
• Evaluation of soft tissue masses, swelling, or fluid collections
• Detection of foreign bodies in the superficial soft tissues
• Planning and guiding invasive procedures
• Congenital or developmental anomalies
• Postoperative or postprocedural evaluations
• Joint laxity, stiffness, or decreased range of motion
• Malalignment
• Sensory deficits or paresthesias
• Motor weakness

Many of our physical therapists are being trained in this up and coming technique. Stay tuned for when you can get scheduled with one of them!

7 ways physical therapy can significantly enhance sports performance:

Injury Prevention: Physical therapists assess athletes for weaknesses, imbalances, and movement dysfunctions that could predispose them to injuries. By addressing these issues through targeted exercises, stretching, and corrective techniques, physical therapists help athletes maintain optimal biomechanics and reduce the risk of injury.

Enhanced Movement Efficiency: Through specific exercises and techniques, physical therapists can improve an athlete's flexibility, mobility, and joint stability. This enhances movement efficiency, allowing athletes to perform sports-specific movements with greater precision and effectiveness.

Strength and Conditioning: Physical therapists design personalized strength and conditioning programs tailored to an athlete's sport, position, and individual needs. These programs aim to increase muscular strength, power, endurance, and overall physical fitness, which are essential for optimal sports performance.

Rehabilitation: In the event of an injury, physical therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. They use evidence-based techniques to promote tissue healing, restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and improve functional abilities. By guiding athletes through a structured rehabilitation program, physical therapists help them return to sport safely and efficiently.

Biomechanical Analysis: Physical therapists analyze an athlete's movement patterns to identify inefficiencies or abnormalities that may hinder performance. By addressing these issues through corrective exercises, manual therapy, and movement re-education, physical therapists can optimize biomechanics and enhance sports performance.

Pain Management: Pain can significantly impact an athlete's performance and overall well-being. Physical therapists employ various modalities, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities like heat or ice therapy, to alleviate pain and improve function. By managing pain effectively, physical therapists enable athletes to perform at their best without being hindered by discomfort.

Education and Injury Prevention Strategies: Physical therapists educate athletes about proper body mechanics, injury prevention strategies, and self-care techniques. By empowering athletes with knowledge and tools to take care of their bodies, physical therapists help them make informed decisions to prevent injuries and optimize performance.

Overall, physical therapy serves as an integral component of sports performance enhancement by addressing physical limitations, optimizing movement mechanics, preventing injuries, and facilitating rehabilitation when injuries occur. If you are looking to optimize your sports performance or recover from a sports injury, Foothills Physical Therapy is ready to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

In a world where sedentary lifestyles and desk-bound jobs have become the norm, physical therapy emerges as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to reclaim their health and well-being. Beyond the traditional perception of physical therapy as a rehabilitation tool for injuries, its benefits extend far beyond the physical realm, encompassing mental and emotional well-being as well. In today's blog post we are going to dive into the multifaceted advantages that physical therapy offers, transforming lives in more ways than one.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Pain Relief and Improved Mobility: Physical therapy is renowned for its efficacy in alleviating pain and enhancing mobility. Through targeted exercises, stretching routines, and manual techniques, our physical therapists address musculoskeletal issues, restoring functionality and reducing pain associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint problems.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: Whether you're an athlete aiming for peak performance or an individual recovering from surgery, physical therapy plays a pivotal role in preventing injuries and aiding rehabilitation. Our therapists tailor programs to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination, facilitating a smoother recovery process.

Enhanced Posture and Alignment: Sedentary lifestyles often lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal imbalances. Our physical therapists employ corrective exercises and ergonomic guidance to improve posture, align the body, and mitigate the risk of chronic conditions arising from prolonged poor alignment.

MENTAL BENEFITS

Stress Reduction: Physical activity has long been associated with stress relief, and physical therapy is no exception. Engaging in targeted exercises releases endorphins, the body's natural stress relievers, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Cognitive Function Improvement: Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Physical therapy programs that include aerobic exercise may contribute to enhanced brain health, benefiting memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving physical milestones and overcoming challenges in physical therapy can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. As individuals witness their progress, they develop a positive mindset and a greater sense of control over their bodies, fostering a healthier self-image.

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

Empowerment Through Self-Care: Physical therapy empowers individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being. Learning about their bodies, understanding exercises, and participating in their own recovery process instills a sense of control, leading to increased emotional resilience.

Improved Sleep Quality: Regular physical activity, a cornerstone of physical therapy, is associated with improved sleep quality. Better sleep contributes to emotional stability, mood regulation, and an overall enhanced quality of life.

Physical therapy transcends its conventional role as a rehabilitation tool, offering a holistic approach to health that addresses the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By embracing the multifaceted benefits of physical therapy, individuals can embark on a journey towards lasting health and vitality, unlocking their full potential in the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life.