What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a modality that is used, as part of a treatment plan, to alleviate pain and movement impairments. With this technique, a physical therapist inserts a thin filiform "dry needle” (a needle without medication) into areas of a muscle to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues that would otherwise be unreachable.
How Can A Physical Therapist Help “Sciatica”?
The piriformis muscle is fairly small, and can easily become overworked if the surrounding muscles are under-active. For example, if the glute muscles aren’t working as much as they should, often the piriformis muscle picks up the slack. Over time the piriformis can become overly tight from this extra work which in turn can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Can Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?
In general, a physical therapy can help stretch tight muscles, and strengthen weak muscles to help take pressure off of an arthritic joint. Ever heard of the phrase “motion is lotion”? This rings true especially with arthritis. Movement helps to lubricate even arthritic joints, by increasing synovial fluid within the joint.
Does Recreational Running Increase Your Likelihood of Knee or Hip Arthritis? What does the research say?
People have strong opinions as to whether or not running is actually beneficial to our health. The phrase “Running is hard on your knees” is a favorite that we all have heard more than a few times (I heard it yesterday in fact). We know running has tons of global health benefits like reducing stress, decreasing depression, and weight loss, and that it is great for our heart, lungs, and brains, but what about for our joints?
New Bespoke Physical Therapy Offering: Classes!
After hearing this feedback over and over, I have decided to do something about it- implement a pre-surgical class series to fill this information void! This series of classes are called “prep talks” and are focused around answering the questions people commonly have, so that they can head into surgery equipped with information, or decide to give alternatives to surgery a try if they haven’t already.
The Vitamin That May Solve Your Dizziness
Some people who get BPPV will have a resolution of their condition, only to have it return months later. In my experience these people often report BPPV coming back perhaps every 6 months or every 12 months. This return of symptoms in a cyclical manner may be caused by chronically low vitamin D. Why is this?
Can Pickle Ball Increase Life Expectancy?
In addition to the fun factor, according to a 25 year study with a thousands of participants (The Copenhagen City Heart study) there is a correlation between participating in racket sports, and increased life expectancy. More specifically they found that, versus the sedentary group, those who played tennis had an increase in life expectancy by 9.7 years and badminton by 6.2 years. Of note “health club activities” only added 1.5 years by comparison.
New Year, New Equipment!
Arriving just in time for the new year, Bespoke is now the proud owner of the *best pilates reformer on the planet. With this addition, the clinic is now fully outfitted, and my vision has been completely realized (at least for now)!
What is a pilates reformer you may ask? It’s a piece of exercise equipment that uses springs and a rolling carriage to make a movement easier, or add challenge to a movement. Because of this versatility, I love it as a way to help my clients achieve their goals while keeping their comfort top of mind.
Long Term Meclizine Use May Increase Risk of Dementia
Dr. Gray, the lead author of this study, told Medscape, "We found an obvious dose-response relationship between anticholinergic drug use and risk of developing dementia: the higher the usage, the greater the risk.” Dr Gray continues that, “The pharmacist or doctor may not even know. Education on this issue is key, and both the public and doctors need to be encouraged to use alternative treatments where possible."
I have crystals in my ears? Answers to this, and other common questions about BPPV.
Question: Do I really have crystals in my ears?
Answer: We don’t actually have “crystals” in our ear, but we do have tiny pieces of calcium carbonate (sand) in our inner ears that are commonly referred to as “crystals,” Bonus info: Technically speaking, these are called “otoconia.”
The 3 Most Common Stretching Mistakes I see (As an Orthopedic Doctor of Physical Therapy)
When it comes to muscles, both length and strength are both important. When trying to improve muscle length or overall flexibility, here are some of the most common mistakes I see in my practice:
We are Moving- Downtown Bespoke Physical Therapy Office Opening August 1!
We are Moving- Downtown Bespoke Physical Therapy Office Opening August 1!
The #1 Reason I Decline Potential Clients
If someone has an issue that isn’t in my wheelhouse (for example someone who is experiencing incontinence, has had a traumatic brain injury, is experiencing TMJ dysfunction), I would much rather refer them to a local colleague than cross my fingers that what I am recommending helps. This doesn’t help my numbers in the short term, but in the long term building trust is far more valuable than pushing everyone into my door.
Can BPPV be resolved after 43 years?
The following week, Angela returned and both she and her husband exclaimed that, for the first time in over 40 years she was able to now lay down without severe dizziness… or any dizziness at all for that matter! We both are overjoyed that she gave it a shot, and may have both even gotten a little teary-eyed in our elation.
Can Physical Therapy before Knee Replacement Decrease Length of Hospitalization After Surgery?
According to the study’s findings, patients who underwent preoperative physical therapy had a higher likelihood of being discharged after 1 day in the hospital, and also had a higher likelihood of being discharged to their personal homes rather than going to a skilled nursing facility.
Vestibular Therapy- The Best Thing Nobody Knows About
I probably say “Physical therapy for treating dizziness is the best thing nobody knows about” ten times a month, so help us spread the word! If you or a friend or relative are experiencing dizziness or spinning with lying down, turning over, bending down, or changing positions, reach out to a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular therapy! The fix is probably easier, quicker, and less awful than you think.
Dizzy when walking down the supermarket aisles? There might be an easy fix!
We all have a reflex (the Vestibulo Occular Reflex or VOR) that keeps the eyes focused on their target regardless of how one’s head moves around. Sometimes this reflex can be impaired which is referred to as vestibulopathy.
What People Are Saying
“I have had the pleasure of twice receiving therapy from Dr. Cook. In 2017, I had knee and neck issues and this year, once again knee therapy as I underwent a series of shots to my left knee. Dr. Cook’s regimen of therapy and exercise has benefited me immensely. She is an excellent therapist but, even more important, she is a wonderful person. She puts a person at ease with her cheerful, outgoing personality as she conducts the therapy. I highly recommend her!”
-Bill
“I have really enjoyed my time with Dr. Cassie. She is very encouraging to everyone that I have seen her come in contact with during the past six weeks she has been working with me & my two bad knees. She has a wonderful personality & is a very caring person.”
-Marie
“Dr. Cook is very gentle and won't push you through pain. She works with you to develop stretching and strengthening exercises. She's very helpful and understanding. She has a very pleasant, funny, personality and a beautiful smile.”
-Bernice