Kristen Jennings, PTA

One of the most asked questions I get asked when I tell people my line of work is why should I go to physical therapy?

There are several reasons why you would want to attend physical therapy, number one is pain reduction. If you are having pain, physical therapy is a great way to control your pain and discomfort without taking medications or having surgery. The second reason would be for mobility, to increase mobility and the ability to complete everyday activities with ease and good body mechanics. We are able to help strengthen and promote healing after injuries whether it is from an accident, sporting injury, or if you have suffered a stroke, as well as if you are feeling overall weak or having balance deficits. There are many different modalities that physical therapy can incorporate in your treatment to improve your quality of life.

Modalities
Some modalities that we use here at Westchase Physical Therapy include exercising and stretching, ice, moist heat, laser, cupping, dry needling, traction, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, red light therapy and compression therapy. Each modality is great in its own regard, whether it is to improve pain, help decrease inflammation, or reduce muscle tension. Your therapist will be able to guide you in the right direction of which modality is best for your personal recovery.

Exercises/Stretches
Here are a few exercises/stretches that are good for overall well being to prevent injury and facilitate a healthy lifestyle.

Hamstring Stretch:
Keep your leg straight and your shoulders and neck relaxed, reach forward and hold a gentle stretch 3 times for 30 seconds on each leg.

Double Knee to Chest stretch:
Lay on your back and gently pull both knees in towards your chest. Repeat 3 times and hold for 30 seconds. You can also modify the stretch and do a single knee to chest, only bringing one leg up at a time – 3x for 30 seconds on each side.

Upper Trap Stretch:
Fold your opposite arm behind your back, cross your arm over your head and gently pull your head towards your shoulder, again repeat 3 times holding for 30 seconds.

Cat Cow Exercise:
Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees directly below your hips. Inhale deeply while curving your lower back and bringing your head up, tilting your pelvis up like a “cow.” Exhale deeply and bring your abdomen in, arching your spine and bringing your head and pelvis down like a “cat.” Repeat several times.